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One Liner Wednesday – Christmas Countdown

 

Conversation with my granddaughter:

Me: “Are you anxious for Christmas?”

Her: (Pause) “No.”

Me: “What? You aren’t anxious for Christmas?”

Her: (Pause) “Wait! What does anxious mean?”

❤️❤️❤️

🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼

 

One Liner Wednesday is brought to us each week by Linda Hill. Check out Linda’s blog to see what others have to say with just one line.

 

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Children Evoke Memories

Day 233

My Shadow
by Robert Louis Stevenson

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.

The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.

He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close beside me, he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!

One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

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Frosty

Day 53

I just trashed the last two blog posts I wrote. I have a few things on my mind, but putting thoughts into words and making it cohesive just is not happening for me tonight. Perhaps it is not the right time because my thoughts were more serious in nature. So now, I switch gears for the third time. Let’s see how this goes.

Memories of My Children

Today I continued to unpack more Christmas decor. I found more ornaments and decorations that my children made throughout the years.

I cut open the tape, open the cardboard flaps and memories come pouring out. I can see my children — both small and delighted about all the excitement that surrounds Christmas. I can hear their young voices playing over and over in my head. It’s magical how the mind works. It is a gift to be able to hold on to the cherished memories and yet pack away those memories we wish to forget.

I vividly remember how proud my children were when they brought home creations they made with guidance from their very patient teachers. At the time, it seemed like they grew so slowly, but looking back, the time has flown. That’s the thing about life.

Frosty the Snowman

IMG_7894One of my oldest decorations is a ceramic Frosty. He’s designed to have a candle inside him, but I never put candles inside. It sat on the table as sort of a centerpiece.

At dinner, my children always had a 1-A-Day vitamin after they ate. I can still remember them feeding their vitamins to Frosty over and over until either they tired of it or mom intervened and made them take their vitamin.

Every Day is Special

All I have to share tonight is to tell you that every little moment is special. These moments become the memories that you hold close throughout your life. And when your children are grown and living on their own, these are the memories that will comfort and sustain you.

These are also the stories you will tell your grandchildren about their parents. They love to hear all about the times when their parents were young like they are.

“Parents, keep your children closer when they are young,
because they will keep you closer when you’re old” 
Zybejta Beta Metani’ Marashi

 

Home

Home is Family

Day two of my blogging journey.

Family is so important to me and spending time with our family is a big part of feeling at home. The warmth of knowing someone and loving them throughout your life is irreplaceable. My journey to home would not be possible without those I love so much.

Chihuly - 1Last night was a special treat. We met one of our daughters and her husband for a quick dinner at Zoe’s Kitchen before heading to the Biltmore House for the ‘Chihuly at Night’ exhibit – a lovely Father’s Day gift in which I was able to share!

We all love Zoe’s and I had my regular chicken kebobs, greek salad and rice. (I am in love with their Tsaziki sauce.)

During dinner I received a call from my precious 8 year old granddaughter and her 5 year old brother. They were so excited to tell me about a butterfly they found with a wounded wing that they rescued and brought inside to save. I could not hear well in the restaurant but I will get more of that story later today.

It warms my heart to hear their excitement about nature because sometimes they are a little afraid of it. Having grandparents who live in the mountains will cure you of that quickly!

Chihuly at Night

Chihuly - 2The Biltmore House is beautiful at anytime, but there is a certain magic in the property at night. The Chihuly glass was installed throughout the gardens and it was beautifully lit. The air was cool with a hint of fall – such a nice night to walk through the gardens and experience such beautiful works of art. Enjoying the evening with family made it even more special. 💕

Times like these are precious and fleeting. I wonder how many times I say ‘it seems like only yesterday’ when talking about our children and our grandchildren. Home is definitely where the heart is, and our heart is definitely with them!

Family is Home

Later today we will drive to Charleston, SC to pick up my husband’s mom for a visit. We enjoy having her with us. We will enjoy lazy mornings and languish over coffee and talk.

While she is here, we plan to have a day with our daughter (her granddaughter) and her family. Four generations together!

These are rare days – days I was never able to experience with my own mother, which makes them even more special and a little bittersweet.

I am blessed to have family close by. It just seems no matter where we live, we are always away from someone. As long as everyone is happy and content, then I am okay with the distance. Doesn’t make me miss them any less, though. Especially when there is a one year old little girl with pony tails who is growing up way too fast for this grandma.

Chihuly - 1 (1)“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough” 
Walt Whitman