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Remember, I have moved my book reviews to their own blog. Tracy's Book Nook is now active.


Friday, September 5

I'm Like Fine Wine

I don’t get it! I really don’t. I will be turning 40 (yes, 40) in 86 days. So why am I still breaking out like a 16 year old girl? What’s up with that? Zits, pimples, acne, whatever you choose to call it, I got it, and I’m tired of it!

I mean, if I had to still be experiencing things like I did when I was a teen, why can’t it be eating anything I want (and as much as I want), without having to worry about weight, cholesterol, osteoporosis, etc? Or how about my energy level? Why can’t I be plagued with boundless energy at all times? Seriously, the Energizer bunny had nothin’ on me! After all, when I was a teen I worked full time, went to school full time, was social full time and even managed to complete some homework. (Note I said some homework. H.S. was really more social for me and I didn’t start to really take homework seriously until I was paying for my own college courses!)

It’s not that I mind getting older – I really don’t. I’m healthier mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I’m more grounded, patient, relaxed and even, hopefully, wiser too. I love life itself and my life specifically. To be perfectly honest, I think I’m like fine wine – I’m getting better with age. And I wouldn’t go back to adolescence for anything in the world. It’s just that, well, for once in my life I’d like to have a clear complexion. Really, is that too much for a (dare I say) middle-aged woman to ask?

Moving from my own age of youth to age of maturity, I saw something on TV that really cracked me up. I was watching the 4th hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb today, and they had a segment on with Gene Simmons, you know, from the 70’s rock band Kiss (with the makeup, wild hair and leather). It seems that Gene has a new gig these days. Apparently, he is now one of the spokespersons for AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons)! Seriously, the AARP! Does anyone else find this to be hilarious? Anyway, in his now seasoned wisdom he basically said, “The only difference between girls and women, or boys and men, is experience.” There you go – I have experience, therefore I am a woman (no matter how many zits I have).

“I’m not interested in age. People who tell me their age are silly. You’re as old as you feel.” ~ Elizabeth Arden

“Live your life and forget your age.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

“So much has been said and sung of beautiful young girls, why don’t somebody wake up to the beauty of old women?” ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

“First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful” ~ Lady Diana Cooper


“I’d rather be over the hill than under it.” ~ my 87-yr old Gram

“I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in” ~ my 87-yr old Gram

A Change of Plans ~ Fiction Friday

It is time once again for Friday Fiction, hosted by Patty at her Patterings blog. This was another entry in the FaithWriters Weekly Challenge. If you would like to read more great fiction, or participate, please go to Friday Fiction. I hope you enjoy the story.


~~~


“Oh Mom, it hurts so bad!” Mallory was lying on her bed, crying into her pillow. At eighteen, her first broken heart was a very big deal. Her mother, Valerie, was sitting beside her, rubbing her back.

“I know it does, Sweetheart. Can you tell me what happened?” Valerie responded to her daughter with a tenderness that indicated she really did understand. She and Scott had been hearing things and thought this time might be coming.

“Blake broke up with me because I wouldn’t go down to the river bottom with him,” Mallory answered her as she turned to face her mom. “I told him I knew what went on down there and didn’t even want to be around it, much less a part of it. He said he didn’t want to be with me anymore because I’m not fun like the other girls at school. I don’t know what’s happened to him – he’s changed so much!”

“People change, Honey. Sometimes that change is for the better, and sometimes it’s for the worse. Your heart is breaking right now and I wish I could take that pain away, but I can’t. I want you to know though, how proud your dad and I are, that you know who you are and stand firm on your beliefs.” Lord, give me the words to comfort her, Valerie prayed silently.

“Mom, I know people change, but I didn’t think Blake would. I mean he’s Pastor Morgan’s son. He was going to be a pastor too! We were going to go to college, get married and have a church of our own. Now it’s all ruined and my life is over!!!” Mallory’s crying intensified as she thought of the shattered dreams.

“Mallory, I know it seems like your life is over, but it’s not. And pastor’s kids go through tough times too, just like others. Blake may turn around quickly or it may take a long time. All you can do is pray for him, and for his family. You know they are having a hard time with the changes in Blake too.”

Mallory looked at her mom with tears streaming down her face. “Yeah, I guess,” she said. “But what am I going to do now? All my plans included Blake. And this just hurts so bad!”

“Mal, this pain you’re in is very real and very deep, but it will get better. I want to tell you something. Your dad wasn’t the first boy I fell for. I had a boyfriend in high school too, that I was over the moon for. We broke up when I caught him kissing my best friend. I was mad and confused and hurting more than I ever imagined, all at once. It took a long time, but I got over it.”

“See, I had my plans, but God had his. Two years after this other boy, I met your dad and I knew, really knew that he was the one for me. Two years after that, we got married. Two years after that, you were born. If I hadn’t met your dad, I wouldn’t have you.” Valerie pulled her daughter up so they were sitting face to face. “You will get through this, I promise,” said Valerie as she hugged Mallory.

“It doesn’t feel like it,” Mallory sniffled as she hugged her mom back.

“I know, but you have to trust me on this. You had your plans, but God has plans for you too, and His are always the best. He has your future in His hands and that includes the husband and children He’s picked for you.” Valerie smiled then, and pushed the bangs out of Mallory’s eyes.

“So what am I supposed to do now?” Mallory asked as she took a deep breath.

Valerie stood and held her hand out. “In a little while, you will stand strong and walk into the life that God has planned for you. For now though, you’ll just wipe the tears off that beautiful face of yours and join me for an extra large hot fudge sundae. How’s that sound?”

Mallory looked up at her mom, with a tiny smile beginning to form. She took the hand that was outstretched for her and allowed herself to be pulled up. “I guess I could do that if I can have extra hot fudge,” she said as she wiped her face. “Mom thanks, I love you. You’re the best mom ever!”

Thursday, September 4

Miscellaneous Thanks ~ Thankful Thursday


Well, here it is again - Thankful Thursday! I’m so happy to be able to offer up “Thanks” regularly for the many wonderful blessings I have, whether large or small, significant or mundane. I’d like to offer a special thank you to Iris at her blog, Sting My Heart for hosting this wonderful Meme. If you would like to participate or just read from more thankful hearts, pop on over to Thankful Thursday and join us.

This week, I’ve had a bit of catching up to do, having just returned from our wonderful, family vacation. This week I’m thankful for:

~ A wonderful family vacation, filled with fun, R & R, and lots of great time spent with my two favorite people, the hubby and Sweet Pea.

~ Traveling mercies to and from above mentioned vacation.

~ Hurricane Gustave not being as bad as what was predicted.

~ Sarah Palin (obviously I’m a conservative)

~ Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Wednesday, September 3

Cindy McCain for First Lady

I was reading a thread in a Christian forum today (on FaithWriters) regarding the upcoming Presidential election. I was shocked at a certain girl’s extremely mean-spirited and ill-informed opinions. One of the nasty things she had to say about John McCain (along with that he is an atheist, which he definitely is not and other such things) is this, “McCain cheated on his wife [my note: meaning ex-wife and btw, ex-wife is promoting and presumably voting for John] and asked her for a divorce so he can marry a barbie doll. (my source came from wikipedia if anyone is interested)”. Needless to say, this incensed me greatly and I found I had to respond. The following was my response.

As a person from Phoenix, I can assure you I am proud of and admire this “Barbie doll” very much. It would be great if the rest of us would put our money, and our actions, where our mouths are. Yes, she is an heiress, but her father grew up poor, worked hard and created his wealth. He too was a war hero, serving in WWII and being shot down multiple times. It seems as though the McCain family actually lives the Scripture Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Yes this post is very long, but informative should you choose to read it. This info was verified through Snopes.

~~~

There was an article recently in the Wall Street Journal on Cindy McCain, John’s wife. Most people only ever see an attractive woman standing beside John. It may be surprising to them how talented and involved with world problems she is. This is a summary of that article. She graduated from Southern Cal and was a special-needs teacher.

After her Dad died she became involved with his beer distributing firm and is now the chairwoman. Sales have doubled since she has taken over from her father.

They have a marriage prenuptial agreement, her assets remain separate.

She is involved around the world clearing land mines – travels to these countries on a detonation team and serves on their board.

They have a 19 year old son serving in Iraq, and another son in the Naval Academy, a daughter recently graduated from Columbia University, an adopted daughter in high school, and a son who is the finance guy at the beer firm.

They raised their kids in Phoenix, rather than D.C and he commuted.

In 1991, Mrs. McCain came across a girl in an orphanage in Bangladesh. Mother Teresa implored Mrs. McCain to take the baby with a severe cleft palate. She did so without first telling her husband. The couple adopted the girl who has had a dozen operations to repair her cleft palate and other medical problems.

They have a Family Foundation for children’s causes.

She’s active with “Halo Trust” – to clear land mines, provide water and food in war ravaged and developing countries.

She will join an overseas mission of “Operation Smile”, a charity for corrective surgery on children’s faces. She has had two back surgeries and became addicted to pain killers. She talks openly about it which she says is part of the recovery process.

Personally, I’m not surprised the media is so quiet about her attributes. They have tried to discredit John McCain because of his wife’s wealth. It looks as if she knows how to put money and time to use in many good causes. What a novel thought to have such a fine person as the “First Spouse”. She sounds more capable than Hillary or Obama. If John McCain gets elected, we would really get two for the price of one. A person with business and international experience.


Further…


Election 2008: Cindy Hensley McCain has been disparaged as a trophy wife, a Barbie, an heiress with fancy purses, even the Paris Hilton of politics. But there's more to the picture than meets the eye.

Yes, Mrs. McCain is the perfectly coifed blonde standing dutifully behind the senator during his speeches. And yes, she wears stylish clothing and carries a Prada purse. And it's true she doesn't say much. But feminist critics who write her off as a 'stand-by-your-man' shrinking violet are selling her short. In many ways, Cindy McCain stacks up sturdier than Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama. And she'd make a more impressive first lady.

Mrs. McCain: More than meets the eye.

While Obama's wife has been hating America, complaining about the war and undermining our troops serving in Afghanistan, McCain's wife has been worrying about her sons who actually are fighting or planning to fight in the war on terror. One, in fact, was until a few months ago deployed in Iraq during some of the worst violence.

You don't hear the McCain's talk about it, but their 19-year-old Marine, Jimmy, is preparing for his second tour of duty. Their 21-year-old son, Jack, is poised to graduate from Annapolis and also could join the Marines as a second lieutenant. The couple made the decision not to draw attention to their sons out of respect for other families with sons and daughters in harm's way.

Cindy also says she doesn't want to risk falling apart on the campaign trail talking about Jimmy who was so young when he enlisted she had to sign consent forms for his medical tests before he could report for duty and potentially upsetting parents of soldiers who are serving or have been killed.

The McCain's want to make sure their boys get no special treatment. Same goes for their five other children, including a daughter they adopted from Bangladesh . During a visit to Mother Teresa's orphanage there, Cindy noticed a dying baby. The orphanage could not provide the medical care needed to save her life. So she brought the child home to America for the surgery she desperately needed. The baby is now their healthy, 16-year-old daughter, Bridget.

Though all seven McCain children including two Sen. McCain adopted from his first marriage are supportive of their father, they prefer their privacy to the glare of the campaign trail. Another daughter, Meghan, 23, helps him behind the scenes.

Cindy McCain not only cherishes her children, but also her country, which in an election year filled with America-bashing, is a refreshing novelty. She seethed when she heard Michelle Obama's unpatriotic remarks that she only recently grew proud of America . 'I am very proud of my country,' Mrs. McCain asserted.

She also may be tougher than the other women in the race. While Hillary thinks she's come under sniper fire on mission trips abroad, Cindy has actually seen violence. She witnessed a boy get blown up by a mine in Kuwait during a trip with an international group that removes land mines from war-torn countries.

Mrs. McCain also is a hands-on philanthropist. She sits on the board of Operation Smile, which arranges for plastic surgeons to fix cleft palates and other birth defects. She also has helped organize relief missions to Micronesia .

During a scuba-diving vacation to the islands, Mrs. McCain took a to a local hospital to have a cut treated. She was shocked, and saddened, by what she saw. 'They opened the door to the OR, where the supplies were, and there were two cats and a whole bunch of rats climbing out of the sterile supplies,' she recalled. 'They had no X-ray machine, no beds. To me, it was devastating because it was a U.S. trust territory.' As soon as she returned home, she arranged for medical equipment and teams of doctors to be sent to treat the island children.

Michelle Obama may contribute to CARE, which fights global poverty and works to empower poor women. Cindy sits on its board.

While the Democrat women talk about helping the poor and needy, Cindy McCain actually rolls up her sleeves and does it. Who's the out-of-touch elitist?

A Good Work ~ Word-Filled Wednesday


This is my contribution to the meme Word-Filled Wednesday. For more beautiful pictures with inspiring Scripture, please visit the 160 Acre Wood, home of WFW.

I don’t know about you, but I find this Scripture to be particularly comforting. If we are only willing, He will continue to work on us, ever increasing the good within us, while helping us put to death the evil nature that is our flesh. When I read it, I am reminded that though I’m not as far along as I’d like to be, I have made significant progress in becoming the person He created me to be. Thank you Lord!

Tuesday, September 2

I'm Baaack...

We returned from our wonderful family vacation Sunday night. As you may recall, we were blessed to be able to leave the heat of the Phoenix area to spend a week in the awesome Lake Tahoe area. It was beautiful and amazing and restful, not to mention cooler than we’re used to in the Valley of the Sun this time of year! To me, there really is something special about being surrounded by nature and I always feel closer to God when I am. We really enjoyed the friendly blue jay that frequently visited our balcony and occasionally came in our room. Though I must admit, the numerous “beware of bears” notices were a bit disconcerting.





This vacation was the first for our little Sweet Pea and the first for us with her. She is nearly a year old now and while it was definitely more work to vacation with a baby, it was also more special in lots of ways. It was a time of many firsts for her. For the first time she felt pine needles and rough tree bark, sat in grass, stood in a lake, had a couple of french fries, lay in a hammock (with Daddy, of course!), went down a slide, rode in a swing, and went on a bike ride.













We had a great time with her and I think she had lots of fun too. We were staying up at the northwest part of the lake, at the Olympic village, but Jeff’s father lives in Reno, so we were able to visit him too. We also went to Virginia City (the old west town) and had a good time there. One of the best parts though, was Sweet Pea getting to meet her 95-year old great-grandma. It really was a very special time. (So now she has met Jeff’s 95-year old grandma and my 87-year old grandma!)




Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay indefinitely. As usual, when it came time to leave, I didn’t want to come home. And yet I was so happy to get home. I’m an odd duck, I know. It was great to see our 4-legged family again and to sleep in our own beds. But, it was hard to leave such beauty, cool temperatures and relaxation. However, we came home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and reconnected as a family again. In short, it was fantabulous!