How would I describe my family?
The best word to describe my family is eclectic. The four people who live under my roof have a wide variety of interests and passions. We support one another (even when we don't love the activity or event). Others think our life looks pretty cool from the outside and we think the same from the inside view. Included in our puzzle of interests are: competitive shooting, Bluegrass music playing, small town adventuring, horseback riding, river floating, classy dining, beach lounging, road tripping, book reading, political debating, and on, and on, and on...
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
April 9... 2018 Writing Challenge
Have I recently disagreed or argued with anyone?
I disagree with others on a regular basis. I am TRYING to do so in a constructive manner when it matters and let it go when it does not. I HATE when things get out of hand and relationships are ruined because of harsh, hateful, unnecessary words.
With age comes wisdom, and I am learning that not every thing is worth arguing over! Whew...
I disagree with others on a regular basis. I am TRYING to do so in a constructive manner when it matters and let it go when it does not. I HATE when things get out of hand and relationships are ruined because of harsh, hateful, unnecessary words.
With age comes wisdom, and I am learning that not every thing is worth arguing over! Whew...
Sunday, April 8, 2018
April 8... 2018 Writing Challenge
Who were my favorite musicians when I was a teenager?
OHMYWORD!! What a wide open question... I will just list the ones I KNOW I loved... and you... well you just judge all you want.. I am not bothered... nor in need of your approval, sweet reader!
Conway Twitty
Randy Travis
Alabama
Prince
Guns and Roses
Aerosmith
Twisted Sister
Shelia E
Duran Duran
Michael Jackson
Dire Straits
Dexies Midnight Runners
Cyndi Lauper
Men At Work
Queen
Blondie
Kool and The Gang
Chicago
Darryl Hall and John Oates
Rick Springfield
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Survivor
Lionel Richie
John Cougar (Mellencamp)
Kiss
Poison
The Police
Billy Joel
Culture Club
Van Halen
Foreigner
Phil Collins
Wham
Billy Ocean
Madonna
Boston
Bon Jovi
Gregory Abbott
Luther Vandross
Huey Lewis and the News
Whitesnake
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
Tiffany
Def Leopard
and UB40!!
I am sure I have left some out... no doubt!!!
OHMYWORD!! What a wide open question... I will just list the ones I KNOW I loved... and you... well you just judge all you want.. I am not bothered... nor in need of your approval, sweet reader!
Conway Twitty
Randy Travis
Alabama
Prince
Guns and Roses
Aerosmith
Twisted Sister
Shelia E
Duran Duran
Michael Jackson
Dire Straits
Dexies Midnight Runners
Cyndi Lauper
Men At Work
Queen
Blondie
Kool and The Gang
Chicago
Darryl Hall and John Oates
Rick Springfield
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Survivor
Lionel Richie
John Cougar (Mellencamp)
Kiss
Poison
The Police
Billy Joel
Culture Club
Van Halen
Foreigner
Phil Collins
Wham
Billy Ocean
Madonna
Boston
Bon Jovi
Gregory Abbott
Luther Vandross
Huey Lewis and the News
Whitesnake
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
Tiffany
Def Leopard
and UB40!!
I am sure I have left some out... no doubt!!!
April 7 ... 2018 Writing Challenge
What makes me laugh out loud?
Really, goofy, stupid things make me laugh. I love that feeling of not being able to breathe and bursting out laughing again because you CANNOT hold it in.
A really good comedian will always make me laugh. The content has to be relatable and usually involves the mischief and ridiculousness of middle aged, menopausal women who really are trying to care but just can't seem to.
Sadly... really inappropriate, raunchy humor. Think.... American Pie, The Hangover and such... I KNOW... terrible!! Heehee!!😳
Really, goofy, stupid things make me laugh. I love that feeling of not being able to breathe and bursting out laughing again because you CANNOT hold it in.
A really good comedian will always make me laugh. The content has to be relatable and usually involves the mischief and ridiculousness of middle aged, menopausal women who really are trying to care but just can't seem to.
Sadly... really inappropriate, raunchy humor. Think.... American Pie, The Hangover and such... I KNOW... terrible!! Heehee!!😳
April 6... 2018 Writing Challenge
How did I go to school when I was little?
I rode to school with my mom. Since she taught at my elementary school, that was an easy answer. We lived less than two minutes from school so our commute was a short one.
SOMETIMES... when my mom was feeling really wild and crazy, I would walk home from school. The times were different and I am sure she knew she would quickly be joining me. The feeling of FREEDOM walking home alone was addictive. We lived in a neighborhood called Westwood Hills and the hill part was for real. There was NO WAY to get to our home without climbing a really big hill (read mountain for all my Piedmont friends). If I ever thought I would get into mischief in Home Alone fashion, I assure you climbing the hill to get home took all the vim and vinegar right out of this rebel child.
GOOD TIMES.. and I mean that!
I rode to school with my mom. Since she taught at my elementary school, that was an easy answer. We lived less than two minutes from school so our commute was a short one.
SOMETIMES... when my mom was feeling really wild and crazy, I would walk home from school. The times were different and I am sure she knew she would quickly be joining me. The feeling of FREEDOM walking home alone was addictive. We lived in a neighborhood called Westwood Hills and the hill part was for real. There was NO WAY to get to our home without climbing a really big hill (read mountain for all my Piedmont friends). If I ever thought I would get into mischief in Home Alone fashion, I assure you climbing the hill to get home took all the vim and vinegar right out of this rebel child.
GOOD TIMES.. and I mean that!
April 5... 2018 Writing Challenge
What makes my heart ache?
1- Being unable to take away the hurts of people I love most. It is heart breaking to watch them struggle through things that your magic hugs and kisses cannot possibly remove, fix, or erase. Oh.. the pain in this "tough old gal's" heart.
2- Children who are not treasured by ANYBODY!! Those kids that are literally thrown away. They have nobody to cheer them on, nurse their hurts, and convince them they can be anything they want to be. HEART. BREAKING.
3- People (at any age) who have given up. They have no HOPE, no JOY, and are wasting each day waiting to pass on. They believe (wrongly in my opinion) they have nothing left to give. Such a sad state of mind. I pray that my enthusiasm for life never leaves me. For this mundane, joyless lifestyle would surely break my heart.
1- Being unable to take away the hurts of people I love most. It is heart breaking to watch them struggle through things that your magic hugs and kisses cannot possibly remove, fix, or erase. Oh.. the pain in this "tough old gal's" heart.
2- Children who are not treasured by ANYBODY!! Those kids that are literally thrown away. They have nobody to cheer them on, nurse their hurts, and convince them they can be anything they want to be. HEART. BREAKING.
3- People (at any age) who have given up. They have no HOPE, no JOY, and are wasting each day waiting to pass on. They believe (wrongly in my opinion) they have nothing left to give. Such a sad state of mind. I pray that my enthusiasm for life never leaves me. For this mundane, joyless lifestyle would surely break my heart.
April 4... 2018 Writing Challenge
What did your family used to do on the weekends when you were younger?
Hmmm... I am pretty sure Saturday mornings were for cleaning. AFTER CARTOONS, of course!!
I don't recall having real set standards about what we did or where we went. I do recall usually getting to go out to eat on Sunday after church. Western Steer was a favorite because they had (the first I remember) CRAZY huge salad bar with pepperoni and cottage cheese.
CRAZY the things we remember and like to this day, huh?
Hmmm... I am pretty sure Saturday mornings were for cleaning. AFTER CARTOONS, of course!!
I don't recall having real set standards about what we did or where we went. I do recall usually getting to go out to eat on Sunday after church. Western Steer was a favorite because they had (the first I remember) CRAZY huge salad bar with pepperoni and cottage cheese.
CRAZY the things we remember and like to this day, huh?
April 3... 2018 Writing Challenge
Write about three friendships you've made online.
1- I am friends with people I do not actually know but who know my husband. We may have met once or twice a gazillion years ago. Funny thing.. I really like them and enjoy seeing their successes and management of the world around them.
2- Twitter people who LOVE to teach and LOVE kids.
3- A Facebook group of English teachers who are anything but curmudgeons! They have great ideas, share freely, and are honest about their challenges... my kind of people!!
1- I am friends with people I do not actually know but who know my husband. We may have met once or twice a gazillion years ago. Funny thing.. I really like them and enjoy seeing their successes and management of the world around them.
2- Twitter people who LOVE to teach and LOVE kids.
3- A Facebook group of English teachers who are anything but curmudgeons! They have great ideas, share freely, and are honest about their challenges... my kind of people!!
April 2... 2018 Writing Challenge
What are some things I've made recently?
I have MADE myself sit still and recover from surgery! THIS IS HARD FOR ME, PEOPLE!
My natural inclination is to be a do-er!! Doing things that make others happy, life easier, or sometimes just doing something.. ANYthing to avoid other undesirable tasks.
I have MADE two types of cookies. One Oatmeal Monster and one The World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. I THINK they both taste good. However, with dead taste buds, I cannot be certain.
I have MADE a list of things in my head I would like to do around my house. Not dedicating any of them to paper.... because that is a recipe for potential failure... and I am NOT about that life!
I have MADE memories with my boys and husband. I have gone (quietly all be it) with them over the past week to just get out of the house and BE with them. And spending time with those I made and the one who helped me is probably the MOST IMPORTANT thing I do.
I have MADE myself sit still and recover from surgery! THIS IS HARD FOR ME, PEOPLE!
My natural inclination is to be a do-er!! Doing things that make others happy, life easier, or sometimes just doing something.. ANYthing to avoid other undesirable tasks.
I have MADE two types of cookies. One Oatmeal Monster and one The World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. I THINK they both taste good. However, with dead taste buds, I cannot be certain.
I have MADE a list of things in my head I would like to do around my house. Not dedicating any of them to paper.... because that is a recipe for potential failure... and I am NOT about that life!
I have MADE memories with my boys and husband. I have gone (quietly all be it) with them over the past week to just get out of the house and BE with them. And spending time with those I made and the one who helped me is probably the MOST IMPORTANT thing I do.
Monday, April 2, 2018
April 1..... 2018 Writing Challenge
What are some things I have bought recently?
1- WAY too much stuff (medicine, popsicles, more medicine, ice packs, etc) to deal with this lovely little tonsillectomy I have been gifted with. I am spending ALL THE MONEY!! ALL OF IT.. this year as I am getting "healthy"???
2- Tshirts from a favorite duo that we love and Girl Scout Cookies.
3- Some new shoes... because maybe the tonsillectomy is making my feet shrink? My Danskos feel like boats on my feet?
WEIRDness abounds....at my happy home!
1- WAY too much stuff (medicine, popsicles, more medicine, ice packs, etc) to deal with this lovely little tonsillectomy I have been gifted with. I am spending ALL THE MONEY!! ALL OF IT.. this year as I am getting "healthy"???
2- Tshirts from a favorite duo that we love and Girl Scout Cookies.
3- Some new shoes... because maybe the tonsillectomy is making my feet shrink? My Danskos feel like boats on my feet?
WEIRDness abounds....at my happy home!
March 31... Writing Challenge 2018
Some Favorite Jokes..
I am not a great joke teller. My style is more like one liners and puns. My kids at school give me kind "har hars" but that is about it. I enjoy good jokes and have always laughed till my sides hurt when I go to comedy clubs.
I am not a great joke teller. My style is more like one liners and puns. My kids at school give me kind "har hars" but that is about it. I enjoy good jokes and have always laughed till my sides hurt when I go to comedy clubs.
Friday, March 30, 2018
March 30.. Writing Challenge 2018
A Childhood Memory...
Not so much childhood but during my youth phase, I had the opportunity to attend Camp Caswell on the North Carolina coast with First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. The theme for the week was The Gift Goes On and the lead minister was Reverend Lolly from Raleigh who delivered his messages from the point of view of Charlie Brown.
The week started with Christmas and was super festive and fun. The week took us through Christ’s life and teachings and was exhausting, crazy, wild and sleep deprived! It was awesome!
The last day the crucifixion was dramatically shown. It was the first time I had seen a scantily clad male walk down the aisle with blood dripping from stripes of a whip as he carried his own instrument of death. The music was somber and I was just heart broken. The final scenes played out and the worship center went dark. We were invited to go outside which was around three in the afternoon and the young man was hoisted into the air. I kid you not..the Sky went black and a torrential storm appeared from nowhere. We nosy, curious youth were looking for the gimic and stage theatrics and there were NONE.
The storm worsened and we were instructed to seek shelter quickly!
But... I honestly was unmovable. I just could not stand to leave this symbol of our Lord on the cross... it hurt my feelings and drove home just what his sacrifice meant for this lowly sinner. A true momenr where God spoke to us and we (busy, irresponsible, seemingly anything but serious youth) listened. And we were forever changed.
Not so much childhood but during my youth phase, I had the opportunity to attend Camp Caswell on the North Carolina coast with First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. The theme for the week was The Gift Goes On and the lead minister was Reverend Lolly from Raleigh who delivered his messages from the point of view of Charlie Brown.
The week started with Christmas and was super festive and fun. The week took us through Christ’s life and teachings and was exhausting, crazy, wild and sleep deprived! It was awesome!
The last day the crucifixion was dramatically shown. It was the first time I had seen a scantily clad male walk down the aisle with blood dripping from stripes of a whip as he carried his own instrument of death. The music was somber and I was just heart broken. The final scenes played out and the worship center went dark. We were invited to go outside which was around three in the afternoon and the young man was hoisted into the air. I kid you not..the Sky went black and a torrential storm appeared from nowhere. We nosy, curious youth were looking for the gimic and stage theatrics and there were NONE.
The storm worsened and we were instructed to seek shelter quickly!
But... I honestly was unmovable. I just could not stand to leave this symbol of our Lord on the cross... it hurt my feelings and drove home just what his sacrifice meant for this lowly sinner. A true momenr where God spoke to us and we (busy, irresponsible, seemingly anything but serious youth) listened. And we were forever changed.
March 27... Writing Challenge 2018
A Movie Character I Identify With..
Maria from the Sound of Music. I get her on so many levels. The constant attempt at balance of being sho she wants to be and who she is, the wild side, the silliness of her! Just so relateable. The song How Do Solve a Problem like Maria is likely my life mantra. And I? I am totally okay with it!
Maria from the Sound of Music. I get her on so many levels. The constant attempt at balance of being sho she wants to be and who she is, the wild side, the silliness of her! Just so relateable. The song How Do Solve a Problem like Maria is likely my life mantra. And I? I am totally okay with it!
March 28... Writing Challenge 2018
Ten Things I Love About Spring..
1- surprise warmth that wakes your free spirit.
2- the flowers, birds, and beauty.
3- excellent allergy medications.
4- energy that the world seems to exude.
5- anticipation of vegetables and fruits that summer will afford.
6- sweet little first time athletes who are adorably spastic.
7- knowing a long break is on the horizon for this hard working teacher.
8- Easter and all it means to me as a Christian.
9- deck time! After the pollen passes?
10- assurance that all things are cyclical and food will surely come again.
1- surprise warmth that wakes your free spirit.
2- the flowers, birds, and beauty.
3- excellent allergy medications.
4- energy that the world seems to exude.
5- anticipation of vegetables and fruits that summer will afford.
6- sweet little first time athletes who are adorably spastic.
7- knowing a long break is on the horizon for this hard working teacher.
8- Easter and all it means to me as a Christian.
9- deck time! After the pollen passes?
10- assurance that all things are cyclical and food will surely come again.
March 29... Writing Challenge 2018
Am I Patient?
In light of my recent tonsillectomy, the answer is a resounding NO!!
I am terribly impatient with myself and my limitations. I like to believe I AM patient with orptrrs, especially my kids at school....but they might disagree.
In light of my recent tonsillectomy, the answer is a resounding NO!!
I am terribly impatient with myself and my limitations. I like to believe I AM patient with orptrrs, especially my kids at school....but they might disagree.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
March 26... Writing Challenge 2018
Something I Am Looking Forward To..
is Merlefest 2018! To many people, a huge "hippy music festival" might sound like torture. I get it. I really do. Lots of people, unpredictable temperatures, and exhaustion brought about by work that looks like all fun and games can be challenging.
But here is the thing.. at MERLEFEST, you get to just be! I mean really and sincerely JUST BE! Just be you! Just be true to yourself! Just be in the moment! Just be around! Just be allowed to tune in or tune out! Just be a free spirit! Just be a friendly, helpful person! Just be that person who shuts down negativity! Just be happy with the people around you....even if you will likely never see them again! Just be amazed by all you see! Just be lightened by the music and the magic of the mountains! Just be thankful for old friendships quickly rekindled and celebrated! Just be AMAZING! Just be reverent! Just be polite! Just be nice! Just be joyful!
I am so looking forward to this time. The fact I share it with my son, my mom, and my hometown which makes me repeatedly proud in the face of many challenges is bonus as Merlefest allows all who are willing to JUST BE!!!
is Merlefest 2018! To many people, a huge "hippy music festival" might sound like torture. I get it. I really do. Lots of people, unpredictable temperatures, and exhaustion brought about by work that looks like all fun and games can be challenging.
But here is the thing.. at MERLEFEST, you get to just be! I mean really and sincerely JUST BE! Just be you! Just be true to yourself! Just be in the moment! Just be around! Just be allowed to tune in or tune out! Just be a free spirit! Just be a friendly, helpful person! Just be that person who shuts down negativity! Just be happy with the people around you....even if you will likely never see them again! Just be amazed by all you see! Just be lightened by the music and the magic of the mountains! Just be thankful for old friendships quickly rekindled and celebrated! Just be AMAZING! Just be reverent! Just be polite! Just be nice! Just be joyful!
I am so looking forward to this time. The fact I share it with my son, my mom, and my hometown which makes me repeatedly proud in the face of many challenges is bonus as Merlefest allows all who are willing to JUST BE!!!
March 25... Writing Challenge 2018
Three Things I Learned Today..
WHILE RECOVERING FROM TONSIL SURGERY...
1- I am not patient. I am not a good patient. I do not exhibit patience with myself. I am not sure I even know the definition of patient.
2- My husband makes a wonderful homemade chicken and noodle soup. It satisfies this crazy tummy and soaks up all the ick associated with aforementioned surgery.
3- I have a new found empathy for people who are sick. I am rarely sick and am so very thankful for that gift. I will hopefully learn from this experience and be more supportive to those who suffer with illness whether temporarily or long term.
WHILE RECOVERING FROM TONSIL SURGERY...
1- I am not patient. I am not a good patient. I do not exhibit patience with myself. I am not sure I even know the definition of patient.
2- My husband makes a wonderful homemade chicken and noodle soup. It satisfies this crazy tummy and soaks up all the ick associated with aforementioned surgery.
3- I have a new found empathy for people who are sick. I am rarely sick and am so very thankful for that gift. I will hopefully learn from this experience and be more supportive to those who suffer with illness whether temporarily or long term.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
March 24... Writing Challenge 2018
What I Am Good At...
1. Tap dancing. I love it and am so fortunate to get to still practice a skill that brings me joy and challenges me.
2. Helping others find their voice and encouraging them to be true to themselves.
3. Teaching. Not always perfect...but I give my very best effort 99% of the time,
4. Cooking... a new skill acquired in the last ten years. I enjoy it and find myself being Marie adventureous with my food choices as a result.
5. Loving people right where they are and trying ALWAYS to see the best in them
1. Tap dancing. I love it and am so fortunate to get to still practice a skill that brings me joy and challenges me.
2. Helping others find their voice and encouraging them to be true to themselves.
3. Teaching. Not always perfect...but I give my very best effort 99% of the time,
4. Cooking... a new skill acquired in the last ten years. I enjoy it and find myself being Marie adventureous with my food choices as a result.
5. Loving people right where they are and trying ALWAYS to see the best in them
March 23... Writing Challenge 2018
Where I Most Want To Travel..
Is the United States. I have no desire for Hawaii but I am game for all others. I dream of wide open spaces that cause me to pause with their beauty. Most importantly, I want to share these adventures with others who get it.
Easy, right?
Is the United States. I have no desire for Hawaii but I am game for all others. I dream of wide open spaces that cause me to pause with their beauty. Most importantly, I want to share these adventures with others who get it.
Easy, right?
March 22... Writing Challenge 2018
Five Books Everyone Should Read...
1. The Bible
2. Are you There God? It’s Me Margaret.
3. Leo the Latebloomer
4. The Giving Tree
And 5. Anything that challenges your mind or brings you joy!
1. The Bible
2. Are you There God? It’s Me Margaret.
3. Leo the Latebloomer
4. The Giving Tree
And 5. Anything that challenges your mind or brings you joy!
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