orchid

I don't know why I sometimes fret.  When I look back on the most significant and special events of my life they were always orchestrated by God at the exact right time.  The best gifts I've received just fell into my lap and my sole response was appreciation.

I learned a lot from my first marriage.  Although it ended after 20 years due to issues that would never be resolved it wasn't all bad.  I had two beautiful daughters at an early age and enjoyed being a mommy so much.  Neither were really planned and I was so happy to have two little girls.  They were  my greatest joy!

Then I met Edd when I wasn't even looking for him!  How could something so wonderful happen in my life with so little effort!  

Remembering this causes me to have peace ... and contentment.  I've learned that God is fully able to do the seeming impossible if he chooses to.

Patience.

This little orchid plant that I was given by a friend almost a year ago has shown me what waiting can do.  When we don't give up but have a little faith!  When it was given to me it was blooming.  It continued to grow new buds until... it didn't anymore!  After about a month it slowed down and the stem turned into a dead-looking stick.  I knew the plant wasn't dead though because the leaves on the bottom were green and looked healthy.

I looked up "caring for orchids" and did what was suggested.  I trimmed the dead-looking stem by cutting off the dried-up shoots that stuck out.

And I kept it around.

I watered it when it became dry often wondering after seven months if I should just get rid of it.  I think I kept it because it was given to me by a friend.  It certainly didn't add any beauty to my home!  I stuck it in front of a large window behind the living room sofa.

And there it stayed.

One day as I watered it I saw some new shoots coming out of the dead-looking stick that poked out of the dirt.  Two brand new shoots!  Something clearly was happening after many months of dormancy.  A few days later I could see ever-so-tiny buds just beginning to form.

It's happened so slowly but very consistently.  The buds grew bigger and bigger and bigger and looked as though they would pop!

And now it's blooming again.  I'll know better next time.... and have a little more faith.

Patience my friends..... patience....

Tonight as I sit in my cozy home with my faithful little doggy curled up beside me I am mostly content.  The day was productive and now I wind down with a hot cup of Honey Lavender tea. It's pretty much as delicious as it sounds.

While much of the country is shivering under mounds of snow and cold temperatures, here in Texas it's just right.  I love the way the days warm up for a while and then a cold front comes through and it becomes downright chilly again.  Today was a day to take advantage of the beautiful sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60's.

I've always wanted to climb up to Mount Bonnell.  It's a great place to view the city, Lake Austin below and all the surrounding hills.  In reality there wasn't all that much climbing, but once up there I was happy I had boots that were fashionable and also good for hiking on rocks!  No slipping off the edge for me!  Just what I needed.... time outside during a beautiful winter(?) day.

Wishing my friends in the Land of Snow and Cold some warm cozy days ... and evenings too.

V-Day

I remember not being that crazy about Valentine's Day before meeting Edd.  It was always a nice day, but not especially memorable.  As the kids came along I guess I made it all about them.  

The first Valentine's Day after meeting Edd took my breath away.  We couldn't be together on that day but a huge bouquet of red roses was delivered to my home.  I was completely surprised.  He topped it off with a diamond heart necklace the next weekend we were together.  

Every Valentine's Day after that he also made special.  The memories are numerous and each year the cards from him got mushier.  He told me every year not to get him anything.... said Valentine's Day is for girls, but I'd always get him a card.  I think my delight and appreciation for his kindness was the greatest gift I could give him.  It was what he loved the most.  Feeling loved and special and appreciated.

It's funny.  I still feel so much love.  I think we loved each other a lifetime's worth.  I can't think of anything else I wish I received from his heart that I didn't.  I only need to reread the cards and pull out the thoughtful gifts and .... remember.  My heart is full.  Still. 

So.  Today was nice.  I made some healthy dishes like Lentils Dal... a spicy dish made with ginger, garlic, cauliflower, and other aromatic spices.  Had some good talks with friends.  And I received the prettiest flowers delivered to my home from my brother and his sweet wife.  They are happily blooming now on the coffee table.  I feel blessed and content.

50 shades of skip it

There are times when our society especially disturbs me.  Now is one of those times as the movie Fifty Shades of Grey comes out in the theater.  It perplexed me when the book made its entrance and people made a fuss.  Now it’s even more disturbing.

I’m not a prude.  I couldn’t have had a better intimate relationship with my husband.  I guess you’ll have to trust me on that one.  I believe whatever a couple agree to in the bedroom is their business.  But I am weary of having graphic sexual exploits of others thrown around in public.  I mean are we in such need of validation that we have to try to get everyone to agree that what we do is all okay?

There is just so little wisdom anymore.

Explicit descriptions and images are shoved into the mainstream of our society’s consciousness luring people as though it’s something we all need to know about and be entertained by.  A man using sex to manipulate, control and cause pain isn't my idea of a good time.  Can’t we as a society care about other more important things and solve some real problems?  

One of the greatest things in life is an intimate relationship with someone you love, trust and want to please, but I find it creepy in the extreme to go to a theater with a bunch of strangers (or your friends?) and stare at a big screen to watch and listen to sexual acts and discussions that are designed to shock.  

The real troubling thing is the way we fall for these things and follow the crowd.  All the way to more and more dysfunction.