Some thoughts on learning, growing, loving and giving

This weekend I have...

* Sat with my best girl friend in church and realized I never get tired of saying she's my best friend--or that I met and made my first BFF at age 33
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* Listened to my daughter practice her "impressions" of animals and felt like I'd burst with pride
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* Scanned in photos of my parents' wedding and thought two things in amazement: 1) without J and N Schnell, I wouldn't be here on this planet and 2) how about those 60s hairdos, buzz cuts and awesome cars?! They were STYLIN', man!
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* Braced myself for the fact that my little bundle of joy is starting fourth grade tomorrow--while knowing that *I* haven't aged a bit! ha ha!
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* Realized anew how much I can't stand the clutter that piles up in my house, thus I gave away a perfectly good piece of furniture (a craft desk I picked up free myself) and was thrilled with the extra space we gained in the living room.
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* Called the principal of Hannah school at his home and prayed for God's blessings on him, for God to guide him this year for the kids--promptly making him cry and hastily hurry off the phone...
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* Cleaned the inside of the car; we had no Armorall in the house, but an all-purpose "green" cleaner worked just fine. Did this as a nice surprise for Hannah for her first day of school, as she loves a clean car (but not a clean room?? Go figure...)

In the past few weeks, I have...

* Reconnected with a second cousin and was delighted to hear stories about me from when I was a little girl
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* Made breakfast in bed for my hubby, for no particular reason other than to see his morning smile and because our girlie was spending the night at a friend's.
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* Had to deal with some not-so-fun neck and shoulder pain, caused mostly by misalignment and stress, but found a new chiropractor that is helping me a lot--and taught me exercises that (surprisingly) have helped tremendously!
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* Realized God has answered my prayers many times over, including desiring more girl friends in my life, better emotional health, for our paychecks to stretch a little longer, and so much more.
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* Spent time with and fallen in love all over again with the funniest, smartest, talking-est, prettiest, silliest, growing-est, happiest, giving-est, special-est nine-year-old on the planet.
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* Learned I have a long way to go to out-give, out-love, and out-prank my two summer companions, John and Hannah.
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* Watched sunsets, played games, hated evil, loved marriage, eaten ice cream... and...
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* organized closets, re-arranged furniture, redecorated, created art, stayed up too late, gotten up too early
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* Wished I was like someone else (ANYone else), been GLAD I'm me,
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* Realized I think about the deep things in life WAY too much
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* Learned how to lighten up (or at least have tried to!)
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AND Last but not least

* Felt impressed to change my direction and purpose in life, from working as a copy editor and proofreader to something so much bigger than myself, something I'd have never have chosen on my own if God didn't shine His own spotlight on it (more info and details to come).

John and Tricia 4-ever

I'll love you eternally, John.

More than enough

I walk at the park a lot. Sometimes I just sit there and read and pray.

While I was there, a mom and her daughter, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Hannah lookalike, parked and wondered down to the lake's edge. The mom was lovely, even in her "grubbies," and I have to admit a twinge of envy at how slender she was, how perfect her ponytail was, how so "put together" she seemed.

I half-read my book, half-watched the duo, amused to hear the young girl talking a mile-a-minute like Hannah does with me.

Eventually they threw some food out to the ducks. Now, these ducks and goose (I call her Mama Goose) obviously have taken and complete their "Be Assertive Today" course--they are *not* shy about getting real close and cozy. Too close for Hannah's comfort, that's for sure.

Anyway, the girl eventually gave a mild shriek and ran back to their vehicle. With my windows down, I heard her clearly begging her mom to unlock the car. She may be a drama queen, but I detected a true note of fear in her voice. But the mom, this woman who I thought was oh-so-pretty, replied harshly, "Oh come on! You're stressing me out; this is supposed to be a nice walk, and you're making it stressful for me. Now just STOP!"

I know, I know; I've had moments like that, too many to name, when I speak sharply to Hannah. But I have always tried to listen for the times when she really is scared. And maybe this little girl was just vying for attention and being melodramatic, but maybe not. All of a sudden, I didn't care to be like that lady. I didn't care to turn a deaf ear to my child's pleas. I realized I just want to be me, the me who listens to my girlie; the me who cares if Hannah's frightened. All of a sudden: just being ME was enough. Plus-size, curvy, giving, loving, don't-you-dare-hurt-my daughter me.

Tricia's joining of art and family blogs: Archival Bliss

Lately my creativity has taken a definite turn toward recording family histories, of creating a sort of family heritage album, in addition to my card-making, that has brought me much satisfaction and joy.

Because of this, I have combined both of my blogs to create one blog: Archival Bliss. I have enjoyed focusing on getting to know various family members, deceased and currently living, through the little bits and pieces that other family members have shared.

This online journal, a place to connect and become acquainted with others, has also become a venue of self-discovery as well. I welcome any and all to join in the fun--and perhaps experience a satisfying journey of introspection as well.

Photo: Me, age 7, enjoying the written word