-
Matching Not Required
This is me at 4 years old. Yeah, I can still sleep pretty much anywhere, anytime… It seems that lately, I am so tired at the end of the day that I often get into bed–clothes on. I have a new day job that is really intense. when I get home, I shower, do my hair, put on a pinch of makeup, and go take care of dinner. So when I say that I get in bed fully clothed, that means socks and a bra also.
But life has not always been so crazy.
-
My Favorite PJs (or Lack Thereof)
I was recently talking with friends at work. We were discussing buying Christmas gifts for their kiddos. They said the latest trend is to buy 4 gifts for each child: #1 something they need, #2 something they want, #3 something to read, and #4 something to wear. -
I Love My Stripper
When I was little a new pair of pajamas was a wonderful treat. We usually got a pair for every Christmas and were always looked for in anticipation. The ones I am referring to are the soft, cuddly, fresh PJs. I never wanted to have them washed because then they would not be so soft and the cuddliness would go away. So, trying to keep them out of the wash was the key. -
Don’t Scare the Kids
I can’t say that I have ever had a favorite pair of PJs. Throughout the years, I’ve worn nightgowns, silk shirts/shorts, “nighties”, sweats, and gone naked. Each one has been comfortable at the time that I wore (or didn’t wear) it. -
No BS Weight Loss
I’ve always had a poor body image about myself. From feelings of being too thin to feelings of being overweight, I have never been happy about how my body looked. -
Red Tray Diet
I have been a yoyo dieter. Throughout my life, my weight has gone up and down and up and down. Not dramatically really. Most people probably would say that I’ve weighed about the same throughout my life. As an adult, my high and low weights have differed by about 35 pounds or so.
But I know when I feel good. I know when my clothes fit and when I feel good in my skin. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve never struggled with body image or dieting.
-
Stringbean No More
When I was a kid, I was a string bean. I could eat anything and never gained a pound. The only “diet” I practiced at this time was drinking malts before I went to bed to try to gain a few pounds. -
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
When I was in high school and when I got married I weighed 98 pounds. I was always a skinny kid and the word diet never came flowing off of my lips. Who could ever restrict their eating habits? This was a foreign subject to me. Actually, when I was in middle school I had my mom take me to the doctor to see why I was so thin. He prescribed some pills but assured me that someday I would wish I was this thin. I think the pills were a placebo and didn’t do a thing. So, I continued to be skinny. -
I Blame My Dad
When I was in school my family exercised horrible sleeping patterns and habits. My dad was a salesman and because he came home late we would eat after 7:30 p.m. when his mail had to be sent out. This created the schedule for things such as homework being done after dinner going later into the night. I don’t remember being motivated very often to start homework right after school. Why ruin that wonderful free time? -
A Permanently Exhausted Pigeon
At this point of my life, I don’t think I’m a night owl OR an early bird. I know for sure that I’ve never been an early bird. The idea of waking up early in the morning puts absolute dread in my heart. -
Early Bird Wannabe
Here are the grandmas on a “work weekend”. It’s probably around midnight. See one grandma is snoozing and the other is waiting for the party to begin! In college, my mom and two grandmas would come up to Eau Claire and help decorate my dorm room or apartment. Inevitably, we would chat for a while, go out to eat, and begin working on our 10 pm. I would begin to fade at about 1:00 am, and mom was just hitting her stride.
-
Night Owl Style
Early morning is my time to roll over in bed and luxuriate in uninterrupted sleep. Sleeping until noon is not my style but getting up around 9 or 9:30 am is. Getting up slowly and putting on comfy clothes is a great start to my day. By this time, I feel rested and ready to accomplish the goals I have set for myself. -
Did You Know Snow is Cold?
I’ve always assumed that when snow is mentioned, we all understand its characteristics. It’s wet, white, made up of individual flakes, and, of course, very, very cold.
-
Big Snow
Snow memories are so different than things are today. First of all, we actually had a lot of snow, not the one to two inches we have lately. Even this closes schools, businesses, you name it, for being bad weather, it is nothing like we used to have. -
The Dreaded Ice Derby
At what point do you decide that your child has to participate in an event or allow them to quit? I’ve often wondered this over the years in relation to various kids’ activities, but especially when I think about my childhood. -
The Snow Police
Kadon and Luka are excited about the snow–2009. When I first started teaching, one of the first purchases I needed was a warm winter coat and snow pants for recess duty. Kids are all running around and warm, but the adults are just standing there–watching, protecting…policing.
I think it is interesting how snow brings out the joy and excitement in children. One good snowfall and they are all rolling snowmen and trying to throw snowballs (without getting caught).
-
Decorating Hiatus
I love Christmas decorations. If I could do nothing else it would be to decorate for Christmas. I love trying to come up with different ideas for decorating from year to year.It’s at this time of the year that I would love an all-white house so that I could experiment with different colors and different themes. Now, I do believe less is more, and can’t stand big artificial plastic guys. I like pretty, sparkly, shiny, decorations placed strategically around to accent those empty spaces.
-
Christmas Adulting
One big drawback of being an adult is that I am the one responsible for the setup and clean-up of celebrations and events.
I think this is Luka’s decorated gingerbread house. As a child, I looked forward to Christmas–the music, the sugar cookies, Santa, family gatherings, and presents. But now…I’m the one who makes the cookies, invites the guests, buys the gifts, decorates…
Oh yes, the decorations.
When I was little, I loved having a Christmas tree. I loved the smell of the real thing. Our tree had all sorts of decorations and big colorful lights. Mom would put up the tree about a week before Christmas and then keep it up forever. (We have more recently witnessed the tree make it past “3 Kings Day” to see St. Patrick’s Day!)
-
Christmas Until Easter
I always struggle with when to take down my Christmas decorations. I’m not the type of person that puts everything up the day after Thanksgiving.I usually try to wait until at least December has started. I’m also strongly against taking them down on December 26th as so many people do as I’ve just got them all up and the house is looking very festive and cozy.
-
Christmas Coziness
In our family, we put up our tree about the 15th of December. It seems that most people put their trees up much earlier. Many trees go up the day after Thanksgiving. Then, I see trees at the curb the day after Christmas.
-
Holiday Traditions
Traditions…We have many holiday traditions in our family. It seems that new experiences and activities continue to be added.
-
Stranger Danger
Our holidays have always been steeped in tradition. First, Christmas stockings are always hung “by the chimney with care”. One year, when Matt was 5 years old, he called me up to his room. It was close to midnight on Christmas Eve and Matt was still awake. -
Trees from Santa
One of my favorite holiday traditions was when I was probably about ten, which would make my younger sister, Judy, about five years old. -
OCD Christmas
Christmas was always so fun for me as a child, so when I began my family, I wanted to make sure they had as much fun with it as I did. For the first 2 ½ years, when Bradley was an only child and we lived in New Berlin, we would come and stay in Beaver Dam for the holidays. Christmas Eve was always spent with the in-laws and Christmas Day was with my family. -
Once is Enough
Everyone seems to have a favorite Christmas movie that they love to watch over and over during the holiday season. I don’t. First of all, I hate to watch movies more than twice. If I were to sit through a movie that I have seen before I get really bored and just can’t continue watching it. There are a few exceptions like “Because I said so”, The Wedding Date” and a couple more. But they have also reached their expiration date to me at this time. -
White Christmas
My all-time favorite Christmas movie would have to be White Christmas. By the time the season is done, I will have watched it at least a dozen times. The music and dancing make me smile every time. -
Miracle on 34th Street
Christmas is a time for wishes and dreams, fantasy and reality. Miracle on 34th Street brings to life the world of Doris who works for Macy’s and her young daughter who has been taught that reality is black and white and the only experience that holds the truth. That means no Santa Claus, no hopes and wishes, and no room for embracing possibilities. -
It’s a Wonderful Life
“You’ve been given a great gift, George, a chance to see what the world would be like without you.”This is what the guardian angel, Clarence, says after revealing an alternative reality to George.
I love movies that give a glimpse into how our choices (or in the case of this great Christmas movie) and our very existence change the future for ourselves and others who we touch.
-
Sleepover with Grandma
As a child, our Christmas holiday was always made more special because Grandma Is would come and spend the night with us. It always felt like such a special treat to have Grandma sleepover. Each year, Lisa and I would take turns hosting Grandma in our room on our trundle bed. -
Magical First Christmas
Christmas comes just once a year. Thank goodness. Don’t get me wrong. I love the reason for the season. I just get frustrated with the stress level that comes from the unrealistic expectations I place on myself. -
The First Leon (Noel backwards)
When we lived on Cherokee Rd. we were the first house built in the area. Our house was on a curved road surrounded by fields. In December, mom would pick me and Chelle up from Grandma’s in December. We would drive around town looking at the lights and decorations. We would arrive home after dark. She would pull up the driveway and as the garage door slowly opened, it was my job to get the mail.This sounds so easy.
It wasn’t.
-
Holiday Hysteria
I have a very special holiday memory. This was a dinner concert that our church sponsored. It was held at the Green Lake Conference Center. The halls were decorated beautifully for the holidays with little twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and poinsettias. There was a guitarist who performed for the evening. He had special effects that accompanied him and our children’s church choir joined in singing the chorus for a favorite Christmas song, “Go Tell It On The Mountain”. This made it so much fun and the music was phenomenal. My youngest daughter, myself, and my youngest granddaughter, Aubrey, attended. My other granddaughter, Jessica, was one of the performers. Aubrey literally danced the night away. She was probably four at the time, loves music, and especially loves to dance. She had a ball. We have the cd of this performance and it is called her “Boom Boom” tape which is often played in full force at Christmas time or whenever the mood strikes us. This was such a fun way to start off the holidays for us. -
Show Me the Money
Chore list from age 5 – Notice no allowance listed! As a child, I remember having some chores, but because I didn’t have to do my work alone, it never seemed to be a big ordeal. Mom had taken the time to type a list for Lisa and me that we were expected to do in order to get a weekly allowance. I don’t actually remember ever getting the allowance, even though there was a spot on the chore list to write down the amount owed.
-
The Go-To Kid
When I was young and living at home I was required to do a great number of chores around the house.I have two siblings, one four years older than me and one five years younger than me. It seemed that I was always the right candidate to impose most jobs onto.
-
She Can Do It all
This job list is from when I was about 11 years old. Saturday mornings were for cleaning when I was a child. Mom worked in the morning and then went grocery shopping. Michelle and I were left at home to get our chores done.
I remember that my responsibilities not only included making my bed and cleaning my room, scrubbing sinks, and toilets, and vacuuming the house but also motivating my sister to get her jobs done as well.
THAT was the challenge!
-
The Guilty One
Being the youngest of three girls had benefits when it came to chores except for the guilt. I often felt guilty because Sandy seemed to be responsible for all the chores. If I wanted to help, I was either too little, too slow or I didn’t know how. My ability to feel guilt got overdeveloped. It never occurred to me that being five years younger than my sister did present challenges. -
Weird Habits
When thinking of habits, I know I have more, but these are the 3 that came to mind…Procrastinating, Creasing and Chickees!
-
My Wandering Mind
I have this habit of not focusing. This results in not listening or reading instructions and I would like to correct this habit. Have you ever tried to sew an evening dress or skirt without reading the directions? Well, I have done this and I must say it does work out, but not without a few problems that could have been eliminated had I read the instructions.
-
That’s Attractive…NOT
I don’t know how or when I started chewing my fingernails, but I remember when I made myself stop. I was teaching. First Graders are germy, have runny noses, and are not overly concerned with restroom hygiene. I decided that biting my nails was unprofessional, juvenile, and just plain gross.But where do you go with that nervous energy?
-
Creating a Sense of Urgency
From the time I was very young, I’ve lacked a sense of urgency. I was often late for school, missed my ride to school, and had to walk home because I would put too many tasks into too short a period of time and I would run out of time before I ran out of tasks. -
Middle Child Syndrome
Sandy and Kathy I was the second born in a family of three girls. This, of course, made me the dreaded “middle child”. From experience and observing other families I can say the problems of the middle child seem to be true.
The first child in our family was my sister, Kathy. She was born four years before me. She was the first child, grandchild, and niece. She seemed to be the favorite of everyone from my standpoint. Then I came along. I was told that since my parents already had a girl it would have been nice to have a boy. Oh well, it didn’t turn out that way, but they adjusted. I remember our home life being normal and pleasant. My dad was in the service and I was two days old when he was deployed. So, having no males around I didn’t like them very much. I have been told that later in life I made up for that! Whatever that means!!! Then it happened, another girl was born into our family five years later. This now made me a middle child.
-
Big Sister Power
I remember the night that I became a big sister. Mom was at the hospital and dad took me to the PizzaVilla. He worked there on the weekends delivering pizzas. He ordered the two of us a large with a different topping on each slice. Standing below the counter, I remember him holding me up so I could approve his special order.That was the beginning of my experience as the oldest child in our family. But being a big sister was important and “perks” came with the position!
-
Third Time is the Charm
Being the “baby” in a family of three girls had its benefits and downsides. My ideas and suggestions about things were often discounted because I was the “baby”. On the other hand, I learned to be flexible and to go with the flow. -
Save the Best for Last
I’m the youngest by 5.5 years of 2 girls in my family. Mom always calls me her #1 #2. Being the youngest had its pros and cons. With a 5.5-year difference between Lisa and me, it sometimes felt like I was an only child. When Lisa was 18 and going to college, I was only 13 and in 8th grade. -
A Toddler With a Knife
It doesn’t matter if I want to do the thing or not…I still procrastinate. Procrastination often occurs when I’m tired and the activity takes some mental energy.For example, I’m supposed to edit a post about..procrastination…for our Sidetracked Sisters blog…
I love taking pictures, looking at old photos, creating images using software, and posting on social media. But I still procrastinate!
AND my procrastination strategies are SOOOOO sneaky!
-
Just One More Chapter
I am an expert at procrastination. I always have good intentions and look forward to accomplishing great things such as getting ready for holidays, special occasions, and just regular household activities. But, I tend to find just about anything else to do instead of what I am supposed to do. Yup, this is called procrastination. -
Laminated To-Do Lists
I am the queen of procrastination. No matter how hard I try or plan to be efficient and punctual, I always seem to fall short. Whether it’s cleaning my house, working in the yard, or some other task I’m not fond of doing, I always seem to find better things to do with my time. -
Wants Before Needs
Procrastination could or should be my middle name. When I was young and my mom was at work, there were certain things that had to be done before she came home. I was home alone and my pastime of choice was watching old movies. The duties I had could wait, especially if there was a Cary Grant or Clark Gable or Robert Mitcham movie on TV. I loved sitting with my back against the ottoman watching old classic movies. I would watch the clock and time it out so I could run around like a crazy person and get my tasks done before mom came home. -
My Favorite Halloween Candy
Thinking back to my trick-or-treating days, I have a hard time remembering details. I’m sure we must have gone trick-or-treating, but I’m also sure it was minimal. My favorite candy bar at that time was a Hershey Bar with almonds. I do remember that getting chocolate was the exception to the rule. More common were Life Savers or other less expensive candies. I remember a couple of years when we Trick-or-Treated for UNICEF. This never really took off because the concept was a mystery to most of the households. -
The Smarties Choice
Halloween is fast approaching and a surplus of Halloween candy is appearing in all the stores. How to make a decision about what to purchase for those hungry goblins, ghosts, and scary witches is always a challenge. Well, as most of us over the years have come to realize, we all have our favorites. I happen to love candy corn. I see it on the store shelf and my mouth drools. Unfortunately, after I give in and purchase said candy corn I usually overindulge and manage to get an upset stomach. This, of course, takes the joy out of this selection of candy. -
All Things Candy
I’m a fan of anything sweet, so I think the best part of Halloween has to be the candy! From candy bars to smarties, there are not many types of candy I don’t like. -
Don’t Mess With the Original
I know that back in the day, kids would go from house to house Trick-or-Treating with a pillowcase to collect candy–not even necessarily wearing costumes. Halloween, as we know it today, began in the 1930s with children receiving homemade cookies and pieces of cake, fruit, nuts, coins, and small toys.
-
Sports, An Acquired Taste
I grew up in the day when sports were not a big part of a girl’s interest package. I was rather ambivalent about sports on TV like football and basketball. My dad enjoyed watching and I enjoyed spending time with him, so I watched some too. -
I Just Don’t Get It!
Get your own “Just Say No” items by Steven Rhodes at https://www.redbubble.com Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m not a fan of sports. I grew up in a household of 3 girls and dad was not a big sports fan either. I actually try to avoid sports if I can. I know that’s not a popular opinion in today’s society, but that’s just who I am.
-
Thank You Title IX
Today girls can be both a girly girl and a chef, a ballerina and an artist, a princess, and an athlete. Life was a bit more lopsided when I was a child, although I didn’t realize at the time how much things WERE changing. I have always been open to liking and participating in sports. It’s just that I’m not that good.
-
Sports on a Limited Basis
To say I am not actually a sports fan is an understatement. I think this happened when I was very young. My Dad was an avid sports fan and on his off time from working, he enjoyed watching them on tv or listening to them on the radio. He was not a physical participant, but a chair-side enthusiast. He would actually sit in his recliner watching some type of sport on tv and have another sport plugged into his ear from the radio. I hated Sundays because that was when sports were constantly on our tv. My friends would be going to picnics, to their family cabins, visiting friends and relatives, and just enjoying life. We, on the other hand, were sitting at home because dad had to watch his sporting event. He even had to watch sports when we would visit relatives. I suppose visiting friends was limited to when there were no sports on tv. Like that ever happened! As an adult when I hear the usual sounds of sports on tv I just cringe. I try to share what event is on, but if the sun is shining I am out of there. -
Still Searching
I am 78 years old and to this day, I have not found the hairstyle that I really like. Sad, isn’t it? I have probably run out of time, but I keep going forward trying new styles and for some reason, I end up with pretty much the same one. It might be a bit shorter, or longer, but it generally always seems to end up looking pretty much the same. -
No Turning Back
First Grade It was the summer before Second Grade that I got my hair cut short. I remember loving momo’s new short pixie/shag. Mom warned me that there was no going back when you make a decision to go short.
So go short I did.
Mom actually still has the thick blondish ponytail that her friend Tom cut off (he was a barber) before beginning my transformation.
I quickly realized that I preferred long hair. But as mom warned, “There is no turning back!”
-
Short and Sassy
When I was a little girl, my mom would cut my hair. I basically had a short bob with a curl on each side and straight across my forehead bangs. Whenever a special occasion came up, like school pictures or a holiday, mom would trim my hair. If the sides weren’t even, she’d trim a bit off the long side and so on and so on until finally my hair on the side went halfway up my ears. My bangs suffered the same fate. This went on until they were very short and sort of straight across. A disaster to say the least. -
Hair is an Accessory
I kept my hair long up until I went to college. You may think that it was by choice, but actually, it was Mom’s choice. I was forbidden from cutting my hair, probably because Lisa had cut hers, and mom was traumatized from that point on. Even though I couldn’t cut my hair, I did on occasion get a perm in my hair to try to combat the stick-straight quality of it. The perms didn’t hold for very long and I even went to a beauty salon a time or two to get a spiral perm. Those perms worked better than the at-home perms but still weren’t a long-term solution.
-
Makeup is Optional
‘Chelle in 9th grade I didn’t start wearing makeup until I was in 9th grade. I never went out to buy my own, but simply acquired it from either Lisa or Mom. I only wore concealer, mascara, a little blush, and eyeliner. At one point, I tried wearing white concealer as an eye shadow, but I quickly stopped that practice because we were at a high school football game and Lisa screeched above the din of the crowd “Why do you have white creases on your eyelids? What did you do?” I was horrified.
-
Silver Sparkle Disease
When I was young, my older sisters always wore makeup. I remember thinking that the well-placed makeup transformed them both from pleasant looking to “beautiful women”. -
A Put Together Woman
I have come to the conclusion that makeup is entirely overrated. Just think about the money and time we spend on this really unnecessary act of thinking we look better being made up. I remember when I was dating my husband years ago he said to me that he liked it when I didn’t have so much makeup on. Well, I was never one to wake up with that glamorous glow that the movie stars mostly have. Even when they are coming out of a coma, notice how they still have lipstick on. I can’t even keep mine on for more than five minutes before it is licked or chewed off.
-
Comfortable in Your Own Skin
I remember my first foray into the land of makeup…
Everyday Me
Julie and I walked downtown. It was late summer and a new school year was approaching–7th grade. We went to Langmack’s Drug Store (think Ace Hardware, not Sephora) and stood before a wall of pastel powders, concealing pastes, and sparkling creams. Julie chose a pinkish shade of a liquid Covergirl blush. I chose the same brand that was more peachy. Covergirl. The name seemed appropriate for girls shopping for our first cosmetics.
Wednesday, September 25, 2022, 4:24 pm This wasn’t grandma’s lipstick abruptly rubbed on my cheeks to “give me a little color”.
This initial memory is just the beginning of my addiction (a little too strong of a word perhaps) to make-up. You see, I’m one of those who feel almost naked without something on my face. Even during the Covid lockdown, I continued my full-face routine. Every. Day.
I have occasionally tried to go without but always come back.
-
Dates to Remember
We all have dates we’ll always rememberOne of mine comes up in September
September 22 was the date that mom passed
The memory of her forever will last
-
Work to be Free
Sitting in front of my computer screenTrees outside changing hue
Mindlessly working along
Wishing I were doing something new
-
Fun Dad
“I want to be a fun dad,” my husband said.
His eyes sparkled
with tearful anticipation
as we worked to adopt our sons from Russia.
-
Love of Springers
The love of a dog is a beautiful thingI’ve had many and they are so special in their own way.
One never replaces the other,
But fills the days with love and endless days of play
-
The Grass is Always Greener
When I was a kid, I had so many opportunities for anticipation. I kind of look at it from the standpoint of “the grass is always greener”…You know, I thought others seem to be in a better situation than me, although they may not be. But other times, I just loved looking ahead to what I KNEW would be special times in the future.
-
Made in the Shade
When I think about growing up or my childhood, the best parts include the times I had the ability to do things that I felt gave me extra freedom or responsibility. -
Lazy Summer Days
I enjoyed being a kid. I was adventurous and loved to explore new things. One of my favorite things I remember as a kid was the lazy summer days. In my day we didn’t have all the activities that kids today seem to be involved in. My summers were my favorite time of the year. It meant jumping out of bed, pulling on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, grabbing a bowl of fresh raspberries from the garden, and on to my friend’s house. -
Not Grown Up Yet
I remember bits and pieces of being a child and I often wanted more. I wanted to stay up late like the grown-ups. I wanted to decide what I would eat for dinner and what to buy at the grocery store.It seemed like all the big decisions were made by the adults.
-
Not Hard To Find
Home on MacArthur Drive The first time I left home was the first and the last. I graduated from high school in 1962, worked as a secretary for the Superintendent of Schools prior to graduation, and upon graduation, then in August of that year, I went to work for the next fifty-six years at the law office. I got engaged while a senior in high school and waited one year to regroup and got married in the summer of 1963.
-
Freedom and Jesus
I always knew I would go to college. It was more than growing up, more than the next step…it was freedom!
Actually, I didn’t even know there was an option. It wasn’t until years later that I discovered that my dad didn’t really believe that I would go…and graduate. (I’m kinda glad that no one ever shared that little detail with me.)
-
Naïve Decisions
Lake Monona When I turned seventeen, I was reeling from life in general. On Mother’s Day of 1966, my oldest sister passed away. Up until then, my life revolved around her care and helping my mom with her workload.
-
Longing for College Life
The first time I moved away from home would be moving to college. I was so excited to make the move, I had planned out my entire dorm room before even getting home from my college tour. -
Wisdom from Mom
Life in my thirties presented a huge contrast to life in my twenties. I had married very young, divorced, rebounded into a second marriage, and divorced a second time all before I turned thirty. -
Cadaver Grafts and Karate Class
Bradley (age 10), Nathan (age 7) and I were all taking a karate class. I thought it would be a great way for the boys to learn some discipline and also burn off some extra energy. (which they had a lot of) Many days, it was a struggle to get them to class, but every once in a while, they enjoyed going. -
Strolling Thru My 30s
Reflecting back, my thirties were very busy and challenging, but all in all, good years. There were a few bumps in the road, such as job changes, purchasing a different home, and a miscarriage. My husband and I each had good jobs, we were both happy and healthy. We were parents of two girls ages five and 10 who were also happy and healthy. -
The Infertility Mountain
I turned 30 in 1994. Tom and I had moved to Sun Prairie to be closer to my family when we began having children of our own. Unfortunately, starting a family turned out to NOT be so straightforward. And that is the theme of my 30s…infertility.
“You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.” -Anonymous
Here is my “baby” Eli. Before Tom and I divorced, we separated for a while. Within days of him moving out, I bought a dog. We began trying to start our family when I was 27. We got divorced, childless, when I was 33. Then I married Craig when I was 35. More infertility work followed. We got Luka and Kadon from Russia in 2006, when I was 41.
It seemed like the goal to start/have a family colored every event of that decade. To say that my clock was ticking VERY LOUDLY is not overstating the facts. -
Either You Love Country Music, Or You’re Wrong
Sometimes, there is a sound or a song that I hear and I’m instantly transported back to an event or time in my life. Some of those events are great and others, maybe not so much, but still, those sounds are powerful in their ability to move my memory somewhere else. -
From Crickets to Waves
Favorite sounds. There are actually lots of them. Life is full of so many different kinds of sound. I can think of many that are not so pleasant such as a baby crying, car tires screeching, arguing and the list goes on. -
Music Thru the Ages
I’m really good at identifying the year a song came out. Doing such guessing games with friends–I always associate music with a tie from my life.
“It only takes one song to bring back a thousand memories.”
1968I remember Peter Paul & Mary playing on my parent’s beige alarm clock radio. I was laying on their bed and watching my mom getting ready to go out. Her hair was fixed fancy and she was in a dress and was wearing perfume. I thought, “Why does the good music always come on when I’m asleep in bed?”
-
The Sound of Memories
Gerry & the Pacemakers Sounds for me are a part of memory making. If I hear a song that was playing when something important happened in my life, it will take me back to that time almost immediately.
-
The Power of Red Nail Polish
As a child, I spent late afternoons during the school year and long summer days with my grandma Is. She wasn’t a teacher by trade, but she taught me what was important through constant example.
-
Family Means Everything
Gma Is, Uncle Lloyd and Gma Doris at my wedding Both of my grandmas taught me many life lessons as I grew up and I was so very lucky that they were both with me until I had my own children.
-
Cool Grandmas
Grandmas are so very special. I had two extremely different grandmas in regards to their personalities, styles, religion, and just about everything. -
Lessons from Grandma Bauer
Grandma Bauer and Aunt Hyc My Grandma Bauer was a feisty, loving woman. She came to America from Germany as a young woman. Grandpa Joe also came from Germany. I wish I knew more about their early lives but these are stories I never heard. The first thing she taught me was to be more curious about my relatives because their stories are too important to lose.
-
Cajun Cheese Soup
I’m not a big fan of spicy things, so I was hesitant to try this Cajun Cheese soup when I first encountered it, but it quickly became a favorite of mine and now of the entire family! -
Creamed Chicken
My mom made the most fabulous chicken recipe. Unfortunately, after she passed it seems to have gone with her. I would ask for this delicacy often and found it to be absolutely delicious. It was what she called creamy chicken. Not such an original name, but it was incredible tasting. It was, of course, with chicken cut up not in small pieces, she used condensed milk and the drippings from the chicken. This is what Legacy writing is all about. See I might have had this recipe had I had the opportunity to ask her about this and have it in writing. This is all I really can tell of this recipe. I have searched in her recipe box and it just has not shown up. Once when I was pregnant with my first child I actually had three helpings of this delicacy. That was the last time I had the luxury of this dish. After that, she tried to use substitutes like chicken soup or whatever, but it just wasn’t the same. I am still searching. -
Chile Relleno Casserole
Mexican Food is one of my favorites. I’m not sure if this recipe qualifies as traditional Mexican Cuisine but in my opinion, it’s a delicious side dish with any meal. The hardest part for me is finding the whole poblano peppers to use as the basis of the casserole. I have substituted diced chiles however my favorite is still the whole poblano peppers. -
Rhubarb Custard Pie
When It was summer, I was the one responsible for mowing grandma Is’ lawn. In the backyard, I would make slow careful circles around her peonies and rhubarb patch.
The peonies would bloom and later be held up with a circular piece of chicken wire through the summer. The rhubarb grew unrestricted. Leaves were generously pulled–never cut–from the plant. I would pull and single stalk and suck on the puckeringly tart end as I sat on the hard dry ground under the weeping willow. The cicadas song sounded like the power lines vibrating. I loved the late afternoon when the cooing of morning doves was accompanied by other lawn mowers humming from distant yards.Grandma would bring in an armload of the big-leafed stalks to make her rhubarb custard pie.
-
The Dragonfly Speaks to Me
Traditionally, we do not choose our spirit animal. Instead, it must choose us. Animals have often held a spiritual significance in our lives. Being aligned with specific animals is thought to exist throughout indigenous cultures. -
A Turtle’s Timid Transformation
I used http://www.spiritanimal.info to determine my spirit animal. The turtle was what I have been drawn to for years. I wear a bracelet every day with one on it. The turtle reminds me to take small, steady steps toward my goals.But apparently, my spirit animal can change. Who knew?
-
The Call of the Wolf
My spirit animal is the WolfHaving taken a test to find out what my spirit animal is I was surprised to see it is the wolf. It is stated that these animals are actually very social, family-oriented, and good at communicating with each other. With the use of body movement, touch, eye contact, and vocal sounds, they engage with other wolves constantly.
-
Always Landing On My Feet
I think my spirit animal is the cat.According to https://www.spiritanimal.info, the cat carries many meanings revolving around the balance between seemingly opposites, such as inner and outer, action and rest, and light and dark. It’s strongly symbolic of the connection with what usually hides in darkness or the unknown. The cat generally represents:
-
Give Me Aladdin’s Lamp
One of my favorite Disney movies is Aladdin. I love Robin Williams’s portrayal of the genie. He has so many great lines and it makes me laugh every time I watch that movie. While watching that movie, I’ve often thought, “What would I wish for if I had 3 wishes?” -
Winning the Lottery
I know, “Winning the Lottery” was not supposed to be the theme for this week’s sidetracked post. I guess it was my turn to break the rules or in further transparency, it looks like I wasn’t listening when the topic was discussed. In my defense, I’ve never been much of a believer in Genies in or out of a bottle or in the Pot of Gold at the end of the Leprechauns’ rainbow. But I have known people who won the lottery. -
Three Wishes … No Thank You
Okay, for some crazy reason, maybe a genie, a shooting star, maybe a fairy, birthday candles, or perhaps a leprechaun unbelievably grants me three wishes.What would I wish?
Now, I have never bought a lottery ticket.
I was once given tokens to spend as part of a weekend package that included a visit to a casino. I gave the tokens away.
So this opportunity will be a real challenge for me. How big or small should I wish? Well…
Health, wealth, and happiness are the first things that come to mind.
-
Happy, Healthy and Successful
If I had three wishes:
My first wish would be that as I always say when I wish on a star, birthday cake candle, or whatever it is that needs a wish is that my family and friends would all be happy, healthy, and successful.