Long Hollow

What is Love? (A Rerun for Valentine’s Day)

February 14, 2018

Love talked about can be easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible.~

W. Stanley Mooneyham
American minister and speaker, 20th century

One of my favorite Valentines from Tom one year … our little pond shaped into a heart

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd go back into the archives and find one of my favorite posts to share again. It was prompted years ago by a friend/blogger who challenged us to answer the question, "What is love?" Please share your own answer in the comments!

…Love is the sound of drums coming from my house…fulfilling a wish I had tossed aside, believing it couldn't come true because there wasn't a spot for them in our new house. Tom surprised me with a set (thank you, Craig's List) on our anniversary a few years ago. It proved to me he pays attention. At least sometimes.

(Love is throwing him not one, but two surprise birthday parties…plus a huge family reunion/50th birthday party that lasted two weeks and involved having people sleeping on every square inch of the house, including on a mattress in the downstairs shower stall. Poor Kirby)

…Love is coming in the house from a long weekend, relieved to discover your coffee grounds from four days before have (thank the Lord!) been dumped and all the pieces are clean and dry, ready to go…despite the fact that your spouse doesn't drink coffee. (If he hadn't cleaned it for me…ooh, gross!)

(Love is picking up empty Dr. Pepper cans from all over the house…and outside…and biting my tongue. Pretty much.)

…Love is finding the coupon section of the Sunday newspaper separated for me, without asking.

(Love is gathering up the Sunday newspaper, at times from different rooms in the house, and putting it in the wicker basket where it goes.)

…Love is not minding that I plant myself in front of the computer every evening after dinner to write…and biting his tongue when he sees I'm on Facebook instead.

(Love is not minding that some nights he just crawls in bed and flips channels, instead of working on whatever project is in progress at the time, because he's physically and mentally worn out. He leaves the house at 5:30 am, for goodness sake!)

…Love is not being jealous about phone calls from old boyfriends, or emails from old boyfriends, or birthday lunches with old boyfriends.

(Love is not being jealous about his women friends and co-workers…even when he pinches Lisa's rear-end.)

…Love is always dancing the Cotton-Eyed Joe and the Schottische even though his hips and ankles still hurt from that accident in 1998.

(Love is sitting by his side in the hospital for a week, afraid to leave him…holding the urinal in place for an hour because he thinks he can go on his own…feeding him ice chips, sleeping on a fold-out chair, grateful for the sound of his snoring because it means he's alive.)

…Love is piecing together sections of workshop floor matting for me to lie on when I do sit-ups, so my tailbone doesn't get bruised anymore.

(Love is subscribing to Men's World e-newsletters and forwarding the good ones to him to keep him healthy.)

…Love is not nagging each other because the bathroom he/she is in charge of cleaning is a borderline health problem.

…Love is hanging on to and supporting each other through the illness and death of a parent, financial worries, and the never-ending ups and downs of having children.

…Love is saying to hell with everything that needs to be done around here to play ping-pong…or go for long walks along the creek…or travel virtually to Ireland or Istanbul or Italy with Rick Steves…

…Love is still joking around, still having fun, still laughing at each other and at ourselves after more than 36 years together…and hoping we have at least another 36 together.

The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.

~Pope St. Gregory the Great

Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Italy flashback, time capsules … and other sweet!s

February 13, 2018

"The next best thing to the enjoyment of a good time, is the recollection of it."

~James Lendall Basford

For someone who has a zillion photo albums collected on shelves all over her house, it amazes even me that I rarely print photos anymore. But I didn't want my memories of Italy languishing in a file in my computer, forgotten, so in December I took advantage of the awesome promotions Shutterfly was offering and created a photo book.

It's wonderful, but the bonus was a coupon for a free calendar, which arrived in the mail yesterday! Now I just have to glance up and to the left from my desk when I need a quick mental retreat to Italy. Thank you, Shutterfly!

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

~From the television show The Wonder Years

Speaking of hanging on to memories… my oldest now has his own home, so I finally gave in to his urging and dug out the remaining 6 boxes I've had held onto that were filled with mementoes of his childhood.

I didn't have a chance to go through them before Tom loaded them in his truck. That was probably for the best, though, doing it cold turkey like that. I doubt if all 6 boxes would have made it out of here intact, if I'd had time to dive into them.

So I'm grateful my son posted photos of the Ninja Turtles, pogs, Marvel comic cards, Hot Wheels, etc. the boxes contained. They are all treasured memories for me, too… providing flashbacks to a younger him, collecting and sorting and playing with them.

And now, even more sweet!s….

~Every year for the past 10 or 12 years, our friends Karen and George have hosted a Super Bowl party. They are from Philadelphia and huge Eagles fans, as you can see from the banner below.

I'm not a football fan, so I really don't know if the Philadelphia Eagles have played in a Superbowl before, but I do know they've never won one… until this year.

I usually go to the parties for the food and the chance to catch up with girlfriends. Sunday night I still ate and gabbed my fair share, but I also actually watched a large portion of the game, rooting for the Phillies, of course.

And it was so gratifying to witness Karen and George as that final second ticked away, and they knew their team had won. You don't have to be a huge football fan to be happy for your friends and grateful when loyalty is rewarded.

Congratulations, George and Karen!

~My friend's son letting me know I'm having a few e-seconds of fame! Click on this link and scroll down to Franklin's BBQ…

Me at Franklin's, thanks to Google City Experts, circa 2014

~Helping to celebrate two friends' birthdays in one day, with awesome food, good company, and a return to Esther's Follies

~Finally making it to the Lago Vista Market Days, visiting with friends and spotting some cute puppies.

~Friends and past clients recommending my Realtor services on Facebook… and even to strangers in Sephora!

~Deciding to wait out the worst of traffic by having dinner at East Side Cafe after showing property in the area.

~A morning spent on the Austin Luxury property tour of amazing off-market homes. That it's part of my job makes it extra sweet!

~Gaining new clients because they googled "Keller Williams agent – Austin" and my name popped up, plus they felt my website was "very professional".

~Witnessing the Super Blue Blood Moon, in all of its stages.

~Contracts on two of my listings

~Continuing to find heart rocks along my path

~Watching the space station pass right over our house

~ A 91st birthday party for an amazing lady

~ A wedding shower for a friend's daughter, who is now a new home owner and past client

~ My son sharing a precious photo of Belle

~ Christmas decorations all put away until next year

~ Experiencing the energy of a 2Cellos concert for the first time

~ A phone call with my high school yearbook teacher

~ Friends thinking of me and sharing when they discover hearts in unusual places, like the center of this cedar post (thanks, Stan!)

Those are true Valentines. And so…

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you tomorrow!

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

~Thornton Wilder
Happy birthday, Belle! (and other sweet!s)

January 12, 2018

Eight years ago, while we were mourning the loss of our sweet Charly, a litter of puppies was born in east Texas. Whether the mom was a pure-bred who had a wild fling with a stray, or she was a mixed breed stray herself, we'll never know.

We do know that a few weeks later a little black and brown bundle of cuteness wandered up to a home near Tyler, Texas. Unfortunately, the home belonged to a single mom living on a teacher's salary who could barely afford the horses and handful of stray dogs and cats she already owned.

Fortunately, she was determined to find a home for the cute puppy. Otherwise she would have to send it to a shelter… and there were no 'no-kill' shelters in Tyler, Texas.

Her son posted its photo on a Facebook page for University of Texas students. Our daughter spotted it and sent it to me. It wasn't the first photo she had sent me, but by then, our resolve against getting another dog had been cracked by our German Shepherd/Great Dane Max's obvious despondency over Charly's absence.

He was so lonely! He just dragged his feet on our morning walks, ignoring Frankie the guinea fowl, and spent most of his time sleeping.

Seeing him like that just broke my heart!

We gave in, deciding Max needed a puppy, and after several phone calls with the puppy's foster mother, Tom and I arranged to meet her at a Dairy Queen in a little town outside of Waco.

She called the puppy 'Thibodeaux'.

Um, no. To me, that just wasn't a fit. So as we drove down the highway, I ran name after name through my mind, trying to find just the right one.

At the Bell County line, it came to me – "Belle". My Belle of Long Hollow.

Max gave his full approval, to the name and the puppy.

We'll be celebrating Belle's birthday on Sunday, probably with an extra walk and maybe some popcorn. She loves popcorn.

Somehow eight years have passed, as well as Max and Frankie. Once again, we've decided we won't get another dog.

I think Belle's okay with that; she's an inside dog now and very content. Besides, I don't think our allergies or our iRobot could handle a second dog in the house!

But "never say never", right? I know each one of our critters has been a gift from God, delivered just when we needed it. Who knows who we'll meet up the road?

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."

~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

And now for a few more sweet!s I've collected since Christmas...

A motivating all-day leadership mastermind in Houston for all of the Keller Williams Realty Agent Leadership Councils in our region

Spotting a "sun-heart" in my sunlight photo taken on the trip home from Houston afterward (this is cropped quite a bit so you can see it)

(Yes, I know it also looks a bit like a lima bean)

All of the "Friend-versary" videos popping up on Facebook

Allergy medicines that keep my cedar fever under control

Belle snuggling in her puppy beds all over the house

Walks with Belle on gorgeous, frosty, golden mornings, and the view of mist rising from Lake Travis

Getting a contract on one of my listings in 9 days

Seeing the latest Star Wars movie, "The Last Jedi", with my son… flashing back to seeing the very first one 40+ years ago … feeling I had come full circle.

Spending a day helping a friend celebrate her birthday in one of her favorite places… Magnolia Market in Waco … and seeing another longtime friend for the first time in years.

A friend's new home almost complete on the lot I helped her buy a year ago

Audible, so I can "read" books in my car when I have no time at home

My oldest decorating his Christmas tree with his childhood ornaments that used to hang on mine

My photo book of my Italy trip delivered to my doorstep

Friends recommending me, bringing me new buyer and seller clients

Warm temperatures returning after three days below freezing

A warm bowl of Hoppin' John on a cold New Year's Day

Spotting a huge owl on my morning walk and hearing it whistle

A successful surgery for someone I love (but please keep them in your prayers as they recover)

And of course, plenty of heart rocks…

(Can you think of any sweet!s in your own life? Share them in the comments!)

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

~Thornton Wilder
2018: Intent on being Intentional

January 8, 2018

For the past few years, I've chosen a word to be my mascot for the year. Sort of a theme song and coach, all rolled into one word with a motivational definition that will inspire me all year (fingers crossed!)

Last year it was "Believe". The year before it was "Love", and the year before that, "Embrace". This year my word is "Intentional"… but I imagine my title already gave that away, didn't it?

It's a word that I've heard a lot the past few years, but for some reason it has really been calling out to me the last few weeks, which made it an easy choice. In fact, it was already in place on New Year's Day, but I've struggled with this blog post, so haven't published it until now.

Obviously, deciding to be intentional and actually being intentional are two different things, which is why it's a great word for me this year. I need some clarity, focus, and (gentle) shoving in just about all the areas of my life.

A few weeks ago I attended a day-long retreat with some other agents on our office leadership council. The focus was primarily on creating our business plans for 2018. Part of that included looking back at the previous year's business plan and reflecting on how close we came to our goals, and what we need to change or do differently in the coming year to have a successful business.

I saw a lot of room for improvement. And the word "Intentional" kept jumping out at me, intent on getting my attention.

“If you’re going to grow, you have to be intentional.”

—Curt Kampmeier

To do something intentionally means to do it with purpose. It requires focus, specific goals, and systems to help meet those goals. There needs to be accountability, and time for review and reflection.

It's great to dream big, but what good is a dream if you don't have a path to reach it? How do you know you're making progress toward that dream? How do you know when you've arrived?

Last year I spelled out my daily, weekly, and monthly tasks… but I didn't prioritize or time block adequately. Consequently, I didn't meet all of my goals. This year I'm going to simplify those tasks, figuring out which ones will have the biggest impact, and then I'll block time for them on my calendar – and protect those time blocks. I'll review them each week and make adjustments, as needed.

But I plan to be intentional in more than just my business…

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.

~ L.R. Knost

"Intentional" first jumped out at me from that quote, which goes way beyond work and career. I want to be more intentional, more extravagant, more unconditional in all areas of my life… my relationships, my health, my spirituality… even my blogging, writing, and photography, because all of those are a part of me, too. I feel God put them into my path for a reason.

But…

The fact is, whether I like it or not, I only have 24 hours in a day. I realize I'm not going to be able to do everything I want to do every day. But by being intentional, and with God's help figuring out my true priorities, figuring out what I should say 'no' to (something that is really tough for me!), I plan to at least do everything I need to do in 24 hours to reach my goals, whether it's in business or love or friendship.

Do you have a word for the year? If you do, let me know what it is and why you chose it.
Thank you, 2017… Hello, 2018!

January 1, 2018

Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.

~Michael Josephson

Can you believe another year has come and gone?

2017 will be unforgettable for me in many ways. I visited Las Vegas again, thanks to the Keller Williams Family Reunion in February. After my first visit to Vegas in 1981, I really had no desire to go back. But even though this time I didn't gamble, barely left the convention center, and didn't see any shows other than 'Cher'… I still ate some great food, met up with a high school friend who is now a broker in Rhode Island, and… I saw Cher!!

I still have no desire to go back, but I'm really glad I went this time.

In May, Tom and I spent two relaxing weeks in Florida visiting my mother-in-law and celebrating her birthday.

Well, I relaxed while Tom and his brothers repainted the wood trim in mom's house, among other odd jobs. And by 'relaxed', I mean I only spent a few hours a day talking to clients and agents and negotiating contracts, in between trips to the beach and thrift shops, sightseeing, watching television, or playing cards.

The weeks leading up to October got a little crazy. I was helping organize my 40th high school reunion, while also planning to travel to Italy for the first time in 41 years with classmates the day after the reunion. It forced me, for the first time, to trust someone else to help me with my business – a huge step for me. But I knew I needed to do it for my clients.

The reunion felt rushed – so much planning for so few hours, and never enough time to talk to everyone.

But Italy… I had dreamed of visiting it again for so many years… enough years to think I would never make it back. We had the perfect balance of "busy" and "rest"… and I was blessed with the perfect traveling companions and hosts.

Once again there were some nerve-wracking, challenging moments in my business this past year. But while I didn't quite meet the goals I set for 2017, I went to Italy!

My team leader keeps reminding me of that. And I still improved on last year while continuing to do what I enjoy… helping people, challenging myself, learning, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. It's still my dream job and I'm so grateful for it.

But the best part of 2017? Finding out that my first grandchild will be born in 2018.

So 2018, I welcome you with open arms! Happy New Year, everyone!

“At the sound of the tolling midnight bell a brand new year will begin.

Let’s raise our hopes in a confident toast, to the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasures many, your wishes and dreams fulfilled.

May your confidence stand in the face of loss and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days, may serenity grace your soul.

May tranquil moments bless your life and keep your spirits whole."
December Sweets on a Christmas Eve…

December 25, 2017

It's Christmas Eve. I spent most of the afternoon baking cookies and making fudge. It was my first attempt at baking gluten-free, and I have to admit, my Cyclops Cookies turned out as fabulous as ever. God bless who ever developed the 1-to-1 gluten-free flour!

I finished up just in time to make it to the 5 pm Children's Mass. Even though my own kids are way past the Christmas Pageant age, I enjoy seeing all of the little ones dressed up as shepherds and angels, and hearing their whispered questions to their parents as Santa Claus makes his way up the center aisle carrying a present for the baby Jesus.

Images of my own kids dressed as shepherds and angels flashed through my mind. I think I have a couple of dark, blurry photos of them in one of my zillion albums. Where did the time go?

But never mind wondering where the years went… tonight I'm wondering where December went!

Earlier this month, my oldest turned 32. I'm suffering from self-inflicted mom-guilt for not writing a blog post in honor of it, as I did here and here and …. well, essentially every year since I started writing this blog.

My Sunshine Boy was my first about him, I believe.

He was traveling on his birthday this year, as has become the custom. In 2015 he and his wife were bungee-jumping in New Zealand. Last year, they were exploring Cuba. This year he turned 32 in London and traveled to Paris the next day.

They hired a photographer to meet them at the Eiffel Tower for a photo shoot one day, with a specific purpose in mind:

Yes, that's right! This time next year, my son will be the father of a 6-month-old! In other words…. I'm going to be a grandmother!

They told me the night I landed after my Italy trip, making up some reason why they needed me to come by their house on my way home from the HOUSTON airport. It added an extra 30 minutes to my 3 hour night drive home after not sleeping for more than 24 hours, but hey, I'm a mom and wanted to see them anyway, so of course I went. And I was rewarded!

But I was also sworn to secrecy until they made the announcement themselves. And that's my excuse for not writing his birthday blog post until now. How could I, without blurting out the secret?

The idea of being a grandmother overwhelms me. I only hope I can live up to the awesome grandmother-role-models that have gone before me, including my own mom. I have no doubt my son and his wife will be amazing parents, so I'll be able to spoil and indulge to my heart's content. But honestly, it's like thinking ahead to being a parent for the first time. I have no idea what's ahead of me, but I'm really looking forward to it anyway!

There have been quite a few other sweets this month… gorgeous sunrises, heart rocks, new clients, fun parties… and today my friend Byron sent us this image he received from our hostess in Italy of "our" villa all decked out for Christmas.

That window on the top left was my room. Sigh.

Anyway, other December sweets included being chosen for our Keller Williams market center's Agent Leadership Council again, a week of morning walks with our grandpuppy Josie while her mama and daddy were traveling…

…and welcoming Remi, our Roomba, into the family.

The puppies weren't quite sure of her at first…

We also had real snow this month! TG built this snowman in the dark while I held a flashlight…

I made it back to Austin's amazing Trail of Lights…

And some clients in Georgetown gave me a jar of honey from their backyard hive. Yum!

I can't forget one of the most important sweets of the month – Christmas. Celebrating the birth of Jesus. Of God becoming human in order to save us from our sins. Nothing else compares to that… even becoming a mother or grandmother.

May all of you have a beautiful day tomorrow, filled with joy and peace and love, whether you're celebrating Christmas or not. I get to be with all of my kids, and will be able to let you know if the gluten-free flour works as well on fried chicken tenders as it does in cookies. I have a special family-favorite recipe I'll be trying out tomorrow. Wish me luck!

And Merry Christmas!

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.

~Ada V. Hendricks
I give thanks for you…

November 23, 2017

When I was young, Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday. There usually weren't any cousins my age to play with and the older ones didn't like me tagging along; I didn't care for most of the food (I didn't even like pie!); and after eating, everyone just sat around watching football, so I couldn't even watch television.

Now I think back to those gatherings and wish I could have just another few minutes with all of those beloved people who have now passed on… my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and of course, my mom and dad… and let them know how grateful I am for those memories of love and laughter.

As I grew older, my fondness for the holiday also grew. I learned to love pie and cornbread dressing, for one thing. But it was more than that. I learned to appreciate the time spent with my parents and siblings, to slow down, share stories. Eventually it was my own children sitting at the "kids" table with their cousins.

Even after we moved to Austin, we usually traveled to my parents' home for Thanksgiving. I can still picture Mama in the kitchen checking the turkey, Daddy in his recliner in the back room watching football, and the rest of us either sitting near Daddy or drinking coffee at the kitchen table, offering our help to Mama, which she never accepted.

But of course, with time comes change. With Daddy's passing, routine went by the wayside. Each year I've enjoyed my Thanksgiving dinner in a different place. It's not like it used to be, but that doesn't mean it's bad. My son hosted it one year for his wife's large extended family and included us. Last year Tom and I traveled alone to Florida to spend it with his mom and some of his brothers.

This year he went again, but I couldn't afford the time away. Instead, TG and I joined my son and his wife at her uncle's house. Her grandmother was there – the matriarch – along with aunts and uncles and kids of all ages. I believe there were 28 of us altogether, eating, laughing, sharing stories … a definite flashback to those first Thanksgivings.

I've realized that no matter where I am on Thanksgiving, all of those I love are with me, because I am so grateful for each of them. Time passes and things change, but some things create such a deep impression on your heart that they are eternal.

I hope no matter where you were today, or who you were with, you felt the presence of all of those you hold dear… all of those who love or have loved you … gathered around, giving thanks for you as you gave thanks for them.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

"I thank my God every time I remember you."

Philippians 1:3
Lesson #86 (Still teaching me! Happy birthday, Mama!)

November 13, 2017
A tiny box in the upper righthand corner of my computer reminds me that today is my mom's 86th birthday. (As if I could forget!)

However, my heart reminds me that she is so much more than those earthly years. She is free from their bonds. I feel her love around me all the time, see her in my face and my actions at times, and still hear her voice… sometimes soothing me or giving me advice … sometimes teasing me and a tad sarcastic … but always, always full of love.

On Mama's 77th birthday, I listed the things she had taught me, and then added to it every year. After her death, I expected Lesson #84 to be the last one. It turns out she is still teaching me, so the list continues.

When my friend Byron first mentioned a bunch of us traveling to Italy to spend a week with him and his wife after our high school reunion, I balked. First, there was the issue of time away from my business. It's not just a matter of not being around for my clients, but a good portion of my day is spent trying to find new clients to help keep my business alive …because of issue #2: finances. We still have some debt to pay off and a house to finish!

There were just so many other things calling out for the money I would spend on a trip to Italy.

But… my mama's lessons came to mind, particularly #41, #58, #70, and #84.

I decided to #30 and just go for it.

The thing is (Mama's favorite phrase), she and Daddy traveled a lot after we were grown up. They drove the west coast from California to Washington, went on a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, and visited Canada. They went to Disneyworld, Las Vegas, New York City and a bunch of other cities I don't even remember.

But Mama always dreamed of going to Switzerland and she never made it there. I'm not sure what kept them from going – probably finances or health concerns – but by NOT going, she gave me Lesson #86: Don't wait for things to be perfect to travel. Just GO!

Thank you, Mama! You were right, once again! It was a fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime trip that I will treasure forever.

Thank you for all the lessons you gave me, whether intentional or not. You taught more by example than words… just another clue to what a wise woman I was blessed to have as my mother.

Without further ado, here's the complete list with links to her previous birthday posts….

Things Mama has taught me…
1. it's never too late to learn something new
2. if you have a choice between laughter and tears, choose laughter.
3. don't let anyone mess with your babies!
4. only give advice when asked for it (I'm still working on that one)
5. pray every day
6. pray some more
7. reading a good book might not solve your problems, but it's a nice escape from them
8. bend but never break
9. some people are just takers
10. be nice whenever possible, but sometimes nice doesn't cut it
11. take care of family
12. we're all individuals – let your kids blossom into themselves, not "mini-me's"
13. be there
14. Johnny Weismuller is the best movie Tarzan
15. don't be in a rush to be older than you are – you're only going to be this age once in your life
16. if you like something, and you'll use it, and you can afford it, then buy it, or you'll regret it later
17. quality over quantity
18. never think "can't"
19. people will stand in line for a dead skunk if it's free
20. roll with the punches
21. have fun
22. laugh often
23. believe in yourself
24. don't let others change who you are
25. be honest
26. don't steal
27. forgive yourself
28. God loves me
29. don't judge
30. just do it!
31. inside matters more than outside
32. don't use God's name in vain
33. you can learn anything if you put your mind to it
34. you're never too old to dance
35. it's okay to ask for help
36. show appreciation and express gratitude
37. use my manners
38. consider the source
39. an office or position of authority should be respected, but the individual in that position has to earn your respect
40. sleep is good
41. take advantage of opportunities
42. keep your eyes open and your wits about you
43. people aren't always nice
44. things can't make you happy
45. use your imagination
46. just get started and the rest will be easy
47. don't be intimidated by anyone – we're all the same, all human, we all have strengths and weaknesses
48. you can love someone even if you don't like them
49. forgive but don't forget
50. learn from others' mistakes
51. there are times for being patient, and time for putting your foot down
52. speak up
53. stand up for what you believe in
54. admit your mistakes and expect others to do the same
55. persistance pays off
56. let your kids be kids
57. love unconditionally
58. take lots of pictures
59. kids grow up fast
60. your kids need a mother, not another friend
61. pets are family
62. help others
63. a sense of humor is essential for sanity and survival
64. if you look close enough, you can find something to love about everyone
65. coffee is good anytime
66. messes can be cleaned up
67. prayer works
68. God is strong all the time – let him carry you
69. if you say you're going to do something, do it
70. be nice to yourself in case no one else is
71. you have to show respect to get respect
72. girls are tough
73. don't put up with temper tantrums – yours or someone else's
74. listen to your body – doctors don't know everything
75. don't say everything you're thinking
76. asking questions is the best way to learn something
77. your babies are always your babies (and their babies are your babies, too!)
78. God is.
79. Just listen.
80. people are more important than things
81. there is a time to help others, and a time to let others help you
82. God has his reasons, and He will give you whatever strength you need for the road ahead…and never leave you to walk it alone.
83. smile and show appreciation to those who are willing to help you – they may have it tougher than you in many ways
84. Appreciate every second you're given, because life is beautiful.
85. Treasure the people in your life; take advantage of every chance you have to be with them, or to help them, even on days you don't like them.
86. Don't wait for things to be perfect to travel. Just GO!
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." ~Abraham Lincoln

Love you, Mama. Happy birthday, and God bless you!
Reflections on Veterans Day

November 11, 2017

Yesterday afternoon, I stood under a gray sky in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery paying tribute to a friend who passed away a few months ago. He had retired from the Texas Army National Guard as a Sergeant Major. We also paid tribute to his father-in-law, a retired Air Force Major, who also recently passed away.

White markers surrounded us, a testament to the sacrifice of so many for the sake of our country.

After the ceremony, I received a text from a recent client/friend – a retired Marine. He sent me and a few others a link to "The Warrior Song – Hard Corps" in honor of the Marine Corps' birthday, which was yesterday. Just another reminder of the price that has been paid for our freedom.

So in honor of Veterans Day, here's a re-posting of my annual tribute to the veterans in my own family, including TG's boyfriend who has been overseas for several months and still has a few to go. Please keep him and all of the others in your prayers.

"Lord, if your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done."

~St. Martin of Tours

My big brother Buster was headed to Viet Nam, saying his goodbyes, when I stood beside him in this photograph and smiled. I had no idea what was ahead of him. This was probably taken before his first tour of duty and so he had only a vague idea himself what to expect.

When he volunteered for his second tour, however, he knew full well what he was stepping into…but he did it anyway.

My dad was in high school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He joined the Navy soon after high school graduation because his country was at war and "it was the thing to do."

In the next twenty-two months he traveled a long way from Texas aboard the U.S.S. Geneva…to places like the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, China, Burma, Japan.

Before he turned twenty, he had seen cities that had been destroyed by war and piles of dead bodies waiting to be buried.

A few years later, his little brother Bobby followed his lead and joined the Navy, and many years later, so did my brother Donnie and two nephews.

Pop, my wonderful father-in-law, missed out on World War II, but joined the Air Force in time for the Korean War. He worked base supply in Okinawa, supporting bombers flying missions to Korea…about 100 aircraft every day.

He re-enlisted, got married, and hopped around the globe…living in England, Germany, and over a year in Pakistan, separated from his family (the other heroes – Mom had 8 teenage and younger boys to deal with by herself!)…visiting a dozen other countries…eventually staying put for awhile in Maryland, working with NSA (and a second job at the bowling alley to make ends meet), until his retirement.

A lifetime of service and sacrifice for this country.

My husband Tom was raised in that military family. For him it was normal to move every few years to someplace completely different…by the time he was eight or nine years old, he had lived in three countries!

He grew up on a tight budget … hand-me-downs, powdered milk and only two cookies a day…period! And yet as soon as he could, he joined the service…the Coast Guard. Among other things, he helped rescue fisherman off the coast of Alaska.

Four of his brothers also joined the service (three career Air Force, just like their dad, and another Coast Guard) and the youngest joined the Army Reserves. Now the next generation is following in their footsteps: two Air Force and one Coast Guard, plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

I think it's very fitting that Veterans Day shares November with Thanksgiving, a day when we slow down to remember and be grateful for things that we usually take for granted, because veterans, despite the sacrifices they make for all of us, probably don't even make it onto our Thanksgiving thank-you list.

That's how much most of us take them for granted – as well as the freedoms they protect for us. Even when our country isn't at war, they go where they are needed to unfamiliar places, away from extended family, often living on a minimum salary.

Thank you Daddy, Tom, Pop, Buster, Donnie, Uncle Bobby, Uncle Howard, Kenny, Steve, Joe, Robbie, John, Sheila, Michael, Tom, Lynn, Robbin, Evan, James ..and all of the other Veterans, past and present, out there! Because of you, we're free to go about our daily lives, without a thought in the world to how much that freedom costs or how much you've given.

I'd like to thank TG's B and all of the others who are continuing to step up to fill those ranks for our country… those who, through their actions, still say, "Don't worry. I got this."

I hope we always show them the support they deserve.

"Freedom is never free." ~Author Unknown

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

~Elmer Davis
October, Friday the 13ths, Baby Boys, Birthdays, Growing up, Reunions, Italy, and a bunch of other sweet!s

October 14, 2017

Our weather has been in a see-saw pattern the past few weeks. Beautiful, cool, autumn-like days swoop in, making everyone smile, and then suddenly summer is back, with highs in the 90's, sticky air, and sneaky mosquitoes.

But at least we're getting the promise of autumn and a reprieve from the true summer days of triple digit temps.

October has always been one of my favorite months, if not the top of my list altogether. The weather is awesome, which means there are tons of festivals. Probably too many, if that's possible. Everything gets planned for October.

And that's why I'm going a little crazy right now. The Keller Williams Food Drive is today, but I couldn't participate this year because today is also our church Oktoberfest, and I've been in charge of promoting it to be sure we get a great turnout.

But I can't even attend it this year because in a few hours I'll be heading to Houston to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my high school graduation, which I've also been organizing from afar.

Would you believe we've lost 14 of those kids up there since our last reunion five years ago? It's heartbreaking.

The homecoming football game was last night and they honored all of the past homecoming queens. I was a homecoming queen (1977!), but for the first time since we started having our reunions on homecoming weekend, I couldn't be at the game.

For one thing, on Sunday I'm flying out with high school friends for a week in ITALY! Oh my gosh, how totally SWEET!

The photo above is from my whirlwind budget/student Foreign Study League tour through Europe way back in 1976. I've been dreaming of returning ever since, and finally riding in a Venetian gondola, which I neglected to do the last time.

I'm also glad I get to see David again. All giggling aside, it is a magnificent piece of art and I can still remember the amazement I felt seeing it the first time.

At the time we planned this trip, it seemed so perfect to leave right after our reunion.

Oh my gosh. We were sooooo wrong.

This past week has been tough, trying to be sure I was ready for the trip, that I had done all I could do to promote Oktoberfest, that everything for the reunion was done and I had done my best to let all of my classmates know about it, and that I had taken care of all of my clients.

Besides needing the extra day to prepare for my trip, I also skipped the game because yesterday was my "baby" boy's 29th birthday!

And it fell on a Friday the 13th, which made it even more special. That's a lucky day in our family. He didn't want a big celebration or gifts, so we celebrated with hamburgers and brownies, and he gets a discount on his rent this month.

Time flies and birthday celebrations change, but I'm grateful for each and every one. I'm glad I stayed to celebrate with him.

There have been so many other sweet! moments over the past few weeks… so many heart rocks, images of hearts friends have shared with me (one on a dog's nose and another on a cat's chest!), get-togethers with friends, new clients, contracts on listings, beautiful sunrises like the one at the top, and colorful autumn wildflowers lining our dirt road, like the False Foxglove below.

(TG looked up the name for me – another sweet!)

I hope your October is overflowing with sweet! moments, too.

October is a hallelujah! reverberating in my body year-round….

~John Nichols (b.1940), The Last Beautiful Days of Autumn

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