"Takin' Time Out"

Definition: 

A domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure and treated with care and affection

 

I am sitting at the computer with a blank screen, sipping on my scrumptious cup of TAZO Wild Sweet Orange Hot Tea.  Yummy it is soooo scrumptious.  Maybe you should go pour a cup of your favorite tea and you too can enjoy the warmth I want to share as you are reading this next post!  Hmmm what shall it be? Pets came to mind as I began to type…How many of you have a pet or Pets?  One with 4 legs, two legs, a fish, a snake a hamster or maybe it is a Rock? Remember the pet rocks growing up? Is it alive or maybe it’s virtual with all the technology we have today.  I am thinking my Mom and Dad might opt for virtual since they have been there done that and have the T-shirt no more live Pets for them unless you can count a plant as a pet.  None the less Pets can bring such love especially when we are “Takin Time Out”.

 

We have a precious chocolate lab named Sage.  She is absolutely the best dog we have ever owned.  Her pleasant easy going demeanor and friendly personality brings so much joy to the family and neighborhood.  In fact two of our neighbors have labs, so when they are playing out in the front yard it is quite amazing to watch.  Buck and Sage are buds and can’t wait to escape and find one another to romp around the yard and share a dog chew together.

 

Sage was actually born to Belle, who lived next door.  My kids loved the anticipation of Belle expecting and couldn’t wait to experience the whole birth and big litter of puppies they were expecting.  Well that big litter ended up only being three.  All the puppies were spoken for until they developed mange.  What is that you might ask it is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines?  It was curable but the couple that originally requested her decided against it; since the puppies and mother lived next door I asked if we could buy the runt as a surprise for Christmas.  It truly was a surprise and one of their best Christmas presents the whole entire family could enjoy.  We just celebrated her 10^th birthday in human years but are 53 in dog years.  I always thought you multiplied by 7 years but that is incorrect according to the internet.  The formula is 10.5 years per human year for the first 2 years, then 4 dog years per human year for each year after.  After reading this I was very happy to know she was only 53 and not 70! LOL…

 

Pets have a way of bringing security to your life. Did you know pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression?  They help in lowering your blood pressure along with many other health benefits.  They teach responsibility and help you find meaning and boost vitality.  If you truly think about it, they are sad to see you go, miss you while you are gone, and very happy to see you when you get home.  I call that unconditional LOVE… I love Takin Time Out and just sitting to pet Sage, or throw a ball out in the front yard, she used to dive for the torpedo in the bottom of the pool but has gotten a bit old for that and I love how she wants to be in the same room you are.  The most precious thing was when the grandkids would take a nap she would lay right by the crib as a protector until they woke up.  Their instincts are amazing to me.

 

Personally I prefer dogs over cats, we had a mother cat on the ranch that lived outside and those are the best kind.  They catch little rodents and are very self-sufficient.  My oldest daughter went off to college and her boyfriend now husband decided she needed a pet and they went to the shelter and found a cute little baby kitten.  They named her Bailey and yes she was cute then she grew up and became a cat…well the roommate my daughter later moved in with was allergic to cats so guess who got to take Bailey…yes Mom and Dad.  We as parents somehow inherit things we don’t always ask for. I know my parents took on a few of my responsibilities as well while growing up.  You know what?  I grew to truly love that cat!  She and Sage got along perfectly for a cat and dog, I loved when they curled up together to sleep!  My dear nephew came to live with us for a short while.  He accidentally let the cat out one evening while she was in heat and guess what?  Yes, that sweet little cat became a very promiscuous neighborhood tramp, we couldn’t find her for two days, she had multiple lovers we determine when those litter of kittens were born as none of them looked alike!  Looking back it was such a neat experience for my kids to encounter.  I grew up on a ranch and had the privilege of witnessing several live births of calves, colts, piglets, puppies, chickens and even kittens but living in the city my kids were sheltered from those fond memories until Bailey came along.  We had made a nest of towels in the laundry basket in the back of our closet, I was sound asleep when I heard this loud unstartling cry for help…it took 5 hours for 6 precious baby kittens to be born.  We petted, stroked, and talked her through each and every one.  It was so awesome to see Bailey lick them clean then they would wiggle, struggle a bit and then finally begin to nurse, however the 6^th one didn’t look quite right and Bailey wanted nothing to do with it.  Unfortunately it didn’t make it but that happens and another great lesson for my kids.  There is life and there is death.  Bailey was a great little Momma and we eventually found homes for each of the kittens.

 

Looking back my family has had some wonderful Pets I truly laugh now that I am a parent of the sacrifices we sometimes make for our children.  My mom and dad had their fair share between my sister and me.  One summer my best friend and I rode the Greyhound bus to Salida, CO to stay with her cousins for the week.  Their neighbor had rabbits and they wanted to get rid of a few bunnies so we each talked our parents in letting us bring one home.  We named them the Duke and the Duchess and yes we eventually let them mate and had more bunnies.  My friend had a beautiful hutch that stood on legs in the back yard, mine on the other hand was a wire cage we laid on the grass I had to move it around as the rabbit was kinda like a lawn mower keeping the grass neatly trimmed.

 

The first dog I really remember was a collie named King she was a wonderful ranch dog and great with the cattle and horses.  My sister on the other hand had a teacher who had Skye terrier puppies and she begged and pleaded with Mom and Dad to get one.  They finally caved and said yes.  Now I am not sure how many of you know what a Skye terrier looks like.  This one was named Magi and she was smoky black she had long hair that drug the ground because of her short legs and their hair grows down over their coal black eyes.  They are beautiful dogs when properly groomed but not one I would suggest raising on a ranch.  Unless you kept it indoors at all times.  That wasn’t an option Mom preferred all animals to stay outdoors.  However, she did allow Magi to come in at night and sleep on the back porch.  Our corrals were kept neat but again they are corrals.  For my city friends let’s say most of them are filled with rich organic nutrient fertilizer and for my country friends it is better known as manure.  (Oh and by the way I never truly appreciate the free manure we had to put on our garden and flower beds until I moved to the city and they wanted to charge me $5.75 for .75 CUFT in a bag and a bag doesn’t go very far…are you kidding me for manure?  LOL)   Needless to say a long haired short legged dog couldn’t help but get herself into a mess on occasion.  My sister eventually got married and moved to town but left the dog behind…I cried the day Magi died.  Mom and Dad said Amen!

 

We also had a wonderful horse named Vany, now Vany was the smartest horse I ever knew she could actually open the gates from corral to corral, as a child I thought that was true talent.  Dad on the other hand would get so frustrated and sometimes those really bad words would come out of his mouth especially when he had spent all day sorting cattle and in the night she would open the gate and they would all get mixed up again for him to find in the dawning of a new day …or she would let herself out and be free to roam all around.  You literally had to pad lock the gate shut to keep her in and out of mischief.  She also was the horse when riding if she didn’t really like you would take you under low limb trees and nearly knock you off if you weren’t careful.  It was great memories and I am so thankful I experienced growing up in the country.  I truly think it helped define who I am today.  Watching my parent and grandparents work hard, work the land and appreciate God’s gifts through nature and living creatures.

 

The Bible speaks about living creatures and livestock or Pets in Genesis 1:26  “Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 

 

Pets can bring so much contentment like I spoke about last week!  They can add a bit of humor too.  My sister loves dogs and one time she had a black Lhasa Apso dog she named Seepsi.  Now I have to tell you as a small child she had an imaginary black friend named Seepsi…well Seepsi came to life but as a princess dog in her adult life! LOL  Seepsi as a small puppy was crate trained and many lessons learned stay with them through life.  Seepsi meant everything to my sister, she owned a Hallmark store in the small town I grew up in so she would go to work every day come home at noon to eat lunch and let her out and go back until closing.  Well one day she came home at lunch and everything was fine but that evening she came home from work Seepsi was nowhere to be found.  She hollered and looked inside and out, called the neighbors to see if they had seen her, called her daughter and yes she had ran by the house to take a shower and Seepsi was there when she left.  Hmmm where could she have gone?  Finally my sister gave in and thought she must have run off, got ran over and was dognapped.  It was getting late and she needed to go to bed so she went in to take her bath, opened the cabinet to grab a towel and low and behold there was Seepsi sitting on the pile of towels quiet as a mouse just wondering when then heck someone was going to let her out of that dark place.  She had crawled in earlier when my niece had come home to take a shower.  My sister broke down in tears…silly dog not a peep, a scratch, a bark all because she was crate trained!

 

Just last month I had a friend who was hospitalized on a short notice, I promised I would run by her apartment and pick up her dog Zooks and coordinate getting it to her daughter’s house in Fort Worth to stay until she was released.  It had been kinda crazy day, I picked the dog up in Dallas, I had Bible Study and had promised I would pick up a friend and her 1 year old son who lived in Irving because her car was in the shop to take to Bible Study at my neighbor’s house in Coppell, it was pouring down rain so traffic was awful, I get to the neighbor’s house to let them out and I was going to run home to let Zooks stay at my house until Bible Study was over.  I helped her get in with the 1 year old and all the stuff you take with a baby and I get back to the car of which I left running because it was hot and raining and I was in a hurry as usual.  Well low and behold Zooks was sooo excited he was jumping back and forth from seat to seat in the front and had pounced on the arm rest and hit the automatic door lock.  Yep there I was standing in the drizzling rain, car running with my purse, cell phone, house key and garage door opener all inside.  Hmmm and Oh my what is a girl gonna do?  I go back into my neighbor’s house and they have to drive me down the street to my house of which at all times no one is home and no door is unlocked, the keyless entry on the garage is not working, spare key is missing from where I hide it (darn kids)…so I am going around to every window in my house in the rain and finally find one that is unlocked and I crawl through the window in my work clothes and high heels to get the spare key to the Tahoe.  We retrieve the dog, I enjoy Bible Study and by 10:30 so happy to give Zooks to my friends daughter.  Yes I have Onstar but I am blonde and wasn’t thinking about that option until I laid my head down on the pillow replaying the day’s events of trying to do the right things and help my friends out…Some Days you have to just LAUGH a little or allot because Life Happens and not always according to plan!

 

How many of you have a pet that brings such Joy and Humor to your life?  Sometimes while you are in the moment it might not be so funny but later on after the crisis you just have a good belly laugh and a great blog story to share.  I might have to do another pet blog later as there are so many other stories popping in my head about our wonderful Pets but it is late and I have lots to do tomorrow… I hope each of you are well and “Takin Time Out” this fall or autumn and enjoying the change of seasons!  Blessings and Contentment to each of you my dear friends until next time…

 

QUOTES:  

 

 

 

Definition:  A source of satisfaction.  The acknowledgement and satisfaction of reaching capacity.  A state of being happy satisfied and peaceful.

 

I get so excited each week as I sit down to the computer.  “Takin Time Out” and releasing those dreams, desires and expression I want to share with you in this blog.  This has been such good therapy for me and I hope I leave you with some little nuggets of joy or laughs along the way but most importantly you find a connection and you too are takin a time out from your busy schedule and reflecting on what is truly important to you.  Yes, I know some of you may be thinking I need to sign back up for some additional counseling sessions.  Oh well here we go with another post…

 

As I have mentioned previously in a couple of my posts.  I choose a Word for the year and “Contentment” was the second word I chose back in 2008.  At that point in life I was happy and had been working on finding true joy (my first word of the year in 2007) but I wanted a sense of peace.  Peace that I felt I could only find in “Contentment”.  That year I did not find the word glaring me in the face like Joy but it was an incredible journey and something I still strive for each and every day.  If you set your mind to it and take deep breathe you know what it is right there in front of you…yes no matter the situation you can find “Contentment”.

 

For the most part our world and the general makeup of our culture are driven on materialistic things.   We work very hard to buy certain items, drive certain cars, live in certain communities or have certain zip codes.  Others work towards certain degrees to have a title or initials behind their names.  I compliment or commend those folks who have accomplished so much and I think this is well and good for the most part as I am a firm believer in striving to meet each of our God given talents and the gifts he has given us to use while on this earth…Until it becomes unhealthy, unbalanced and we put more emphasis on the things, titles, going and doing rather than living or being “Content” and building lasting relationships with those we love.

 

I am definitely a goal oriented person, I always have my eye on the next plan of action, I am a believer and a dreamer.   I love to write things down on paper, I make lists and get really excited when I cross things off.  I think I learned that early on from my precious Mother, as she too makes lists for everything.  Maybe it is my type A personality…How many of you make lists?  Have you ever added something to that list just so you could cross it off?  Lol, me too!  This past year through my coaching sessions Michele quickly taught me a very valuable lesson…not to strive so much for goals but for the possibilities!  Goals can be too structured and sometimes causes stress but possibilities add excitement and a new twist!  I love it… So no matter whether you call it goals or possibilities there are times we are so focused on reaching it we forget to really live and enjoy the moment.  Living in the now…enjoying the age and stage we are currently in…breathing in and really relaxing.  Takin a Timeout!

 

This week I want us to take a true look at our life…Are you “Content”?  Or are you wishing you had this or that?  Or you shoulda, coulda, woulda, done this or that? Well I say STOP IT…take a deep breath, get centered or focused.  Take another deep breath as we so often forget to really breathe…count your blessings, name them one by one.  Now answer the question again are you “Content”?  If not why?  Is it because life has gotten in the way?  Is it because you are striving for that next goal or stage in life?  So many times we let the buzziness of life rob us of living for today.  I am going to use my life as a prime example.  Looking back I have not always been “Content”.  Things just happened, or they looked a little bleak, I wanted more.  I wasn’t “Content” at all with the way things were.  I couldn’t wait many times.  The circumstances had some things to do with it but most of all it was my attitude or outlook in life.  We all have a choice.  We can be happy or unhappy…we can have a positive outlook or a negative one.  I am going to be completely honest, you know No one else can change this but YOU…it’s all in the ATTITUDE!

 

Now I know many of you may be going through a very difficult time, some of you may have been diagnosed with a life threatening disease, or you are taking care of someone who is very ill, helping make decisions for aging parents, raising children, adjusting to an empty nest, have a job loss or job changes, or in a financial difficulty.  Just reading the newspaper or listening to the media can cause anxiety.  I truly get it!  Life is not a bed of roses, well maybe it is and the thorns are getting in the way.  All I am saying in the midst of our day to day lives whether things are smooth or bumping we still have a choice in how we react or respond to things.  We still have the power to find true “Contentment”. 

 

“Contentment” can transform your life in many ways.  “Contentment” gives you pure peace; it can be a positive energy when surrounded by others.  Have you been with someone who is “Content” it just changes the whole dynamics and gives you a sense of calmness even in the midst of a storm? 

 

Please remember “Contentment” is not a destination.  It’s a manner of traveling.  To be “Content” doesn’t mean you don’t desire more it means you are thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come. I love Dean Jackson’s quote “Contentment” is not out there at some other place in some other time under some other circumstances.  “Contentment” is being fully present and grateful in any place at any time under any circumstances.”

 

I remember I used to think I couldn’t do certain things or entertain because we didn’t have this or that or our house was too small, furniture was to old and worn out compared to other friends.  Until one day I woke up and said WHY…Why do I think this way?  That’s really stupid (yes Mom I said it)…my friends or family really don’t care what we have or don’t have they care more about being together, having fellowship and makin memories.  I hope you too realize that!  We take what we have and we make the best of it, if God has blessed us with more, that is great but I know several friends that have allot of material things, big houses, the finest décor and never entertain or when you do go to their homes you feel uncomfortable and like you might mess something up…that’s just not me.  Let’s be “Content” with what we have, where we are and most importantly living in our own skin…with all the imperfections!!

 

God talks about this several times throughout the Bible.  Just a few verses I want to share are found in Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be “Content” with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  1 Timothy 6:6-8 “Now there is great gain in godliness with “Contentment”, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be “Content”.  2 Corinthians 12:10 “For the sake of Christ, then, I am “Content” with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  There are so many more it is truly a gentle reminder God’s plan is perfect and in his time not ours.

Hmmmm, I am sipping on a cup of savoring Hot Southern Peach Tea (mmmm good) while listening to a beautiful solo piano on Pandora …this brings such “Contentment” and warmth to my hungry soul on this cool October evening.  I don’t want to confuse “Contentment” with complacency we still need to strive to do better and stretch ourselves but enjoy the journey while doing so.  As I have been reflecting on my busy work schedule and how crazy life has gotten in our industry.  There is so much confusion and insecurity.  Something completely out of my control but I am so thankful to have a job, I have the ability to learn, I have the ability to make a difference in the lives I touch and there are teachable moments to me this brings joy and true “Contentment”.  No, life is not perfect.  No, I do not necessarily agree with all the changes.  But Yes, I am “Content”.   I know God has a plan and I know he is in control and for that I am forever grateful.  So as we wrap up I hope you are truly “Content” and if you are not maybe during your next “takin time out” you can decide how you are going to find it!  Life is way too short to let it pass you by without being “Content”…Blessings abound until next time my precious friend!

 

 

QUOTES:

 

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.  Buddha

 

Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, grace, contentment, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.  Sarah BanBreathnach

1. A descriptive name added to or replacing the actual name of a person, place, or thing.

2. A familiar or shortened form of a proper name.

 

 

You may be asking why in the world would you want to blog about “Nicknames”.  I wondered that myself when I began to chuckle inside…this past week I had the privilege of seeing a dear friend I hadn’t seen in quite a while.  In fact we went to a Chonda Pierce, “Girl Talk” concert Sunday night, which made me laugh.  Laughter is the best medicine after a stressful week.  Oh yes, I am a bit distracted back to “Nicknames”…well I commented on how cute her new car was and she said, “thank you I named it Critter!” when I began to think about it, yes it sorta did look like a critter…little flat hatch back and crimson red color. She had tied a nylon witch to the front for the month of October, so when we were flying down the road it appeared we had hit the poor thing…she is so fun and full of life!  It’s great to have those  friendships and “Takin Timeout” for an evening in comedy!  The concert was terrific and I got to see another dear friend Tina with a few friends from her church which made it a super duper night!

 

Well that brought back a flash back Thursday with some dear friends from High School who named their VW bugs.  Debbie had a light blue bug with one green fender and a tan rear end she called her “Betsy”, Susan’s was dark blue and she named it “Lulu” and Danette’s was also light blue but she called him “Fred”.  Not sure how they figured out the gender of a car but nevertheless it was sooo much fun cramming ourselves into them, draggin main and honking our horns.  Those girls loved their cars…I loved mine too but I never got around to naming my little red mustang.  Speaking of VW Bugs, how many of you played the slug bug game growing up?  My kiddo’s loved that game when riding in the car.  That was the only time I allowed them to hit one another without getting into trouble. 

So thinking about friends who actually named their car, I decided this week to take a quick poll on Facebook to see how many still name their cars and this is what I found out…

 

Shaylee’s sister Danielle had a car named Tinker Bell.  Shana named hers Chloe; Rhonda named her yellow hummer after her grandmother, Reba May (that’s very Southern); Pam named her red truck, Big Red; Cathy has a Greta; Janis has a Gracie; Judi’s son named his truck Frog and her daughter named her truck Silver; Tammy has Little Grey; Staci has Lilly; my Mom had a friend who had a Lincoln and they named it Abe; Donna’s dad had a pickup named Old Goldie and she has a standard transmission pickup that she calls, Shifty.  She also stated Shifty was not her friend…Lol!  Fae has a friend with a Thunderbird named Lightning Chick and Sandy brought back more memories of her Daddy’s lumber yard, she drives an old white pick-up named Everett (after Everett-Moore) her husband drives a car named Gioda and they just sold their hatchback with a hula dancer on the dashboard they had named, Bufet.  Brenda’s husband named his little Kia-The Obamamobile, (lol) Sheri calls her little Honda, Chitty Chitty, and Irene calls her Mercedes “Why Not!” (Sooo fitting)   Amazing how many friends name their cars and how they fit their personality or the make and model of the vehicle.  Now I am on a mission to figure out what to name my second precious Tahoe…hmmm any suggestions?  The last one I had was “Ole Faithful!” I put allot of miles on my vehicle, I get a bit attached and don’t like to trade very often.

 

“Nicknames”, oh how we use them- some we state to their face and others behind their back…now admit it….yes you are guilty I know it! Those inside voices do come out sometimes, we are all human!!

 

It’s funny if someone refers to so in so by a “Nickname” that you had never met and then you finally meet them you end up referring to them as that name.  For instance my husband’s side of the family we had Aunt Big Fairy (who was really little) and Aunt Little Fairy (who was really big) of which I never figured out except maybe their age had something to do with it.  But why would you want to be called fairy in the first place, ok who am I to judge that was a long time ago.  Then there was Little Joe who I met shortly after we married and I said oh you are, “Little Joe” and he said no mam my name is just “Joe”.  I was so embarrassed!   

 

My best friend Sheri uses “Nicknames” too.  Her son since the day he was born is her little “pootie”, her hubby is “Dooley”, and they call her mom “Peachy”.   We are so close I find myself calling them by their “Nickname” at times too.  Except “Pootie” is 17, I guess I better stop.  However, he will always be his mamma’s “Little Pootie”.

 

My cousin Shaylee was Shaybay and as she got older her friends call her Shay Bop.  My girls called their little brother “Bubba” and Heather was Feather and Rachel, Rachee.  After a ski trip to Taos, Uncle Hill’s family ended up calling my son Stephen, who was just a little tike, Bullet Booth as he flew down the slopes on a trail call “headin home, I don’t think he really knew how to stop (lol).  Both kids ended up being called “Boothy” through school.  We call Tatum Grace, Tator Tot and Liam – Tank. 

But one of my favorites is my sister, her name is Charmaine and in High School they would tease my brother-in-law not to squeeze the “Charmin” yes after Charmin Toilet Paper and Mr. Whipple…how many of you remember him and those silly commercials?

Grandparents now have very different names than the traditional Grandma Pansy, Grandpa Jack, Grandma Nellie and Grandpa Charlie that I grew up with.  My niece was the first born and she couldn’t say Grandma Charlene or Grandpa Jim to go with tradition.  She blurted out “Mow” and “Ba Jim” so those stuck.  The first born grandchild somehow sets the pace for others to follow.  My cousin is called “tutu”.  When my husband found out he was going to be a grandparent he was so adamant and said now I am going to be “Granddad” no pawpaw, peepee, or poopoo I am “Granddad”!  Tatum couldn’t say Granddad she said BaPa and his heart melted and yes it stuck so we are Gigi and Bapa! Lol…funny how sweet little blessing from heaven changes your whole perspective!

 

Somehow I have had several “Nickname” through the years in High School I was, Tuna Fish shortened to Tuner and my initials were TSP so I was also a Teaspoon and when I got married my initials became TB so I  became a Tablespoon.  I had a co-worker that called me T-Bird…and as I mentioned my grandkids call me “GiGi”.  But my favorite is when my hubby calls me “Baby Girl”.  It makes me feel so young and loved!  I will always be his “Baby Girl!”

 

As I wrap up I want to share during this past week I have really reflected on a passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 

1  There is a time for everything,

     and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace.

 

This passage reminds me of how short life really is, we need to embrace each and every day, laugh allot, don’t sweat the small stuff, tell those we love how much and not to have any regrets.  Things do not always go smoothly, in fact I find the harder or more difficult times are the more I lean on my Lord and Savior.  He is my rock and my true salvation.  This country is facing some very difficult times and the decisions made today have a direct effect on the future of our children and grandchildren.  At times I feel these situations are totally out of our control.  But I can pray for our leaders and ask each of you to do the same. 

 

I hope this blog made you laugh a little, brought back some great memories of your family and friends “Nickname” or car names and as you are “Takin Time Out” this week…take a deep breath, relax those shoulders and let’s count our blessings!  Until next time….

QUOTES:  “Nicknames stick to people, and the most ridiculous are the most adhesive.”  Thomas Chandler Haliburton

“When you use someones nickname so much that you almost forget their real name” author unknown

 

 

Definition:  A group of people born from the same family.  A body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor. 

This week is all about “generations”.  I find it only fitting as we are preparing to celebrate a very special lady we call “Granny” with a surprise birthday party this weekend – She will 104.  However, I bet the surprise will really be on us.  Knowing her she probably already expecting a party as we are usually up to something this time of year (Good Grief she is 104).  And one amazing woman!  Yes that makes five “generations” will be together.  She is actually my husband’s grandmother…isn’t that exciting? 

 

Gladys “Granny” Burns was born in October 9, 1909 in Utica, Mississippi.  Her family moved to Paris, Texas where she grew up, met and fell in love with Boyd Burns.  They married on July 26, 1930.  They had 6 children Gene Burns, Wanda Burns Booth (my mother-in-law), Lou Burns Patton who passed away with cancer in 1979, Ray Burns, Patsy Burns Leins and Carolyn Burns who also passed away 1995.  I truly wonder how she survived losing two of her children at such an early age.  I would say Granny’s life was more guts than glamor.  Her family was her number one priority, she worked hard every day, loved growin a garden, picked many a cotton and made the best of every situation.  After moving off the farm and into town she worked at the local hospital for a short while and then Campbell Soup opened up a plant where she put in her application at age 55 and was given a job until her retirement at 65. She should be proud of the accomplishments and values she has instilled in each “generation” and the lives she has touched and still touching.  She is true royalty at the Nursing Home…A Celebrity in the community!

 

Granny has seen and been through allot in the 104 years on this earth and the amazing thing she can still share each and every one of those experiences with you.   Granny is the only person I know that has had her gall bladder removed twice.  In the 1970’s she had surgery apparently their technology was not as precise and the little sucker grew back because in her 90’s she complained of having gall bladder symptoms but the medical community in the small town she lived in were a bit baffled so they took her by ambulance to Dallas and every turn they made while riding in the back, she described where she thought they might be like Honey Grove, to Bonham, to McKinney and by golly she was right.  The specialist took a look and low and behold she had 28 gall stones no wonder she was in so much pain.  Yes, the good Jewish doctor who was so knowledgeable removed her gallbladder once again. 

 

I have to share the first visit to her home after Greg and I got married I was looking at all the photographs on the wall but right in the center she had a ceramic plaque of an apple tree.  Each apple had a family member’s name on it…deep down I was wondering if I would get to add an apple with my name on it until I looked down at the base of the tree where I saw a few names yes they were ex-spouses who had fallen off the tree.  I quickly decided I didn’t need to have an apple. (LOL)   Granny also didn’t have central air or heat.  Not that she couldn’t afford it she just didn’t think she needed it.  Now, this Colorado girl livin in Texas did not necessarily agree so I made it a point we mainly went to visit in the Spring and Fall otherwise I thought we might die of heat or freeze from the cold.  We all loved “takin time out” with a visit to Granny’s home where kids could be kids, playing ball in the backyard, exploring, sharing and learning.  She loves to read.  We also were served down home cooking from her cast iron cookware in which she used up until the day we moved her to the nursing home at a 100, now that stuff is heavy but she managed.  There were always lots of laughs and practical jokes.  Yes a bit of drama too but I will leave that for another time.

 

As we reflect on her age, I realize how important each “generation” is to the other.  We learn, we grow, we change, we improve, we make mistakes, we rebel, we commit, we leave, we love, we support, and we share!  All in all we make a mark on our family heritage and pass our favorite and maybe not so favorite things down to the next “generation”.

 

 I love the passages in the Bible where God promises blessings to each “Generation”.  Starting out with Adam then there were 20 more “generations” until Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Juda, Pharez, Esrom, Aram, Ammindadab, Naason, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David, Solomon then 27 more until our ultimate gift and that was the birth of Jesus our precious Lord and Savior.  Psalm 102: 12 states “But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all “generations”.”  Our beliefs can be passed down from one “generation” to another but we all have a choice whether we accept those teachings and ask him to be a part of our lives.  I hope dear friend you have takin that step and if not what are you waiting for?  “Take a time out” and do some soul searching…he is waiting and always there for you.  All you have to do is ask….

 

As I have gotten older I also realize there are “generational” differences especially in the workforce.  I have a dear friend, Sherri Elliott-Yeary, who actually wrote a great book called “Ties to Tattoos” turning “generational” differences into a competitive advantage.  It really helped to explain how each “generation” works differently. The American workforce is comprised of four distinct “generations”:  Traditionalists, Boomers, Xers and Millennials. We all have different morals, values, work ethics and most importantly ways of communication and all four are rarely on the same page.  Once you understand their “generational” make-up then you can play on the strengths come together to make one awesome team.  If you are a business leader or work with various age groups, I highly recommend this easy read.

 

I am now sipping on my warm savoring cup of cinnamon tea in my favorite white mug, lovin the smell and scrumptious taste while “takin time out” from a very busy, hectic and kind of overwhelming week.  I am so thankful for this opportunity to write down what’s on my heart, buried in my soul and feeling so blessed of my rich heritage.  I feel the lineage and past “generations” have helped mold me into the person I am today.  Instilled are such gifts and talents as being loyal, hardworking, with morals & values, faith, hope, love, a servant’s heart, dedication, perseverance, kindness, compassion, love and maybe a bit rebellious at times.  Through my coaching she taught me I am a true pioneer, there is always more than one way to get to the end result.  I like to try new things…have a bit of adventure…be creative…but most of all makin memories and leaving a legacy for the next “generation”.  What about you, how do you feel about your “generation” and what impact are you making?  As you are “takin time out” this week, decide how you want to impact this world.  TOGETHER let’s make a difference….blessings to you until next time!

Definition for Fall/Autumn    Noun The Season between summer and winter comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October and November.  When night becomes more noticeably earlier.  The equinoxes might be expected to be in the middle of their respective seasons.

Last Sunday, September 22, 2013 was the first day of “Fall” or “Autumn”.  As I began to write this blog I wondered why we have two names that basically mean the same thing and why for only this season?  If you think about it winter is winter, spring is spring and summer is summer but Fall can be Fall or Autumn.  So yes, I goggled it and there was more detail than I care to put in this blog so my best answer is this:  Before the 16^th century it was referred to as “harvest” but as more people moved from the working land to the city and more began to read and write this word began to be lost.  Britain called it “Fall” centuries ago but the Brits were influenced by the French and began to call it “Autumn”.  Americans kept the original term “Fall” from “faellen’ in Old English; meaning “the Fall of the leaf”.  The word Autumn comes from the French “l’automne”.  The French got the word from the Latin “Autumnus”.  French and Latin are romance languages; English is Germanic language.  Hope you enjoyed your trivia lesson and I guess if you want to be a little more romantic you refer to it as “Autumn”.

No matter which term you use, it is such a festive time of year to me.  Baseball Season is wrapping up and getting ready for the World Series.  Tailgating and Football Season is in full swing whether it is secondary schools during the week, college on Saturday and Professional on Sunday and of course Monday Night Football.  I must say “what about those Broncos!” they did an incredible job this week…love me some Broncos.  But I must confess I have always been a Dallas Cowboy fan because they are “America’s Team” even when I lived in Colorado but that was back in the good ole days when they were true “winners” with Roger Staubach, Tony Hill, Randy White, Tony Dorsett (thunder thighs) who was later traded to the Denver Broncos.  I remember my dear sister baked and decorated a beautiful cake with the Dallas Cowboy helmet on it for the 1978 Super Bowl XII what an honor.  However, when you cut into it I was surprised to find she had baked an Orange Crush cake…we all had a good laugh!  Leave it to my sister she has always made me laugh! Then the next phase of winners with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Mark Stepnoski,  I must mention Nate Newton, John Gesek, and Mike Saxon since they all lived in Coppell.  Those were the days…I guess that is enough about football.

Now my world is filled with watching my precious granddaughter at her soccer, softball and peewee cheer events while chasing a two and half year old grandson.  It is never a dull moment that’s for sure.  Trust me don’t turn your back though as I was in charge one evening leaned down to grab his drink and next thing I know he is out on the field with his big sister.  Gigi might get fired…it takes a village to raise these kids now days but feel very blessed my children and grandchildren live so close

I saw a post the other day and really resonated with me. A great outfit for “Takin Time Out”…“Fall…The season of leggings and yoga pants is upon us!!!”  I love my yoga pants or capris, they are sooo comfy! How about you what is your favorite comfy clothes?

Autumn is very slow to arrive in Texas…during the days the temperature is still fairly hot but cools down in the evening.  I love the crispness of the air especially in the dawning of a new day!  You can actually enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. Trees really won’t begin turning until winter here but I love watching other parts of the country enjoy their seasons.  Especially in the mountains and East coast…God truly knows how to paint a masterpiece with the vibrant colors of the leaves changing and the full bloom of the wildflowers & brush along the mountain side.  It truly is breathtaking. 

I also love to decorate for Fall.  There are so many cool ways to dress up the mantel over the fireplace and tables inside.  We have BIG Orange Pumpkins in the yard, scarecrows, bundles of hay, and we plant yellow, orange, burnt red and purple mums.  When the weather really cools down we can plant pansies, ornamental cabbage and flowering kale to enjoy all winter long.  It’s also a time to plant the Fall bulbs so you can enjoy those precious tulips & daffodils next spring.

It’s also a wonderful time for baking.  Love peach cobbler, oatmeal cake, apple pie and variety of cookies.  Mmmm think I might make a bundt spice cake in the morning…

I must mention too, there are multiple verses in the Bible that speak about Autumn…

 Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth exists, seedtime and harvest, cold and hot, summer and Autumn day and night will not cease.”

Jeremiah 5:24 “You never thought to honour me, even though I send the Autumn rains and the spring rains and give you the harvest season each year.”

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 “From now on if you listen obediently to the commandments that I am commanding you today, love God, your God, and serve him with everything you have within you, he’ll take charge of sending the rain at the right time, both Autumn and spring rains, so that you’ll be able to harvest your grain, your grapes, your olives.  He’ll make sure there’s plenty of grass for your animals.  You’ll have plenty to eat.” What I get from this verse is plenty of rain and good harvest is the reward for obedience but forgetfulness of God and idolatry would be followed by drought and barrenness.  Stay faithful and obedient my friend.

Other reflections of Fall signifies the end of summer and the passage to winter.  Fall or Autumn is a time of transition, soothing, serene, vivid and vibrant.  It is “Takin Time Out” and enjoying, relaxing, reflecting, just being calm.  A time of harvest and peace.  Pour yourself a savoring cup of Cinnamon Tea…breathe deeply and reflect what you think the true meaning of Fall or romantic Autumn brings to your life!  Savoring the last of September and Welcoming Orange Flamboyant October!  Blessings to you until next time….

QUOTES:

“Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”  Lauren DeStefano

“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.”  B.C. Forbes