I am thankful my mother took the time to journal her life, passions, and heartfelt prayers. Because of what she wrote, I have insight of days and moments that otherwise would be lost to me. In her willingness to express herself through her journals, she continues to inspire and motivate me. And there are days as I read her prayers, I feel as if her hand gently brushes across my brow as it did when I was a little girl.
I giggled to myself, wondering if the people in this community realize what a fun mailman they have. Of course, my thoughts are based on the perception of our little redhead and not every house is occupied with a 5-year-old who thinks that life is one big playground and everyone is just having fun with one another. If only that were true!
I seem to find things at Antique Shops or Thrift Stores that are unusual or could have sentimental value to someone. One of my discoveries is a nursing license from 1932.
An unusual pumpkin begins a family tradition for one of our readers that has lasted through the years! —-“The nip in the air and falling leaves of gold, orange, and red inspired me for fall decorating and by the time I arrived home, I knew exactly how the prized pumpkin would be displayed! I was pleasantly surprised that first year of decorating my doorway entrance with such an unusual pumpkin how many compliments, comments, and questions I received about the pumpkin!”
While browsing through an old box of keepsakes that belonged to my Grandmother Headrick (Mama Headrick is what we all called her!), I found several folded newspaper ads, a quilting pattern, postmarked letters from her family in Mississippi, and numerous handwritten recipes. The image that came to mind as I glanced through the recipes was her kitchen. Every time I entered her house through the back door into the kitchen, I would always find leftover biscuits with smoked bacon or maybe her teacakes fresh out of the oven. She passed away in September 1977, and I am sure this box of keepsakes have been stored even long before her death.
Sitting on the floor, I tenderly unfolded the paper and began to read the words once again, line by line. As tears ran down my face, I understood the meaning of the poem so much more than I did as a young girl. The heart of the author was clear. He was filled with a love for teaching, his students, and life itself. But here he was facing a change in life and leaving behind a part of himself. Yes, he gave a gift but the gift was not the words on the paper as I thought
In my kitchen sits an antique Hoosier cabinet, traditionally known as the “Kitchen Work Center” of the late 1800s to early 1930s. Years ago, a loving mother stood at this cabinet,…
Prepared for the shark dive, we entered the water, dived 60 feet, and waited near the reef. Immediately about 30 sharks entered the area, swimming in circles 20 feet in front of us. From our boat above, a 30-gallon container was lowered. A dive instructor slithered between the sharks, pulling a metal chain from the container and swam to a spot near us. Huge fish heads were attached to the metal chain. We watched, capturing through photos and videos, as the sharks began to eat in frenzy. Smaller fish joined the feast