Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Lindy and Snow

Five years ago on this date,  I drove over the hill to spend what would be my last hours with my sister.   I noted the fog and I snapped some pictures.   The fog mirrored my feelings that day.   

Leaving her house later, after being with her alone while she took her last breath, and talking to her about her mansion with snow, the one that God had likely prepared for her,  a clear sky with a ray of sunshine peeked through ominous clouds.  So I snapped another picture.

I thought about the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that decorated her table for the last couple of years...  and how it seemed symbolic of her failing health. 

The funeral home viewings brought many family and friends together to celebrate her life.  I learned a lot about my sister.  We shared stories and we laughed and cried.  

Lindy had a powerful personality, the kind that's not easily forgotten.  She said what was on her mind, and had a lot of wisdom to share with those willing to listen.

She loved lots of snow, building snowmen, making snow angels, and sled riding.   She hoped God would put her in charge of the weather when she entered Heaven, and that would mean only one thing - A lot of snow! 

The warmer temperatures, fog, and rain that had been upon us up until then, disappeared soon after Lindy took her last breath. 

It was surreal, walking out of the funeral home that dark Sunday night, to a thick blanket of freshly fallen snow.  The earth was eerily quiet, and the snow fell heavily around me.  I looked up and felt the icy flakes collecting on my face and I smiled.   In the dark and quiet of the night, I whispered...   Winter has arrived, dear sister.  You must be pleased.   

The day of her funeral, blizzard-like conditions and bitter temperatures followed the funeral precession up the mountain and to the cemetery.  Wind whipped at the funeral tent and as everyone scurried to get into the building and out of the cold.   I went up and pulled a daisy from the flowers that laid atop her bed of rest and I whispered, "I hope you're happy." 


Happy, indeed.  For her memory will continue to bring happiness to many of us - the loved ones she left behind. 

~~ Until we meet again ~~
  

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Awesome God

The year in review would be one spent mostly out doors.  If I were to do a year in review.

God has been more than gracious to provide the most lovely seasons for us during this pandemic.  Spring.  Summer.  And oh, the most gorgeous fall...  

The year has stung, that's for sure, in that vacations, church, gatherings, and family get-togethers have been a no-no - thanks to Covid.    

But God's presence has been huge, at least in my experience with this year.  I am finding Him and His peace even though the world seems to be falling apart around me.  My God is an AWESOME GOD!!

As Covid rears it's ugly head in  a very big way once again, numbers climbing and some urgent changes in how we do things, I stand on His love and His peace and His protection in all things.  

Gracie says, she concurs.


 

Saturday, November 14, 2020

~Meet Mandy Baxter~

We were sitting on the back porch discussing plans to save the world (haha) when Gary asks, "What's that?"

"What?" I replied.

"That.  It sounds like a cat."

"It's probably one of the birds feeding at the bird feeder."  I was sure.  Gary was not convinced.

"It's a cat," he said.

"No way."  The privacy fence would keep uninvited guests at bay.  Yea, right.

So I began to survey our yard carefully, looking for signs, and there she was, hiding beneath the lawn mower cover.  Meow.  Meow.  Meow.  I hurried Gracie inside, so she wouldn't scare kitty away.  

Kitty was apprehensive, but quite hungry.  A packet of tuna helped build trust and before we knew it, she was an overnight guest staying in husband's shed.

Allowing Gracie to smell her was met with strong disapproval from the sweet thing and she hissed and growled, ready to spring on the dog who just wanted to love her.  Minus Gracie, she was the sweetest, most loving little thing you would ever want to meet.  She purred and played and snuggled with us for the remainder of the night.

I tried frantically to find her a home, but with no success.  So we did what we had to do.


During her ride to the shelter I sensed her loving, playful eyes now throwing daggers.  She had been betrayed. 


I couldn't sleep.  Those eyes kept staring back at me and I was certain God had sent her into our yard for a purpose.  But why?

A week later we piled into the car, my sister, my daughter, my granddaughters, and myself...  we were going in for the rescue!!  


Meet Mandy Baxter.  


Princess of her domain.





Thursday, September 24, 2020

Gracie's Sweet Sixteen

 I can only imagine the cuteness that took place 16 years ago today, as a litter of adorable cockapoos were born into this world.

Months later, when I was met with the decision of which one would go home with me, I could see for myself the cuteness they had all grown into.  Eeenie, Meenie, Minnie, Moe.... which one shall I pick to go (home with me).  I picked up the cutest, curliest, most adorable one, and I asked, "male or female?"  After kissing him on his head, I returned him to his siblings. I wanted a girl.

"Who's this little cutie?" I asked, as I picked up the shy one.  *Her puppy breath was amazing*  

"That's a girl," the owner of the litter said.  

We bonded immediately, and Gracie came home with me.

Gary and I have been married 18 years.  Gracie has been with us for 16 of those years.  We barely know life without her.  I imagine when her time on earth is thru, I will still see her, sneaking around the corner to check on dinner.  I will feel her walking behind me to receive her daily fortune cookie when I go to my office in the morning.  Her bark will be heard from inside when she is out and ready to come in.  Her presence will be felt each evening as we settle in to watch some TV and she lays resting beside us on the sofa.  I'll hear the patter of her paws making her way up the ramp at night to join us in bed.  When we come home from being out somewhere, I will look around the house for her to greet us.  I will smell her sweet smell after a day at the spa.  But all this, will be a memory.

Maybe Jesus will come and take us all home before her departure from this planet.  We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but what I do know is that I am thankful for God's goodness, and these past years with my girl, Gracie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!


 James 1:17 NIV  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  



Friday, September 18, 2020

Bye-Bye AAH

 It seems like only a short while ago I was blogging about opening my own business!!   Or should I say, our business.  My husband went in on this endeavor with me, and retired 3 years later.

Ahh the memories back then!  The big gold ear, the preparing of the office,  the wonderful, high expectations!  It was an exciting time.


That was in July of 2011.  Oh, how time swiftly passes!!

Several years ago the big gold ear showed signs of rotting, and so we purchased a replacement for it.  Only this time we asked for a double-sided ear.  Our carver put a nose on it (**gasp**) but hey, whatever, right?  Haha!


This working from home thing has been wonderful!  But Covid has not been kind to any of us, right?  I miss the talking to people without wearing a mask.  I miss the many hugs from my customers.  I miss normalcy.  But don't we all? 

I decided in late March, after having wasted thousands of dollars on advertising just days before the pandemic shutdown, (spring and early summer are some of our prime months to prosper), and having to shut down for so long -  it's time.  Goodbye - All About Hearing!

I'm still doing curb service for those in need of service, but it is doubtful that I will open my doors for real business, and on Dec. 15 I will retire the open/close sign,  and likely take a hatchet to the gold ear (anybody need some weird lawn art? haha!)  Then I will take on the title of RETIRED myself!  No hatchet job tho.  Eeeeek!

So that's my Covid related story.  I'm looking at this in a positive light tho.  This will give me more time to do the things I love.  Reading, writing, spending time with my family etc.  A new chapter in my life, is all it is.  So once again, I'm excited with this new future - and I thank God for clearly speaking retirement into my heart, mind and soul.  It is all good!





Friday, July 31, 2020

ON A BUNNY HUNT

Baby Bunny, why are you out of your nest?  You know you could have been run over by the lawn mower?  You're lucky we found you.


I'm scared and tired, just let me rest here a while.


You must go back to your nest or the big dog will be about looking to catch you and find your squeaker.  And...  well, it could get ugly.


Okay.  Thank you for saving me.


Baby Bunny, you are growing...  but still, be careful.  I have tied the big dog up but you don't want to go near her.  She may not play nicely.


It's okay.  I'll just wait right here with my mama.  She will protect me.


Mama Bunny, where is your little one?  And, is there anything at all I can do to make your stay more comfortable?  Can I bring you a carrot or a celery stock?


Mama, that girl that saved me said there's a big, bad dog that lives here and it will catch me and extract my squeaker.


Don't worry my little bunny.  You have become way too fast for that dog.  She thinks she can, she thinks she can.  But.  She can't.



Wednesday, July 22, 2020

My First Work of Fiction THE HOUSE

What have I been doing with myself during quarantine, you ask?

For one thing, finishing what I started.

My first fiction novella:




You can find the book here:  THE HOUSE 

Because you are my blogger friends - And because Gracie said I should  ♥️ I will send you a free copy in exchange for a review on Amazon.

If you are interested in reading THE HOUSE,  email me at chambrayblue20@yahoo.com with either a physical address (paperback) or email address (kindle e-book), and I will get a copy to you free of charge.

Thank you for your friendship!  Love to all 💛❤️💜💙💚♥️💗


Friday, May 15, 2020

COVID CHAOS Episode 2

So there we were.  At home.  It is not safe to be out in public, said the exports.  What to do, what to do.  I tried to generate some online love from the grands.


The older kids were absorbed in other things, I suppose.  I got nearly a grunt from them, but Summer on the other hand...   She was always there to remind me - she was still with me in heart, tho separated by space.

Gracie decided things weren't bad enough, so she took sick.  Very sick.  I wondered, is this her time?  I was extremely anxious and sad.  I was in robot-mode as I tried hard to bury any feelings I had and we visited multiple vet hospitals via curbside service, masks in place, social distancing practiced, and lots of cash spent to fix my girl, while feeling helpless and hopeless.


Life had changed dramatically overnight.  It would hurt for a long time and freedom as we knew it may never be again.  Fortunately and thankfully, Gracie, after many weeks of meds that seemed to make her even worse, showed signs of improvement.


Getting her outdoors proved to be the best medicine she could ever have.


God kept reminding me of His presence in the beauty that surrounded me.


"I am still here.  I have never left," He whispered.


I searched for signs of beauty amidst the chaos, uncertainty, bitter cold and spring snow-squalls.


 And wondered, what the significance was - for this creature to show up on our doorstep and refuse to leave.  I'm pretty sure I covered his presence in another post....


 I cannot say the stay-at-home days were (are) bad.  Quite the contrary.  Time is on my side.   I have time to read, write, clean house, watch television, and the best part:  Every single one of my favorite churches and pastors have been doing online services.  So much to do - and so much time to do it.

Time.

That thing we often long for.


Thank You God for the wonderful blessings of family near and far who have kept and are keeping in touch.


And for Your reminder,  God.

"I am still here."


My curbside business  leaves me wondering,  are we being ushered into a new normal?