1,000 Posts

1,000 posts. 

Wow! Today marks my 1,000 post. How is that even possible?

I remember that first post almost four years ago. I really had no idea what direction the blog would go, and certainly couldn't imagine 999 posts later. 

I've thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog, and have enjoyed connecting with my readers. Early on I made the decision to post Monday through Friday. I liked being held accountable to posting, however, as you can image coming up with five ideas a week to write about is becoming harder and harder. 

I don't want to give up the blog completely, but I think I will be backing off a little on content. Depending on what is going on will probably determine how often I will be posting. 

I appreciate each and everyone of you who have shared your kinds words about Grace Found Daily, and I look forward to the Christmas season, and the coming new year. 

Writing Group

Writing group. 

Well, I've joined a writing group. I had considered it several times before, but always found a way to convince myself not to attend. There was a group that met monthly at the Euless Library, but I felt uncomfortable just showing up. 

Ironically, after meeting our new younger neighbors I learned that one of them was a published author, and that she was hosting the writers' group at her home until the library was through with renovations. 

So now what excuse did I have not to go?  Earlier this month I made my way over to her home, and was introduced to a group of three other writers. I sat there as they critiqued each other's work, and realized how little I actually knew about writing.

As a history minor in college, and not an English minor I was surprised at how little of the vocabulary I even understood. As a primary grade teacher I never really had to learn more than the simple basics of literary elements. 

When I left I knew I had a whole lot to learn. I began first with a simple brushing up on terms. As a reading teacher I knew how important vocabulary and background knowledge were to true understanding. If I was going to speak intelligently at the next meeting I was surely going to have to step up my game. 

Before I left I did share with them an idea I had for a story. They were receptive to the premise which was encouraging, but since then I've realized how much learning I need to do to even consider developing the idea into a possible novel. 

Luckily, between the Internet and the library I've begun the process. I've started a little writing notebook to keep up with all the information and notes that I am taking. To be honest, I feel way over my head, but already my story has improved since I first shared it. 

Now I've got a LONG way to go, and who knows if this particular idea will pan out completely? What I do know is that I'm a beginner in this process, and that's okay. It's exciting to learn new information, and once again to push myself out of my comfort zone. 

Chipped Plate

Chipped plate. 

We purchased a new set of plates this weekend to replace the old set. We had used them for almost nine years, and they were starting to show their age. Each time I tried to microwave anything in the chipped ones I was taking my life into my own hands. 

I remember purchasing them at Dillard's at their New Years' Sale. Brittany had just graduated from college , and was working there as an assistant manager. She had alerted me to the sale, and I got a great deal. 

A day or two later she was fixing herself lunch when she chipped one of my brand new plates. She felt bad, of course, but just like spilled milk what could we do about it after the fact? The plate pretty much sat at the bottom of the stack all these years, until being replaced by a new set. 

Yesterday Chuck and I tried out our new dishes for the first time. When it came time to rinse them off I went to stack my plate under Chuck's bowl. Wouldn't you know it somehow the plate hit the bowl resulting in a chip. 

I felt pretty bad because after all they were brand new. Now I know exactly how Brittany must have felt all those years ago. I guess the lesson learned is to be extra careful next time I'm rinsing them off. But what are the chances?

Black Friday

Black Friday. 

Well I think Black Friday as I've know it is over. Maybe that has something to do with it's really more like Dark Grey Thursday now. 

I'm actually not really complaining, because Brittany and I hit the stores close to 8:00 am after a chickin mini breakfast from Chick-fil-a, and it really felt like another typical shopping day. 

We did our shopping at Glade Parks off of Hwy 121, and although it wasn't a record haul I did get a good start to my Christmas shopping, and some good deals. I'm still one who generally prefers the real deal to on-line shopping. Old habits die hard. 

The traffic was light, and the crowds non-existent at that time, and it wasn't unpleasant at all. 

The best part of the morning, though, was getting to spend time with my sweet, beautiful daughter. Now that part hasn't changed!

Blessings

Blessings. 

The pumpkin pie is made, and the turkey is in the oven. I'll be cooking most of the morning as I await my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons to arrive. These two grandsons sure bring a lot of joy to my life, and I try to see them as often as I can. 

Later in the day Chuck's aunt, uncle and cousin will be here to share our Thanksgiving feast. I'm excited for our family to be together again. 

Over the years our customs have changed due to changing circumstances, but Thanksgiving will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. 

Chili Cookoff

Chili Cookoff.

When it comes to competitions Chuck is in, and I am out. This year, per usual, his work was sponsoring a chili cookoff to raise money for The United Way. 

A few months ago I had tried a new vegetarian chili recipe made with bulgar. It was actually quite tasty, and the bulgar helped to bump up the texture of the chili. Chuck decided that night that he would enter the chili in the competition.

He spent a whole day promoting the chili before the actual competition, by handing out the recipe to all he came across. Several of his co-workers do not eat meat so he figured our chili had a fighting chance to place. 

We spend the night before whipping up two batches. Chuck was quite impressed with my organizational skills as I had prechopped and measured all the ingredients for both batches. After sautéing the onions and peppers, we primarily just had to dump the other ingredients into the pot to simmer. 

Now I wish I could say that we walked away from the competition in first place or even second or third. Technically, we didn't place, but Chuck said the chili was well received by all who tried it, and there was none left in the end. Heck, Chuck didn't even get to try any. 

He was a little bummed when he got home for losing, but I told him it's hard to compete with traditional chili. People carry a bias, and pretty much have there minds made up ahead of time. I guess part of the reason I'm not competitive with anyone else but myself, is I can't stand the feeling of losing. 

Overall, though, Chuck and I enjoyed getting to work together to pull off the "Vulcan Vegetable Chili," and that was a winner in my book. 

I'm including the recipe below, but I did leave out the cinnamon and the cayenne.

http://turniptheoven.com/vegetarian-bulgur-chili/

Elderberry

Elderberry.

I whipped up a batch of Elderberry Syrup the other day, and it really wasn't too complicated. Last year I had read about the benefits of taking Elderberry to help strengthen your immune system. 

Now I know this could possibly just be an old wives' tale, but somehow Chuck and I both managed to not get the flu last year. It was particularly bad that year, and the flu shot was pretty much worthless when it came to prevention. 

Along with hand washing, vitamin C, diffusing essential oils, a healthy diet, and daily activity I think our immune systems held the line, and kept us healthy. This year I've already had about a week long bout with a cold and cough, so I figured I needed to get my arsenal back in gear. 

As a honey Ambassador for Nature Nate's I used their raw and unfiltered honey to add to the mix. Brittany had ordered dried elderberries off of Amazon, and I boiled them in water along with some ginger, cinnamon and cloves. I'll include the recipe from the Wellness Mama below. 

Wishing everyone the best of health this winter. 

https://wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/

Jackpot!

Jackpot!

As you know the thing I miss most about living at the apartments is my beloved Lake Carolyn.   Not being able to step out my door with Cooper, and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors walking along the lake has left me a little melancholy. 

I've returned several times since then to walk, but between the distance and the cooler, rainy weather it really hasn't been practical. As a result my daily walking is pretty much nonexistent.

Last week I made a trip to the Barnes and Noble in Southlake Town Square, and came across a lovely walking path that encircles a pond with two fountains. The weather wasn't really conducive to walking that day, but I knew I would return. 

I did that last Friday, and enjoyed three trips around the pond. Now it obviously isn't as long as my old walk, but it can be walked several times to make up the distance. The sound of the fountain, and watching the ducks paddling along did wonders for my spirits. 

My mood is definitely elevated when I spend time in nature. I'm hoping we have a few more sunny days before we enter into winter, but even so I think I may just bundle up. The drive is just an easy fifteen minutes from the house, and I always get the option to hang out at Barnes and Noble. Sounds like a win-win to me!

I still think I'll return to my old stomping grounds every now and then, but it felt good to have another option close by. 

Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving menu. 

I'm hosting Thanksgiving again this year, and am looking forward to trying out my new dining room table. We will utilize the pew bench in the entryway for the additional seating at the table. 

Since we have a smaller group this year I plan on using my china which rarely gets used. Of course my grandson will find his feast on a little plastic cafeteria-style tray so as not to worry. 

I went grocery shopping yesterday and picked up the majority of the food I will be preparing. I always buy a Butterball turkey as I think it is the most delicious. I'll be cooking it in a roasting bag which is basically fool proof. 

I'll also be responsible for mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, and a raw Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries, pears, pecans and Gorgonzola cheese. I've made it before, and it's quite yummy. 

I'm trying a new way to make macaroni and cheese in a crockpot. I've considered two different recipes, and bought the ingredients for both. I'm also planning on making Chuck a homemade pumpkin pie as it is his favorite, and I don't usually make it any other time of the year. 

Chuck's aunt is bringing her award winning sweet potato casserole, and a dessert of her choosing. Knowing her as I do, I wouldn't be surprised if it had some chocolate in it. Chuck's cousin will bring deviled eggs, and I'll have a veggie tray available for premeal snacking. 

Finish that all with rolls, cranberry sauce, and some gravy and I think we will be good to go. I'm looking forward to spending time with my loved ones, and entertaining in my new home. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Library

The Library. 

I had the opportunity yesterday to attend another author talk at the North Richland Hill's Library. My neighbor and fellow bibliophile joined me for a fascinating account of the famous Los Angeles Library Fire of 1986. 

Susan Orlean, the author of The Library began her talk with memories of her own love affair with the library from her childhood. Her mother was key in this lifelong habit of books, libraries and writing. 

I couldn't help but remember fondly my own introduction to the library by my father. I was probably around eight years old when we began visiting the library on a regular basis. Every time I have ever moved as an adult, one of the first things I do is visit my local library to get my library card. 

To this day libraries are still one of my favorite places. As Orlean recounted the tragic day that the LA library burned, one of the guests in the audience shared that she had actually lived there at the time, and was one of the volunteers who helped to pack the surviving books. Due to the possibility of mold, the books were actually kept in freezers throughout the city for six years before they could be restored. 

The Library doesn't just tell the story of the fire, but also traces the history of the LA library and the many colorful librarians who worked to increase readership, and make the library the hub of the city. This is an interesting read if you are a book lover like myself. 

The Unaccomplished

The unaccomplished. 

I was minding my own business the other morning fixing coffee and steel-cut oats for breakfast when I was distracted by a headline that came across my Echo Show featuring the all knowing Alexa. 

Apparently there is a teen who can solve a Rubik's Cube using his feet. It was at that moment that I pretty much gave up all hope that I would accomplish anything really impressive in my life. Heck, who could top that Rubik's Cube "feet", get it I really meant feat, but couldn't resist. 

Of course this eating worms in the garden sentiment actually started last week at Barnes and Noble. I made the mistake of picking up the latest People magazine which featured an article about Chip and Joanna. Notice I didn't even have to use their last name, kind of like Oprah or Beyoncé.

Along with Joanna gleefully pushing out her fifth child at forty, yes she actually enjoys labor, they are now getting ready to add another arrow to their quiver with a new television network. Yes, you heard that right, network, not tv show. 

Now I know my attitude stinks because I actually love Chip and Jo, and their sweet family, and their last show, and the Silos, and the bakery, and her magazine, and their line at Target, and their new restaurant. It's just that I stepped away feeling really depressed at my lack of accomplishments. 

Of course, I felt bad for feeling bad. Instead of being inspired I felt like a loser. I can't even say I felt envious. That emotion I'm saving for this Rubik's Cube teen who is on his road to fame. I'd like to say I've gleaned some ounce of wisdom from this whole experience, but unfortunately I'm still in the process of trying to figure it out. 

Maybe I'll just go grab Joanna's cookbook and make a batch of her amazing biscuits that she perfected over a course of nine months of weekend breakfasts, and drown my sorrows in butter. 

Chrisgiving

Chrisgiving.

I've noticed a phenomenon that's beginning to take hold in our culture; the melding of Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Now perhaps this has to do with Christmas decorations being displayed as early as August. The self-control required to wait until after Thanksgiving is just too much. As soon as that last trick or treater is out the door a mad dash to the attic begins where Rubbermaid tubs of Christmas finery are drug out. 

I've never actually eaten a Thanksgiving meal by the twinkle of the Christmas lights eyeing the presents, but I'm thinking the next generation will. Is this really a bad thing?

To be honest I have no idea, but I'm still holding out to the day after Thanksgiving to start my Christmas decorating. Just call me a stick in the mud. That is if I'm not too exhausted from all my Black Friday shopping, so it actually might be the day after the day after Thanksgiving. 

Either way I'm looking forward to "the most wonderful time of the year!"

Permission

Permission. 

Which is easier for you; to ask permission or to beg forgiveness?

I lean more toward asking permission, but even that is sometimes hard for me. The whole begging for forgiveness leaves me feeling uncomfortable because it signifies that I probably did something wrong. 

The one time, though, that I did risk begging forgiveness was the day I was hired by Frisco ISD. It was late July, and I had just been hired to replace a teacher who was not returning. When I arrived to my classroom I was greeted by an over abundance of stuff, most of it broken and missing pieces. 

I knew there was no way I would be able to function in so much clutter and chaos. We were between principals at the time so I made the executive decision to throw much of it away. I filled large, black trashbags full of what was no longer salvagable, and then began scraping several years worth of dried glitter off of the window ledge. It wasn't a coincidence that I pretty much avoided glitter after that when it came to Christmas projects in my classroom. 

I had convinced myself that I would have to claim ignorance, and beg for forgiveness if it came down to it. Luckily, no one said a word, and my classroom was neat, and orderly for the first day of school.

Recently, I've been reading a fun little book entitled, How To Be Interesting, by Jessica Hagy. One of her many suggestions is to "Give Yourself Permission." She states, "Give it to yourself, because most of the time, nobody else will."

 Give yourself permission to be unique, different and yourself. Author Gretchen Rubin unapologetically reminds herself to "Be Gretchen."  By giving yourself permission you don't have to worry about begging for forgiveness from someone else. 

Self-Censorship

Self-Censorship. 

To censor means to suppress things that are found to be unacceptable. It seems that there is a big collective censor we call society who deems what is right and what is wrong. 

I'm not so much talking about moral issues as much as I'm talking about norms like fashion, and roles, and expectations. 

I remember in my forties thinking that when I turned fifty I would cut my hair short, as it seemed most women of this age seemed to do so. Ironically, I'm a couple years into my sixties, and my hair is longer than it was then. 

Who was it that decided long hair was not appropriate at a certain age? I think sometimes it's easy to want to censor ourselves when it comes to what we think we are supposed to do. We may really want to do something unconventional, but we hold ourselves back in an effort not to be embarrassed. 

The uncomfortableness of embarrassment helps keep us in check. I remember once asking an embarrassing question in eighth grade at Sunday School when it came to a certain procedure performed on Jewish baby boys. I'm not really sure who was more embarrassed, me or my teacher. 

After moments like this your self-censoring kicks in to make sure you don't suffer any unnecessary humiliation. Although, self-preservation should be high on the list, when it begins to change and shape you into someone you are not, it has gone too far. 

How many times have you heard someone say in a self-deprecating manner, "I could never do that?" How many times have you sat back tapping your toes when you really wished you were up on the dance floor?

Self-censoring can become a habit that in the long run doesn't allow you to grow as a person. Having to stop and determine if you fit in, or are doing things in an acceptable fashion really isn't the best use of your time. A good dose of common sense can come in handy when contemplating streaking across the fifty yard line, but beyond that most things aren't that critical to stop you from being your true self. 

Coming Up Short

Coming up short. 

It's easy to judge yourself too quickly and to come up short. In an effort to do "the right thing" and bow down to the altar of "should" you will probably find that you are fighting a losing battle. 

No matter how hard you try you will mess up, but you have to give yourself a little grace in this area. I truly believe that most of us have the best of intentions, but it's that pesky human nature that always seems to get in the way. 

Of course, some of us are more sensitive about this than others, and really beat ourselves up when we come up short. I wish I could say that this was something I had conquered in my own life, but old habits die hard. 

I think, though, sometimes just being more aware of it is a first step. So the next time you find yourself not doing something perfectly or falling short in your eyes don't be so quick to condemn yourself. 

We all deserve a little leeway in life, and probably graciously offer it to others on a regular basis. 

Abby

Abby.

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with Abby. The love when she's purring contentedly on my lap, and the hate when she wakes me up at the crack of dawn for breakfast. 

Abby was never intended to be my cat. When Brittany was fifteen and learning how to drive, she and her dad came up with the idea while driving back and forth down the highway. I was minding my own business enjoying a bean burrito at Taco Bueno when I got the call. 

Brittany had never ever actually owned a kitten, as Popcorn the cat of her youth, was full grown when Brittany was born. She had been gone for a while, and to be honest I was not missing the litter box in the least. 

As much as my good sense was telling me not to, I didn't have the heart to tell her no. The next thing I knew I was meeting them at our local SPCA. Now if truth be known, we did not pick Abby, she actually picked us. Or perhaps I should say she picked me.

Upon arriving, and sitting down in a room full of cats, it wasn't long before Abby jumped up in my lap. She remained for a minute or two, and then jumped down to get a bite to eat. Remarkably she jumped right back up into my lap again. By then it was pretty much a done deal. 

Abby returned home with us, and was Brittany's kitten for about a week. The life of a fifteen year old left very little time for a kitten, and Abby and I became inseparable. She reminded me more of a dog than a cat. She came running when called, and loved to roll over and have her tummy rubbed. 

Fast forward fourteen years, and now Abby is the grand dame of the Hughes household. She's kind of like a sour patch kid, Ornery and extremely sweet
 depending on her mood. Last week I had to take her to the vet for a cold she had developed while being boarded. She was better in a day or two, but the reality of her advancing age hit me for the first time. 

I realized that her days really are numbered, and as much as a pain in the neck she might be at times, I was really going to miss her. She's been a part of my life since Brittany was a young teenager, and I've grown quite attached to her. 

Interestingly, one of my friends owns a fourteen year old turtle who still has about thirty years of life left on this earth. That love/hate relationship thing I wrote about earlier in this post, well as much as I love Abby I'm not sure I have thirty more years of early morning wake-up calls in me. 

Book Club

Book Club.

I was finally able to make my way back to book club this past month. The book for the month of October was  Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate, and it was quite good. It was based on the true story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society in Memphis, and the atrocities which spanned over half a century there. The novel was the fictional tale of a young girl and her siblings who were ripped from their parents' arms, and offered to other familes for adoption. 

As we considered books for next year, I recommended a book that I had just finished reading, and volunteered to lead the group discussion in January. The book is The Atomic City Girls, by Janet Beard, and is also based on a true story as well. 

I'm definitely drawn to historical fiction, and find that it gives a window into a time gone past, but in an entertaining way. Atomic City was actually where implementation was done for the A bomb. It popped up over night during World War II, and kept secret its true mission a secret from most involved. 

I'm looking forward to leading the discussion, and have already discovered some good materials online. I'm glad I made the decision to attend the meeting the first time, and am looking forward to being more involved with this group. 

Along with this month's book club meeting the North Richland Hill's Library is hosting a Behind the Book author visit again. They do this a few times a year, and although I'm not familiar with the author of The Library, Susan Orlean, I always find author talks to be both informative, and inspirational. 

Appreciating the hard work, and research involved in the writing of most books is quite interesting, and I'm always up to adding a little more " interest" to my life. 

(Update: I was able to find Susan Orlean's book, The Library, at my local library, and have begun reading it. It's been very interesting, and I hope to have it finished before her visit.)

Our Actions

Our actions. 

With a name like Hawkeye Timber you might be tempted to wonder, but it was something he said that really caught my ear. 

"Our actions define our priorities."

Now mind you I am lying on my bed listening to the rain, and some rolling thunder wondering this very thing. Do my actions define my priorities?

Infact, what exactly are my priorities? Now that I am officially settled in with no move in sight for the next few years, what are my priorities?

In the past years of retirement I have found my place. Either as teacher, or caretaker, or moving specialist. Today, however, those roles are behind me, and I'm not exactly sure what to do next?

My actions are primarily on auto-pilot these days. Grocery shopping on Monday, laundry on Tuesday, Weight Watcher on Thursday all fill my calendar, but I know there is more than this to life.

Just looking for activities to stay busy is not the direction I want to head. I've been there before, and found it lacking. So for now I'm going to concentrate on what exactly are my priorities in an effort to steer my actions in the right direction. 

High Tech Road Trip

High tech road trip. 

Chuck and I returned from a road trip to New England earlier this month. It was a long eleven days, but we really had a great time, and got to visit with both my sister and my ninety-two year old aunt. 

It had been about five years since we had traveled a long distance by car, and we were amazed at how much we relayed on technology this time. 

Although, we hauled along a coffee table-sized Atlas, it remained virtually untouched this time. Plugging our destination into the GPS on our phones made it extremely easy to get around, and to know when we would arrive. Receiving notifications of any traffic problems up ahead also kept us on our toes when it came to driving. 

I had packed quite a few goodies for us to eat, including food for lunch. We have never liked eating every meal out, and decided stopping along the way at rest stops for lunch would be the way to go this time. Did you know that there is an app for that? I downloaded it to my phone, and we stopped several times along the way for a picnic lunch and a bathroom break. 

We also spent many hours listening to XM satellite radio. Between Fox News, Dr. Laura and Dave Ramsey we were in our element. We also listened to some podcasts through a Bluetooth speaker of Chuck's as for some reason my car doesn't want to cooperate when it comes to this sort of thing. 

New to us on this trip were audible books. We listened to a fascinating memoir written about the Cold War called Forty Autumns. It was a great way to break up basic talk radio. As much as I wish I could say we enjoyed listening to music, this is one of the few areas where Chuck and I  don't seem to agree so talk radio works better for us. 

In addition, we relied on the internet to help us choose and locate local eating establishments, we no longer needed to request a wake-up call from the front desk, and my "good" camera was left at home as we chronicled our adventures using our i phone. 

I can't say I really enjoyed a road trip more, except perhaps for our jaunt to Niagra Falls via D.C. early in our marriage. We adjusted quickly to our travels, and Chuck and I got along remarkably well despite the close quarters. I think having food readily available kept either one of us from getting to hangry!

After returning we were excited to start planning the next adventure. 

Tour Bus

Tour bus. 

On our trip to New England earlier this month we were met by a crowd of senior citizens one morning at the complimentary hotel breakfast. We had noticed the tour bus the night before when we pulled in, but had failed to make the connection that they might all be hitting breakfast at the same time. 

Needless to say, there was no place to eat so Chuck and I found ourselves waiting at the elevator to return to our room precariously balancing our plates. As is often my way it wasn't long before I was having a conversation with one of the women about their tour. 

She told me that they had visited the Ark in Kentucky, and the Creation museum in Ohio. To be honest I have been curious about the Ark myself, and had checked out its location to see if it coordinated with our trip. A minute later the elevator door opened, and the woman addressed her pastor, as it was apparent that this was a church group traveling together. 

When we returned back to the room I confided in Chuck, that I didn't have the heart to tell the woman that we had just visited the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg the day before!