I'm 50 Years Old!

This Sunday, August 28th, I will turn 50 years old. 

In my mind I look only 42 but age is in the eye of the beholder.  This was made abundantly clear as the clerk at the clothing store asked if I would like to join their Tuesday Club for those 55 years and older.

I am not dismayed as I've always been one to embrace my age, a true believer that this is the first day of the rest of my life. 

It has been a great day here in the office where my peeps (of the Friday Forum) have gone above and beyond to help me celebrate this milestone.  A big THANK YOU for your love, friendship and appreciation of my goofy-ness!

Thanks to cousin Jenny for posting this video several months back.  I copied it over to save for today because this is EXACTLY how I feel.

Happy Birthday to anyone who shares this day, may you be as blessed as I am.

Pictures from:

updatesfromthefield.wordpress.com

derwent6.blogspot.com



I Am Not the First Nor Will I Be the Last

Your unique insight into a common experience makes that experience a one and only, personal high/low, emotional tornado that you alone live through . . . along with everyone else.

D. and I joined thousands of other parents as we moved our student into his new home, in the dorm, for the next school year . . ., nine months . . ., six hours . . , away.

Although my anticipation for the weekend was one of dread the move-in went very smoothly.  The staff at the dorm facility was well versed, well organized and well placed throughout the building to move the dolly's, boxes and bodies along.  This was not their first rodeo.

The area meant to accommodate two, full grown, young men and their; computers, multiple screens, guitars, speakers, clothes, electronics and personal items is small but adequate.  Math classes were put to the test as measurements were taken, schematics were drawn and redrawn, furniture moved and moved again.  The final configuration given approval by both parties, beds made, computers set up and clothes hung.  Home sweet home.

One more meal together, pictures taken and a final hug that has to last me until Parent's Weekend.

There's nothing left but to represent.

Pictures by:
collegebedlofts.com
blog.manhattanministorage.com
desitub.com

Bring On the Rain

We have been in drought conditions for the summer here in the Panhandle of Texas.  I know many others have also been suffering under the extreme heat.  Our backyard looks distressed from it's lovely condition when I posted a Spring Teaser. 

Tonight we FINALLY got some rain and that is worth sharing.  Praying the weather where you are is what you need.

Messages

I love words; reading them and writing them, molding them to pass information or to be funny or to convey the wonder of a moment.  I love using words to share wisdom, spread joy or cause a smile.

I also love reading the creative use of words others have crafted including, but not limited to; greeting cards, novels, articles, jokes, a text or a tweet.  I especially love the creativity of personal notes that string together common alphabetic characters resulting in wordsmith magic. 

Receiving a personal note in the mail is a true treasure.  Mailing a personal letter is now considered using 'snail mail' and is fast becoming obsolete, being usurped by e-mail.  I am of an age to have mailed many messages and received enough to have a collection of envelopes with stamps.  I believe that now, a stamped letter in the box creates it's own bit of magic.

Texting and tweeting is the current mode of word transportation.  The popularity of these electronic messaging systems has opened up the world of wordsmithing in under 50 characters.  I love texting and embrace it wholeheartedly but that does not diminish my appreciation for the short, but oh so poignant, message found on the floral card.

What adults heart does not melt at the receipt of a home-made sentiment from a child?

Recently my son graduated from high school and he received many messages in the time honored manner of Graduation Cards.  Friends and relatives penned kind and encouraging words about this milestone in his life.  Giving cards provides the opportunity to pen a message with particular elegance or meaning.  Uncle R. penned a thoughtful expression that is timeless and appropriate, not only for L, but for us all. 

"Always remember your high calling; love God, love others and find a way in your education process to serve the world."

Have you received, or possibly penned, a particularly elegant and meaningful message you can share? 

pictures from:
faithwriters.com
mailboxess.com
biojobblog.com