A Surprise in the Mail...

To begin, I want to wish each of you a Happy Easter!  It looks like a beautiful day here in Idaho.  My plans are simple, to spend the day with my husband and sons. 

I received the most beautiful package in the mail last week!  I won the giveaway from Michelle Palmer, and here is what I saw when I opened the package...

 This is what was inside...

Michelle does such beautiful sketches and painting.  You can see more of her work in her Etsy Shop,
Michelle Palmer Art.  She drew the acorns, placing them randomly in the squares of this vintage piece of linen.  She left the buttons separate, so I can place them where I wish or leave them off altogether.  I love this!  The acorns take me back to my childhood, and the giant oak tree in our yard.  I spent hours in the shade of that oak, reading my Nancy Drew mysteries, looking for 4-leaf clovers, making dandelion chains, and collecting acorns.  Precious memories of simple times.  I will treasure this!

Today's Sunday Scribblings Prompt is Treat.  The word is implied, rather than being inserted in this post.  The treat was winning the Michelle Palmer piece!  Continuing with my April poetry theme, I wrote the following:

In the shade of ancient oak,

branches stretched upwards and out,

solitude is not lonely.

In the wonder of cool shelter,

a bumpy floor of grass

and acorns so abundant. 

I choose a spot and stretch out, 

favorite book in hand,
under comfort of green arms.

© 08APR2012 ajjahner

Those of you who are readers, will recognize the treat in this piece.  There's nothing quite like finding a place you love to enjoy a great book.

This, That, and The Other

Why I've been absent...
My writing for NaBloPoMo is lagging this month.  It's not for lack of desire, but due to family circumstances.  My dad-in-law is still in serious condition, and our hearts and minds are consumed with it all.  The uncertainly of it falls into the category Whether, as decisions are made regarding his care.  I appreciate those of you who continue to remember him in your prayers.

Now on to the writing... 
I just read a post about the love of writing, and how to get started.
Here is my new favorite quote... 

"It begins with words." 

Christy Woolum

Christy writes about how she gets her students started writing.  I'm not going to share her secrets.  I am just going to encourage you to read her post at Learning By Heart.

On to other things...

I recently blogged about an amazing giveaway, hosted by Debra at Common Ground.  It was for a gift certificate to the Etsy Shop English Transferware.  This shop is run by Nancy of Nancy's Daily Dish.  I won the giveaway!  If you're not familiar with transferware, here is a photo with some examples:

This image is owned by Nancy, of Nancy's Daily Dish.

There are so many beautiful pieces of transferware, that I'm having a difficult time making a decision.  If you haven't visited Debra or Nancy, take a few minutes to have a look at their beautiful blogs.  You won't be sorry.

And Other Stuff...

Earlier this month, I was given a blog award by Andrea of From the Sol.  I had decided to make my blog Award Free recently, but I'm making an exception because I thought the questions and random facts were fun!  Andrea is a new blogger, and I am really enjoying From The Sol.  I want to encourage all of my friends to visit her!  She has some beautiful photography and is such a warm, friendly person.  Here is the award information:

 The Rules:
1. Thank & link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Answer the form questions below.
3. Share ten random facts / thoughts about yourself.
4. Nominate (at least) 7 other blogs for the Kreativ Blogger Award.


I want to sincerely thank Andrea of From the Sol for honoring me with this award.  Andrea, it is a joy getting to know you, and I'm so happy you have become one of my blogging friends!


My Answers to the Questions...

1. Favorite Song: I can't say I have one favorite. I love all kinds of music. A few favorites... Amazing Grace, Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Eva Cassidy), Dream (Priscilla Ahn), Both Sides Now, Forever Young... there are just too many to list.
2. Favorite Dessert: Gooseberry Pie... followed very closely by Rhubarb Pie and Cheesecake!
3. What Ticks Me Off: Liars! I hate deceit.
4. If I am upset: I find it best to retreat to a quiet place until I feel calm... I did say that was best, sometimes I just cry all over the place. I do try to keep the crying and moaning to a minimum. Lol!
5. Favorite Pet: I have loved many, but my favorite cat was Tomasina, a beautiful Calico I had while growing up. She was so gentle. She let me dress her in doll clothes and carry her around. She brought me field mice she'd caught... ewwwie! She “talked” to me, and I loved her!
6. Black or White: If referring to clothing, I generally lean more toward black. In décor, I like a bit of both, with lots of other accent colors.
7. Biggest Fear: That my husband or my boys will be hurt. That my MS disability will get so bad, that I become only a burden to my family.
8. Everyday Attitude: It changes like the weather. I do have the ability to bounce back from hard times, and I have faith that things happen for a reason. I believe that all people have some good in them, even when it isn't always visible.
9. What is perfection: Life, with all it's uncertainty.
10. Guilty Pleasures: Chocolate, Coffee, A good book, or movie, Pinterest, FaceBook's Words with Friends, and blogging... when I should be cleaning.

Here are my 10 Random Facts... and they are really random...

1. I love my family. My husband is my best friend. My sons are amazing, kind human beings. I am very blessed!
2. I'm a writer. That's not an easy thing for me to say. I've often put too many rules and/or restrictions on myself... not good enough, not educated enough, not published. I write because it's part of who I am. I need to write, whether anyone else ever reads it or not. I am a writer.
3. Music is part of me. I can't imagine a world without beautiful music.
4. I am a very spiritual person, and I believe in premonitions, intuition, second sight... whatever you want to call it.
5. I both love and fear animals.
6. I'm funny when I don't mean to be, and if I try to tell a joke, it falls flat.
7. An organized house is my dream, but I seem to lack the necessary skills or concentration to make it happen.
8. I'm fascinated by family history.
9. I worry about offending people... maybe that stems from a need to be liked.
10. Making a list like this is hard, because I worry that I've put the wrong answers, left something out, said too much, offended someone, sounded lame/stupid/delusional/or any of a million other things that are just wrong. Oh, did I mention, I obsess too much?

I had a difficult time deciding who to give this award to.  There are so many blogs I love and read on a regular basis.  Here are 7 that I know you will enjoy visiting.  I will just say, I won't be hurt... not even a tiny bit, if any of you choose not to participate.  I know many blogs have chosen to be award free, as I have... with this exception.  So, that said, I would love to pass this award on to... in alphabetical order:

Carol at Silver Valley Stories
Christy at Learning by Heart
Donna at Cottage Days and Journeys
Donna at Made in Heaven
Gail at Shabby Cottage Studio
Lana at Honeysuckle Lane
Mary at Scottish Nanna








I want to wish each of you a beautiful day!

A Give Away...

Junk Exchange, a favorite blog of mine, is hosting a give-away!  To check it out, click on the photo.  That will take you directly to the post you need to comment on. 

To Dwell In Primitive Thymes...

I've followed TDIPT, To Dwell In Primitive Thymes, for a long while.  It is a gathering of artists, who love, create, and sell primitive art.  A while back, I entered a drawing on their blog.  There were some really lovely pieces of art.  One in particular caught my eye, and to my surprise, I won that piece!  Here is a photo of it:

I love this Santa painting!  I may leave it on display year round.  It has so many sweet details... the red cardinals, the lambs in Santa's bag, the little bunny sitting by the tree... Love it!

A huge "Thank you" to the artist, Sue Nagle of Paint in Thyme!  To see more of her beautiful artwork, go HERE.  I also want to thank TDIPT for hosting this amazing Giveaway!  To check out the other artists of TDIPT, click THIS!  Warning... you may see something that you just can't live without!  Have a glorious day!

What's New...

First, I want to point out the photo link... over on the sidebar... for the "My Salvaged Treasures" blog!  Betsy is celebrating 200 followers with a fun giveaway.  All you have to do to enter, is leave a comment.  Go click now, because it ends soon!  Then come right back...

So, I've been absent a lot lately... family stuff... you know, life with it's good and bad.  Mostly good, I have to say, although we still need lots of prayer for Elizabeth (step-brother's 17 old daughter... is step-niece a word).  She was going through another round of Chemo for the Ovarian cancer, and she took a turn for the worse.  Everything is stable now, but this is a rough road for anyone, much less such a young lady.  So please keep her in your prayers!

The fun... I've joined Ancestry.com and have intensified my search for my family history.  It's time-consuming, frustrating, and fascinating!  You have to be so careful to document every relation with Census Records, or some other proof.  Draft cards, marriage and death certificates, etc.  I'm hoping to find out more about many family members, including my Grandma Ruth... my mom's mom... this is her...

I discovered another great-granddaughter on my maternal grandfathers side!  We are now exchanging photos and information.  She sent me her telephone number and I called.  We talked and laughed for about an hour.  There was that instant family connection.  She knew stories that my grandpa, and my mom, had told me.  Plus, she knew a couple I hadn't heard, and I was able to share a couple with her!  Her mom is still living, and can provide a lot of history!  It is Fun!

Well, now you know why I may be absent for the next month or so.  I'll check in, but am not promising anything.  I'll probably be sitting right here... just making my eyes go bleary, starring at old documents and photos! 

Here's Another Giveaway for You!

Go to Junkin' Julie's for a sweet Giveaway.  See the link on my sidebar, click it, and just like magic... it will take you there!  Besides the button bracelet, she has some other treasures to share with some lucky winner.

I spent a very restless night.  Tearful, prayful... I'm not sure why.  I was ready to blame it on menopause or hunger (from the fast I'm on), but I had my "menopause" years ago after my hysterectomy and I'm not really that hungry, as I just made some healthy changes to my diet.  I can eat all the fruit and veg that I want!

Finally, I decided God was just speaking to my heart.  We all have those things that we can't even put into words... heart wounds, that only God sees and knows.  I am dealing with some of those.  The only thing that gets me through these times is my faith.  I honestly don't know how people who have lost faith, or never experienced it, survive some of the things life dishes out.  We all have times of hurt, loss, suffering.  We all need to feel peace and hope.  I am so thankful for my faith, my family, my friends.  That includes all you wonderful blog friends I have made.  What a blessing you have been to me! 

So, bear with me as I travel through some troubling times in my life.  I'll try not to complain too much, but this is my "escape" place where I can bare my soul a bit.  Please be patient while I walk through this valley.  I know the mountaintop is just a short journey away... because God is always faithful!

Happy Christmas!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas.  My morning has been filled with joy.  My older son came over yesterday and spent the night, so I got to have both boys home on Christmas morning!  Loved that!  We were all up very early to open gifts.  I've had Mastering the Art of French Cooking on my wish list for a long while... I got it, plus several other lovely gifts which included Carole King and James Taylor "Live At The Troubadour" and Nora Ephron's book "I Remember Nothing" (which is how I feel a lot of days... Lol!).  I am now going to have to get serious about cooking!

I got a "Grandpa" living Christmas card this morning... a huge, gorgeous pheasant in my back yard!  Tried to get some photos, but my little camera just isn't good at distance shots.  Here is the blurry pic!

He was so much more colorful than this image shows.  My Grandpa loved pheasants, in fact the signpost in their front yard was a pheasant with their name under it.  Having this pheasant show up was a fun Christmas surprise!

Take a moment to visit Michelle Palmer's blog.  She was the winner of my giveaway, and recently hosted one of her own.  She posted about the giveaway in her December 21st post.  Click Michelle Palmer Petals & Palettes to visit her blog.  I love her amazing artwork.  I think you will too!

Well, it's time to go make my salad and get things going for dinner.  Have a lovely day and a Very Merry Christmas!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

We Have a Winner!

This has been so much fun!  I loved combining my Giveaway with my husband's birthday.  Here are a few photos.

This is the baby doll with her slip and dress on...

 The entries all folded and waiting in my little sleigh...

 My honey reaching in to select the winner...

 Congratulations to Michelle Palmer!

Thanks to all who entered my little Giveaway!  

 

This has been fun for me!  I hope it was for you too.

I want to encourage each of you to check out the Tidings CD.  This is the most uplifting Christmas album I've heard in a while.  Please click on the Tidings picture on the sidebar.  You will be able to hear samples of the music.  You can buy a complete CD for $15.00, plus shipping, or download your favorites for only $.99 each.  And no, I don't profit from this.  It is the creation of two people I love and respect.  I just want to share the talent they were blessed with, with each of you!  

Okay... I just found a way I can offer something to each person who entered my Giveaway.  I can get you the Tidings CD for only $12.00, including shipping.  I will be picking up the balance as my Christmas gift to each of you.  This will be for one CD per person (this is limited to those of you who entered my Giveaway).  If you want to get your copy of Tidings for $12.00, please send me a message, including your mailing address.  I will get a PayPal invoice sent to you, and I'll get your CD mailed to you quickly.  This will give you time to enjoy it before Christmas arrives!

Wishing you a Joyful Christmas!

Nita Jo

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!

Go to December Giveaway and post a comment to be entered.  You have until Noon MST tomorrow, December 14th to get your name added for the drawing.  If you are not a blogger, you can still post... just make sure to leave your name or a way for me to contact you.  This Giveaway is open to all!  You can get an extra chance by posting a link on your blog. 

Just a note... the baby doll does have a dress.  I wanted to get it cleaned and ready to go, so it's not in the photo...

Even if you don't win, you can purchase the "Tidings" CD, by clicking on the photo on my sidebar.  You can hear samples at the website.  This is a beautifully done album!  I know you are going to love it!

Hope your Christmas plans are all falling into place!  My shopping is almost complete.  I sent out my overseas cards, but still have my "stateside" cards to complete. 

Wishing you Peace and Joy...
Nita Jo

December Giveaway!

My giveaway is finally here!  I will be drawing names on December 14th (my husband's birthday).  If you want to be included in the drawing, just leave a comment on this post.  If you share a link on your blog, please add a second comment telling me... this will give you a second chance at the Giveaway.  Now on to what is in my first Giveaway.

These are bits and pieces of things I have loved and enjoyed.  Three vintage embroidered pillow cases, a couple doilies... these are slightly tattered and show signs of their age, but I loved them anyway and know there are some of you who will love them too.  

 There is a tiny baby doll that I found at a yard sale a while back.  I have enjoyed it, but am now ready to pass it along.  The lady who sold the doll had made it in a doll class.  You can see it's size by comparing it to the CD in the first photo. 

 I have also added a pretty notebook, a funny little Christmas book, a pair of vintage earrings, and my favorite item of all... the Christmas CD, Tidings!  This is special to me as it features my cousin, Laurie Roberts and her cousin, Tammy McMorrow.  They do an assortment of beautiful, traditional Christmas music in addition to a couple pieces of their original music.

And finally, there is a large bag of buttons... all colors and sizes, some extra paper tags from a lot I purchased, and a little bunch of faux flowers.  If you are a crafter, I think you will love the bits & pieces in this package.

I hope this Giveaway will bring a smile to one lucky person!  Please add your comments by Noon, Mountain Standard Time, December 14th! 

December!

I don't know how December got here so fast!  Life just keeps running by.  While I've been absent several things came and went... my surgery,  my churchs' 70th Anniversary, my birthday, and Thanksgiving.  With all the craziness, what was to be a birthday Giveaway didn't get put together... oh sad procrastination... I am haunted by you!  LOL!

My promise... to get it pulled together, photographed, and posted before Christmas! 

Snow... we have it, and lots of it too!  Yesterday morning I measure 9 1/2 inches in my front yard.  That was at 6:30 am, and it continued to snow all day.  Every school for miles was closed, even colleges and universities including BSU.  Speaking of BSU... those who follow college football will know that we lost last week in Nevada.  Sadly, some "fans" decided to take it out on our kicker, Kyle Brotzman.  Yes, he missed two kicks that may have saved the game, but I'm with Coach Pete... it's a team loss.  Many mistakes were made.  And for all you "sunny day" fans... get over it or get lost!  A real fan is there in the bad times as well as the victories!  So I say, "Go Broncos!"  I'll be tuning in to the next game to cheer them on!

Today I'll be making my Christmas cards out.  A few will be handmade. I send way too many to do all handmade, for this year anyway.  If you want to be on my Christmas Card List, just send me your address.  I love sending cards!  I've saved special cards that I received over the years... some for the messages, some for the art! 

Hope your Christmas shopping and preparations are not making you cranky.  This year, I did all my shopping online.  Most of my gifts arrived, with just a few more coming in over the next week or so.  Paul got our lights up before the big storm blew in... it was so pretty to see them lit up against the snow.  So often we have a "brown" Christmas in this part of Idaho.  I have the luxury of really enjoying all this snow... I don't have to commute (or, like my Honey... deliver mail) in it!

Have a "Hohoho" Jolly Day!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

Prayers Desired... Autumn Beauty... Upcoming Give Away...

Well, today around noon I'll finally be in surgery.  They are removing one of my parathyroid glands.  They will do an immediate biopsy, and they will do another one 24 hours later from a frozen section. I appreciate any prayers you have time to send up for me.  God has been so good to me.  I trust in His wisdom, whatever the outcome...  "I know who holds tomorrow... and I know who holds my hand"

Yesterday, as I drove to an appointment, I was struck by the beautiful autumn colors.  Some years, the leaves seem to drop off shortly after turning.  This year they have lingered... it's been awesome.  What a world we live in!  Sometimes, I get caught up in the day to day issues and forget to just look... just breathe... and take it all in. 

Now... a commitment!  I am finally going to have a Give Away.  I started this blog on March 23, 2008.  It's been hit and miss, so I am only at 239 posts, but should have hosted a Give Away long before this.  Sometime in the next two weeks, I will be posting photos of the items.  I can tell you this much, there will be some ephemera... bits of things for crafting like doilies, buttons, etc... a favorite book... and my favorite item of all... a Christmas CD called Tidings.  You can see the CD in the upper right side of my blog.  If you click on it, you can preview some of the songs.  My cousin Laurie, and her cousin Tammy, are the creators of this beautiful collection of Christmas music.

Check back soon to see photos of the items that will be included in the Give Away.

There!  It's done!  I have committed to it, and I'm excited to finally be able to share with all of you who have shared so much with me!

One More Fun Giveaway!

Michelle of Michelle Palmer's Petals and Palettes is giving away one of her pen and ink drawings.  She does them on vintage linens and they are beautiful.


To Enter:  Go to Petals and Palettes Giveaway.  The drawing will be held on Mother's Day. 

A Giveaway... and an MS Update...

I wanted to share another wonderful giveaway.  Over at My Vintage Studio you can sign up to win the following items:

A large bunch of vintage goodies, including plate, cup, handkerchiefs, lace, earrings, greeting cards, travel post cards... 

You have until May 15th to enter.  Winner will be announced May 16th!  All you do is visit My Vintage Studio's Shabby Giveaway Post and leave a comment to enter!  When you're done, take a few minutes to visit her other posts.  There are many free images for you to use, and this is just a wonderful blog to see!

Moving on...  An MS (multiple sclerosis) Update.

My goal for poetry posting went by the wayside.  I was having more vision problems, and then last Friday I woke up before 6 am and knew something just wasn't right.  I was shivering, my teeth chattering, as I tried to get up my entire body started shaking.  I was having some type of seizure.  I couldn't get up, and didn't want to try to call out because I thought my husband had already left for work.  I didn't want to freak out my son, so I thought I could "ride it out" and just see.  Thank the Lord my husband came down the hall about 10 minutes later.  He stayed with me until it passed about 30 minutes later.  I felt like I'd run a race, and I haven't done that in many years.  I told him not to call 911 while it was happening.  He did get my neurologist's nurse on the phone.  She called later and said the doctor's instructions were to discontinue one medication, but continue all others.  Also, to take me to the hospital if it happened again or I did not improve. 

My sweet husband stayed home with me Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  I was feeling better by Saturday evening.  We had a "Lost" marathon (Season 1 since he has never watched... I am a huge fan), he waited on me.  Made me tomato soup and grilled cheese which I love.  Later he ordered Chinese food!  He definitely went the extra mile, even missing his car show and going to see Red Green perform on Saturday night!  I told him to go, but he said it was more important to make sure I was ok.  So sweet.

I am so much better now.  The new medication is controlling my pain.  I feel like I'm on the right treatment!  Also, my eye glasses came in.  I'm now adjusting to Progressive Lenses... you who have them know about the difficulties involved.  They told me to give it a good three weeks.  If I don't adjust by them, they can switch me to the old style bi-focals.  Lol!  I'm growing old without much grace!

Anyway, I am already adjusting.  I have no problem with dizziness or driving.  I just can't get used to reading the computer, books, etc., but it's coming along.

I'm glad to be back among you!  I may not get a lot of blog reading done for a bit, but I'm enjoying the little bit I have been doing today!

Blessings!

Nita Jo

The Vintage Moth Giveaway and a poem for today...

Abbie at The Vintage Moth is having a giveaway!  Go HERE to enter the giveaway for some gorgeous prints!  Abbie is one of those generous people who is constantly posting free images for you to use in your artwork.  The first image in the set is there for you to take and use.  It's beautiful!  I already have plans for using it.  The drawing is on Monday, the 19th, so get your name in now!

~   ~   ~

Continuing with Poetry Month, I selected one of Louisa May Alcott's.  It's a reflection on the death of a special lady.  It reminds me of great ladies I have known.  They were all Queens in their own way...

Transfiguration by Louisa May Alcott

Mysterious death! who in a single hour
Life's gold can so refine
And by thy art divine
Change mortal weakness to immortal power!

Bending beneath the weight of eighty years
Spent with the noble strife
of a victorious life
We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.

But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung
A miracle was wrought;
And swift as happy thought
She lived again -- brave, beautiful, and young.

Age, pain, and sorrow dropped the veils they wore
And showed the tender eyes
Of angels in disguise,
Whose discipline so patiently she bore.

The past years brought their harvest rich and fair;
While memory and love,
Together, fondly wove
A golden garland for the silver hair.

How could we mourn like those who are bereft,
When every pang of grief
found balm for its relief
In counting up the treasures she had left?--

Faith that withstood the shocks of toil and time;
Hope that defied despair;
Patience that conquered care;
And loyalty, whose courage was sublime;

The great deep heart that was a home for all--
Just, eloquent, and strong
In protest against wrong;
Wide charity, that knew no sin, no fall;

The spartan spirit that made life so grand,
Mating poor daily needs
With high, heroic deeds,
That wrested happiness from Fate's hard hand.

We thought to weep, but sing for joy instead,
Full of the grateful peace
That follows her release;
For nothing but the weary dust lies dead.

Oh, noble woman! never more a queen
Than in the laying down
Of sceptre and of crown
To win a greater kingdom, yet unseen;

Teaching us how to seek the highest goal,
To earn the true success --
To live, to love, to bless --
And make death proud to take a royal soul.

One More Giveaway!

Karen Valentine, of My Desert Cottage, is hosting a Giveaway to celebrate reaching 500 followers.  She is giving away a pretty box she made, and she has filled it with all kinds of treasures.  You can enter the giveaway by going to My Desert Cottage, and leaving her a comment on the Giveaway post.  Karen makes all kinds of beautiful things.  I'm sure you'll enjoy visiting her blog.

Another Fantastic Giveaway

Sandi, of Wayside Treasures, is hosting a Valentine Giveaway to celebrate reaching 200 followers! The goodies she included are:   "Forever in Love" by June Cotner, a  gorgeous necklace that she picked up just for you {two sided}, a handmade heart with tattered roses {made by Sandi}, and she will also throw in some chocolate. ~ The winner's name will be drawn on Valentine's Day.  Go HERE to enter!  Please take some time to browse through Sandi's blog.  It's filled with all kinds of "eye candy" to inspire you.

Giveaway at The Feathered Nest!

Here is another wonderful Giveaway.  It's at The Feathered Nest.  

Dawn is celebrating 3 years of blogging.  If you've never taken a look at her blog, go now!  She has one of those blogs that you have to visit daily, because she shares so much.

To go directly to the Giveaway post just click on the image.  The Giveaway ends Sunday night, February 14th, 6 PM EST.

Giveaways and A Night Out

Donna, of Brynwood Needleworks is hosting two Giveaways!  The first is a Valentine's Giveaway and the second is The Brynwood Needleworks 200th Follower Giveaway.  Donna has put together an amazing assortment of items for each of the giveaways.  To sign up go HERE and look for the two separate posts.

Stephanie of Rose Petals and Rust is hosting "A Sweet Giveaway" and this lovely necklace is the prize.  It is a soldered charm necklace with vintage lace and a forget me not inside.  To enter this giveaway, go HERE.

I try to post links to all the giveaways I know about.  There are so many generous and talented people in the land of blogging. 

Sometime, hopefully in the very near future, I will be hosting one of my own.



Now on to other things.  I had the most amazing time last evening.  For the second day in a row, I was feeling well enough to get out of the house.  My cousin Laurie treated Lana (my lil sis) and I to dinner out.  It was so nice to go out to a restaurant.  The meal was delicious, but the best part was the visiting.  We always find so many things to talk and laugh about.  I was glad the restaurant wasn't busy, so we didn't feel rushed.  Gathering together with people you love is like a mini vacation.  It lifted my spirits and reminded me how important it is to keep connections with family and friends.

Belated Thank you notes... and Visiting Grandma

Susie of  From My Home To Yours  hosted a Give Away last fall for this vintage copy of "The Susie Book" and I was the winner.  To go right to the October Give Away Post click HERE! To make things easier, I will call this Susie, "Blogger Susie", and my Susie, "Pastor Susie" (fitting because she is one of my pastors).  The contest was to celebrate Blogger Susie's birthday.  She asked each person to write about a Susie they knew, and why we thought this book should be passed to our Susie.

It took this long to post a "Thank You" because I hadn't given the book Pastor Susie yet, and I knew that she occasionally read my blog.  I didn't want to spoil the surprise.  I intended it for Christmas, but I was laid up and unable to drive.  Next plan was for her birthday... still unable to drive, so after this long story... today was the day!  I was able to get out of the house for a couple of hours.  It felt so good to drive again.  I dropped in on Pastor Susie at her office and finally gave her the book.  It was fun to win, but even more fun to pass the book along to Pastor Susie!

I just want to thank Blogger Susie for hosting the Give Away.  Take some time to visit her beautiful blog.  She has a lot of fun decorating ideas, and loves antiques and gardening. 

My friend, Donna of Cottage Days and Journeys hosted her Give Away to celebrate her two-year blogging anniversary.  To read Donna's post go HERE.  The prize was a lovely polymer clay pen, shown below with my dream journal and notebook.  I love the swirly purple and green colors, and it writes beautifully.  The pen was made by Jackie of The Pleasant Pheasant.  To see Jackie's other creations, visit her Etsy shop HERE. 

I hope you'll take a moment to visit Donna's blog HERE.  She writes about her life, her travels, and shares her talent in photography.  It's always a pleasure to sit down and visit there for a while.

The other blessing of getting out of the house was getting to visit my Grandma.  I hadn't gotten to see her since November.  I had tried talking with her over the telephone a couple of times, but she doesn't do well on the phone anymore.  I'm always amazed, and so blessed, to find that she still knows me.  Her memory comes and goes, but as soon as I said "Hi Grandma" she reached for a hug and said "There's my girl."  She was sitting up in her wheelchair at the dining table.  It was about 30 minutes till dinner and the staff was starting to get everyone seated.  As I sat there and took her hand, she took hold with both of hers.  

It's not always easy when a loved one begins to lose their memory.  You never know from one visit to the next what they will remember.  There were several times when she faded a bit and didn't respond, so we just sat.  She laughed a little when I asked her to sing me a song.  Whenever I hear Mahalia Jackson sing, it reminds me of my Grandma singing.  That's why I keep a couple of her songs on my playlist.  I grew up hearing Grandma singing.  She had a very low alto, almost tenor voice.  She taught me to harmonize.  We used to do duets together... that seems so long ago now.  Beautiful, precious memories that I treasure.  I have been so blessed in my life.

Copyright February 02, 2010 ajj