Picture perfectness!

It's not often that you get the good fortune of 2 perfect days, especially so close together. Had a perfect day in September while on vacation in FL. Had another today. Don't know what I did to deserve this, but not "looking a gift horse in the mouth".
Getting ready to go take family pix is kind of like getting ready for church on Sunday morning. Y'all know EXACTLY what I'm talking about; don't deny it :)!! I'm just saying.....apparently it really does not matter how old the kids are (mine are 20 and 22!), there is still static in the air when preparing for this annual adventure. During the morning preparation to venture out, we had melt downs about shoes, zits, to bring or not bring the Roxxi girl---the one thing (thankfully) not in the equation was the matter of the girls' significant others...whew! The whole experience actually turned out to be fun; I think even the hubster enjoyed it. We topped that with an old-fashioned roast, taters, carrots, yeast rolls and sweet tea lunch. Even fed a few extra mouths...that's what we do in the South!!
Once a year, at least, my family willingly gives in to a mother's hearts desire...family pix. Nothing like looking back over the years through pictures. A multitude of thanks to my perfectly awesome family....I love y'all!!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Experience the unexpected

Well, I'm wrapping up the last of my, "I've come to love my", 4-day work week. Haven't worked full-time in years, but starting on Monday...that's what I'll be doing. 
As a nurse I've been fortunate enough to NOT have a schedule that is the same week after week after week. Back in the day, I might work a weekend or two, or even nights (which I actually loved). Sometimes I might be on call and experience the unexpected. I think deep down I like living on the edge--I think my very dear friend might agree with me on that one. I enjoy the thrill of the unexpected; the adrenalin rush.
I thought at my age I would be retiring, not headed back to full-time work. Think I might need to reflect on this as 'the unexpected'. I feel the adrenalin starting....or is that just stress?

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Monday, memories......Mom

Sometimes we just need to stop and reflect about life. I'm doing that today, remembering the greatest lady I've ever known....my mom. She died October 25th, 1990, at the tender age of 55 from lung cancer. Stay with me here...going to work in reverse. Actually, I remember that day being special. At the time, my girls were 2 1/2 and 6 months. I literally had moved in with my folks to help take care of mom. My hubby was a huge support during all of this, as he and my mom had some kind of special bond! Me and my 2 brothers sat on the bed with her the night before she died, remembering great and funny things about her; she would have loved to participate in that conversation! We could only pray that all of us could have a "send-off" as special as she had, and certainly deserved. Her husband, children, and grand-children, lovingly surrounded her and handed her over to the Lord; he obviously needed her there. To this day, I believe she is my guardian angel. Who on earth could/would have helped me through all those ridiculously stupid tight spots I've been in over the years!!
I still have, and cherish the last birthday present she gave me.
She watched my youngest daughter come into this world...a time I wouldn't take a million dollars for.
She lovingly and patiently answered ALL the phone calls everyday, with questions about recipes, child-rearing, whatever. She NEVER told me she was too busy to chat at that moment.
She patiently waited for me to outgrow the "sowing of the wild oats" knowing she had "raised me right" and I would return to my roots.
She quietly listened to me 'carry on' when my heart got broken.
**She protected me from my father's wrath after he discovered a written private conversation between me and my high school sweetheart** That is the point at which I finally took her valuable advice: "Never put in writing what you don't want the whole world to see"...passed that one on to my kids---they didn't listen, either!!
She attended every music event that I played or sang in, and every ballgame I cheered at, and did that with pride....I could see it.
Again, she protected my from my father's wrath when I broke my arm---after I had done something I knew was wrong, when I was in the 5th grade.  (I really wasn't a bad kid!)
She lovingly made sure I was dressed to the T, whether 'store bought' or from her efforts on the sewing machine---I still have her machine.
There are a couple of things I will ask her to clear up when I see her again: 1) exactly what is a 'cup-o' (she would go to a neighbors house for  cup-o),  2) why do they call it a 'dummy' hand in bridge, and why bother have it?! and 3) did she and daddy REALLY get married on February 24th, or was it 'just a few months later'? :)
I was able to teach her one thing----we learned how to apply make-up together. Funny, the things you remember. I'll bet she learned more than one thing over the years!
I'm happy knowing she is looking down on me each day. Know we'll see each other again someday. One regret---she didn't know my girls. She would have been the coolest Nana ever, and they would adore her...just like I do.


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Fall, football, friends

Had a great time last week in the country music capital of the world. Hubby worked and I worked at doing nothing, which really didn't take much effort. We participated in the necessary "make an appearance" events, but we had fun playing as well. For a couple of brief hours I actually thought I might could return to days gone by; my country music phase. It was short-lived then, too! Spent a day touring a little of downtown Nashville. I'd forgotten how quaint it really is. Enjoyed the sightseeing. Mostly, I enjoyed hooking up with a old high school bud and his new bride. It was fun getting to know her a little better and do some reminiscing. It made me smile that he remembers my mom and the great things about her; had no idea. They showed us a little of the Friday night-life. Now I remember why the youngin's do Friday nights!! Ended our weekend with stopping at their house and grilling and visiting just a little more. The drive---beautiful. Leaves are changing; nature is an amazing piece of artwork! All-in-all, great week!! Have I mentioned I love Fall? .....and winter....and spring...and summer!!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

get-a-way challenges

Today is my Friday! I know y'all think I've got it all confused, but I really don't. Taking a few days off to accompany hubby on a business trip. Headed to the country music capital--and NO, I'm not a fan of country music.
I start these little adventures by seeing just how stressed I can make him. I don't do this intentionally. It's just what I do. A woman cannot pack the essentials until the day of travel. Don't they get it?!
We should have a good time, just the same. He'll simmer down by the time----we get back!
We are hooking up with an old high school friend and his new bride. Looking forward to the new friend I will make. Not sure it will quite compare the the 'spur-of-the-moment' trip I took a few weeks ago with a dear friend! But it will be okay just the same. Hoping for Fall colors-----updates when we return to reality :/

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Mission work

Shopping has never been one of my favorite pastimes. Let me rephrase--browsing is not a favorite pastime.
Unlike many women, when I plan a 'shopping' trip, it is with a mission. It is well thought out and planned. I have specific items I'm on the hunt for and I do this geographically--not just a little OCD!
Today was one of those days. Going on a business trip with hubby next week and needed just a few new items. After an incredible day at the gym (and a quick clean up), I headed out on my mission. Started the scavenger hunt at noon. By 3:50 PM, mission accomplished!! Made 1 big circle: nails, mall (for cocktail dress, shoes, perfume--Beauty  by Calvin Klein, jeans, shirt), see youngest daughter, bank, home------whoooosh!!
~~~~~~wish I had that same approach with housework!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Best Friends

What did best friends do before phones?
My bestie and I talk just about everyday; sometimes more than that! She lives about 442 miles east of me, and it's not like I can run next door to sit down with a glass of sweet tea on the porch and chit chat.......although I wish I could.
It is a blessing in life when you find a "sister" who is truly a soul-mate. Tragedy brought us together and out of that rose the closest friendship ever. Our maiden names are the same, we have siblings the same age...the list goes on. We tease each other about growing old and finding our spot in the nursing home where we'll be roommates and rock the hours away n the front porch!
We've been on that journey ever since we met. I can tell my BFF anything. She can tell me anything. She knows my deepest, darkest secrets. I know hers. We laugh together, we cry together, we've done girl trips, you name it. There is an unspoken understanding that we can call each other for anything at any time of day or night.
It is only once in a lifetime that you find a friend like my bestie. So thankful that our paths have crossed and we are lifetime buds.


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Clumsy vs. Old

Yesterday was a not so pleasant day....
Trying not to whine too much, but when a 50-something lady wipes out down an entire flight of stairs---it is NOT pleasant!!
In my haste to get to a meeting, dashed into an empty stairwell totally unaware that it had just been mopped. NO, I didn't see a wet floor sign. In a way, very thankful I didn't see a warm body at first. I'm sure the whole scenario was a sight to behold! Now today, I feel like I've been hit by a huge Mack truck! Have pains today that I didn't realize were there yesterday. All-in-all, I'm very thankful;nothing broken except my pride.
Do you think security will share the tapes and let me submit to America's Funniest?!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Children.....

Good Friday to all.......love the weekend!!!
Kids, what can I say about our kids.....hmmm. They are precious, beautiful (sometimes only a mother could love 'em!), wonderful, fun, challenging; the list goes on and on. I have 2 beautiful daughters, and all of those characteristics apply.
And so it goes with our four-legged children. In 1997, my youngest daughter felt like she needed a pet, which  translates to another responsibility for mama. So we set off in search for the perfect puppy! And, we found him. The runt!! A cute, little white and brown Jack Russell; the runt of the litter. Just like our youngest daughter....the runt of the litter!
I've spent the last 13 years feeding, watering, walking (through rain, snow, sleet, hail) and playing with the little fella. And, cleaning up pee, poop, and puke. And, most of all, loving the 4-legged creature with all my heart. Shoot, he's the only creature in the house who loved me uncondtionally.
Like my children, he followed me to he bathroom; unlike my children, he kissed my tears away. It was a fun 13 years. I'll always remember how the 12-pound monster thought he could tackle ANYTHING, even if it was 20 times bigger than him!!
Had to send the little guy to eternal slumber this week; broke my heart! Just couldn' watch him suffer anymore. He was my boy!! So faithful, fun....I'll miss you little guy...:(
Blessings... Love, Your G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Almost Autumn

I've already mentioned how I love the seasonal changes. Well, tomorrow is the first day of Fall; funny it doesn't seem like it.
There are many things I associate with the coming of the Fall time of the year. Labor Day--we've already discussed that. The beginning of a new school year--past that point with myself AND my children. All sorts of Fall festivals--yes they've begun. Fresh apples and all the "apple" things--they're on the grocery shelves. Football (college is my fav)--in full swing, despite my favorite team has lost. The planting of Fall flowers, especially those I will see come up in the Spring--will take care of that in the next weekend or 2. And finally cooler weather--WHERE THE HECK IS IT?! Tomorrow's forecast: sunny and 94!!

Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Vacation

It's Monday...need I say more...okay, I will!
Today is my first day back to 'work' following a week long 'vacation'. The definition of vacation is an intermission or respite from something. The definition of work is exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. Odd, but I did work on my vacation! Met up with a friend for a little R&R. I had already had the intermission from this friend, so it was work to hook back up. Nevertheless, it was the most restful, awesome (any more adjectives?) few days I've had in years!! Thank you, special friend, for the memories! I love you.
Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Memories

We all love the pleasant memories of our past. I am no exception. Do you ever wonder if you can create new memories with friends of times gone by?
Spent a few days last week doing just that! Old and new memories came together creating extraordinary memories!! I wouldn't trade the 2000+ miles I drove (I hate flying!!) for anything in this world. I had one of the most relaxing and beautiful days ever. The beach has a way of bringing out the best! The sun, warmth, sparse population; it's all good. One of the things I particularly love about the beach is the sound of the ocean waves rolling onto the shore, then receding. Oh my goodness, that is relaxing.
Another favorite part of road trips is the driving. I turn my music up (whatever genre I'm in the mood for at any given moment) and sing along. Nobody to laugh at me or tell me "he(/she) got paid a lot of money to sing that"....stop when I want (which this time was ONLY for gas). Had an awesome week!
***thank you for the beautiful new memories, dear friend***


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

9-1-1

Today's blog is of a serious nature.
I find it necessary to stop today and reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  A day that most of us find despicable, yet unforgettable. So many innocent men, women, and children; moms, dads, sisters, brothers; friends and loved ones....gone.
And for what reason? They did not choose to be on the flight of a terrorist. They did intend to reach a destination. They did intend to complete a day's work, go home, and enjoy the evening with family or friends.
I remember it like it was yesterday; I will never forget it. Just as I will never forget the day John F. Kennedy was tragically murdered. Just as I will never forget the day Princess Diana was killed. All, senseless.
What we must do is continue to remember those that survived. The families and friends. The emergency personnel. The clergy. Each other. In some way, we were all touched by those events.
Let there be peace on earth.....


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Seasons

Labor Day has now come and gone and thus Mother Nature brings us to the eve of yet another new season. We usher out the white patent leather and usher in the black patent. I remember looking forward to Labor Day; always meant new shoes for the only girl in the house, except Mama, of course. She got new shoes, too!
Having moved from Florida to Arkansas, I've come to appreciate and love the seasonal changes---minus the allergies, of course. Didn't even know I HAD allergies. Who on earth named ragweed 'ragweed'? It does look like a weed, but nothing of what I would call a rag. However, I need a ton of 'rags' when it starts it's annual trek to my little part of this earth. One little weed, one ton of runny nose days!!!
Y'all enjoy the Fall, cooler weather, festivals, and get the winter clothes out and dusted off.  December will be here before we can turn around. Mama wasn't telllin' a story when she assured us that time would seem to pass a little more quickly as we got older-----seem like yesterday.
Merry Christmas!!!!!


Blessings... G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

The Nest

The nest shrunk a couple of years ago, which wasn't a terribly bad thing. Myself and daddy bird moved as he re-located with his job. The oldest baby bird opted to stay behind in hopes of being able to spread her wings and fly (mama and papa bird had those same hopes). The youngest baby bird moved wih us but opted to live on campus, which we found to be a very good thing. Mama and papa bird were "high feathering" it all around the living room of our little nest.
Enjoyed the new found freedom while it lasted. The oldest must have gone out and had her wings clipped---cuz she's back. The youngest ventures back once a week, usually on Sunday, to get a hot meal and wash her clothes. Don't get me wrong...I love my little birdies. They are, and always will be, more precious to me than anything. But there is something to be said for ruling the roost with no young birdies around. I really wouldn't have it any other way than what it is right now.


Blessings...


 G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Thursday

Hi all, today is Thursday! No, I'm not confused...tomorrow is my last workday this week, so that makes tomorrow, Friday, right?! I have the most awesomely (is that a word?) flexible job in the world. Every other week I have a 4-day weekend; it doesn't get any better, if you must work.
So much pampering planned for, let's see, I guess that would be Saturday (really it's Friday). Gym (a must, at my age), massage (a treat, at my age), and a haircut and color (another must, at my age!!). I can't wait!!!!!
As women, we just have to pamper ourselves occasionally. We spend our lives pampering our hubbies and children, among others, and so little time on us. A girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.....and I'm 'doin' it on Saturday, aka Friday!! I'll be thinkin' about y'all...or more likely a renewed friendship!
Bye for now---


Blessings... Love, Your G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Sunday siesta

Today I took full advantage of what I remember Sundays to be.


I remember Sundays being filled with the hustle and bustle of preparing to go to church (needed to by the time all was said and done),only to return home to an afternoon of fun and relaxation. I took a Sunday afternoon nap today. Laid across the bed, fan quietly blowing, faithful dog at my side (and just as lazy as me). I slipped into that wonderful power slumber that lasted an hour, only to waken refreshed to tackle, of all things, pulling weeds. Now that is a chore that is never ending!.
I love Sundays. Full of rest in preparation for the work week.
C'mon Monday; bring it on!!! Y'all have a great week.


Blessings... Love, Your G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)

Maiden post

At 50-something, I am embarking on a new adventure...blogging. See, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Don't let that younger generation tell you otherwise.
As a middle-aged lady from the South, I thought the font was appropriate......Georgia. Which, in fact, is my birthplace; doggone proud of it!! We should all be proud of our roots.  Does anyone remember that TV saga,Roots? Wasn't it like the original mini-series?!
As fate would have it today, the birth of a blog, the death of a dog. One story begins, the other ends. It's been a very sad day...I chose to give my little 4-legged love the gift of a peaceful death; an endless slumber. I just could not bear to watch the suffering he had gone through for the past 2 nights; broke my heart :( . I've had that little guy for 13 years; boy did he see a lot!! Wonder what went through that cute little head of his? Hmmmm
I really don't know if there should be a common theme, here, but I will just be honest and hopefully add a little humor and encouragement for your reading pleasure. For now, the man would appreciate his supper and I'm happy to oblige (since I didn't work today).
Blessings to each of you....
Y'all come back, now..........