Pay Attention

Knee replacement has given me a new perspective on what it means to pay attention. Being temporarily disabled, I've had to use a cane and a wheelchair. The cane slows me down, so I tend to appreciate the weather, the solid sidewalk, and the the outdoors in general a lot more. I've always been thankful for my surroundings, but going at a snail's pace makes me much more alert to what's around me.

Then there's the wheelchair. I used one when I went to the grocery store or any other big box store. When I shopped, previous to surgery, I tried to be aware of what was around me. I never wanted to step in front of someone else or get in the way, even though I probably did. Now from the perspective of a child's height, in a chair that I had to guide, my eyes were opened to the difficulty that comes from other people not seeing what's around them. People cut in front of me, or overlooked me and pushed past. Not everyone, but most. I did have a young man offer his help as well as an employee. And of course my husband. Then there were the items on out-of-reach shelves, especially the lower shelves. When the cans were pushed back I couldn't see them, let alone reach them by myself. Although I could stand to reach the top, many people can't.

Another observation I discovered is that many people who use the chairs have invisible disabilities. I tend to believe if someone is in a chair, they need to be. As soon as I am back on my feet, I'll offer my help. If people want it great, if not that's fine too.

My purpose in writing this little rant is to bring to attention the need to "pay attention." Be aware of surroundings. See who's beside you. Know what's going on. Offer a hand. Get out of the way. Be polite and compassionate. Just pay attention!

Desperate Measures by Christy Barritt

Christy Barritt has once again penned a heart-racing thriller. As soon as I opened the first chapter, I knew I was in for a roller coaster of emotions, surprises and excitement. And she did not disappoint. In this romantic suspense, the perfect hero steps in to rescue the heroine. But he doesn’t know why or what he’s in for. One of the things that shines through Christy's books is the amount of research she’s put in to make the details accurate and the story believable. I love the thrill of the chase, the tension of the romance brewing and the endless doubt that anything will work out. Most of all, I enjoyed the satisfying ending. If you enjoy suspense, you'll want to pick this one to keep you up at night. If you're new to the genre, this is an excellent choice to introduce yourself to it. I highly recommend Christy's new book, Desperate Measures.

Say I Love You

My beautiful niece Brea snapped a photo of the Le mur des je t'aime in Paris, France. I'd never heard of this, so I clicked the link. The web site was in French, so I still didn't know. Thankfully, Brea filled me in. The wall has the words "I love you" written in 160 languages. What a beautiful sight. 

That made me wonder. How can I show people I love them in 160 different ways? Here are a few.

• Write a letter
• Tuck a note in a lunch box (I did this for my kids and they did it for me) 
• Hug more
• Encourage-- not just when they're down, but everyday (my husband does this)
• Give a smile
• Share a cookie
• Send a card-- especially to kids in college or folks in the military
• Serve a favorite food
• Listen
• Say I love you...

These are easy ways to share love. And there are so many more.

I'd love to know how you "show" I love you. Share please--

Worth Remembering

I spotted this at the doctor's office the other day. A saying worth remembering.

Arbuckle Mountain Original Fried Pies and Coffee

Tim and I like to try out different eateries in the area. After we grabbed a cheese burger at Five Guys, one of the best hamburger joints ever, we checked out Arbuckle Mountain Original Fried Pies and Coffee. They serve several fruit and cream pies plus pecan. We tried the blackberry and it’s delicious.

According to the gentleman working, a fried pie has fewer calories than a glazed donut. Plus they are big enough to split with a friend. I don’t think I could eat a whole one by myself.

Tim sipped coffee with his half of the pie and I tried the Earl Grey Lavender tea. Both got a thumbs up.

Later, I googled Arbuckles and the Original Fried Pie shop, and discovered that a grandmother first created the pies for ranchers and ranch hands in 1893. They’d pack well and be easy to eat on the job. I can envision her rolling out the round dough stuffing it with meat and vegetables or sugared fruit, folding them in half and frying them up. I love the ingenuity of grandmas. According to my grammy, her widowed mother (my great-grandma) sold her homemade pies at the local grocery to help support their family.

If you’re hankering for pie and you live in the area, check out Arbuckle Mountain Original Fried Pies and Coffee next to Jungle Jim’s in Eastgate. Yum!

If you’re not in Ohio, find other locations on Google by typing in Original Fried Pies or Arbuckle Mountain Pies.

What kind of pie is your favorite?

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?