Word-filled Wednesday

God's my island hideaway,

keeps danger far from the shore,

throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

~Psalm 32:7  

Monday Musings~ The First Day of Summer!

Out in my yard today... 70 degrees and little breezy. So ready for summer weather to arrive!

The colombine, one of my personal favorites, is in full bloom.

I'm grateful for... guardian angels that accompany my daughter when she is driving. Last week there was a malfunction with the car that could have resulted in a dangerous situation for her. By the grace of God she made it home safe and sound.

One of my favorite things... are my Sloggers, these garden clogs that my husband gave me last year. No matter how muddy they get, I can just spray them off. Fabulous!






This week I'm reading... The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Morton is an Australian author and wonderful storyteller. The plot is somewhat intricate, moving back and forth across several generations, but it's still a relaxing read. I'm also reading The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. This one is our current book club pick and I quite like it. Very thought provoking.

I'm looking forward to... going to the city band concert at the bandshell in the city park Thursday evening. The entire cast of the summer musical show that my girls are in will be performing a "sneak peak" in preparation for the show's opening in a couple of weeks. I love to watch my girls on stage!

Simple life tip for the week... "Joy is not in things; it is in us." ~Richard Wagner

Daddy's Girl

I arrived as a later-in-life surprise to my parents. A surprise and a bit of a miracle. Allow me to explain...

Following the birth of their second child, my parents were advised by their physician to not have any more children since pregnancy and childbirth were so difficult for my mother. He also told them that it was highly unlikely that they would ever conceive again and to be thankful for their two healthy sons. My folks had hoped to have a larger family, but, given the multiple miscarriages they had endured in order to have two children, they decided that the doctor knew best.

Surprise!! Ten years later I came along... a strong, healthy baby girl. My father reportedly cried tears of joy each time he told someone the good news. I was daddy's girl right from the start! The apple of his eye, his pride and joy. And as the years went by, we just grew closer and closer.

When I was little he called me his "best helper." Holding tools, working in the garden, running errands... We read lots of books together and he always had a joke to tell or silly song to sing. As I got older we went to daddy/daughter dances at church. My daddy was the best ballroom dancer of all the dads! During the difficult teenage years, when I was moody and full of drama, he would come to my bedroom door each night, wish me "sweet dreams," and blow me a kiss.

He came to all of my school concerts, award ceremonies, and church programs. He was my cheerleader, always smiling and encouraging me- even when I wound up attending three different colleges before finally graduating!

While planning my wedding, he said that he would walk me down the aisle, but he refused to give me away. "What if I want you back?" he would tease. Now I'm the one wishing I could have him back. Eleven years, eight months, and eighteen days without my dad...

-He always carried a handkerchief... always.

-He cooked the best fried eggs ever.

-He loved classical music and almost wore out his copies of The 1812 Overture and The Grand Canyon Suite.

-He only wrote in cursive to sign his name. Otherwise, it was small, neat, printed handwriting. (Oddly enough, my husband also does the same.)

-He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, about anything.

-He loved to read and was extremely interested in history. I attribute my love of books to him.

-He was a wonderful storyteller and became quite a poet in his later years.

-He was perhaps the most patriotic person I have ever known.

-He loved parades.

-He played the violin. And the piano... a little.

-He had a beautiful singing voice and performed at church and in the community on numerous occasions. We even performed together a few times.

-He could fall asleep anywhere!

-He loved my mother for more than 44 years.

-He was often melancholy, wondering if life had passed him by. I don't think he ever realized the true measure of his success.

I miss him.

Her Last Day

Today is my youngest daughter's last day in middle school. Hallelujah! I would have never dreamed that I would be so excited for her to leave that place, but my anticipation has been growing over the past few weeks. Not because I'm in a hurry for her to grow up. She is my baby girl, after all. My baby girl who used to tell me that she didn't want to get big, she wanted to stay little forever. My baby girl who said that she would live next door to me when she was a "growed up." So why am I relieved that today has arrived?

It is my opinion, based on my own experience as well as observation of others, that middle school/junior high is one of the most, if not the most, incredibly challenging times in development for any human being. While there are a variety of factors that play into this, I believe the entire thing can be summed up in one word- PUBERTY! So many changes in such a short amount of time. Accelerated physical growth, hormones, zits, hormones, rapid mood swings, hormones, friendship issues, hormones... did I mention hormones?!!!!!

"Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I attractive? What can I do? Am I good enough? What is my purpose?" Mind, body, and spirit are all developing at a mind-boggling rate. Simply negotiating daily life is quite tenuous during this time.

In the process of metamorphosis, the emerging butterfly goes through a tremendous struggle to break out of the cocoon. While it is painful to watch and tempting to intervene, it is necessary for the butterfly to endure this process. The struggle is what strengthens the butterfly, increasing it's chances for survival once it has fully transformed and come forth.

My beautiful butterfly has made it through these difficult first stages and is moving on to the next phase of development. As she begins to emerge from her cocoon, I am getting a glimpse of her vivid colors, graceful wings, and marvelous intelligence. With each passing day she is becoming more aware of her purpose. I know there will be more challenges ahead... perhaps the greatest and most bittersweet for me will be when she fully emerges and takes flight!

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

and find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness, and riches

today, tomorrow and beyond. ~ Irish blessing