Random Birthday Thoughts

My daughter Hannah woke me up at 6:30 this morning to sing Happy Birthday. That's how I used to wake up my girls every year on their birthdays. I still do sometimes :). What we do in our children's lives leaves an impression. She remembered the tradition and took joy in croaking out the song in the wee hours, on a Saturday morning. As much as I don't like waking up early, I loved hearing her voice and knowing that she remembered her mama. 

After 57 years of birthdays, I pretty much accept that I'm getting older. My body feels the creaks and aches even as my mind tricks me into thinking I'm still forty. 

Blessings (in no particular order):

• Tim and I traveled to South Carolina and Northern Ohio. 
• We discovered a lovely place called Kelleys Island. I fell in love with this quaint, calm village in the middle of Lake Erie. I want to go back.
• We have a new granddaughter, Ella Cate. She's pure joy. 
• Enjoyed our other seven grandkids as they grow and learn.
• Watched lots of baseball from T-ball to MLB. Love those Reds!
• Visited family and celebrated our nieces graduations. One from high school and one from college. 
• I spent a week with my daughter, her son, and brand new daughter.
• I've shared books with Dylan. I love to encourage reading.
• Work is good.
• I've gotten lots of hugs.
• Kept in touch with friends.
• I'm still writing, slow but sure. 
• I love my critique group. 
• Church is inspiring.
• I'm thankful for Jesus and his love for me.
• And I know there's more to come...

I'm not looking forward to knee replacement surgery in August, but I am looking forward to positive results. 

So here I am. Fifty-seven years old. Three years from sixty. Thankful for the wisdom I've gathered along the way. 

Before I close, I want to share my life verses:

1 Thessalonians 4: 10-12
And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

         
1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Is there a Small Town You Love?

I grew up near a small town and to this day, I'd say that's a good thing. 

We lived in the country and traveled to town for groceries at Woody's, named after the owner. Hardwood floors held metal shelves filled with items like the latest Jell-O-Dream Whip treat. My brother worked there and the butcher knew the cut of meat my mom wanted before I asked. 

My sister worked at O'Dell's drug store. Sometimes after school, I'd walk to the store to wait on her. He had the best comic book display in town. Down the street, stood the local library. Another place I spent many hours. One librarian kept the place running. Many a treasured stories went home with me, where I spent hours on the front porch with the characters, who rode horses, solved mysteries and lived in fascinating places.

As I write my own stories, I try to weave in some of the small town charm I remember. America still touts many villages and communities that offer folks a quaint, friendly experience. Check back to read about some our countries wonderful small towns and the delights of living there.

Is there a small town you love?