Sunday, November 18, 2007
HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY!
My panhandle state celebrated its 100th birthday on Friday, November 16, 2007. The day was filled with planned events all over the state cumulating an entire year of celebrations. I, unfortunately, was unable to attend any of them.
But, I did arise with a song in my heart on Friday morning:
baba baba baba babaOoooooo-klahoma!
Where the winds come sweeping down the plains,
And the waving wheat sure smells sweet
When the winds come right behind the rains.
Visions of Rogers and Hammersteins' musical danced in my head! Then my thoughts became captivated with another vision.
Several years ago, we had a talent show of sorts for our Sunday School department. I will not divulge all the details in interest of protecting the innocent (and not so innocent), but one performance in particular always brings a smile to my face.
One of my friends provided entertainment dressed as quite the hillbilly girl singing "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't So No" from the musical "Oklahoma!" It was a riot! She and I share the same twisted sense-of-humor that can easily get us in trouble. Her sharing with me the fact that she REALLY wanted to perform that song dressed as a pregnant hillbilly has forever imprinted that image in my thoughts.
And so my song changed from "Oklahoma!" to "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No" in a matter of heartbeats. And as so often happens with songs, it stayed with me the remainder of the morning. So while others sang "We're Oklahoma Rising" or baba baba baba baba. . . . - I simply found myself "in a turrible fix"!
Thanks my friend, I wouldn't trade that memory for anything!!
simple faith
My panhandle state celebrated its 100th birthday on Friday, November 16, 2007. The day was filled with planned events all over the state cumulating an entire year of celebrations. I, unfortunately, was unable to attend any of them.
But, I did arise with a song in my heart on Friday morning:
baba baba baba babaOoooooo-klahoma!
Where the winds come sweeping down the plains,
And the waving wheat sure smells sweet
When the winds come right behind the rains.
Visions of Rogers and Hammersteins' musical danced in my head! Then my thoughts became captivated with another vision.
Several years ago, we had a talent show of sorts for our Sunday School department. I will not divulge all the details in interest of protecting the innocent (and not so innocent), but one performance in particular always brings a smile to my face.
One of my friends provided entertainment dressed as quite the hillbilly girl singing "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't So No" from the musical "Oklahoma!" It was a riot! She and I share the same twisted sense-of-humor that can easily get us in trouble. Her sharing with me the fact that she REALLY wanted to perform that song dressed as a pregnant hillbilly has forever imprinted that image in my thoughts.
And so my song changed from "Oklahoma!" to "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No" in a matter of heartbeats. And as so often happens with songs, it stayed with me the remainder of the morning. So while others sang "We're Oklahoma Rising" or baba baba baba baba. . . . - I simply found myself "in a turrible fix"!
Thanks my friend, I wouldn't trade that memory for anything!!
simple faith
Friday, October 05, 2007
A Wedding Revisited
We recently attended a wedding for two young adults that we greatly admire. We knew going in to the wedding that the colors were almost the same as ours - ours black and white/theirs black and ivory. But the night was full of moments that had me catching my breath and whispering to my husband things like, "Calla lilys!" and "Look at the monogrammed mints!" Yes, in some aspects it was our wedding revisited - and updated by twenty years.
Their pastor did an incredible job during the ceremony. He said all the things I believe about marriage summed up and presented in a beautiful package. He even did an awesome job of keeping the ceremony going when the bride was about to lose her composure during the vows - he quipped, "Yes, sometimes that poorer part is a little hard to take!" The bride and everyone laughed and she was able to continue looking as stunning as she did at the beginning of the ceremony.
About a week later I was still thinking how wonderful it was and remembering how wonderful our ceremony was also. I remembered our pastor's words to us about the three C's, but couldn't exactly come up with the words. So, I drug out the video, dusted it off, found a VCR in our house that was still actually in use, and sat down for a trip down memory lane.
First let me introduce you to our pastor. This is what he wore to the rehearsal: jeans, t-shirt, flip flops, and he did not bother to tuck his rat tail in his collar. Believe it or not, my Grandmother was impressed - not the uptight Baptist preacher she had prepared herself to meet.
His words to us were wise and everyone commented on them at the time. Twenty years later they still speak volumes in our relationship.
Companionship: we must choose to be lifelong friends.
Communication: the key to making the relationship work.
Commitment: what keeps us going through this entire journey together.
Twenty years ago I was deeply, passionately, completely in love with my husband. Today, somehow, I am even more deeply, passionately, completely in love with my husband. It is still the same, yet it is so different.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for us over the next twenty years.
Always and forever.
simple faith
We recently attended a wedding for two young adults that we greatly admire. We knew going in to the wedding that the colors were almost the same as ours - ours black and white/theirs black and ivory. But the night was full of moments that had me catching my breath and whispering to my husband things like, "Calla lilys!" and "Look at the monogrammed mints!" Yes, in some aspects it was our wedding revisited - and updated by twenty years.
Their pastor did an incredible job during the ceremony. He said all the things I believe about marriage summed up and presented in a beautiful package. He even did an awesome job of keeping the ceremony going when the bride was about to lose her composure during the vows - he quipped, "Yes, sometimes that poorer part is a little hard to take!" The bride and everyone laughed and she was able to continue looking as stunning as she did at the beginning of the ceremony.
About a week later I was still thinking how wonderful it was and remembering how wonderful our ceremony was also. I remembered our pastor's words to us about the three C's, but couldn't exactly come up with the words. So, I drug out the video, dusted it off, found a VCR in our house that was still actually in use, and sat down for a trip down memory lane.
First let me introduce you to our pastor. This is what he wore to the rehearsal: jeans, t-shirt, flip flops, and he did not bother to tuck his rat tail in his collar. Believe it or not, my Grandmother was impressed - not the uptight Baptist preacher she had prepared herself to meet.
His words to us were wise and everyone commented on them at the time. Twenty years later they still speak volumes in our relationship.
Companionship: we must choose to be lifelong friends.
Communication: the key to making the relationship work.
Commitment: what keeps us going through this entire journey together.
Twenty years ago I was deeply, passionately, completely in love with my husband. Today, somehow, I am even more deeply, passionately, completely in love with my husband. It is still the same, yet it is so different.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for us over the next twenty years.
Always and forever.
simple faith
Friday, September 28, 2007
Children's Books
I wandered in to the children's book section this week. I was needing to purchase a gift for my nephew's 2nd birthday. I had looked at the toys at the superstore, but the words "recall" kept ringing in my ears. I also found myself wondering how every toy I looked at would allow his imagination to grow. A two year old boy is fascinating to watch!
It's been a long time since I have been in the children's book section. I began by browsing the Christian books. There were several that were beautiful, but none that had the simplicity for which I was looking.
I began walking a bit more and found the Dr. Suess section. There were several board books just like I was hoping to find. I picked one up, opened it, and was immediately taken back in time.
I was sitting on a couch with a freshly bathed and jammied toddler boy snuggled up to me. We were reading "Go, Dog, Go!", complete with sound effects and drama.
Well, that book was a keeper.
Next came "Dr. Suess' ABC Book". The rhythm of reading that book came back quickly - "Big A, little A. What begins with A?" Once again I was back in one of my boy's bedrooms. This time it was a rare afternoon quiet time that they had brought a book to me to read.
Keeping that one too.
I picked up a couple of others and continued browsing. And then I found it - quite possibly one of my favorite bedtime books - "Good Night, Gorilla". And it was a board book! I smiled as I looked through it, remembering the silly antics of the baby gorilla.
Okay - I HAD to get this one also. So, I put back a couple of other books and left with the three mentioned ones.
We have a special book shelf in one of the boy's closets that holds "keepsake books". These are the ones I cannot bring myself to part with each time we clean out books. Our copy of "Good Night, Gorilla" is there. It's actually in good shape considering all it has been through - two boys. Just one loose page I need to repair and one page that is completely taped back together.
A good reminder to seize each moment, for it all passes quickly.
Carpe Diem.
simple faith
I wandered in to the children's book section this week. I was needing to purchase a gift for my nephew's 2nd birthday. I had looked at the toys at the superstore, but the words "recall" kept ringing in my ears. I also found myself wondering how every toy I looked at would allow his imagination to grow. A two year old boy is fascinating to watch!
It's been a long time since I have been in the children's book section. I began by browsing the Christian books. There were several that were beautiful, but none that had the simplicity for which I was looking.
I began walking a bit more and found the Dr. Suess section. There were several board books just like I was hoping to find. I picked one up, opened it, and was immediately taken back in time.
I was sitting on a couch with a freshly bathed and jammied toddler boy snuggled up to me. We were reading "Go, Dog, Go!", complete with sound effects and drama.
Well, that book was a keeper.
Next came "Dr. Suess' ABC Book". The rhythm of reading that book came back quickly - "Big A, little A. What begins with A?" Once again I was back in one of my boy's bedrooms. This time it was a rare afternoon quiet time that they had brought a book to me to read.
Keeping that one too.
I picked up a couple of others and continued browsing. And then I found it - quite possibly one of my favorite bedtime books - "Good Night, Gorilla". And it was a board book! I smiled as I looked through it, remembering the silly antics of the baby gorilla.
Okay - I HAD to get this one also. So, I put back a couple of other books and left with the three mentioned ones.
We have a special book shelf in one of the boy's closets that holds "keepsake books". These are the ones I cannot bring myself to part with each time we clean out books. Our copy of "Good Night, Gorilla" is there. It's actually in good shape considering all it has been through - two boys. Just one loose page I need to repair and one page that is completely taped back together.
A good reminder to seize each moment, for it all passes quickly.
Carpe Diem.
simple faith
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
I Love a Parade
Growing up in a tiny town in the southwest corner of my panhandle state, the 4th of July was a BIG deal. I have so many memories of the fun of those days.
There was always a parade. I am not sure how old I was when I began participating in it. There is a picture of me in first or second grade dressed in red, white, and blue (complete with an Uncle Sam hat made of construction paper by my Mom) riding my bike which was also decked out with red, white, and blue. And then pictures of me and friends on flat bed trailers that had been transformed in to floats that fit the theme of the year. One year in particular stands out as I was a trapeze artist for the morning on a float commemorating the circus theme - those dance costumes were always put to good use. Junior high and high school brought cheerleading floats. And one year I drove my convertible in the parade - a sign on my side reading "Miss Tiny Tot 197?" and a sign on my passenger's side reading "Miss Tiny Tot 198?" with my little sister standing in the seat and waving to the crowd. It was her day to hand over her title to the new Miss Tiny Tot.
Miss Tiny Tot? Yes, one of the many contests held at the park each year. Little girls in swimsuits walking across the stage and doing a little turn for the judges as her name was announced along with the "daughter of. . .and granddaughter of. . ." reading taking place. Before my days in tiny town were over they had also added a Mr. Muscle contest - little boys in swimsuits striking a "show me your muscles" pose as their reading was taking place. Both contests were popular with all the folks setting under the shade trees in the park enjoying their BBQ lunches they had stood in line to get.
Other contests also held old fashioned hometown fun charm. There were turtle races, frog jumping contests, greased pole climbing, and a sand pit filled with change for the finding. And of course the afternoon would not be complete without a free swim at the pool - conveniently located at the park also. For a few years we even did a swim show prior to the free swim. Coordinating swim suit clad girls doing a choreographed routine to a popular summer song. Esther Williams I was not - but it was fun!
Nightfall brought more events. During my grade school years there was a rodeo. And throughout all my years in tiny town there was a street dance. Right on Maine Street and complete with a live band on a flat bed trailer. Folks of all ages mingled that street each year. I always thought it was so cool to watch the "older crowd" dance the night away.
Our family fireworks were usually set off behind my Granny and Papa's house. The large dirt parking lot of the local cotton gin was a great place to assure little damage would be done by our fun.
Memories of such times are wonderful. I am sure time has romanticized them. I am okay with that.
I hope my own children's memories of holidays are romanticized as they become adults also.
simple faith
Growing up in a tiny town in the southwest corner of my panhandle state, the 4th of July was a BIG deal. I have so many memories of the fun of those days.
There was always a parade. I am not sure how old I was when I began participating in it. There is a picture of me in first or second grade dressed in red, white, and blue (complete with an Uncle Sam hat made of construction paper by my Mom) riding my bike which was also decked out with red, white, and blue. And then pictures of me and friends on flat bed trailers that had been transformed in to floats that fit the theme of the year. One year in particular stands out as I was a trapeze artist for the morning on a float commemorating the circus theme - those dance costumes were always put to good use. Junior high and high school brought cheerleading floats. And one year I drove my convertible in the parade - a sign on my side reading "Miss Tiny Tot 197?" and a sign on my passenger's side reading "Miss Tiny Tot 198?" with my little sister standing in the seat and waving to the crowd. It was her day to hand over her title to the new Miss Tiny Tot.
Miss Tiny Tot? Yes, one of the many contests held at the park each year. Little girls in swimsuits walking across the stage and doing a little turn for the judges as her name was announced along with the "daughter of. . .and granddaughter of. . ." reading taking place. Before my days in tiny town were over they had also added a Mr. Muscle contest - little boys in swimsuits striking a "show me your muscles" pose as their reading was taking place. Both contests were popular with all the folks setting under the shade trees in the park enjoying their BBQ lunches they had stood in line to get.
Other contests also held old fashioned hometown fun charm. There were turtle races, frog jumping contests, greased pole climbing, and a sand pit filled with change for the finding. And of course the afternoon would not be complete without a free swim at the pool - conveniently located at the park also. For a few years we even did a swim show prior to the free swim. Coordinating swim suit clad girls doing a choreographed routine to a popular summer song. Esther Williams I was not - but it was fun!
Nightfall brought more events. During my grade school years there was a rodeo. And throughout all my years in tiny town there was a street dance. Right on Maine Street and complete with a live band on a flat bed trailer. Folks of all ages mingled that street each year. I always thought it was so cool to watch the "older crowd" dance the night away.
Our family fireworks were usually set off behind my Granny and Papa's house. The large dirt parking lot of the local cotton gin was a great place to assure little damage would be done by our fun.
Memories of such times are wonderful. I am sure time has romanticized them. I am okay with that.
I hope my own children's memories of holidays are romanticized as they become adults also.
simple faith
Labels: Memories
