"Happy New Year" is the phrase on all our lips now that Christmas has come and gone. Well, happy or not depends on you and me. I heard an old adage, "start out as you mean to go on", and I think it fits the way I feel about 2008. If I can get the new year started right I may be able stick with it.
My goals for the new year include better spiritual health, better physical health, better money management and, last but not least, to be content. To savor every moment of the short life we have. To love more and complain less. To smile more and praise much more. I have some wonderful people in my life and I want to let them know that I am aware of that fact.
My goals may seem too abstract for some of you, but I'm still working on the specifics...I have a few more days. :)
So, Happy New Year all you wonderful people!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Christmas Chair
Did I tell you I have wonderful kids? Well, I do. The story I am about to relate is a prime example....
In January of last year we lost Dad. It was devastating. The rock, the anchor of our family. The voice of reason in an unreasonable world. The loving patriarch of the Bray clan and my dad whom I love very much. He was gone on to a better place and all we had left were the memories.
When the first wave of grief subsided Mother began to ask what everyone would like to remember Dad by and the cherished belongings began to go to first one and then another. I looked around to find something to help me not lose sight of Dad for a while longer and my eyes fell on the big blue chair he always sat in. The chair where he read his Bible, listened to the radio, held the little ones on his lap and preached to the young scholars the Word of God. The chair where he fell asleep only to wake up and tell us a joke as if he'd been listening the whole time. The chair where he spent most of the last year of his life. And I decided that I wanted Dad's chair. Mother was agreeable, but naturally not quite ready to part with such a reminder of Dad, so I was patient.
By Thanksgiving I began to think about not having Dad around for his most favorite time of the year and again I thought about the chair and how much it would mean to have it to look at and sit in every day. By now the chair could come home, but how to get it there? No one offered any help.
On Christmas Eve when I arrived at my son's house there was new furniture in the house. How nice! And a big chair was wrapped in Christmas paper for me. Oh my goodness, I thought, they bought me a chair because I can't get Dad's chair home. But when I began to unwrap the paper the blue fabric began to show and I was overwhelmed with the joy of beholding Dad's chair sitting right there in the living room. The tears began to flow and I couldn't speak except to say...Daddy's chair....My son hugged me and laughed and began to tell me how they sneaked off to Mother's and spent the day with her and the rest of the family to bring my chair home. How they had been gone most of the weekend and I didn't even know it. How they all had such a good time at Christmas Tree Lane and nobody breathed a word to me about it. I speak with my family in that area every day so that was really a feat! They borrowed a van and drove 5 hours to Madera and 5 hours home in two days, just to bring me Daddy's chair for Christmas. It was the best Christmas ever.
The blue chair now resides in a place of honor in my living room. I have a bright floor lamp next to the chair and a table to hold my books, radio, telephone, iced tea and whatever gadgets I decide to order from the catalog! It's almost like he's there when I sit in the chair and relax. I can hear his voice offering me advice or encouragement, and love...
So...do I have wonderful kids, or what?
In January of last year we lost Dad. It was devastating. The rock, the anchor of our family. The voice of reason in an unreasonable world. The loving patriarch of the Bray clan and my dad whom I love very much. He was gone on to a better place and all we had left were the memories.
When the first wave of grief subsided Mother began to ask what everyone would like to remember Dad by and the cherished belongings began to go to first one and then another. I looked around to find something to help me not lose sight of Dad for a while longer and my eyes fell on the big blue chair he always sat in. The chair where he read his Bible, listened to the radio, held the little ones on his lap and preached to the young scholars the Word of God. The chair where he fell asleep only to wake up and tell us a joke as if he'd been listening the whole time. The chair where he spent most of the last year of his life. And I decided that I wanted Dad's chair. Mother was agreeable, but naturally not quite ready to part with such a reminder of Dad, so I was patient.
By Thanksgiving I began to think about not having Dad around for his most favorite time of the year and again I thought about the chair and how much it would mean to have it to look at and sit in every day. By now the chair could come home, but how to get it there? No one offered any help.
On Christmas Eve when I arrived at my son's house there was new furniture in the house. How nice! And a big chair was wrapped in Christmas paper for me. Oh my goodness, I thought, they bought me a chair because I can't get Dad's chair home. But when I began to unwrap the paper the blue fabric began to show and I was overwhelmed with the joy of beholding Dad's chair sitting right there in the living room. The tears began to flow and I couldn't speak except to say...Daddy's chair....My son hugged me and laughed and began to tell me how they sneaked off to Mother's and spent the day with her and the rest of the family to bring my chair home. How they had been gone most of the weekend and I didn't even know it. How they all had such a good time at Christmas Tree Lane and nobody breathed a word to me about it. I speak with my family in that area every day so that was really a feat! They borrowed a van and drove 5 hours to Madera and 5 hours home in two days, just to bring me Daddy's chair for Christmas. It was the best Christmas ever.
The blue chair now resides in a place of honor in my living room. I have a bright floor lamp next to the chair and a table to hold my books, radio, telephone, iced tea and whatever gadgets I decide to order from the catalog! It's almost like he's there when I sit in the chair and relax. I can hear his voice offering me advice or encouragement, and love...
So...do I have wonderful kids, or what?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Friends
This has been an eventful week and mostly because I have friends. They say if you find one true friend in your lifetime then you are fortunate and if you find two, then you are truly blessed. I have had many friends in my life. Not just acquaintances, but true friends. I usually only have one or two at a time, but throughout the years of my life I have been blessed with many true friendships. Environment and circumstances have caused us to drift apart, but if one friendship is lost through distance or circumstance another one seems to spring up in it's place. I don't take friendships lightly, I treasure them. And for that reason I have laughed and cried this week.
I spent most of Tuesday at the funeral of a friend who meant a lot to me even though we were not that close. It was a very sad day and it certainly took a toll on my psyche. I lost sleep over the dread of attending the funeral because it's something I've had to do a lot of and it doesn't get any easier. On the bright side, one of my closest friends went to the funeral with me and we saw many of our friends and acquaintances that we hadn't seen for a long time. I embraced many people that have become a part of my life through my work in the traffic signal business. It turned out to be a "not so bad" day because of my friends.
On Thursday I had dinner with my children and another of my closest friends, the woman who is like a grandmother to my son and helped me raise him. We oohed and ahhed over my son's wedding pictures and the photos of her grandchildren. We shared a wonderful dinner reminiscing about my son's growing up years. But most of all we celebrated our friendship, something I treasure very much.
Friends cost us something from time to time, but they also bring us some of the happiest moments of our lives. I am thankful for friends.
I spent most of Tuesday at the funeral of a friend who meant a lot to me even though we were not that close. It was a very sad day and it certainly took a toll on my psyche. I lost sleep over the dread of attending the funeral because it's something I've had to do a lot of and it doesn't get any easier. On the bright side, one of my closest friends went to the funeral with me and we saw many of our friends and acquaintances that we hadn't seen for a long time. I embraced many people that have become a part of my life through my work in the traffic signal business. It turned out to be a "not so bad" day because of my friends.
On Thursday I had dinner with my children and another of my closest friends, the woman who is like a grandmother to my son and helped me raise him. We oohed and ahhed over my son's wedding pictures and the photos of her grandchildren. We shared a wonderful dinner reminiscing about my son's growing up years. But most of all we celebrated our friendship, something I treasure very much.
Friends cost us something from time to time, but they also bring us some of the happiest moments of our lives. I am thankful for friends.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Wrapping As An Art Form
It's Christmas and millions of people the world over are buying and wrapping gifts for their loved ones.
I had a friend once that could wrap presents so beautifully that you didn't really want to open them and mess up the pretty package. She could make a simple box look like a million bucks! I loved it when her husband was the president of our company because he would always ask her to buy gifts for "the girls in the office" and they would come wrapped in ribbons and bows and flowers and ornaments all topping the most gorgeous wrapping paper you've ever seen. She put a lot of time and effort (and money!) into each package and you could really tell. It was a work of art. Sometimes the ornaments were a gift themselves.
I have never been all that handy with wrapping. Maybe you have to really enjoy that part of the gift giving exercise and I think I always like the gift opening part better. I mean, after all...the wrap will come off eventually and land in a heap to be carried to the trash bin or, if you are really frugal, possibly to line the drawers and cabinets. And the main event is the gift, isn't it? So I do a reasonably nice job with whatever paper I have on hand and if there is a sticky bow to put on it that matches, well hey, that's good enough isn't it? Sometimes I even tie a ribbon around the package and make curly ends of the ribbon with my scissors if I'm feeling really festive. The presents look nice, not special, but nice.
How well do you wrap?
I had a friend once that could wrap presents so beautifully that you didn't really want to open them and mess up the pretty package. She could make a simple box look like a million bucks! I loved it when her husband was the president of our company because he would always ask her to buy gifts for "the girls in the office" and they would come wrapped in ribbons and bows and flowers and ornaments all topping the most gorgeous wrapping paper you've ever seen. She put a lot of time and effort (and money!) into each package and you could really tell. It was a work of art. Sometimes the ornaments were a gift themselves.
I have never been all that handy with wrapping. Maybe you have to really enjoy that part of the gift giving exercise and I think I always like the gift opening part better. I mean, after all...the wrap will come off eventually and land in a heap to be carried to the trash bin or, if you are really frugal, possibly to line the drawers and cabinets. And the main event is the gift, isn't it? So I do a reasonably nice job with whatever paper I have on hand and if there is a sticky bow to put on it that matches, well hey, that's good enough isn't it? Sometimes I even tie a ribbon around the package and make curly ends of the ribbon with my scissors if I'm feeling really festive. The presents look nice, not special, but nice.
How well do you wrap?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
A Nice Cup of Tea
The weather outside is frightful....it's been raining and blustering all weekend with a few bouts of beautiful sunshine. Wonderful weather for this season.
One thing I love about this time of year is a great big cup of hot tea. It warms you up on the inside and it's great for warming your hands, too. My favorite tea is Bigelow's brand English Tea Time. The taste is a little heartier than your average Lipton tea and with a little sugar it's the best I've ever tasted. I know a lot of people choose flavored teas and they are welcome to them. I've tasted some of those flavored teas: fruit flavored, herb flavored, flower flavored and even Earl Grey. They are not bad. I just like the robust flavor of the English Tea...and with a nice scone,wow...it just doesn't get much better than that. I wrap my cold hands around the large steaming cup and I get the sensation of a warm crackling fireplace....but that's another blog. :) What's your cup o' tea?
One thing I love about this time of year is a great big cup of hot tea. It warms you up on the inside and it's great for warming your hands, too. My favorite tea is Bigelow's brand English Tea Time. The taste is a little heartier than your average Lipton tea and with a little sugar it's the best I've ever tasted. I know a lot of people choose flavored teas and they are welcome to them. I've tasted some of those flavored teas: fruit flavored, herb flavored, flower flavored and even Earl Grey. They are not bad. I just like the robust flavor of the English Tea...and with a nice scone,wow...it just doesn't get much better than that. I wrap my cold hands around the large steaming cup and I get the sensation of a warm crackling fireplace....but that's another blog. :) What's your cup o' tea?
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Christmas Shopping
Now first of all let me say, I love Christmas. I love the spirit of it, the goodwill, the gifts, the decorations, the pageantry...all of it...except one thing...I hate shopping! I know, I know...I'm a freak in a world of women that love shopping. I don't like shopping for myself because that means spending my hard earned money. I don't like shopping for other people because I don't have a lot of money and the wonderful things I would love to buy are far beyond my reach.
I so enjoy the giving and the seeing the other person's eyes light up when they open that special gift. There is no greater joy than making someone that you love happy. But to find that special something on a very low budget is next to impossible. Or else I am gift-giving challenged, which would not surprise me.
So, here I sit on the first day of December wondering what in the world to buy my loved ones for Christmas. Gift cards seem so impersonal, money is even colder. I mean, the reason for the season is that we remember to be kind and caring of other people, right? Jesus came to this world and gave his life so that we could be saved from our selfishness and humanity. So the gift I give should have some personal significance, should be geared for that person specifically, not just some random thing that they could have received in an impersonal gift exchange at the office. I have a wonderful nephew who stated that this year everyone above the age of 7 was getting a hug for Christmas. I know he meant it as a money saving device, but I am thinking this could work out for my situation, too!
I will manage and everyone will have a wonderful Christmas just because we have a loving family and no matter what the gift it is appreciated for the effort put forth. We will enjoy each other's company and remember the glorious account of Christ's birth. But in case the gift you receive from me is less than wonderful...it will be followed by a big hug, because if you're in my family, I love you.....yes, all of you...And I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Laurie
I so enjoy the giving and the seeing the other person's eyes light up when they open that special gift. There is no greater joy than making someone that you love happy. But to find that special something on a very low budget is next to impossible. Or else I am gift-giving challenged, which would not surprise me.
So, here I sit on the first day of December wondering what in the world to buy my loved ones for Christmas. Gift cards seem so impersonal, money is even colder. I mean, the reason for the season is that we remember to be kind and caring of other people, right? Jesus came to this world and gave his life so that we could be saved from our selfishness and humanity. So the gift I give should have some personal significance, should be geared for that person specifically, not just some random thing that they could have received in an impersonal gift exchange at the office. I have a wonderful nephew who stated that this year everyone above the age of 7 was getting a hug for Christmas. I know he meant it as a money saving device, but I am thinking this could work out for my situation, too!
I will manage and everyone will have a wonderful Christmas just because we have a loving family and no matter what the gift it is appreciated for the effort put forth. We will enjoy each other's company and remember the glorious account of Christ's birth. But in case the gift you receive from me is less than wonderful...it will be followed by a big hug, because if you're in my family, I love you.....yes, all of you...And I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Laurie
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tis The Season
Even though I have barely recovered from the Thanksgiving feast, I am looking forward to Christmas and all the goodwill that comes with the season. The joy of welcoming old friends in the shape of traditional Christmas decorations that beautify my home every year. The way people seem to forget their bygones and become friendlier and more cheerful. The colorful lights that decorate houses and yards and nativity scenes. The bustle of the crowds in all the department stores...well, maybe not that one. Most of all I cherish the opportunity to remember the reason for the season. To be amazed once again at the choice of our God to come to us as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, to become our Saviour. So, while I am singing the carols and enjoying the festivities there is one thing I will not forget to do...read the Christmas story, from the Bible in Luke chapter 2...."And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be taxed...and all went to be taxed everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee...."
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Life in the Slower Lane
Two months ago my only son got married and moved out of our home. For twenty-two years I was responsible for the health and happiness of my child so it was a bit of a wrench when the house was suddenly completely quiet. The piano remains silent unless he visits me, but it stands there as a constant reminder of the music and laughter of days gone by. If I listen closely I think I can still hear the strains of a melody. His room stays amazingly clean and empty, waiting for the occasional overnight visitor to enjoy.
At first I was constantly aware of "things that go bump in the night", but as time goes by I am becoming accustomed to the creaks and shifts in the house that I never noticed before and I am content in my aloneness. I sleep much earlier because I'm not waiting for him to come home. I spend more time doing the things that I enjoy without interruption and meals are prepared when and if I take a notion. There's no need to inquire what anyone wants for dinner unless I feel like talking to myself and everything is contingent on "my" schedule for a change. There is only one laundry day a week, for heaven's sake, and that includes the day he comes home to do his laundry and let me cook breakfast for him.
Don't get me wrong, I am not glad he's gone. I miss all the wonderful things about having him around. But he comes to visit often and we still have our "talks". It's just that my life has slowed down a lot since he's moved on to a wonderful life with his new wife (that's the two of them in the picture down there) and I am enjoying the slower lane....
At first I was constantly aware of "things that go bump in the night", but as time goes by I am becoming accustomed to the creaks and shifts in the house that I never noticed before and I am content in my aloneness. I sleep much earlier because I'm not waiting for him to come home. I spend more time doing the things that I enjoy without interruption and meals are prepared when and if I take a notion. There's no need to inquire what anyone wants for dinner unless I feel like talking to myself and everything is contingent on "my" schedule for a change. There is only one laundry day a week, for heaven's sake, and that includes the day he comes home to do his laundry and let me cook breakfast for him.
Don't get me wrong, I am not glad he's gone. I miss all the wonderful things about having him around. But he comes to visit often and we still have our "talks". It's just that my life has slowed down a lot since he's moved on to a wonderful life with his new wife (that's the two of them in the picture down there) and I am enjoying the slower lane....
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Literary License
Today I searched the world wide web briefly for a definition of "Literary License". I say briefly because my search didn't turn up anything useful and in my opinion literary license just sort of means that you can write what you want without any restrictions...so...who really cares what the definition might be? That's the point, isn't it? In a story animals can take on the personalities of people, quotes can be loosely translated to fit the occasion and an opinion can be stated as the "gospel" truth. And, as my dear brother-in-law would say, there you have it. The premise for my blog. It is my privilege to relate life as I see it. I hope you enjoy it and come back for more. It's a pretty good life filled with love and laughter. Not all of it is joyous, but we'll leave that alone....I only have time for the good stuff.
Laurie
Laurie
Friday, November 16, 2007
Joining the World
It seems like everyone is blogging these days. I have enjoyed reading the blogs of my family and friends, and links to their family and friends, so I guess it is time to come out of hibernation and join them. I'm not sure I have anything to add but that never stopped anyone in my family from stating an opinion, a philosophy or just whatever is on our minds. We tend to be very verbal in our family so if you've found this blog you may want to hold on to your hat. You're in for quite a ride. You have been warned.....
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