Girlies Gone but Not Fogotten

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that two of my very best friends from my Arkansas roots have been visiting in our home since Thursday.  I just got back from "leading them out of town" to George Bush Turnpike.  As I headed back home, I began to experience the "dip in emotions" that I always feel when someone leaves.  This always happens when my kids leave after being home or when I have to leave them.  It usually lasts about thirty minutes because by then I get myself focused back on things I need to do.  At this time, I have chosen to stop at one of my Starbucks offices and recall our good times.  Oh, my friends do have names:  Kay Allen and Sandra Garrett.  I am not going to even try to explain our history.  It is too long but just know, I love them dearly.

They arrived around 4 p.m. On Thursday.  I met them at the Highland Village train station parking lot so I would not have to confuse them with the directions of plowing through the construction to get to our

house.  We quickly changed clothes to get back on the road to Plano so we could have a celebratory birthday dinner for Kay at Papadeux's before Ron's concert. (Yes, they got to experience the fun of 5 o'clock traffic on George Bush.) Everything was so good and we had a lot of fun.  Afterwards, we traveled to Colin College to attend a wonderful concert where Ron played his clarinet in the orchestra that accompanied a fabulous pianist. Once we arrived back at home, we pretty much headed to bed because it had been a long day for all of us.

On Friday morning we had a long coffee conversation and Sandra was feeling a little queezy.  She had a slight stomach bug which tried to ruin our day.  However, for those of you reading this who know Sandra Garrett, you know she managed to fight it off.  We went to the Arboretum and she just took it easy as we all enjoyed the beauty of that fabulous place.

After the Aroboretum I took them to Highland Park so we could drive up and down the streets to look at the beautiful homes around Beverly Drive and Turtle Creek.  Sandra had not seen SMU so we made a quick trek through the campus.  By this time, it was time to head to Prestonwood Baptist Church where the Bill Gaither Homcoming of southern gospel music would be taking place at 7. We were on the second row but eventually moved back because we were seated right in front of the speaker and it was extremely loud.  The music was great and we had a lot of fun.

On Saturday morning we left the house mid-morning and I drove them around Highland Village, Flower Mound and showed them some of my favorite places.  We eventually made it back to the Carrollton area where I was able to show them where my mother lived before she died in 2006.  Both of these ladies loved my mother very much.  It was a special time to share.

The second concert started at 3 p.m.  We were able to see Mike and Betty Goff beforehand and enjoy a short time together in the parking lot!  Mike is also from our hometown and it is always a treat to see him and Betty. This time Kay waved our second row seats in the air and got someone further back to trade with us.  Seemingly, the loudness didn't bother them because they didn't come looking for us to trade back.  Needless to say, a great time was had by all...AND Sandra was feeling like her old self again and that made us very, very happy.

After the concert, we pretty well closed our weekend down by a great dinner.  We were the last ones to leave the restaurant.  It was always hard to know when to "cut off" the conversation in order to move to the next place.

We had a final meal together this morning at Egg and I before they left.  If you haven't noticed, there was no cooking being done the entire week-end! :)

So now my girlfriends are traveling back to Arkansas.  We were reminded again of the importance of friendships and staying in touch.  Can't wait to do it again!

What a Week!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where each day you think it just can't get any better?  Well, that is how this past week has gone for me!

It began with my son, John, becoming a member of the Music faculty at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio.  Along with being extremely talented, John is also a natural teacher; this is something I have noticed for many years.  Plus, I should know since I am in the business of "teaching teachers"!  He, along with his friend, Nick, will also be conducting the Trombone Retreat again this summer in Michigan.  Only this year they have tripled the number of applicants.  John will continue to be the Principal Trombonist for the Pittsburgh Opera. Lots going on with him right now and probably more on the way.

The next joy for me was to attend the premiere of Gallows Road, a movie in which my great niece, Megan, was one of the cast members.  Seeing her on that screen was simply breathtaking for me.  She has many movies ahead in her future, I am sure.  The other great thing about the premiere was that I got to see many family members; my sister-in-law, Tommie; my niece, Ann Marie, and her husband, Alan, who had his beautiful daughters with him. Tommie's brother, Bobby was there, too, and I haven't seen him in many years.

 Madison, Megan's big sister, was such a joy to see again because she has grown so much into a beautiful teenager.  It was great to see their parents, my nephew Mark and his wife, Mandy, who are incredible parents.  It was an amazing night.

Right before the premiere I was able to surprise a student I had taught when she was ten years old at her "Senior Presentation" with the Lewisville Farmers Softball team.  Gabriella Vasquez is now about to graduate from LHS in the top 10% of her class.  She is beautiful and just as sweet as she was when I last saw her six years ago.  It was thrilling to reunite with her.

I feel so blessed and grateful to God.

Winter's Morning Sun

There you are!

Winter's morning sun.

Your warmth ignites passion for the day...

Your light illumines paths to possibilities...

Your presence fills  souls...

Bringing peace to hearts.

Thank you, God.

Beebe Remembered...no place like the home of my childhood.

In the movie, "Wizard of Oz," Dorothy clicked her heels together, closed her eyes and repeated, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home."  When I hear the word, home, my thoughts immedately return to the place of my childhood, Beebe, Arkansas, even though I have not lived there in over fifty years.

Beebe was a small town when I was growing up.  It has grown in population since then, but, at that time, there were less than 3,000 people living there. I have only fond memories of the many wonderful people who played a role during this stage of my life.  There are so many stories I could tell, but I want to save them for another time.  The story I want to tell has to do with the little church in this picture.

Anyone who frequented our home knew, without a doubt, that my mother's favorite color was blue.  (Ironically, she had the most beautiful clear blue eyes, also, so when she wore the color blue, they were the first thing about her that you noticed.)  Anyway, the majority of her clothes were blue, as was her jewelry, china patterns, bedspreads, towels, etc.  I think you get the picture.  In our home, the walls were all a very pale blue throughout.  However, the walls that are remembered by most would be the wood paneling in the kitchen.  

Our home was on College Street.  This street took you directly to the downtown area where you could go to my daddy's grocery store, Warren Brothers, Belew's Cleaners, Olmstead's Hardware (where I stole plastic cars when I was 5), Powell's or Huffaker's to buy clothes or even to the post office.  You would also go to Main Street to get your hair done at Reba Nell's Beauty Shop, something fun at Morton's Variety Store, ice cream at Mac Young's Drug Store, or, in my case, reluctantly to the dentist office to see Byrne Garrett, or when I was little, his daddy, James Hugh.  I can't leave out Dr. Kinley's office on the corner where I still laugh when I think of how he had to corner Jeannie Baker in order to give her a shot! Oh, and I can't leave out Westbrook Funeral Home where my best friend, Pam, introduced me to my first dead person! (Wow, I didn't realize I would go there in my writing.)

Because of the location of our home and the welcoming spirit of my parents, friends of all ages often stopped by to visit and to have a cup of coffee.  If there was not a pot brewing, Daddy would start one.  It was not abnormal for folks to stop by at 10:30 at night.  If the kitchen light was still on, they knew we were still up.  Why?  Because that was the last light that was turned off before my parents went to bed.  So, many wonderful meals, coffee, and conversation took place around the kitchen bar in the room with the pale blue paneled walls.  It was within these blue walls that my parents modeled to me what was meant by unconditional hospitality and grace.

In 2001, a tornado hit my small town and did some serious damage.  Our home was not blown over, but it shifted so that it could not be saved.  My brother and I salvaged as much as we could and then made arrangements for this home, which held so many priceless childhood memories, to be bull-dozed.  Without my knowledge, our dear friend, Byrne Garrett, went to our home and salvaged several pieces of the blue paneling from our  kitchen that had meant so much to so many people. 

So, now look again at the picture of the little church.  This church, along with a birdhouse, was built using the blue paneling that Byrne rescued for us.  When Ron and I got married, The Garretts and the Loveladys came to our wedding and presented us with this gift.  When I pulled the pieces out of the bag, I knew immediately where the wood was from!  I still, thirteen years later, do not have the words to describe the joy that filled my heart.  Talk about a treasure...As the Mastercard commerical would say...PRICELESS!  

So, I agree with Dorothy.  There's no place like home.  And, for me...home will always be Beebe.

FOLLOW-UP STORIES: 

Your "There's No Place Like Home" hit home for me. First memory of baby Rosalie is seeing you dressed, swaddled in a pink blanket, but best of all, Mrs. Mildred had taped a blue bow on top of you head. She and mother talked about how you looked "just like Robert!" I love my childhood memories and your family was a big part of my growing up years. Ask Robbie if he remembers the two of us on top of the building behind your house when the China Berry tree was in full bloom. We were covered in berry stain when Mrs. Mildred discovered us, she was between laughing and crying! CLYDINE MITCHELL PENNINGTON

 I remember our very own private concerts in the room right off the kitchen! We threw out names of songs and she could play all of them! Robert, sitting behind us would always request, "Twilight Time". What lovely, delightful memories for us!!! Thank you, Rosie. Sandra will love this....yesterday was Byrnes birthday. - CAROLYN LOVELADY

Beautifully written, Rosie. I have so many wonderful memories, both as a child and an adult, of the times spent with you and your family. I still remember the "burning of the letters" ritual from our teenage years! Thanks so much for sharing this~ I'll never forget the look on Mildred's face...of course, when Rosie sat down at the piano, it was like one person with four hands.KATHY MITCHELL RODGERS

Rosie, this article is excellent. I will never forget the kindness of your parents. I still have a letter somewhere in this house, that your mom sent me, when mother passed. Something I remember in that home was a wall of photographs filled with family pictures. PHYLLIS HALL - 

This is AMAZING! I had almost forgotten how super welcoming they were to guests! I remember that from my childhood! And I wasn't aware of that gift. Greatest gift ever. - ROBERT VERA (my older son)

Such a sweet story, Rosie. Your emotions for your childhood home mirror my feelings about our house on Center Street, also lost in the tornado. Sweet memories! - CONNIE WHITE CHOATE

This was great ! I could have kept on reading forever ! Age has a way of making generations appreciate being brought up in a small and where their roots truly are !!! Our daughters have reached that age. Not long ago I read something that they had posted on Facebook that indicated how much they enjoyed growing up in their hometown of Beebe. I'm glad I saw their comments A few years ago they couldn't wait to get out of this small po-dunk town. Lol !! Enjoyed this, Rosie BETTY BELEW

Amen!  I feel the same way about Beebe. - JEANNIE BAKER LATTURE


Great string of memories!!  Goes to show you can take the girl out of the small town but not the small town out of the girl!
KAY PRUITT ALLEN

Rosie, I can't tell you how many late evening cups of coffee I've had because the kitchen light was on. Can't overlook the fact that I was a member of that elite fraternity of young men who had the privilege of working for the Warren Bros.
MIKE GOFF

Loved the story !!! Loved your Mother and Dad . one of my favorite places to work was Warren Bro. 1973 - 1980
ROSE RICHARDSON

As you know, I used to sit beside Mildred on the organ bench when she began to have vision problems. We were at the wedding rehearsal for Buddy and Sandy Guyot's daughter. Mildred made the comment that when you're older than God, you can't see the music. Gerald Hammet never missing a beat, responded, "When you play better than God, you don't need the music!" I nearly fell off the bench laughing!!! KATHY MITCHELL RODGERS

WAITING FOR THE ICE TO MELT...AGAIN!!

Last Monday I was looking out of my hotel window in Franklin, Tennessee, at ice everywhere on the ground and roadways.  Today, it is Monday again, and I am looking out the window of my home in Highland Village and...you guessed it!  I am looking at ice everywhere on the ground and my street.  I have heard that history can repeat itself, but seriously?  Ask me if I am having fun.
Now some might say that they would welcome a day at home to "curl up with a good book", watch tv, drink hot chocolate and such.  Well, I have done all of those except substitute cups of  coffee for the hot chocolate.  I have also done some UNT work, talked on the phone, surfed social media, did some personal writing and oh, of course, "listened to music".  Let's not exclude what I COULD be doing:  laundry, cleaning out drawers, closets, organizing our paperwork for our taxes, and maybe even actually cook something exciting.  I have no grounds for having cabin fever.  I have plenty to do here inside this cabin!  In fact, I don't even have anywhere to go!  I think the major symptom of my fever is that I couldn't go anywhere if I wanted to because I am trapped by ice!  Ice!!  Not a favorite subject at this house.  

Looking out the front window of my home.

My spot today!

If I am completely honest, this is a fever that remains with me whatever the elements are outside.  No one loves a kickback day under the blanket better than I.  However, I don't do inactivity for very long in mind or in body.  So, what are my options?  Well, I could get up and dance.  I could go outside with Alex who is now barking at someone much to the joy of our neighbors.  I could tackle those closets or do laundry.  Nope!  I am a powerfully, strong woman who can make it through this day without resorting to the mundane.  After all, I have a fabulous Patsy Clairmont book to finish and then The Voice comes back on tonight. And then there's dinner, and more coffee, and so on, as I wait for the ice to melt. Yes, as I wait...

View from inside of my hotel room in Franklin, Tennessee

Freezing in Tennessee...Who Would've Thought?

It is 10:42 p.m.  I am in my hotel room determined to be productive and not lie on my bed continuing to accomplish very little.  I actually went downstairs a few minutes ago to walk around and actually step outside for a moment.
I have been here since Sunday afternoon for the purpose of attending a writing workshop in the home of Women of Faith speaker/writer, Patsy Clairmont, here in Franklin, Tennessee.  Franklin is about twenty minutes from Nashville and is overflowing with charm. If the weather had been normal, I could have done some shopping after we finished today because I am not due to fly home until tomorrow (Tuesday) around 6.  However, the weather in not normal...it's FAR from normal.  The Nashville area is completely iced over.  The airport is practically closed.  All flights out were cancelled today and logic says they will be cancelled tomorrow, also, since the weather is only going to get colder.

We were able to visit Patsy's home on Sunday night for the beginning of her workshop entitled, "Shaking the Tree".  Our group was small...six members from Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee.  It so happened that one of the members was from Flower Mound, Texas.  We live minutes from each other, came on the same plane, were put in hotels rooms across from each other, and are scheduled on the same flight back.  We did not know any of this until we began to talk on Sunday night.  Very small world.  Oh, and I can add to that...one of the ladies was born in Arkansas.  And, I must mention, that even another group member is an advocate for transplant doners and has a sister who is a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor.  Those of you who know my history will certainly raise your eyebrows to that.  Small, small world...

The whole experience was wonderful and I learned so much about tapping the stories of my own life. We were, also, taught how to take the steps to publish our own writing.  It was fascinating, absolutely fascinating.  It is so great to have new directions to travel in this thing we call life.

Three of us were going to have dinner tonight but the adjoining restaurant closed because the employees could not get to work.  Fortunately, this hotel has breakfast and a quick snack type meal around 5:30 which consisted of meatballs, pasta, salad, baked potatoes, hot dogs, etc.  Since the area was full of held over  elementary aged hockey team players and their beer drinking parents, we decided to go each to her own room and have a quiet dinner.  From that time until now, I have surfed the internet, talked to American Airlines, texted with friends and read.

I learned in a writing workshop this summer that when you blog, it is supposed to be somewhat short and then end with a question.  So, this may not really be a blog.  It might seem more like a report or an account written by someone who is a little restless and curious about tomorrow.  I already know I won't sleep well, so I might as well do some writing here and place my pictures at the end.

Tomorrow morning I will beat the hockey players to the oatmeal and pancakes by going early.  Then, I am going to grade papers that I happened to place in my bag at the last minute and wait...Yes, wait to see what American Airlines tells me that the rest of my week is going to look like. It may be time to work on my creativity!

DAYS LATER:
As it turned out, my flight to Dallas was one of the few that was not cancelled.  I did spend a very long Tuesday in the hotel but in the end, it turned out fine.  The neatest part was that Jason, the driver who Brenda and I met in October and who had picked me up at the airport, came and took me back to the airport.  Jason drives for many of the country stars.  His main clients are Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flats.  In fact, after dropping me off at the airport, he was going to go pick up the bass player for Rascal Flats!  He was such a nice guy and treated me as if I were important!

It was a great trip and I look forward to going back to Nashville.

You are more than you know...

Unfortunately you can't see that there was a beautiful fire lit in the fireplace.

Gathering around the table with a cup of coffee to talk about writing was pretty special.

Our Wildly Inventive Ladies!

The famous tree...

Patsy read us a poem she wrote about this little sculpture in her living room.

Listening to the guru!

Patsy sitting in the chair where she writes...her office, she says.

Patsy and I are deciding where she should sign my journal.

Not sure what we were sharing, but I am sure it was profound. :)

Patsy Clairmont, the Adorable!

This is what spoiled my shopping day in Franklin on Tuesday.

The nicest driver in the world....Jason.

Disney World 2015

On January 9, 2015, I took off with Brenda to go to Disney World where she was going to run a half marathon to raise money for LLS.  This is an organization that raises money to fight blood cancers like the one that I had.  This year, 2015, will mark my five year anniversary since my cure, so it seemed only fitting that I should be there to see her run across that line.
We had a very early 6 a.m. flight which required our awaking at 3 a.m. Friday morning.  The flight was wonderful and the plane was new.  It was spacious seating and, of course, not full at that time of day.  I slept most of the way which should not come as a surprise.

Upon arriving there, we boarded the Magic Disney Bus to our resort, Coronado Springs, where the rest of her team was staying.  It was a beautiful place and VERY spread out.  Our room was quite a walking distance from the lobby, but that was just par for the course for the rest of the trip.  This was definitely an event which was about either walking or running. The neat thing was that we did not have to worry about our luggage.  The hotel picked it up and delivered it to our rooms later in the afternoon.

The first order of business was for the girls to go get their packets at ESPN to officially register.  Following this, we shopped around the Expo for awhile.  By this time, I was really starting to get sleepy, so I sat down on the ground for awhile and waited for them.  All of the things for sale had mostly to do with running.

After we left the Expo, we went to Downtown Disney.  The first thing we did was EAT because we had not eaten since breakfast at the airport.  We ate at a place called the Earl of Sandwich.  I can truly say that it was the best sandwich I have ever put in my mouth.  After we ate, the shopping began.  Oh, my goodness, there was Disney stuff everywhere and it was all calling my name.  However, I used restraint and wound up buying a hoodie with a small MM decal that I would certainly use later.  (The weather was very chilly for Florida the first two days we were there!).  I also bought an Ani and Alex bracelet with a MM face on it.

We eventually headed back to the resort to get ready for the Inspiration dinner at 5:30.  This turned out to be a very special time for me.  For one, my picture was one of the ones flashed on the wall as a cancer survivor.  I sat there and realized that I was truly healthy again and so grateful to God and all of the people in this room.  They asked for those of us who had beat cancer to stand up.  This was very powerful.  I heard inspiring stories from speakers that have inspired me to go home and start walking, even if it is only with a slow start.

We went back to our room and hit the sack.  We were very tired from our early morning flight but more importantly, the girls had to get to sleep so they could get up at 3:00 again and head for the starting corrals!!
I got up and was out to the bus at 6:45 for the Magic Kingdom.  I was hoping to see Brenda there but missed her.  Luckily, I did see Shari and cheer her on.  I immediately headed for the Euro-rail and headed to Epcot where the Finish Line was located.  It was pretty cold, around 45 degrees, but I was fine.  Once there, I got a fabulous cup of hot coffee and an insanely delicious pastry before going down to where all the runners were crossing the line.  I would guess that I got there around 7:45.  I stood and waited for Vicky and Brenda to cross the line until around 10 o'clock.  It was so exciting to watch all of the runners.  They were all sizes, ages, athletic abilities and a couple were even pregnant.  It was so inspiring to see the pride in their faces.  It was an amazing experience that I will always treasure and never forget.  Of course, my happiest moment was when I saw Brenda pass me and cross the Finish Line a few feet away. It was such a personal experience for us to put a stamp on what we had experienced during the last five years.  Incredible!

When everyone had finished, we went to the busses and headed back to the resort so they could take a shower before our plan to head to the Magic Kingdom.  We ate a quick lunch then off we went.  By this time everyone was running on adrenalin.  They due to running;  me due to standing for so many hours! Pain, pure pain.  However, we plunged ahead.  The Magic Kingdom was what you would expect.  Huge crowds but so beautiful!  I loved the first sign of the castle.  The parade, the stores, the characters were so delightful. We went to It's A Small World, some went to a haunted museum, saw the Riverboat, and did more shopping.  Brenda and I decided that we were "done" and decided to go back to the resort.  Brenda and I got dinner to go from the hotel and ate in our room.  As soon as we finished the last bite, we turned out the light around 9 p.m.  I can't remember ever being so tired unless it was the night before!

Sunday morning was definitely the start of a new day!  We were all  rested and ready to go.  We boarded the bus for the Animal Kingdom, which next to Epcot, was my favorite spot.  We went straight to the Safari Ride.  It was like being in Africa.  There were beautiful animals to photograph and see from afar.  Yes, I wouldn't have wanted that lion to be too close.  His being way up on that rock was just fine for me!

We then went to ride on what one of the girls described as a "baby roller coaster ride."  Now, I am not one to ride on roller coasters, but figured I could manage this one.  It was actually fun but the reason it was fun was because I kept my eyes closed most of the time.  I peeked and when I knew we were coming to a curve I shut my eyes while the girls screamed! It will always be referenced as the "baby ride" for Shari, Brenda and me! I felt a great sense of accomplishment after it was over! ha  We continued on to some Dinosaur Ride which was also pretty scary, but fun scary.  Of course, we ate and shopped all along the way!

Then it was on to The Lion King.  It was so fabulous!!!!  The singers were awesome and the sets with the animals were purely delightful.  I loved that show!  However, it was the show called A Bug's Life, I think, that was a real favorite!  It was in 3D and was so great! The fun just didn't seem to stop.

Around 4 p.m. we got on the bus to go to Epcot to spend the rest of the day and end with the fireworks we had been hearing about.  For some reason, my expectations for Epcot were not very high.  I don't know why, but man, was I ever wrong!  Epcot turned out to be a real favorite place.  It was like going on a trip around the world.  We walked from country to country, pausing for a little something to eat and drink here and there.  We laughed so much and created some great memories.  We, as friends, will always remember, "Norway"!!  Yes, we will.  One of my most favorite sights was the Eiffel Tower.  Oh, dear, it brought back so many memories of Paris.

We wound up going to a Chinese restaurant called Nine Dragons where the food was really delicious.  We took our time and really enjoyed talking and listening to each other's stories.  After we finished, we went outside to claim our spots for the fireworks. As you will see in the pictures, they were incredible.  Of course, they were set to music which made the presentation even more spectacular!
Great time watching those!!

After the fireworks, we headed back to catch our bus but decided to go into "one more store".  When we came out, it was raining!  Fortunately, it didn't rain while the fireworks were going on, and forunately, also, it didn't last long.  Crazy!  Anyway, we had a fabulous, fabulous day!

Magic Kingdom!

Brenda and her marathon running shirt.

Brenda and I at the Inspiration Dinner

Finish line!  Woo hoo!

Vicky and Brenda after completing their half marathon!

Brenda and I celebrate together after a 5 year run.

It's A Small World After All!

Mickey and Minnie

Our traditional shoe picture

Rosie and new friends

Animal Kingdom - Safari Ride

Posing just for me.

Yes, Lion King, you can stay right where you are!

Beautiful animal ignoring all of us.

This is across the street from the Baby Roller coaster ride that I actually rode!

Mt. Everest ride in the background

Welcome to Epcot

Eiffel Tower at Epcot

Beautiful late afternoon sky in Germany at Epcot

One of my favorite pictures.

Closer view of the tower

Fireworks at Epcot on our last night at Disney World

Striking with music in the background!

A very dangerous crew:  Amy, Shari, Brenda, Vicky and yours truly.

On Monday morning, we got up and packed, turned our luggage into the service and had a last breakfast together.  We boarded the bus that took us to the airport and after a slight delay, took off for Texas. Luckily for us, we were one of the last planes out before they started delaying flights due to bad thunder storms.  For us, the end of a perfect trip.

It seems that every time I go somewhere I continue to think, "That was the best time ever" and this was no exception!  However, the real story is that is what travel does for me.  It makes me deliriously happy every time I do it.  I love going to places, being with people, and creating new experiences.  What I can say about this one is that Disney World truly was a Magical Place!

Lion King!

Fantastic Finale of Lion King!