Well, our 26 year old son works 2 jobs and attends the local university. So, he had a "spring break" and planned to go on a road trip. He invited us to join him and at the very last minute, we very hesitantly decided to kennel our 14 year old dog and take off. We loaded up and departed Easter Sunday morning, just my husband, our son, and me. This was a first for us. We've been to our second home in Florida together a lot but we haven't been on a traditional road trip since 2004 and that wonderful road trip included our older son. It was our last family vacation. Well, I absolutely love road trips!
When I was growing up, my parents were great about taking family vacations. My most memorable vacation was in 1968 when my parents, my younger brother and I drove from Atlanta to Wyoming (in a car without a/c) to visit Yellowstone National Park. We were gone about 2 weeks. Daddy had an Army buddy who owned a huge ranch in Wyoming with more than 1,000 acres. We visited him and his family and enjoyed a very regional experience. To visit Yellowstone, we stayed in a lodge outside the east gate near the Shoshone River. We stayed there several nights and drove into the park to tour. We saw lots of wildlife, the geysers, the lake, it was a wonderful time. I purposed in my mind when we left that amazing area of the country that I would return to the lodge, which is still in operation and owned by the same family. It's on my bucket list.
From Wyoming, we traveled to Arizona, briefly checked out the Grand Canyon, then on to a border town where my grandfather was staying with my uncle's family on an Army base. We picked him up then traveled across Texas home. I remember when we arrived back home in Georgia, we called my grandparents, Daddy's parents, and told them we were heading to their house for some home cooked vittles. We jumped out of the car and kissed the ground!
So, our 2015 road trip led us to San Antonio, TX by way of Mobile Bay, New Orleans and Houston. Once in San Antonio, I relaxed on the beautiful river walk. We toured the area on foot, as everything of interest, The Alamo, cathedral, market, shopping and dining were all within walking distance. Our son and I did enjoy a tour on a river gondola where he learned he history of the city and specifically the development of the River Walk. While we traveled many many miles in a very short time, we all agreed it was worth it and were glad we did it.
And...our doggie handled her kennel experience just fine. Sometimes, acting on a whim without a great deal of planning, just works. I'm thankful we had such a great get away together and will cherish the memories.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Fashion Over 50: Thrift Store Shopping
Hello and thanks for dropping by. This link is to my life long friend, Rhoda's blog. She featured the article I wrote with a post on Fashion Over 50: Thrift Store Shopping, March 18, 2015. The overwhelming positive response to the article compelled me to share my weight loss journey on my blog which had been inactive. You might enjoy the photos so drop by and check it out.
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fashion-over-50-thriftstore-shopping/
While browsing the clearance rack at Macy’s I struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper. Imagine that! She commented how she was shopping for her mother-in-law and she wore a size “W” for WIDE! Yes, she said that! She was totally serious. She truly thought the W meant WIDE! Well, bless her heart! I almost slapped her. How could any woman in today’s society be so uninformed about women’s clothing sizes? Granted she appeared to have never experienced any sort of weight issue and I’m happy for her. Sort of! But what about the 100 million plus sized women who wear size 14-34? Yep, that’s the figure quoted in an article by Margaret Bogenrief, December 21, 2012, Business Insider.
During my 30’s and 40’s, I took care of everyone but me and neglected my mental and physical health, resulting in obesity and a very negative body image. I just could not bring myself to spend money on fashionable clothing while so overweight. Maybe subconsciously I felt I didn’t deserve to dress better, feeding into the self loathing overweight women fight everyday. I think it was more about being wasteful not wanting to invest in larger sized clothes because surely I would lose the weight just any day. Now in my late fifties, I have finally accepted myself, my body, and want to dress fashionably for my age and weight!
My life long friend, Rhoda, has always been very fashionable and trendy and I have learned a lot from her over the years. Specifically, Rhoda introduced me to shopping at thrift stores. Now, no matter my size, I can spend very little money on clothing but enjoy dressing in name brand quality pieces for a fraction of what they would cost at original retail price. About 75% of my wardrobe came from a thrift store. So as I lose weight and move into smaller clothing sizes, I’m confident I’m not being wasteful at all.
Accepting and loving myself while weighing over 200 pounds has been life changing. Consequently, I have begun to lose weight and feel so much better about my appearance as I dress for my size and age. For me, forgiving myself for the damage done was necessary for change. I encourage all women, no matter your age or size, to accept your bodies and work with where you are and what you have right now. Don’t put off enjoying life until…you lose 5 or 50 pounds!
Dress to enhance your hair and eye color. Determine your best features and showcase them. One of my dear friends is about my size and age and she has great legs! She looks fabulous in shorter dresses and skirts, while I hide my knocked knees! Know your best colors, experiment with accessories or a new hair cut and color. You’ll be surprised how a new shade of lipstick can brighten your smile and your face! Spring is a great time of year to try new pieces, new styles! You are worth any time or money you spend on yourself!
As for the “W”, it represents “Woman”! I’m not sure what that says about all those who wear sizes 0-12! Happy Spring, y’all!
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fashion-over-50-thriftstore-shopping/
While browsing the clearance rack at Macy’s I struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper. Imagine that! She commented how she was shopping for her mother-in-law and she wore a size “W” for WIDE! Yes, she said that! She was totally serious. She truly thought the W meant WIDE! Well, bless her heart! I almost slapped her. How could any woman in today’s society be so uninformed about women’s clothing sizes? Granted she appeared to have never experienced any sort of weight issue and I’m happy for her. Sort of! But what about the 100 million plus sized women who wear size 14-34? Yep, that’s the figure quoted in an article by Margaret Bogenrief, December 21, 2012, Business Insider.
During my 30’s and 40’s, I took care of everyone but me and neglected my mental and physical health, resulting in obesity and a very negative body image. I just could not bring myself to spend money on fashionable clothing while so overweight. Maybe subconsciously I felt I didn’t deserve to dress better, feeding into the self loathing overweight women fight everyday. I think it was more about being wasteful not wanting to invest in larger sized clothes because surely I would lose the weight just any day. Now in my late fifties, I have finally accepted myself, my body, and want to dress fashionably for my age and weight!
My life long friend, Rhoda, has always been very fashionable and trendy and I have learned a lot from her over the years. Specifically, Rhoda introduced me to shopping at thrift stores. Now, no matter my size, I can spend very little money on clothing but enjoy dressing in name brand quality pieces for a fraction of what they would cost at original retail price. About 75% of my wardrobe came from a thrift store. So as I lose weight and move into smaller clothing sizes, I’m confident I’m not being wasteful at all.
Accepting and loving myself while weighing over 200 pounds has been life changing. Consequently, I have begun to lose weight and feel so much better about my appearance as I dress for my size and age. For me, forgiving myself for the damage done was necessary for change. I encourage all women, no matter your age or size, to accept your bodies and work with where you are and what you have right now. Don’t put off enjoying life until…you lose 5 or 50 pounds!
Dress to enhance your hair and eye color. Determine your best features and showcase them. One of my dear friends is about my size and age and she has great legs! She looks fabulous in shorter dresses and skirts, while I hide my knocked knees! Know your best colors, experiment with accessories or a new hair cut and color. You’ll be surprised how a new shade of lipstick can brighten your smile and your face! Spring is a great time of year to try new pieces, new styles! You are worth any time or money you spend on yourself!
As for the “W”, it represents “Woman”! I’m not sure what that says about all those who wear sizes 0-12! Happy Spring, y’all!
Friday, March 27, 2015
My Parents: 60 Year Anniversary
My parents were married 60 years ago yesterday, March 26, 2015. Sadly my father passed away in November, 2008. But they enjoyed 53 1/2 years of a wonderful marriage of loyalty, honesty, commitment, faithfulness, mutual respect, hard work and deep love. Deep love for each other, God, my brother and I, and their family and friends. They shared a very sweet old fashioned romantic love. Daddy called Mom on his cell phone to play her one of "their" love songs from the Jeep radio. Mom always ran to the door to greet him whenever he came home. They took turns warming coffee mugs for each other. Sweet gestures.
They both worked hard to provide the opportunities for my brother and I that they never had. Mom worked as an executive secretary for a large oil company in Atlanta for a number of years, but she was also a home maker. Even when she worked outside the home she prepared a hot breakfast for us most mornings. Having been a working mother myself, I wonder how she managed to do so much, well, and with a positive attitude.
Daddy worked long and crazy hours for the railroad. During his final days with us, I tried to comfort him suggesting he rest because he had always worked so hard for us. He said he worked because he loved to work.
Mom lives at an assisted living facility now and doesn't recall the date. But she will gladly tell you she was married to an angel. She refers to him as "my angel" still. The pain of loss has been unbearable for her but I know the 53 1/2 years they shared together far outweigh the countless tears she has shed for her angel.
Thank you, Daddy and Mom, for all the personal sacrifices you both made for me and Brother to have such a stable and loving home where God was revered and unconditional love flowed freely.
Love,
Sis
They both worked hard to provide the opportunities for my brother and I that they never had. Mom worked as an executive secretary for a large oil company in Atlanta for a number of years, but she was also a home maker. Even when she worked outside the home she prepared a hot breakfast for us most mornings. Having been a working mother myself, I wonder how she managed to do so much, well, and with a positive attitude.
Daddy worked long and crazy hours for the railroad. During his final days with us, I tried to comfort him suggesting he rest because he had always worked so hard for us. He said he worked because he loved to work.
Mom lives at an assisted living facility now and doesn't recall the date. But she will gladly tell you she was married to an angel. She refers to him as "my angel" still. The pain of loss has been unbearable for her but I know the 53 1/2 years they shared together far outweigh the countless tears she has shed for her angel.
Thank you, Daddy and Mom, for all the personal sacrifices you both made for me and Brother to have such a stable and loving home where God was revered and unconditional love flowed freely.
Love,
Sis
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Good Manners: Not Just A Southern Thing
I was raised by a very gracious Southern lady who insisted my brother and I practice good manners. Not snobby manners of the upper class elite! Just good common sense of treating others with kindness. So...yesterday I pulled up to a gas pump at the local QT which was incredibly busy for mid afternoon on Tuesday. Well, the pump I was heading for had one of those plastic bags on the handle, no gas there. I immediately tried to back up to the pump beside this one but....a pick up truck pulled up and "beat me to it". Exasperated, I pulled away in search of a free pump with gas. I cruised the pumps, only to return to the pump where the pick up truck parked. But the driver was not pumping gas. Rather, he was waiting in his truck and waving me back to the pump. This kind man had realized he had sort of bumped me and was patiently waiting, actually holding a space for me at the working pump, until I came back around. I gratefully waved, pulled up and hurriedly pumped my gas. The pick up man searched for an open pump elsewhere. Once I had calmed down, I was so blessed by the pick up man's kind gesture, I drove around and found him. He looked up as I approached and.......the pick up man was one of my cousins!!! He held the spot for me as a stranger, he did not know it was me, and I didn't know it was him when I sought him out to thank him. But I know who raised him! His parents instilled manners in him too! What a great end to a hectic afternoon of errand running! Thank you God for those who continue to put others' needs above their own. Thank you Cuz!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Captive Audience
John Maxwell, Christian motivator and author teaches "Talent in Never Enough". His book of this title helped me to focus on what I've been told is my natural talent, writing. This week, I had a positive experience that came about because of my writing.
My daddy passed away NOV 28, 2008, the Friday after Thanksgiving. During a seven week illness, he spent 12 nights in the local hospital, Wellstar Kennestone. In OCT 2009, I wrote a letter to the hospital to compliment a particular nurse for his sincere and caring efforts of Daddy and our family. That letter led to the nurse being recognized by Wellstar twice. A year later, Wellstar contacted me about reading the letter I wrote during a leadership conference for Wellstar leaders. So, I read the letter, with additional personal comments, to a group of 600 Wellstar leaders and received a standing ovation. I was so shocked and blessed by the warm response. If you know me, you know I love to talk and having a captive audience was divine! I believe my writing should encourage others and feel I did this with my presentation. I also paid tribute to Daddy. Wellstar has since asked for permission to show the video to others throughout the company. I am so honored! This is just further confirmation I am "called" to write. And if speaking opportunities are a side benefit, I'm ready!
My daddy passed away NOV 28, 2008, the Friday after Thanksgiving. During a seven week illness, he spent 12 nights in the local hospital, Wellstar Kennestone. In OCT 2009, I wrote a letter to the hospital to compliment a particular nurse for his sincere and caring efforts of Daddy and our family. That letter led to the nurse being recognized by Wellstar twice. A year later, Wellstar contacted me about reading the letter I wrote during a leadership conference for Wellstar leaders. So, I read the letter, with additional personal comments, to a group of 600 Wellstar leaders and received a standing ovation. I was so shocked and blessed by the warm response. If you know me, you know I love to talk and having a captive audience was divine! I believe my writing should encourage others and feel I did this with my presentation. I also paid tribute to Daddy. Wellstar has since asked for permission to show the video to others throughout the company. I am so honored! This is just further confirmation I am "called" to write. And if speaking opportunities are a side benefit, I'm ready!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Our first grandchild has arrived.
Last night, Sunday, Januar 9, 2011, around 9:30 p.m., snow began falling, heavily. We were expecting it and were well prepared for power outage and no water. We awakened to the phone ringing at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, our son telling us they were headed to the hospital. Because of the weather they changed plans and headed to the local medical center rather than the hospital their doctors practice from.
We arrived about 7:30 a.m. and waited until our first grandchild arrived about 3:45 p.m. Mother and baby fine. We held him and took some pics, then hurriedly left for home before the roads became impassable with icy conditions.
Praise God for He has given!!! To God be the Glory, great things He has done.
Our lives radically changed today. My prayer is that I will be as patient and loving as my grandmother was with me and I will impact my grandchild in positive ways as my mother and mother-in-law have our sons.
God bless,
V
We arrived about 7:30 a.m. and waited until our first grandchild arrived about 3:45 p.m. Mother and baby fine. We held him and took some pics, then hurriedly left for home before the roads became impassable with icy conditions.
Praise God for He has given!!! To God be the Glory, great things He has done.
Our lives radically changed today. My prayer is that I will be as patient and loving as my grandmother was with me and I will impact my grandchild in positive ways as my mother and mother-in-law have our sons.
God bless,
V
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Day, 2011: A Point of Reflection
It's true, the older you get the faster time flies! This year, I've made a conscious decision to experience New Year's Eve and Day with a more positive outlook. So far it's working. You see, for years, I would get into this funk, a downward spiral of emotion and regret about all the things I did wrong, all the things I should have done, all the goals I did not meet in the past year, and fear of setting new goals only to fail again.
One January many years ago, I gained 20 pounds! I realized I was developing a pattern of maintaining my weight fairly well through the holidays but would pack on pounds afterward. Like most Americans, our family celebrates Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve and Day with lots of food and family gatherings. In addition, our youngest son was born on Thanksgiving Day (10 pound turkey), our wedding anniversary is DEC 4, my birthday is DEC 13, then January 24 we celebrate our oldest son's birthday. Wow! A lot of activity for any family, but for me and all of my sentimentality and motherly emotion, the 8 week time period became something I dreaded rather than looked forward to with joy.
But why? Thankfully, I heard this subject discussed on Christian radio where all of these special dates were termed "points of reflection". Apparently my response to these annual celebrations, especially our sons' birthdays, was common. Mothers like me tend to look back and ask themselves did I do all I could have for my children? What about that scrapbook I was supposed to do by their first birthdays? Why didn't I take them to the park more?
The video taken of our first born's one year old birthday party I am crying on camera. Tears of sadness that our little boy was no longer a baby I could snuggle close but a walking and talking human being developing a mind of his own. How did that happen, and so quickly? But also tears of joy, the gratefulness of being his mother, of his healthy body and bright mind, and cute personality, not to mention his chubby legs and giant bright blue eyes.
Now our sons are 22 and 25, all grown up, and most likely having "points of reflection" of their own. My musings are more about me and Bear (DH) now than about our sons. Like did I spend enough time with my daddy after my retirement and before he died? And how can I still be over 200 pounds? Didn't I commit to lose the weight once and for all about 10 years ago? How did my Bear get to be in his mid 50's when just yesterday he was the strapping 20 year old who stole my teenage heart?
He still has my heart, 29 years later, and I still need to lose the weight. But this New Year's Day I am so thankful for so much:
my God, my salvation, my peace
my 29 years of marriage
my widowed mother coping well
our sons, serving God with their time and talents
our daughter-in-law, who loves us and is delivering our Judah any day now
our financial security in spite of the great recession
my health
my home where we have raised our sons
my church where we all have our individual ministries
my very dear friends, most of 20+ years
Dear Heavenly Father, as we enter a new year, I praise you for all my many blessings! Thank you for your grace and mercy and for being the "lifter of my head". Lord I give you my fears as I face new challenges like being a grandmother, being 55, growing in You, improving my health and being the best I can be as a witness for You.
Thank you for another year with my Bear, my mother, my family and friends! I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, your son, my saviour.
MotherMom
One January many years ago, I gained 20 pounds! I realized I was developing a pattern of maintaining my weight fairly well through the holidays but would pack on pounds afterward. Like most Americans, our family celebrates Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve and Day with lots of food and family gatherings. In addition, our youngest son was born on Thanksgiving Day (10 pound turkey), our wedding anniversary is DEC 4, my birthday is DEC 13, then January 24 we celebrate our oldest son's birthday. Wow! A lot of activity for any family, but for me and all of my sentimentality and motherly emotion, the 8 week time period became something I dreaded rather than looked forward to with joy.
But why? Thankfully, I heard this subject discussed on Christian radio where all of these special dates were termed "points of reflection". Apparently my response to these annual celebrations, especially our sons' birthdays, was common. Mothers like me tend to look back and ask themselves did I do all I could have for my children? What about that scrapbook I was supposed to do by their first birthdays? Why didn't I take them to the park more?
The video taken of our first born's one year old birthday party I am crying on camera. Tears of sadness that our little boy was no longer a baby I could snuggle close but a walking and talking human being developing a mind of his own. How did that happen, and so quickly? But also tears of joy, the gratefulness of being his mother, of his healthy body and bright mind, and cute personality, not to mention his chubby legs and giant bright blue eyes.
Now our sons are 22 and 25, all grown up, and most likely having "points of reflection" of their own. My musings are more about me and Bear (DH) now than about our sons. Like did I spend enough time with my daddy after my retirement and before he died? And how can I still be over 200 pounds? Didn't I commit to lose the weight once and for all about 10 years ago? How did my Bear get to be in his mid 50's when just yesterday he was the strapping 20 year old who stole my teenage heart?
He still has my heart, 29 years later, and I still need to lose the weight. But this New Year's Day I am so thankful for so much:
my God, my salvation, my peace
my 29 years of marriage
my widowed mother coping well
our sons, serving God with their time and talents
our daughter-in-law, who loves us and is delivering our Judah any day now
our financial security in spite of the great recession
my health
my home where we have raised our sons
my church where we all have our individual ministries
my very dear friends, most of 20+ years
Dear Heavenly Father, as we enter a new year, I praise you for all my many blessings! Thank you for your grace and mercy and for being the "lifter of my head". Lord I give you my fears as I face new challenges like being a grandmother, being 55, growing in You, improving my health and being the best I can be as a witness for You.
Thank you for another year with my Bear, my mother, my family and friends! I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, your son, my saviour.
MotherMom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)