October prompts ~ learning about myself

 

I realize that after retiring, I have a lot more time to recollect and think about things. I mean, before, there might have been a few minutes here and there, but nothing like having a clear schedule to boggle the mind with thoughts. In fact, sometimes I look for stuff to do.  

There is always something that needs tidied up, a bill paid, a shelf dusted, laundry to tend.  But, of course, I spend a lot of my 'down' time crocheting, when away from domestic duties.  

In recent months I think I've learned something about myself.  Maybe I'm a little OCD about certain things. When I was very ill this last February and March -- pretty much confined to the recliner -- I would look up on the shelves and be repulsed by the dust.  I wanted to get up and clean it but literally didn't have the strength to walk across the room, let alone get out of the chair without help ----- or dust the shelf! I literally couldn't understand why it wasn't bothering anyone else! Hahaha.

But it bugged me none-the-less! It shouldn't have mattered.  My husband even told my son that he didn't know I was such a picky and particular person.  (I'd tell him the soup wasn't warm enough, the toast was too dark).  I didn't realize I was looking ungrateful.  I appreciated all his efforts. He was there for me 24/7.  Cook, chauffeur, personal shopper, housekeeper, everthing!

Then it struck me, maybe I am picky! Being the first time I'd really ever had to rely on someone else for literally everything, I didn't realize I was coming off as complaining.  Before, I could take care of things to my own liking! During those months I was at the mercy of others. I guess I wasn't the best patient.  

Of course, now I'm back to caring for myself, my husband, my home.  Things are back to normal, so to speak.  But I am learning that I'm not quite as meek and humble as I should be in all circumstances!  Learning hard truths can sting a little.  But they should always make us grow and strive to be better.  

Until next time, friends.  Grateful and blessed.  kellie   

   

October Prompts ~ Gratitude

 

I haven't done a gratitude post in a very long time ---- and well, it's time to change that. 

Today, I am grateful for:

* My baby grandson's open-heart surgery being done today.  The doctors are very hopeful that all went well.  Continued prayers for his healing and improvement!

* That beautiful, cooler fall weather has finally fallen!

* The friendship of my sisters; our relationships and gatherings celebrating our bonds and love with one another.  We are all so different and yet, we compliment and support each other's strengths.  

* The grands that live next door spending some fun after-school quality time with Papa and Grammi.  They wanted hot cocoa, I was out.  Didn't have any cookies (or fruit!).  We fed them dinner, but it was Braums burgers, chips and water.  So, I wouldn't say I was completely equipped today, but I know what I need in order to arm myself more properly next time.  haaaaha.  I really don't think anyone cared what was lacking. 

* Just this minute turning on the heat for the first time this season --- ahhh.  My hands are finally thawing out. 

* All my health problems of this year being properly taken care of; and the healing taking over.  This has literally been the scariest year of my life as far as my own health goes. 

* The USMC Ball coming up in a couple of weeks - and being invited to attend with our son. 

I'll have the chicken.  I'll always have the chicken. 

Until next time, friends.  Don't forget to be grateful for every little thing.  Love you! kellie   

October prompts ~ someone I miss

 

    Every year about this time, I get a little melancholy.  My birthday is fast approaching.  As the years fly by, that chasm of separation from loved ones who've passed on only grows. And I can't help but think about and miss the two who helped me come into being. Mama and Daddy.  

    But over the years, I've lost grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. More recently, we've lost siblings.  A sister and a brother.  Tommy as well, two brothers and a sister. We miss them all.  

    I've also lost dear, dear friends.  Friends who were as close to being family as you can get without the blood relation.  Some through illness, some through tragedy.  But the loss is still piercing to the heart, no matter the circumstances.  

    I also miss those who are still alive, 

but live away from us in different states.  My daughters, their husbands, their children.  They are all a part of our lives, but we don't see them regularly.  And I miss that. They're not part of the gatherings and cookouts --OR THE IMPORTANT SIMPLE MOMENTS that make up every-day happenings within our circle. 

    Life is hard, and when it is our time, each and every one of us will leave this earth. I strive every day to be a good wife, a good mother, a good sister, a good friend ---so hopefully I will be missed when I'm gone.  But more over I want my soul to be prayed for when I'm gone. 

    Life is also a joy.  Our journey here through this world is unscripted and we don't know the ending.  But it is up to us to decide-- each and every day-- where we will spend eternity.  

    Wishing you peace and joy today, even through your trials.  Dear readers, live today as though it could be your last.  Because, one day, friends, it will be.  Love to all ~ kellie   

    

     

 

October prompts ~ my 'style'

 

Today's 'prompt' is style.  I don't have a clue if they're talking about clothing or home decor preferences; so let's explore both.

Clothing:  I'm kind of a frump, meaning very short and on the wide side.  I can try to wear some capris and they look like long pants on me.  I can wear a longer top, and it could be someone's mini dress.  But basically I wear mid-calf to below the knee skirts and dresses, with a modest neckline blouse and some type of sleeve.  In the summer I'll wear long shorts and t-shirts.  I practically always wear tennis shoes, except at Mass. That's it.  Let's move on.

Decor vibe:  We live in a house that is 116 years old, built in 1908.  It has its own charm and eccentricities.  (kind of an understatement) I love old stuff.  So I love the lamps that look like they're from the 50s and 60s.  I have lace panels in the living room windows under the curtains.  I DO CURTAINS! I know these days people prefer shades or blinds, or 'window treatments'.  

Prominent colors you'll see in my home are: rust, teal, grey, warm colors of fall.  And they stay there all year round. But my bathroom is pink!  It's called blush but it's pink.  If I see something I like thrifting, I'll incorporate it into what's already here.  I have never 'redecorated' an entire room at one time.  

The important thing is our home is welcoming and inviting (I hope).  When you walk in, you don't ask what religion I am because that's pretty apparent immediately.  And I know that's not everyone's style, but that's ok.  It's mine.  We have a place where you can walk in, kick your shoes off (if you want to) and sit comfortably (or lay on the couch if you want). Throw blankets (yes, many of them home-made) are abundant and are there to be used for your comfort. 

 

I hope you have all the comforts of home today, and that's it's a place you love coming back to. Praying hard for all those victims of the recent hurricanes who've lost their homes.  God bless you.

Until next time, friends.  Take care. kellie 

 

October Prompts ~ memories of days gone by

This is a poem I wrote in 2011 and dedicated to all my children.  I found this looking through Until Anthony Comes Home, my first blog the year Anthony deployed. 

October is always a special time in that he came home that month.  I'll be forever grateful to God in His great mercy.  

 No One Can Go There for You

*No one can go there for you;

Your path of life is yours alone.

But I know this much to be true;

That in the end, it brings you home.

*No one can take the place where you should be;

Where God puts you every day.

But through His Love, the way we see;

His grace is there to show the way.

*Other can encourage;

Help and prod us on.

Be our inspiration;

Help us to be strong.

*I cannot carry your burdens;

Nor can you carry mine. 

But together, we can help each other;

Or to another, be a sign.

*God uses each of us each day;

To spread His Word of Love.

It might just be what another needs;

to find help from above.

*No one can go there for you;

Our path of life is ours alone.

But we know this much to be true;

That in the end it brings us home. 

Until next time, my friends.  May you carry within you the Peace of Christ, kellie 

October prompts ~ I can see clearly now

 

Looking out the window as the morning light floods in, it just looked off.  Fingerprints, wet nose and paw prints! The dirty window clouds the glass to the point, the sun can't do its thing: light up the room.  

This might sound way too simple for some, but hey, I'm a simple woman.  The sun is like Jesus.  He is the light of the world after all.  I am like the glass.  There are days, the only example a person might see of the goodness of God is in my actions and words.  That's how powerful we each are. 

The room I want to fill with light are the people I come into contact with each and every day. If that glass (ME)is cloudy (needing to work on myself; that could be confession or an increased prayer life, etc.) that room can't see the light (so to speak), at least through me.  

I'm trying very hard to keep that glass clean and clear, so that the Light of Christ can be seen through me.  I know, I know.  Some light still passes through even when the 'glass' isn't clear.  We are imperfect beings striving for perfection......... in a world bombarding us with imperfections.  

We can help others to see the light of love, grace, happiness, maybe even answers.  Not that we ourselves are the light, but we must let Him shine through us. Someday, our glass will leave the world.  But hopefully others will remember the beauty they saw through it, and it brings them peace. 

Until next time, friends, Let the Light in, help others see it through you in what is sometimes a very dark world. I wish you peace, and Light today! kellie     

Lord hear our prayer

 Just sitting out on the porch, in the wicker rocking chair I love. The one with the nice, thick cushion in the seat.  The sun is almost gone for the day. I'm out here listening to cars driving by, planes ✈ flying over, the last of the birds chirping; feeling that evening breeze.  Praying hard for my family and loved ones. 

Everyone is carrying a burden of one kind or another. Some heavier than others.  But when they hurt, Mama hurts. It doesn't change one bit when they get older. In fact, their burdens seem heavier the older they get.  And you feel them all.

Like Mary at the foot of the cross, if you can't take their pain away then let me suffer with them. Once a Mama, always and forever a Mama. 

Just give them all strength, Lord, and peace, and the knowledge that they are not alone. You are with them. You have them all in the palm of Your Hands. Let them rest tonight knowing you are their God and will not leave their side.  This is my prayer for them tonight. 

Let us always praise Your most Holy name. The Name above all other names.  Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Til next time, friends. Prayerfully, kellie 🙏