tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843201172451538182024-02-07T17:26:12.173-08:00This Is a Story Aboutkaty brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-7609957288602924132020-04-03T05:52:00.000-07:002020-04-16T07:49:24.674-07:00What's New This Morning? <br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Today is Day… I
really don’t remember… of Covid19 quarantine.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Although I have
more than enough for which to be grateful, I told my husband Saturday night that
I was tired of everything but not sure what the everything is. Does that make sense? Anyway,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not tired
of my yard. I’ve enjoyed the extra time outside and the quiet. But, if
this strange year has done anything, it has reminded me that I’m selfish and
take a lot for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has also magnified
the fact that I’m not a big fan of redundancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">One of my hobbies
is gardening. I enjoy being outside getting my hands dirty. I’d rather be
digging, pulling, or planting than sitting inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to see progress, too. I’m a big fan of Before
and After. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t like redundancy either, take up gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always
something new. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I spent several
hours working in my yard Saturday and kept a mental inventory of new spring blooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, from March until October, I walk
around my yard to see what’s new: spring perennials, summer perennials,
perennials going dormant, spring colors, fall colors, growing limbs, broken
limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday, I noticed new blooms on
my Lady Banks, Carolina Jasmine, Dogwood and Azaleas but not on any of my Spirea
shrubs: Saturday at dusk, not one bloom, but I said to my dog Maybelle (I’m not
kidding), “I guess in the next few days, I’ll see a few blooms.” </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Liv6lgy9MQyll-utfXyvZtMPw38CouGtOQv0XS7mmkKo8zN1Yw0nWUgmBdEPW1C8Ygb-vA0swTqJXKWLXZJvrLKoNlpWQQOhg81mYc5DQaMItzFuFddSzgYsWTA8oMb7GI3PiAkrOUQ/s1600/2020+march+spirea+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="898" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Liv6lgy9MQyll-utfXyvZtMPw38CouGtOQv0XS7mmkKo8zN1Yw0nWUgmBdEPW1C8Ygb-vA0swTqJXKWLXZJvrLKoNlpWQQOhg81mYc5DQaMItzFuFddSzgYsWTA8oMb7GI3PiAkrOUQ/s200/2020+march+spirea+3.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Sunday morning, I
took Maybelle outside, and after a yelling conversation with my neighbor from
our driveways, I looked in my backyard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my Spirea shrubs didn’t have a few
blooms. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was full. Overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
was new Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Fast forward a few
hours to our online church service, Concord Baptist, and our music and worship
pastor shared one of my favorite verses. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because of the <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">’s great love, we are not consumed,</span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span> for his compassions never fail.<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<b><span id="en-NIV-20378" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">They are new every morning</span></b>;
great is your faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lamentations
3:22-23 </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">NIV</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The New Living Translation states</span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">, </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">His mercies begin afresh each morning.</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
like New American Standard for verse 24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcDxZKls5hdXdYh91F6e3W-Gf8E26xvL_U_UPUCnmAdXGoryuJUUy_1dHeDFBqmlcwArG2OuxZyqfR2IcIU6hux42ZafZGC_vpVGP0y9H837F_ZOqKg-5cnCxfHOaFSoUboZMKxe_1Pk/s1600/2020+march+sky+cherry+tree+chinese+fringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcDxZKls5hdXdYh91F6e3W-Gf8E26xvL_U_UPUCnmAdXGoryuJUUy_1dHeDFBqmlcwArG2OuxZyqfR2IcIU6hux42ZafZGC_vpVGP0y9H837F_ZOqKg-5cnCxfHOaFSoUboZMKxe_1Pk/s200/2020+march+sky+cherry+tree+chinese+fringe.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Even during times
of boredom, uncertainty, and monotony, there is something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cousin Stephanie’s <i>new every morning</i>
quarantine memes have kept me laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> New every morning </span>Facebook pictures of new babies and precious children have kept me smiling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My YMCA's <i>new every morning</i>
workout along with plenty of weeds to pull have kept my mind busy and body healthy in spite of the new snacks my kids find and bring home. My son, Luke, and his wife, Leianne text and send
pictures. This has kept us connected. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">There are new cases
of coronavirus every morning, too, and new questions and bad news. But, there are also recoveries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every morning, there are new pictures and
videos of people helping, of medical personal, truck drivers, food industry employees, law enforcement and other essential employees working. There are new pictures of parents and
teachers communicating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with the
impatient making headlines, there are millions being patient. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">God tells us His compassion,
His forgiveness - <b><i>His mercies (plural)</i></b> are new every
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">If I look beyond
myself, there are many new ways every morning to help those in need, to show
compassion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a few more weeks, a
month, there will be even more ways to help those who are recovering: physically,
spiritually, and emotionally from being sick, working too much, not working enough,
or being at home and lonely. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I hope you have
Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re quarantined, I hope you
experience new every morning memes, videos, phone calls, flowers, and pictures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re still working and sacrificing, Thank
You, and I hope you have support and appreciation every morning from customers,
patients, family, or co-workers. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNijH-dRy5LczPKJcF1guskG8XBnOvtfuLr50u8DLATN-wiXSL-2_4BU7-CjgkLsH_E3AJwSh82dYX3RtEUJdYztYDoS0xdTye_gPOKlJPXOByM_RSTVgTIHWDZHgJk_E2lw6veQB8XQ/s1600/2020+march+porch+swing+pollen+and+cherry+tree+and+chinese+fringe+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNijH-dRy5LczPKJcF1guskG8XBnOvtfuLr50u8DLATN-wiXSL-2_4BU7-CjgkLsH_E3AJwSh82dYX3RtEUJdYztYDoS0xdTye_gPOKlJPXOByM_RSTVgTIHWDZHgJk_E2lw6veQB8XQ/s320/2020+march+porch+swing+pollen+and+cherry+tree+and+chinese+fringe+.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Enjoy the
beautiful spring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See new blooms every
morning, along with the new pollen after you washed yesterday’s off the porch
already. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc";">More importantly, enjoy
God’s mercies and share His compassion,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc";">Katy</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">My youngest son,
James, brought his cactus, Beatrice, home from Anderson University. We noticed one morning that is had new growth. Yes, we got excited about that. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84hA0KeLtlkTHdebgID0gh-TmwMmsiU9Fqxnc5alH1cEClBhSRiwtluoVEi9E92EdMTPFVkgOlEpL2uFKWMvsE6Ne4YM5Qt3xMQLWAf32Yaf2IcqOdMZ3YaVO8YodMS5vImnuuGY8EhM/s1600/2020+cactus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="889" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84hA0KeLtlkTHdebgID0gh-TmwMmsiU9Fqxnc5alH1cEClBhSRiwtluoVEi9E92EdMTPFVkgOlEpL2uFKWMvsE6Ne4YM5Qt3xMQLWAf32Yaf2IcqOdMZ3YaVO8YodMS5vImnuuGY8EhM/s200/2020+cactus+2.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><i></i></span>
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-87139631556974221582018-07-12T07:54:00.002-07:002018-07-12T07:55:51.997-07:00Life's Too Short Not to Attend a Funeral<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to attend a funeral and praise</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">A
life from birth to the grave.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to listen to a witness</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Speak
of charity, perseverance and delightful wishes.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to relish</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Stories
of adventures and experiences to cherish.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to convey</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Respect
and gratitude with a few hours of your day.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to notice a family finding solace</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">In
compassion when a treasured life is lost.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to wait and see</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">What
another life might challenge you to be.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Life’s
too short not to pause and remember</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Moments
of sadness but years of laughter.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmrLmnhqf0Yj9ror33hHHkYj6eP4u0fszMx2vsiTKeYM5OozkmtY6SM-YVgOVXlG8g7Xyde7Vzpk49nQWO5DI-7PWvyAAK4xvcfCVhIA_wSjpx8JpCgMFdxS_97BwBzixOkp3sr1tQ8o/s1600/calvary+church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmrLmnhqf0Yj9ror33hHHkYj6eP4u0fszMx2vsiTKeYM5OozkmtY6SM-YVgOVXlG8g7Xyde7Vzpk49nQWO5DI-7PWvyAAK4xvcfCVhIA_wSjpx8JpCgMFdxS_97BwBzixOkp3sr1tQ8o/s200/calvary+church+2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-uxKzdlv23rMPwVfXNylHiddXsukNT7TAM9vF4Lhm1Ria7f13P8tNIeN9-omMTXaZFaZcvdTE_MnJKgYhyVCSuyMZJ4IMUzDXVc30QQNZ0wzaxPLNgbv5jHOOVmZnuLJxx-8vAT6H_4/s1600/calvary+church+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="995" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-uxKzdlv23rMPwVfXNylHiddXsukNT7TAM9vF4Lhm1Ria7f13P8tNIeN9-omMTXaZFaZcvdTE_MnJKgYhyVCSuyMZJ4IMUzDXVc30QQNZ0wzaxPLNgbv5jHOOVmZnuLJxx-8vAT6H_4/s200/calvary+church+8.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoXrPvlaRaKtWCVKTq2ZJXPUvBauJnEMWenqDM2DEf5kheSpFKzviowDizZZDPBcEGb5TvK_on-zlyOoRDKhls2UIRnsWLpKdgEoOKQK6ct5kGiafuLQn1T8mSHrg_MBA6w3K-VVeU64/s1600/calvary+church+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoXrPvlaRaKtWCVKTq2ZJXPUvBauJnEMWenqDM2DEf5kheSpFKzviowDizZZDPBcEGb5TvK_on-zlyOoRDKhls2UIRnsWLpKdgEoOKQK6ct5kGiafuLQn1T8mSHrg_MBA6w3K-VVeU64/s200/calvary+church+4.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-26750261442276516372018-06-23T20:44:00.002-07:002018-06-26T09:33:25.723-07:00In Memorial: My Granddaddy, James Troy Brown<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gAQoj40efEyTltrJghXr1OpT4UMpoOLEIswE0P5rlw78sqnPIjEQiQZEUmthsXy-ZxuaZGmNXhUo5ZenHToq7K0IinDn49VdxqrWxUyyt7FOGUkOTG9lB8ArH226KPNGlV9zhW_yFk8/s1600/troy+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1221" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gAQoj40efEyTltrJghXr1OpT4UMpoOLEIswE0P5rlw78sqnPIjEQiQZEUmthsXy-ZxuaZGmNXhUo5ZenHToq7K0IinDn49VdxqrWxUyyt7FOGUkOTG9lB8ArH226KPNGlV9zhW_yFk8/s200/troy+4.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Written by a close camping friend, this tribute hung on the wall of my parents' bedroom from 1973 until 2012, when they moved from my childhood home. I probably read it five or six times when I lived there. I read it differently now, though. It speaks of a happy people person, a fellow coffee and nature lover, and a man who I see now as not simply a granddaddy, but as a true friend who left this earth too soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I asked my sister, Susi, about a few details of his death, she said...<i>It's not a big deal, she wrote about his life and influence. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">James Troy Brown, Sr. June 15, 1915- June 24, 1973</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWAmlFdHqVFEMry4ixAZNZda5b46f9m7di5PxmbZeUj16voQ2BiR0JTvU31clvyLbvnft1pxDzL0jnYmFwek1AhRtPggiS4gkbNq6jFFFY5BO6RTKV8SMO8LfEhTMm3T8-Vx2V-hwZi8/s1600/IMG_0003_NEW_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="578" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWAmlFdHqVFEMry4ixAZNZda5b46f9m7di5PxmbZeUj16voQ2BiR0JTvU31clvyLbvnft1pxDzL0jnYmFwek1AhRtPggiS4gkbNq6jFFFY5BO6RTKV8SMO8LfEhTMm3T8-Vx2V-hwZi8/s200/IMG_0003_NEW_0001.jpg" width="138" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was always ready to go camping when or before the Puddle
Ducks were, most often he “got up” the campouts.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Camping was his main interest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He retired not only because of his health,
but also so that he could go camping more. Talking was a favorite of his –
mainly about camping – to others – getting non-campers interested in camping. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Talking on the CB Radio was a highlight in his life – known to
all around for years as “Cherokee” – he wanted non-CBers to get a two-way radio
so they too could enjoy what he enjoyed. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAiOrXoKJ0xfF96OS_NfDO7RwkE-yzoAtdOiOSGXSZHohjnIeYtem23FTKN_xsdcXFbgE0eFmQRqe5U1LLXYxSGlt5av9JPlCOXzARVrSuhlAzUFMIOdrhJBtk75xjASih-ct3pY76IE/s1600/troy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAiOrXoKJ0xfF96OS_NfDO7RwkE-yzoAtdOiOSGXSZHohjnIeYtem23FTKN_xsdcXFbgE0eFmQRqe5U1LLXYxSGlt5av9JPlCOXzARVrSuhlAzUFMIOdrhJBtk75xjASih-ct3pY76IE/s1600/troy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1135" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAiOrXoKJ0xfF96OS_NfDO7RwkE-yzoAtdOiOSGXSZHohjnIeYtem23FTKN_xsdcXFbgE0eFmQRqe5U1LLXYxSGlt5av9JPlCOXzARVrSuhlAzUFMIOdrhJBtk75xjASih-ct3pY76IE/s200/troy+1.jpg" width="141" /></a>He was a coffee drinker – not a home drinker – but one who
would drive sometimes 10 miles for a cup of coffee in a public place where
there would be people to talk to and fellowship with – Waffle Houses all over
the South were favorite places of his.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>In his younger years, he loved to ride trains – even go to New York on
one – just for the ride – and his tales of such rides were fascinating.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was interested in his friends and what they were doing –
even called friends up in the middle of the night to bid farewell if leaving
early on a trip – or he would go see someone off any time of day or night.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Yes, to him life was interesting and exciting,
and he tried to make it interesting and exciting for others.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We all have our faults as we pass through
this world – but somehow in the end only the good stands out in the minds of
others. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, Troy Brown lived a good life, and he’ll be missed by
all who knew him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He had a heart attack
while camping near Asheville and brought the camper and Sue home before going
to the hospital on Friday and died early Sunday morning, June 24, 1973.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHKuVADfzf1C3PTufErVXTk2DY-lyq6-k9uEpuheyYfSWdjg0LkplJM3vg-S6QPDckcI17OENm-34k_kldzJIMkEfgvhoPmujWfPQVRKYvxdSvJAok69lR_jOkca2aZIjI4OzS4vsgvM/s1600/IMG_0001_NEW_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="862" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHKuVADfzf1C3PTufErVXTk2DY-lyq6-k9uEpuheyYfSWdjg0LkplJM3vg-S6QPDckcI17OENm-34k_kldzJIMkEfgvhoPmujWfPQVRKYvxdSvJAok69lR_jOkca2aZIjI4OzS4vsgvM/s200/IMG_0001_NEW_0001.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Troy, you’ll be missed by the Puddle Ducks at our get
togethers- but we’ll continue to have them because you enjoyed them so
much.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You taught us all so very much
about a lot of things.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywBIc9nM7TYXo0ZL6NodUCzRIpRUzEAv5qpG5WNV3L3PzK07GsSff_52LsQJGnfsOe_gVhigkbrTXDJlXO8CcFG-94bA7OtTmWNufCvvsX8GviQSpAeWSbITEYEjV1uCFtbgDHFsIKko/s1600/troy+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See you in that happy camping ground!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Louise Sanders, Puddle Ducks of Anderson</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Blog posts about my Granddaddy, Troy Brown </div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://katybrownglymph.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-people.html" target="_blank">My People</a> - June 11, 2014</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://katybrownglymph.blogspot.com/2017/01/campfire-television.html" target="_blank">Campfire Television</a> January 25, 2017</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmvFBzaTW_Mv7cts5a6ic0FcuqCde3-Li9B5Ex2JUw-FdBGMkWz8DhI8rJcXdL3cKzi6f_lSRQA5U9ICqKV5ZhwNQJNvmeTxvgjDucxeDcHv0CLA36zam_OFz-q_yXFmFzoagWO-7oLk/s1600/IMG_0003_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQzgyp-ww5HgA1yJmEb7aLmLDIi6N2FZYFUHKGR9v_GVlusev0qZsZJ4SdJd8_4aSx-GkPgsramgMofuQ-vkroBbzQQcJipOFNs_0pA5G8hI1U7B1XNqNP2FWxXnqS1bs-zylQsFCRdc/s1600/this+is+a+story+about+campfire+television+granddaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<br />katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-51886001339807148422018-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:002018-06-23T20:14:10.165-07:00Seasons of an Electric City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sua3JGR6ItOIzZBvXvD2CdujaSb_XuyTg1p11CyQE69BvI035hUIwgF7RqMoTw5G5g1d9qxyIoRIGzkJq0cw96WZMzpyjuF2WQBFtMl1v5Os4xrVyhfUXbLYLS9AcObaOkH7-nQ1HZk/s1600/recorded+for+reality+confessions+of+a+lead+foot+anderson+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1573" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sua3JGR6ItOIzZBvXvD2CdujaSb_XuyTg1p11CyQE69BvI035hUIwgF7RqMoTw5G5g1d9qxyIoRIGzkJq0cw96WZMzpyjuF2WQBFtMl1v5Os4xrVyhfUXbLYLS9AcObaOkH7-nQ1HZk/s320/recorded+for+reality+confessions+of+a+lead+foot+anderson+sign.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Seasons of an Electric City</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">by Katy Brown Glymph</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Your air
turns cold as expected,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Yet we
fret over fickle weather predicted, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Then
laugh at ourselves for doubting your snowy surprise,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Oh, how
you jest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some
groan. Some dance,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">At your
attempt to make us rest. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><br />
Your temperatures warm and please, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">And we
delight in the early aroma, knowing you tease,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Then
marvel at the pink, yellow, purple, and white blooms.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Oh, how
you renew.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some
drive. Some walk,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">On your
streets lined with the softest hue. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Your heat
takes our breath away,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">But we
gather, splash, sweat and play,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Then
smack the mosquitoes and search for relief indoors.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Oh, how
you ignite.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some
travel. Some stay,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">As your
landscape bursts at daylight.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Your
trees amaze with their display,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">For we
lengthen our sleeves and watch our teams play,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Then
carve and decorate, speak of blessings, and feast.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Oh, how
you submit.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some
retire. Some pray,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">In your
early evenings, cool and moonlit. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Your
seasons electrify our community,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">So we make
a home, build friendships, find opportunity,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Then open
our hearts and minds, and smile content.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Oh, how
you grace.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some
ridicule. Some cherish, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Within
your city of familiar face.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N6PjBzAnH5Pk6uGfayu3d5A8vEhrmdIc6QLuzE91Ags_ppgHBO6U-p7YlWW3GyIASYb_GjDQW_AiMcBc8HwGKhZZlcbUvngKymy3ReaTMESjSYYguFcijQz3VAGIRLJZhPRFHiXnRnE/s1600/electric+city+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4zAwt702KQk6IQZR9QhTqnUm3b8vycSu5JCrfXfRMEfjvP14l4KB5F8mOB_kTmKA-XFIyXgVw6AXGZaRO3vyZ6XcTZ3Yqnlc__hw4m75q6NQwjXIH_gv06iPuTnC0dKYRNXmOmTB-hA/s1600/electric+city+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9ny-H5gjBfxwyg3_8GkesrQvyyS4huYS3Zi0_XUkn1-na8_7Zug_40YkDrv_73F3PvAD_6CmjNFD4km584jauz0QkJXIsGrwn7xEYmJJYYH6phyphenhyphenkovraBw3WulDxliiqrG3h1v8pfPs/s1600/electric+city+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9ny-H5gjBfxwyg3_8GkesrQvyyS4huYS3Zi0_XUkn1-na8_7Zug_40YkDrv_73F3PvAD_6CmjNFD4km584jauz0QkJXIsGrwn7xEYmJJYYH6phyphenhyphenkovraBw3WulDxliiqrG3h1v8pfPs/s200/electric+city+winter.jpg" width="152" /> </a><div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><u><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="150" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yBm2KEo9ZJOIOOD6pDfetTIV55KzXl4K9ZnPsgmOKNWv7v6vn0EhHxxgsE5mB94CoFPap90ePLxpzGO2hGxl-Ng-FCtiItxaO3W__oOAXWXj2ZUrYbIr0BEnLm6AlktaaWryRQ-yYWg/s200/electric+city+spring.jpg" width="150" /></u></a> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4zAwt702KQk6IQZR9QhTqnUm3b8vycSu5JCrfXfRMEfjvP14l4KB5F8mOB_kTmKA-XFIyXgVw6AXGZaRO3vyZ6XcTZ3Yqnlc__hw4m75q6NQwjXIH_gv06iPuTnC0dKYRNXmOmTB-hA/s1600/electric+city+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="133" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4zAwt702KQk6IQZR9QhTqnUm3b8vycSu5JCrfXfRMEfjvP14l4KB5F8mOB_kTmKA-XFIyXgVw6AXGZaRO3vyZ6XcTZ3Yqnlc__hw4m75q6NQwjXIH_gv06iPuTnC0dKYRNXmOmTB-hA/s200/electric+city+summer.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N6PjBzAnH5Pk6uGfayu3d5A8vEhrmdIc6QLuzE91Ags_ppgHBO6U-p7YlWW3GyIASYb_GjDQW_AiMcBc8HwGKhZZlcbUvngKymy3ReaTMESjSYYguFcijQz3VAGIRLJZhPRFHiXnRnE/s1600/electric+city+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="111" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N6PjBzAnH5Pk6uGfayu3d5A8vEhrmdIc6QLuzE91Ags_ppgHBO6U-p7YlWW3GyIASYb_GjDQW_AiMcBc8HwGKhZZlcbUvngKymy3ReaTMESjSYYguFcijQz3VAGIRLJZhPRFHiXnRnE/s200/electric+city+fall.jpg" width="110" /></a><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-39671687001016932812018-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:002018-06-11T06:32:03.458-07:00Homesick for Anderson <br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFjwQpqMfJGA9bG-8O7nnkZ73Smm9EDer2DVZiWOedFHW7SNgulb96tpqnHQJ53Aa44dLbQDtJWLUURvoD-Pgnsf_syefeFGM11q3GRl3NLTvEIFMbX1KbsxD-pR7iTIuXMjAFxIU8hI/s1600/2018+jan+wdw+cold+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1309" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFjwQpqMfJGA9bG-8O7nnkZ73Smm9EDer2DVZiWOedFHW7SNgulb96tpqnHQJ53Aa44dLbQDtJWLUURvoD-Pgnsf_syefeFGM11q3GRl3NLTvEIFMbX1KbsxD-pR7iTIuXMjAFxIU8hI/s200/2018+jan+wdw+cold+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I got homesick. It could be that I’m old. Or, in Orlando
in January, it was cold and rainy. It could be that instead of spending three
days hanging out with my daughter, Hope, during her last week of interning at Walt
Disney World, I spent three days in bed with a headache if my head hit the
pillow or nausea when I stood up, accompanied by vertigo returning from a three-year
hiatus. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I got homesick. I had big reading and writing plans when Hope was working. I had mother/daughter shopping plans when Hope wasn’t working. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My only interruption was to be football. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfYPyW_mlH4Dj6_QXGaU59zl2pp6Vxt_UGDT1EJWHRCCYK6eDt_kiF2tQlzHPd5vmb6EI1jyMPR-bf2lI7ptFhDFcvGx8fx7bq2E44aYJE1R5sgz4GMJHwQ2LJJmSJnH0Xzqb6JKFawA/s1600/2018+jan+wdw+drugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfYPyW_mlH4Dj6_QXGaU59zl2pp6Vxt_UGDT1EJWHRCCYK6eDt_kiF2tQlzHPd5vmb6EI1jyMPR-bf2lI7ptFhDFcvGx8fx7bq2E44aYJE1R5sgz4GMJHwQ2LJJmSJnH0Xzqb6JKFawA/s200/2018+jan+wdw+drugs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Instead, I watched only the second half of the Outback
Bowl. Luckily for me, it was the right half, the one in which the Gamecocks
decided to win.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I drove eight miles to
Wal-Greens and bought over-the-counter medication, crackers and Ginger Ale. On the
way home, I stopped at a Chick-fil-a drive-thru for soup, shivering when I rolled the
window down. This took an hour and a half.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I stayed awake for the first half of the Sugar Bowl, then tossed and
turned all night, waking every two hours with a headache, wondering the outcome
but too miserable to check my phone. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I got homesick before the virus, though, which is rare
for me. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and
we’ve been to Walt Disney World many times. But I got homesick in that city that
week. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo6W4MUHrYgW4-DnW0dzTQdBdQDiT7Lmd40nd5NbLCF5iiOpnKjepyO7KTXOFunucDwPZu8XBaC1XxLLCrj4PDKiBZUhT0ppW8HmWWS3gAi1BcMGkK4t6I0U_Or6UdkJNsmlmjBngjZA/s1600/2018+jan+wdw+cold+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo6W4MUHrYgW4-DnW0dzTQdBdQDiT7Lmd40nd5NbLCF5iiOpnKjepyO7KTXOFunucDwPZu8XBaC1XxLLCrj4PDKiBZUhT0ppW8HmWWS3gAi1BcMGkK4t6I0U_Or6UdkJNsmlmjBngjZA/s200/2018+jan+wdw+cold+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Maybe it was all the lights on all the buildings or
all the people in all the lines or all the noise on all the attractions or all the
hours spent writing at a tiny desk in a tiny hotel room while all my family took
naps or all the cars on all the crowded roads or all the minutes (three was the
average) at all the traffic lights or all the frost on all the windows in the parking lots. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Whatever it was, I couldn’t wait to be back in
Anderson, South Carolina.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I drove
myself, Hope, and the contents of her apartment to Anderson/HOME on a cold
January Thursday, stopping once in the nine-hour trip.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzkOaUpNGhOU9gwsq1XHHE5qPZ1NiyeO7t0bWlFHYJVaWvXAP2ykYNougEYf6lrVzR-s8ONjY96jbNd7dWVfFYtKYkLV3VfVlkMVfNXtokcrkUbZkamkFW8e7KCEFAdLdTuPkEIgmmQ/s1600/2018+jan+wdw+packed+up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzkOaUpNGhOU9gwsq1XHHE5qPZ1NiyeO7t0bWlFHYJVaWvXAP2ykYNougEYf6lrVzR-s8ONjY96jbNd7dWVfFYtKYkLV3VfVlkMVfNXtokcrkUbZkamkFW8e7KCEFAdLdTuPkEIgmmQ/s200/2018+jan+wdw+packed+up+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Humor me while I tell you the rest of this fascinating
story. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Arriving home at 4:30PM, I went straight to bed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I stayed in bed all day on Friday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Saturday, I went to primary care, where I blacked
out twice in the waiting room.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I had
lost three pounds in one week, and the nurse thought she had misread my blood pressure.
It was 80/60. I was severely dehydrated, which explained the return of vertigo.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I welcomed a steroid shot. There was a shortage of
fluid, so I was sent home with Gatorade instructions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I felt better for two days, then returned to
the doctor again for another shot and more hydration instructions. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">When you’re sick, you have time to think. What else
can you do when you’re curled up under blankets drinking all that water and
Gatorade not feeling well enough to read?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This is what I came up with. I learned something about
myself in Florida. I’m a South Carolina snob. No, I’m an Upstate South Carolina
snob because I’m also a four seasons snob.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">What else did I learn?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I’m a small-town snob and most definitely an Anderson snob.When I go to bed at night, my street and my home
are dark and quiet. My drive to work is twelve minutes. It could be shorter,
but I don’t drive over the speed limit anymore. Speeding tickets, I
tell myself, are for the young and impatient; plus, I’m determined to keep my
safe-driver discount. The longest red light in my day is the one-minute light next
to Westside High School. I used to roll my eyes when caught there.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Used to.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sua3JGR6ItOIzZBvXvD2CdujaSb_XuyTg1p11CyQE69BvI035hUIwgF7RqMoTw5G5g1d9qxyIoRIGzkJq0cw96WZMzpyjuF2WQBFtMl1v5Os4xrVyhfUXbLYLS9AcObaOkH7-nQ1HZk/s1600/recorded+for+reality+confessions+of+a+lead+foot+anderson+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1573" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sua3JGR6ItOIzZBvXvD2CdujaSb_XuyTg1p11CyQE69BvI035hUIwgF7RqMoTw5G5g1d9qxyIoRIGzkJq0cw96WZMzpyjuF2WQBFtMl1v5Os4xrVyhfUXbLYLS9AcObaOkH7-nQ1HZk/s200/recorded+for+reality+confessions+of+a+lead+foot+anderson+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">When I got homesick, I made a decision. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I will NEVER (I’m old enough to say never)
live in a town bigger than Anderson, S.C., unless Anderson gets bigger than Anderson.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You know what I mean?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I like to go. I like to travel. In fact, I have a long
bucket list of destinations, but I know that Anderson, Home, the Electric City with
four seasons, will be waiting for me. </span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDETtPamwfs6WX0PzcONHJCq_SEHaDLUCIN9XAEtQJ3o0dlb260YUUqgfnLkjDFCzKW8b8pNT8XV72KGZgqLDdeL5e31Lpz4Ns2PbtDuJ_cBWJcHD6Mh031eZ8zM83Fe_JrbgWnLxRSA/s1600/2017+dec+snow+downtown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Seasons
of an Electric City</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-ThD8rYOy1uqCy1oCCcf4EfWHRkD9wSx3OFbT685ylNgcPFeXAaBEkHi9i6NOVMshtM2il2gxTiRLGp8GYrN5qztKFZGvF4g5V4URbdU-LNbbGd3Cj3AUe-xrnsuf0W8YBAqRMPw41o/s1600/2017+dec+snow+downtown+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1216" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-ThD8rYOy1uqCy1oCCcf4EfWHRkD9wSx3OFbT685ylNgcPFeXAaBEkHi9i6NOVMshtM2il2gxTiRLGp8GYrN5qztKFZGvF4g5V4URbdU-LNbbGd3Cj3AUe-xrnsuf0W8YBAqRMPw41o/s200/2017+dec+snow+downtown+%25282%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Your air turns cold as expected,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Yet we fret over fickle weather predicted, </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxpFBmgKc_7Urwc9OSLbVIqndOC9lShJeNowFO-unvvfC7MxHPXsxizOC9ityWbY4cKC-3L-2EE-RQkBFo7cLo-x8rvlraiFaV3EdI9RwCkud7ycTlzEr5GHdV4ZrMd9ND89HmZUMO8/s1600/recorded+for+reality+april+showers+lady+banks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Then laugh at ourselves for doubting your snowy surprise,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh, how you jest.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Some groan. Some dance,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">At your attempt to make us rest. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxpFBmgKc_7Urwc9OSLbVIqndOC9lShJeNowFO-unvvfC7MxHPXsxizOC9ityWbY4cKC-3L-2EE-RQkBFo7cLo-x8rvlraiFaV3EdI9RwCkud7ycTlzEr5GHdV4ZrMd9ND89HmZUMO8/s1600/recorded+for+reality+april+showers+lady+banks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxpFBmgKc_7Urwc9OSLbVIqndOC9lShJeNowFO-unvvfC7MxHPXsxizOC9ityWbY4cKC-3L-2EE-RQkBFo7cLo-x8rvlraiFaV3EdI9RwCkud7ycTlzEr5GHdV4ZrMd9ND89HmZUMO8/s200/recorded+for+reality+april+showers+lady+banks.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Your temperatures warm and please, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">And we delight in the early aroma, knowing you tease,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Then marvel at the pink, yellow, purple, and white blooms.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh, how you renew.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Some drive. Some walk,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">On your streets lined with the softest hue. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zqXLp9smVcPujF40hCJhC6Ic0CT9MK1zjhPD6D_ClwKPjze35vTKa9fdyfVOkhMKoR0ePYDSv1ot8H4wsuvrSH7AzbCIgqVyiI73txYvqT8aBFNrVNXn83UT7QTAOfpH38fihajt6cs/s1600/cindy+lake+dock+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="583" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zqXLp9smVcPujF40hCJhC6Ic0CT9MK1zjhPD6D_ClwKPjze35vTKa9fdyfVOkhMKoR0ePYDSv1ot8H4wsuvrSH7AzbCIgqVyiI73txYvqT8aBFNrVNXn83UT7QTAOfpH38fihajt6cs/s200/cindy+lake+dock+1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Your heat takes our breath away,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">But we gather, splash, sweat and play,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Then smack the mosquitoes and search for relief indoors.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Oh, how you ignite.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Some travel. Some stay,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">As your landscape bursts at daylight.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrrc00oYkqMFq7gd0rX9mXoMVlqn-RtYpnuUX6c-ymURrZWmiPKAkkEuK490MWOOO4Fi4IQ-h8-qjMnDrO2kPCngMt7SEpMhniin62hEzVMOsKXvkZihHUMUerNHqJczqgsAtixj-J0/s1600/2016+nov+deck+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrrc00oYkqMFq7gd0rX9mXoMVlqn-RtYpnuUX6c-ymURrZWmiPKAkkEuK490MWOOO4Fi4IQ-h8-qjMnDrO2kPCngMt7SEpMhniin62hEzVMOsKXvkZihHUMUerNHqJczqgsAtixj-J0/s200/2016+nov+deck+tree.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="110" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Your trees amaze with their display,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For we lengthen our sleeves and watch our teams play,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Then carve and decorate, speak of blessings, and feast.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrrc00oYkqMFq7gd0rX9mXoMVlqn-RtYpnuUX6c-ymURrZWmiPKAkkEuK490MWOOO4Fi4IQ-h8-qjMnDrO2kPCngMt7SEpMhniin62hEzVMOsKXvkZihHUMUerNHqJczqgsAtixj-J0/s1600/2016+nov+deck+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrrc00oYkqMFq7gd0rX9mXoMVlqn-RtYpnuUX6c-ymURrZWmiPKAkkEuK490MWOOO4Fi4IQ-h8-qjMnDrO2kPCngMt7SEpMhniin62hEzVMOsKXvkZihHUMUerNHqJczqgsAtixj-J0/s1600/2016+nov+deck+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh, how you submit.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Some retire. Some pray,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">In your early evenings, cool and moonlit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Your seasons electrify our community,</span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrrc00oYkqMFq7gd0rX9mXoMVlqn-RtYpnuUX6c-ymURrZWmiPKAkkEuK490MWOOO4Fi4IQ-h8-qjMnDrO2kPCngMt7SEpMhniin62hEzVMOsKXvkZihHUMUerNHqJczqgsAtixj-J0/s1600/2016+nov+deck+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">So we make a home, build friendships, find opportunity,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Then open our hearts and minds, and smile content.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Oh, how you grace.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Some ridicule. Some cherish, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Within your city of familiar face.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-39815914692854590942018-04-27T07:41:00.000-07:002018-04-27T07:54:15.609-07:00Did You Know? The History of Coffee<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Pious
Ethiopian monks centuries ago,</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The berries
you ate, after which you stayed awake </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">With vigor
and spark</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would pour
into my cup, so rich and dark?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Devout
Arabians, the potent alcoholic drink your foe,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The beans
you roasted, ground, and boiled</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">And called
Kahweh </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would heat a
ceramic cup, bring warmth to me?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Eager
Venetian trader, traveling a northern road,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The magic
drink you introduced to Europe’s </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Rebirthed
minds, old and young</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would touch
my lips, please my tongue?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Clever Dutch
adventurer, whose soul stooped low,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The tree you
stole, the plantation that started</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">On a Pacific
shore, away from frost</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would open my
eyes, awaken my thoughts?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Greedy
French naval officer, a fruitful crop to sow,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The tree you
took to the Caribbean, closer to the dimly lit shop</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Warm and
comfortable, where I spend my day,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would stir
up memories, help me know what to say?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Crafty
military aide, to Brazil you did go,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Did you know</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The branch
you snuck, the industry that grew</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Around the
world, the powerful aroma for my readers to smell,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Would seize
their senses, strengthen the stories I tell?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd80YS6BYGmy5A7T7rspwFJudNS3dPVIlTBjaVyZtysxegs0KDyNwUtAr4DKkJhbSSX6DIj1GE45ojQAgDViHZw3ihomdvIjK6u_qSEswFS4POerrjiJZKrdQYESlhlXE1yEidXArMIw/s1600/katy+office+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd80YS6BYGmy5A7T7rspwFJudNS3dPVIlTBjaVyZtysxegs0KDyNwUtAr4DKkJhbSSX6DIj1GE45ojQAgDViHZw3ihomdvIjK6u_qSEswFS4POerrjiJZKrdQYESlhlXE1yEidXArMIw/s320/katy+office+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY14COt1jbiFo46TeKRhDk5pDQapH_6JFvAdN1CgvGWkFuR7aWpGTNczHjPjfxbKXbkc8TUiubdeIlzz-m4dF1OR7OO5Z1S9xonSfJXhwTfHeyxZNDHaHl4b8sVyeKPRUfMmk2VDoWwNE/s1600/katy+office+ecity+with+me+from+photographer+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="508" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY14COt1jbiFo46TeKRhDk5pDQapH_6JFvAdN1CgvGWkFuR7aWpGTNczHjPjfxbKXbkc8TUiubdeIlzz-m4dF1OR7OO5Z1S9xonSfJXhwTfHeyxZNDHaHl4b8sVyeKPRUfMmk2VDoWwNE/s200/katy+office+ecity+with+me+from+photographer+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-49050520401225023542018-03-30T11:29:00.002-07:002018-03-30T11:30:22.341-07:00ROY G. BIVing Living
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllRY4wm75w9Gj0pWjpLqnR333ZlZOecRjr09raNR-CohgbanaAfdlnGFN0k9qPA5F0H_ew1qt1MXJ8t37WXTuembNfEWpiHTqEg8l7leOr1232Y9gUETDv9XSOuCI4t3BfrBP-Jy3Tfg/s1600/roygbiv+rainbow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="726" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllRY4wm75w9Gj0pWjpLqnR333ZlZOecRjr09raNR-CohgbanaAfdlnGFN0k9qPA5F0H_ew1qt1MXJ8t37WXTuembNfEWpiHTqEg8l7leOr1232Y9gUETDv9XSOuCI4t3BfrBP-Jy3Tfg/s200/roygbiv+rainbow.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Several
years ago, when I reentered the retail world, I had to relearn an elementary
school science lesson: ROY G. BIV, the acronym for the colors that make up the rainbow
- Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. It sounded simple
enough, but what about the other colors? I learned that Pink is light
red, peach is light orange, teal comes before blue, black goes after violet,
and grey is light black. Why was this important in retail? Like an
elementary school classroom, our store took science seriously and arranged
apparel in an orderly ROY G. BIV fashion, perfectly lined up against the wall
or at a wooden table. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Arranging
solid shirts according to ROY G. BIV was easy enough, but I soon learned that
prints didn't have to follow ROY G. BIV as strictly as the solids. Perhaps they
were the teacher’s pets. A red, orange and yellow multicolored shirt
could sit wherever he pleased as long as he didn't sit next to another print.
ROY had an important color story to tell, and a print sitting next to a print
was a visual interruption. And if the pampered print shirts weren't
annoying enough, I learned that G. BIV considered himself to be a cool color and
didn't want to hang out with warm ROY.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">I spent
nine years watching apparel tell their color stories: the little black dress revealing
her sophistication, elegance, and style, and the white dress indicating her
purity or simplicity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">I haven’t
forgotten ROY G. BIV. It reminds me that we, too, have a story to tell. We
can do a little ROY G BIVing, too.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Symbolizing
</span><strong><span style="color: red; margin: 0px;">excitement, energy, and speed</span></strong><span style="color: red; margin: 0px;">,</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> a red sweater might be a wise
choice when we drag in on Monday, but it also symbolizes </span><strong><span style="color: red; margin: 0px;">aggression</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">; in
fact, some car insurance companies charge more for red cars. December in
retail was a nightmare.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Sometimes I
wondered what would happen if we changed our store’s décor to pink (caring) and
beige (pleasantness)? Or what would happen if I change my busyness to
caring? </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Orange </span><strong><span style="color: orange; margin: 0px;">demands attention</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> and
symbolizes </span><strong><span style="color: orange; margin: 0px;">enthusiasm</span></strong><span style="color: orange; margin: 0px;">.</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> When Clinique
promoted their fragrance, Happy, we enthusiastically participated by
sporting our different shades of orange. At work or play, enthusiasm is a worthwhile addition. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHN-0v93mDzHYFHrEbN9QS-PQ_mMDqreqKNorxwwX6zrfdlX7JKgvyInAu8DAjgs8VOOy5T0eInyyLYzoKICBn7tUFAlCoVR1CLwpn7Zm2FIxFarzUT96DEV11X8qF-bf71MV5WtGtn8/s1600/roygbiv+be+happy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="511" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHN-0v93mDzHYFHrEbN9QS-PQ_mMDqreqKNorxwwX6zrfdlX7JKgvyInAu8DAjgs8VOOy5T0eInyyLYzoKICBn7tUFAlCoVR1CLwpn7Zm2FIxFarzUT96DEV11X8qF-bf71MV5WtGtn8/s200/roygbiv+be+happy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Yellow,
which happens to be my favorite color, symbolizes </span><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;">imagination</span>,<span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;"> friendship</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">,</span></strong><span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;"> <strong>summertime</strong></span><strong>,<span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;"> and hope</span></strong><span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;">.</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> After the cold winter, spring is a season of
anticipation. We run to our windows praising the warm sunny days, knowing
vacations and gatherings with family and friends draw closer. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Green is not
only associated with </span><strong><span style="color: lime; margin: 0px;">envy</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;">but also </span><span style="color: lime; margin: 0px;">luck</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What color is our money? What a coincidence. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Blue,
another favorite of mine, has been known to have a </span><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; margin: 0px;">calming</span></strong><span> effect
and lower blood pressure. If a cold, dreary week is followed by a blue
sky, let it remind you of God’s calming hand and of his <b>faithfulness</b></span><strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;">.</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkNPi_f4xddNRe0dNqxsDkRB-ZXNeiD99X5ztLpcAtjzIFRsy4o4Vr1QRPlLJXJg-7Etqrt3LCaZ1jKs_iZ1cR8yysHFEbohnNIFMEpEljKCv7NLT-qSdc2JTD-CEQcIba97dcMn5AS8/s1600/james+easter+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="175" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkNPi_f4xddNRe0dNqxsDkRB-ZXNeiD99X5ztLpcAtjzIFRsy4o4Vr1QRPlLJXJg-7Etqrt3LCaZ1jKs_iZ1cR8yysHFEbohnNIFMEpEljKCv7NLT-qSdc2JTD-CEQcIba97dcMn5AS8/s200/james+easter+basket.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Purple,
or violet, is a popular color for Easter because it symbolizes </span><strong><span style="color: purple; margin: 0px;">royalty</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">. It’s also believed to relieve migraines. I once
considered sending a note to corporate: paint the shoe department purple during
the Easter season. Purple is also a </span><strong><span style="color: purple; margin: 0px;">mysterious</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> color.
Wow, what if the fresh coat of paint brought back all the missing
"other" shoes?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Easter. There isn't a better season to talk about a color
story. Retail stores want their products to be as appealing as a basket
of dyed eggs. The Greek word<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> baptizo</i> was
often used to describe the procedure in which a piece of cloth was dipped into
dye, resulting in an entirely new color. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D61zklJZiCMnuxCNheo2UaKgFQXTlHdWEzSWiUlzqP4CUsEeJ_n26K1b9Ys_aDpXK2HovyIT60l1EVNf3uzs0rhNv_MQDC-fraQLoE6tXaQzVy2pGYclU6J79LWrJqsMpr7XJ7j1QEg/s1600/easter+dying+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="200" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D61zklJZiCMnuxCNheo2UaKgFQXTlHdWEzSWiUlzqP4CUsEeJ_n26K1b9Ys_aDpXK2HovyIT60l1EVNf3uzs0rhNv_MQDC-fraQLoE6tXaQzVy2pGYclU6J79LWrJqsMpr7XJ7j1QEg/s200/easter+dying+eggs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmosXZeW2VD8i31Mb-KmFLm8vm_jyd2G-KQdoJOW6a08m-6XizHBVQLn1d_1M7lmpf5xmAS-Xz9lywX4-o8UfsHUCybUo-1rDrPKmg48ULaPAlNcW0w1n7LCTIKaSJKRD6KfMUMDPDe0/s1600/easter+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="320" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmosXZeW2VD8i31Mb-KmFLm8vm_jyd2G-KQdoJOW6a08m-6XizHBVQLn1d_1M7lmpf5xmAS-Xz9lywX4-o8UfsHUCybUo-1rDrPKmg48ULaPAlNcW0w1n7LCTIKaSJKRD6KfMUMDPDe0/s200/easter+necklace.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">I've
never dyed cloth but have baptized many Easter eggs with my kids. We
never ROY G. BIVed them, though. The eggs that always stood out to me were the purple
or green. Green is not only luck and envy but also </span><span style="color: lime; margin: 0px;">renewal</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">. Purple is
not only royalty and mystery but also </span><span style="color: purple; margin: 0px;">transformation</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">. We have a chance to renew and transform our living
with </span><span style="color: red; margin: 0px;">strength</span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, </span><strong><span style="color: orange; margin: 0px;">balance</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, </span><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; margin: 0px;">joy</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, </span><strong><span style="color: lime; margin: 0px;">generosity</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, </span><strong><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;">truth</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, </span><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; margin: 0px;">sincerity</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, and </span><strong><span style="color: purple; margin: 0px;">wisdom</span></strong><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">.<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Easter is a time to find new life, to be
baptized by a Savior who transforms our living. </span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Happy Easter,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Katy<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #003001; font-family: Kristen ITC;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EtB2JHyGt1c9oZjT9b6zUNbZ55KFxwJRRmVvzaWV9DoAtYdeShAU5atrbCmaLv02b175N3bRhucYtd_ks0k1Kynw1GWg_aWpUg7qo3_METa1nPpSJR7PbwOtz56ocvKiZ5MZrtx7ySk/s1600/2016+easter+cherry+narrow+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1298" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EtB2JHyGt1c9oZjT9b6zUNbZ55KFxwJRRmVvzaWV9DoAtYdeShAU5atrbCmaLv02b175N3bRhucYtd_ks0k1Kynw1GWg_aWpUg7qo3_METa1nPpSJR7PbwOtz56ocvKiZ5MZrtx7ySk/s200/2016+easter+cherry+narrow+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></o:p>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-48721612870158901732017-12-18T13:38:00.003-08:002018-04-27T08:40:50.128-07:00There is Hope<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d8RNb2o4oCZPbJR_7K9U3OcFVNcw45agnF8p05rZxjv3bTQSk_p06oMvVYqKudF2Vy09Lpjxx5jEd5WBmtVXI8lv4jIXfH4HbgGGt8LdkwdjzsOUxMLqB7o55a0KIokHH2ssXY3c9bs/s1600/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="765" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d8RNb2o4oCZPbJR_7K9U3OcFVNcw45agnF8p05rZxjv3bTQSk_p06oMvVYqKudF2Vy09Lpjxx5jEd5WBmtVXI8lv4jIXfH4HbgGGt8LdkwdjzsOUxMLqB7o55a0KIokHH2ssXY3c9bs/s200/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+stocking.jpg" width="95" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-RFUscBcmq23uKIJ00gnjPtj6B8Zambk1ew8TQP6swPXsv0DIT5pXBUiD-wOSN_d4Qc5eDhzqrZ3p_MbNAZapMLsLXTr1PVFns_4SVITRiIK_C1T1ZhMmvmvj6BI5Ij4TjzBa0H04Bw/s1600/xmas+2017+hope+wdw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">An event in 1974 led to a major
decision twenty-one years later. It wasn't Watergate or the disbanding
of the Beatles. It was a television event, and I fell in love with a
name, Hope. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-RFUscBcmq23uKIJ00gnjPtj6B8Zambk1ew8TQP6swPXsv0DIT5pXBUiD-wOSN_d4Qc5eDhzqrZ3p_MbNAZapMLsLXTr1PVFns_4SVITRiIK_C1T1ZhMmvmvj6BI5Ij4TjzBa0H04Bw/s1600/xmas+2017+hope+wdw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 18.66px; margin-left: 18.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-RFUscBcmq23uKIJ00gnjPtj6B8Zambk1ew8TQP6swPXsv0DIT5pXBUiD-wOSN_d4Qc5eDhzqrZ3p_MbNAZapMLsLXTr1PVFns_4SVITRiIK_C1T1ZhMmvmvj6BI5Ij4TjzBa0H04Bw/s200/xmas+2017+hope+wdw.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="189" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I grew up in a world where teenagers
watched soap operas, so a few hours before <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Brady Bunch</i>,
I watched <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Days of
Our Lives. </i> Here's a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Days</i>, that's what
we called the show, history.</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Addie Horton discovered that she was pregnant but also ill with
Leukemia. Instead of harming the baby with treatments, she let the cancer take
its course. Addie and Doug named their first and only child Hope. Soon
afterwards, as Addie was walking with Hope, a car spun out towards them,
and Addie (realizing she wouldn't live long) pushed Hope's stroller to safety
and let the car hit her instead, killing her instantly.</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This was an emotional event for a <em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; margin: 0px;">Days</span></em> loving adolescent girl, and I remember thinking,
"what a beautiful name, so positive," and because I dreamed of prince
charming, a house, and perfect children, Hope was placed in the back of my head
for a future baby name.</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXM-OfHqWhARsdUNE6OqBdpg3cEyad9FWBmQi0897oTur0n-IAWWlcfEa4HLV9u4finYcstnhI9vHr6vCwuLHGYpJE3oV1FWBtGIz4O6xqzVy7oAVcQRto5H9Nf1p8mejtqMMp6fZTts/s1600/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+newborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="604" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXM-OfHqWhARsdUNE6OqBdpg3cEyad9FWBmQi0897oTur0n-IAWWlcfEa4HLV9u4finYcstnhI9vHr6vCwuLHGYpJE3oV1FWBtGIz4O6xqzVy7oAVcQRto5H9Nf1p8mejtqMMp6fZTts/s200/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+newborn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Each time I read a verse with the word hope, especially <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hebrews 11:1 </i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Faith is the
confidence that what we hope for will happen; it gives us assurance about
things we cannot see,"</i></b> I feel in love with the name again, for I
was a daydreamer with many hopes. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1RCO9M-ja2eZsXa48j3gOjmsnRDAOa3uRlKz5VFiSiZU20gihZP4gbSMu9qT9mL8pFYqkhGDxIFHMrOM8ux4hNpcRuzHKnNcfVIGQS9rEv9WHyB5Ciq9X2suUZq3UyeV_urab3-uLdU/s1600/1995+dec+david+hope+in+carrier+xmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1191" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1RCO9M-ja2eZsXa48j3gOjmsnRDAOa3uRlKz5VFiSiZU20gihZP4gbSMu9qT9mL8pFYqkhGDxIFHMrOM8ux4hNpcRuzHKnNcfVIGQS9rEv9WHyB5Ciq9X2suUZq3UyeV_urab3-uLdU/s200/1995+dec+david+hope+in+carrier+xmas+tree.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">My Grandmother King, a gracious, sociable lady, suffered with an
immune deficiency for many years. Seeing her ill so often, I once said to
her, "I know you're tired of always being sick." She replied,
"Honey, where there is life, there is hope." I remembered those
words when I was pregnant, and although I often heard, "That's an old
name, isn't it?" and "There are so many popular names to choose from,
what about....,” I didn't waver. On December 18, 1995, one week before
Christmas, baby Susannah Hope was born. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormzzdkTDliNjDHQpXZePIEs906A6zSeRwev3j-G11eRV5ktH5nhTVrdZDIybolZRSHGKbLS7ErtOv0QoiqH9xnKISlETmMaXAkpd9h5Rimg96fRL3cshEl7cON4p4x9fCENeQU43nII/s1600/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1160" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormzzdkTDliNjDHQpXZePIEs906A6zSeRwev3j-G11eRV5ktH5nhTVrdZDIybolZRSHGKbLS7ErtOv0QoiqH9xnKISlETmMaXAkpd9h5Rimg96fRL3cshEl7cON4p4x9fCENeQU43nII/s200/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+santa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Hope cried night and day for two
months and went through the terrible twos at the age of one, but other than
that, she was, and still is, a delight. Teachers described her as “the sweetest.” Friends
and family describe her as sweet, funny, beautiful, and caring. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstQEhIaOBwmN7yopKN5-VI7IKdO2W0LgoigqVEdbzCmS93Vnyn-NoxJsfLvCMl516ecD-NIYlQ2_3MkRsNWj2VXBeRfY_seJO5_v5yLXYAwiVQ39EnUjWcucykaDY_joiAhTGYdASWJA/s1600/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+at+moms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstQEhIaOBwmN7yopKN5-VI7IKdO2W0LgoigqVEdbzCmS93Vnyn-NoxJsfLvCMl516ecD-NIYlQ2_3MkRsNWj2VXBeRfY_seJO5_v5yLXYAwiVQ39EnUjWcucykaDY_joiAhTGYdASWJA/s200/recorded+for+reality+there+is+hope+at+moms.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Hope wasn't the most popular name for a baby then nor is it now,
but I look at her with a mother's heart and believe she genuinely lives up to
her name. Even though Hope shares my love of sarcasm, she lights up every
room she enters.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreLoIhisGP4y92tYOLIRPIka2sZwhek_JSPsYtJJuURLI1kP4P9x4Fc1o-MF_4VMwTPHkqRg2sEI3W5rLnfcXp-FSetV58maWH_-6Sbs-g6hcKS1t5noYxMxYrNmIHP-H7jmWdJSEoos/s1600/hope+party+stop+6+xmas+family+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreLoIhisGP4y92tYOLIRPIka2sZwhek_JSPsYtJJuURLI1kP4P9x4Fc1o-MF_4VMwTPHkqRg2sEI3W5rLnfcXp-FSetV58maWH_-6Sbs-g6hcKS1t5noYxMxYrNmIHP-H7jmWdJSEoos/s200/hope+party+stop+6+xmas+family+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrczGbhh64yBtCla5JRRKIAPNbuFa2ZACQvWwNGD-8GxkLeb_OYphiEX-iyjhHu7OM9eM2uT07XkCN9_WEznjIOO2FOP44htb0cO7qmyknI2plvsqAyO7V1J7S5nBK4cBgQQrAVzv780/s1600/hope+party+stop+4+glymph+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrczGbhh64yBtCla5JRRKIAPNbuFa2ZACQvWwNGD-8GxkLeb_OYphiEX-iyjhHu7OM9eM2uT07XkCN9_WEznjIOO2FOP44htb0cO7qmyknI2plvsqAyO7V1J7S5nBK4cBgQQrAVzv780/s200/hope+party+stop+4+glymph+family.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span>The name stayed with me
because it was positive, and so is my daughter. She offers so much to her
world: patience, kindness, laughter, and compassion. I cannot imagine a world
without my Hope. <span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">As a sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin, Hope brings
life to our gatherings.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She shows us the
Holy Spirit. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"And his
name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:21</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY3aJFooiWLTP52AhbEpDmT5OjmyBMH5jvpOMgEaw7qzR7wJ4FrZprio67LEyEkRY6MuSyd27aw2RJxVkZFO5Z0clcBI_yGk90Ct6lG9zOLkrG97CL-oaV6zgLPFOF7_IWeEj9a7-p7w/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="802" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDY3aJFooiWLTP52AhbEpDmT5OjmyBMH5jvpOMgEaw7qzR7wJ4FrZprio67LEyEkRY6MuSyd27aw2RJxVkZFO5Z0clcBI_yGk90Ct6lG9zOLkrG97CL-oaV6zgLPFOF7_IWeEj9a7-p7w/s200/IMG.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I also cannot imagine life without the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope of all the world</i></b>,
Jesus. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">....what we
hope for. </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> Of course, I hope for material and selfish things. I hope
for good health for myself, my family, and my friends. I hope for the
best in life even though I often don't know what that looks like, which is where
faith enters the picture. I hope for peace and salvation for family,
friends, and people I meet. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">There are many reasons to feel hopeless: poor health, poverty,
relationship problems, depression, loss, and uncertainties. But there is hope. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">In Taylor Caldwell's short story, "My Christmas
Miracle," packages from a stranger arrive unexpectedly on Christmas Eve to
a single mother with a hungry daughter and no job. And she writes,
"and a sweet peace flooded me like a benediction. I had some hope again."
Even in the darkest times, there is hope. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaRa1OrH3FlKweG42IKD29FV8XEyrEUZwZhcOuX2hUs2PYaLqN8bV5uR759K-7P1lj1F2uf9yP58E-oQoVjJNoepG3KlMefTKqm8ILMnoOgadr5lSIiP8CfsKfcFR2EvQFl4rxccHDfc/s1600/xmas+angel+hope+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaRa1OrH3FlKweG42IKD29FV8XEyrEUZwZhcOuX2hUs2PYaLqN8bV5uR759K-7P1lj1F2uf9yP58E-oQoVjJNoepG3KlMefTKqm8ILMnoOgadr5lSIiP8CfsKfcFR2EvQFl4rxccHDfc/s200/xmas+angel+hope+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">It's the season to offer <b><i>hope to all the
world</i></b> through Angel Trees with names of strangers,
gifts to co-workers and neighbors in need, encouragement to friends with
life-changing uncertainties, visits to families who feel forgotten. With
every dollar given, present unwrapped, meal cooked, hospital corridor walked,
or encouragement offered, we give a promise. There is hope. </span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPQFu61OZsrWwIwZDnMNjL8SMJrGeGDcm0M-08cmFkNXFS1J4Z1fbVWxo6IvIBS_IUCk2ep0N0-B7osY7kFbLRRxOVtlZgcfD7Lo9HGA5t5H95dBNoSzjE33fhOZjQ2MT_vOzL4x1ync/s1600/2015+december+family+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJYOrCoi3ajBxx6WbrMVDeHqh2hQ4lOJQn5lhyphenhyphen6uQBpcIkB2jHYUSNiuxCpg-HT9CQqKOqxBgMDk0gI9SS-S-F9I_rv56xzOgyynPgKuU3IpA70Z-Wly3r3m1Mu_nDp4xxm1Ip59TSyI/s1600/2017+nov+port+orleans+hope+james+luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJYOrCoi3ajBxx6WbrMVDeHqh2hQ4lOJQn5lhyphenhyphen6uQBpcIkB2jHYUSNiuxCpg-HT9CQqKOqxBgMDk0gI9SS-S-F9I_rv56xzOgyynPgKuU3IpA70Z-Wly3r3m1Mu_nDp4xxm1Ip59TSyI/s200/2017+nov+port+orleans+hope+james+luke.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPQFu61OZsrWwIwZDnMNjL8SMJrGeGDcm0M-08cmFkNXFS1J4Z1fbVWxo6IvIBS_IUCk2ep0N0-B7osY7kFbLRRxOVtlZgcfD7Lo9HGA5t5H95dBNoSzjE33fhOZjQ2MT_vOzL4x1ync/s1600/2015+december+family+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="544" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPQFu61OZsrWwIwZDnMNjL8SMJrGeGDcm0M-08cmFkNXFS1J4Z1fbVWxo6IvIBS_IUCk2ep0N0-B7osY7kFbLRRxOVtlZgcfD7Lo9HGA5t5H95dBNoSzjE33fhOZjQ2MT_vOzL4x1ync/s200/2015+december+family+selfie.jpg" width="113" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Happy 22nd Birthday to my Hope, who
has makes our world more positive, our home more joyful, and our hearts more
grateful.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">We Love You,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Dad, Mom, Luke, and James</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I hope each of you experience Christ,
the Hope of the World,</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Anderson Area Charity in Need: New Foundations Children and Youth
Services in Anderson, South Carolina. <a href="http://newfoundationschildren.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://newfoundationschildren.com/</span></a></span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">A story of hope and good Christmas read, written by a dear friend
and author, Laura Hodges Poole: "A Christmas Chance." <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23487371-a-christmas-chance"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23487371-a-christmas-chance</span></a></span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Two short stories about the hope we can bring to others during
this season:</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">My Christmas
Miracle</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> by Taylor Caldwell</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">A Gift of the
Heart </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">by Norman Vincent Peale</span></div>
<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">During my "research," on
Wikipedia, I found an interesting fact about the actress who played Addie
Horton on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Days of
Our Lives.</i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Barry" title="Patricia Barry"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Patricia Barry</span></a>
played Addie from April 19, 1971 to June 28, 1974. Barry reprised her role as
Addie for one episode on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">December 18, 1974.<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-24953209416121249192017-12-15T10:24:00.001-08:002018-03-19T10:16:32.305-07:00Nostalgia <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGc_WEYT54fEBGgdA8jcuoi5zaeRcTXJpOX3zLp4HXnZLUMSUj9WsUEwa61_VG-3cCtmkuQVorUuoneMxbMoSgnCqfwrwDDNThQOxDmpNHkwhAfWwYr3S9mFMZMYv8r6g5Eys-45fCVY/s1600/xmas+brown+chuck+katy+at+glenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="604" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGc_WEYT54fEBGgdA8jcuoi5zaeRcTXJpOX3zLp4HXnZLUMSUj9WsUEwa61_VG-3cCtmkuQVorUuoneMxbMoSgnCqfwrwDDNThQOxDmpNHkwhAfWwYr3S9mFMZMYv8r6g5Eys-45fCVY/s200/xmas+brown+chuck+katy+at+glenda.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Nostalgia -a</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">
sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period
or place with happy personal associations.</span></i><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">My sentimental longing began this year when I delivered a
Poinsettia from my church to Mrs. Evelyn Wilson.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>She cannot hear, but I knocked on the window of her door until she
looked up and saw me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On her notebook, I
wrote my name, my husband’s name, and the name of our church. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She nodded and talked to me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When I wrote my parents’ names, Mrs. Wilson smiled
brightly and said, “I remember you when you were a little girl.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My childhood was more
than a few decades ago, and I’ve seen her many times as an adult, but the
sweetness of her memory filled me with joy and made me laugh.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We talked for about ten minutes. I had a
prior commitment and regretted leaving, but I drove away grateful for sweet personal
associations like Mrs. Wilson who filled my past with kind words and wisdom.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JaiBSQHNgHTAH-M7T8bn-0Cx9hPDcffpOEaA0k0VB2iZlKJp1WwUjLICNokMJF9tYsEyju0uuaFrkAEqaiu4DI8LvLfIt6ONHbWQlVlWXfvGERZ30pXAPjOwR_hAeZfR4YmEI1ZBvk/s1600/xmas+1975+box+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JaiBSQHNgHTAH-M7T8bn-0Cx9hPDcffpOEaA0k0VB2iZlKJp1WwUjLICNokMJF9tYsEyju0uuaFrkAEqaiu4DI8LvLfIt6ONHbWQlVlWXfvGERZ30pXAPjOwR_hAeZfR4YmEI1ZBvk/s200/xmas+1975+box+cropped.jpg" width="112" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I promised myself and my daughter that I’d carefully sort through my Christmas decorations
and purge, and I’m proud to report that I’ve been successful. However, some
treasures cannot be discarded. Three hours after visiting Mrs. Wilson, I found
something I had forgotten about, a small, red, wooden musical jewelry box given
to me by my childhood best friend, Allyson.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>There’s a Hummel angel on the box along with the year 1975. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f80ra63rOW5TpgIb3xnEIEkjHqhp5YhXPeWiA4Fk3fLLkFgRQtKbDTTv3R1jPcFhpEIUMljK5_E1LisCACGnG9mf3OKkTznuwggSLx_GhEjtiji-3dLkyScoDd2SLgy_j76cV7G6Res/s1600/xmas+decor+1975+and+nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f80ra63rOW5TpgIb3xnEIEkjHqhp5YhXPeWiA4Fk3fLLkFgRQtKbDTTv3R1jPcFhpEIUMljK5_E1LisCACGnG9mf3OKkTznuwggSLx_GhEjtiji-3dLkyScoDd2SLgy_j76cV7G6Res/s200/xmas+decor+1975+and+nativity.jpg" width="112" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;">The hinges are broken, so for the past ten
years or more, I’ve returned it to the storage box. That night, I placed it next
to a musical figurine on a table in my living room, grateful for dear personal
associations like Allyson who filled my past with delight and generosity.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8009RNsG9aawai8AaZJ6btTLjgH10nm_7S5sPBpRXiIWSaHZj_N8yfdimvwa1H-SSNScKzWXHJiwMfG87Ig4LsYZb_lZLtQV-6ZKZd3ULx-VYwuvof8oZiKeF1ORqKai_mFr7T_9PY4/s1600/xmas+brown+food+dad+mom+sam+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8009RNsG9aawai8AaZJ6btTLjgH10nm_7S5sPBpRXiIWSaHZj_N8yfdimvwa1H-SSNScKzWXHJiwMfG87Ig4LsYZb_lZLtQV-6ZKZd3ULx-VYwuvof8oZiKeF1ORqKai_mFr7T_9PY4/s200/xmas+brown+food+dad+mom+sam+.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The following day, my mom and I relived past Christmas
Eves with my dad’s family, the Browns.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We shared these memories with my son Luke, laughing as we recalled our
varied Christmas dinners. No matter what the m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8009RNsG9aawai8AaZJ6btTLjgH10nm_7S5sPBpRXiIWSaHZj_N8yfdimvwa1H-SSNScKzWXHJiwMfG87Ig4LsYZb_lZLtQV-6ZKZd3ULx-VYwuvof8oZiKeF1ORqKai_mFr7T_9PY4/s1600/xmas+brown+food+dad+mom+sam+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 18.66px; margin-left: 18.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8009RNsG9aawai8AaZJ6btTLjgH10nm_7S5sPBpRXiIWSaHZj_N8yfdimvwa1H-SSNScKzWXHJiwMfG87Ig4LsYZb_lZLtQV-6ZKZd3ULx-VYwuvof8oZiKeF1ORqKai_mFr7T_9PY4/s1600/xmas+brown+food+dad+mom+sam+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: &quot; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 18.66px; margin-left: 18.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>enu, Mom cooked her famous
meatballs, there was always some kind of sandwich, and Dad brought boiled shrimp because it was Luke’s favorite.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One year, instead of a ham or roast, Aunt
Glenda (Dad’s sister) made lasagna.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Another year, our Christmas Eve dinner was breakfast. We enjoyed our smorgasbord at the table, the hearth, the sofa, or an ottoman. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyWB3XCM8X5k0SjF5R6V4wvnY3BgV1QKv-0svtpcTg9CqprF1ZGD5GoStSXaAlHIcmi-rgA2RqLN_rwHLh10hbjr_vd0MsRgAENnMmN9_tPRt8ZZCkDu0khZJ_6VfE2LV58SfQU1eNSc/s1600/xmas+brown+cousins+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="527" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyWB3XCM8X5k0SjF5R6V4wvnY3BgV1QKv-0svtpcTg9CqprF1ZGD5GoStSXaAlHIcmi-rgA2RqLN_rwHLh10hbjr_vd0MsRgAENnMmN9_tPRt8ZZCkDu0khZJ_6VfE2LV58SfQU1eNSc/s200/xmas+brown+cousins+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As a child, I drew
names with my cousins and remember how excited I was buying one of them a gift.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The adults drew names as well, and Mom and I
shook our heads at the chaos of everyone loudly opening gifts at the same
time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLre5-hj7RHVoE3T_CUHJSellKQuxRiqwXuv4rLRiyc1lSWF6W18ToSGyTSdHXOy2gOoCyMzH-qk3Zfoo6j_vXhexPBwPi_dfsFGpBxAXpXCu2_JfjRoTcT2knWMIS4pjX2l4UbHLXhbg/s1600/xmas+brown+dad+david+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLre5-hj7RHVoE3T_CUHJSellKQuxRiqwXuv4rLRiyc1lSWF6W18ToSGyTSdHXOy2gOoCyMzH-qk3Zfoo6j_vXhexPBwPi_dfsFGpBxAXpXCu2_JfjRoTcT2knWMIS4pjX2l4UbHLXhbg/s200/xmas+brown+dad+david+babies.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we grew up, the
cousins began exchanging names with our parents and aunts and uncles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>After boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper and
tissues were ripped and tossed, we took the volume to a low roar and
semi-listened as each family member, beginning with the oldest, gave a lengthy
show and tell of gifts, each requiring a story or a joke from another family
member.<span style="margin: 0px;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXuQhCnXgLXtrzlWvIVo79d_loU4s5ZlBctBuDo0TerMUgMnsgGD2xuUWfCGVh2FFpTn7bmwJxUtFqq-XHtLMY4cj1VfeCEjCGjp2tjiLhEhilaezPnvqA16OwlQgVEIbeyKqcCqreuM/s1600/xmas+brown+kids+delia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXuQhCnXgLXtrzlWvIVo79d_loU4s5ZlBctBuDo0TerMUgMnsgGD2xuUWfCGVh2FFpTn7bmwJxUtFqq-XHtLMY4cj1VfeCEjCGjp2tjiLhEhilaezPnvqA16OwlQgVEIbeyKqcCqreuM/s200/xmas+brown+kids+delia.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34oT9d2p66_FbmvwJzy0zoJhWVXnyJmjgdWEpf9JUylGQngcmjftaSdeduXl0yhNP6RINr9qSPh-u_-Q5ISwnGLCMSaD9lNxqce84ifoESSrYidIWs22t9RVwEwJbwMekbNj8zpOdqgo/s1600/xmas+brown+mark+knox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34oT9d2p66_FbmvwJzy0zoJhWVXnyJmjgdWEpf9JUylGQngcmjftaSdeduXl0yhNP6RINr9qSPh-u_-Q5ISwnGLCMSaD9lNxqce84ifoESSrYidIWs22t9RVwEwJbwMekbNj8zpOdqgo/s200/xmas+brown+mark+knox.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXuQhCnXgLXtrzlWvIVo79d_loU4s5ZlBctBuDo0TerMUgMnsgGD2xuUWfCGVh2FFpTn7bmwJxUtFqq-XHtLMY4cj1VfeCEjCGjp2tjiLhEhilaezPnvqA16OwlQgVEIbeyKqcCqreuM/s1600/xmas+brown+kids+delia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When the cousins
became parents, we passed our babies around, tied ribbons on their heads, then
when they were older, let them play dress up and fight over toys.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuVBPBtVfa5ql2T8NVRBZ73L48qtFYhWWfVRQKy1hr6-ALTXRiEG9VVupjTSB1uVvSrpgFmaMOoF4tYE0e1m4CfN_NHMoque0anWLUk9ZggbFfA9idGFCVFMSjFGm7qTpACNosPH3rTo/s1600/xmas+brown+gladys+bruce+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuVBPBtVfa5ql2T8NVRBZ73L48qtFYhWWfVRQKy1hr6-ALTXRiEG9VVupjTSB1uVvSrpgFmaMOoF4tYE0e1m4CfN_NHMoque0anWLUk9ZggbFfA9idGFCVFMSjFGm7qTpACNosPH3rTo/s200/xmas+brown+gladys+bruce+.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Rsw6mIAQGXatK5NbshViPlZB-4-nZGchisBTk1d0W6RICTzpG7etUeN92bukclOFRqT3A7FzfVZbWvpMGr2pz5uAhieI1WZ5CANUQSi1Yxp-Nko-AKqkBnbhW78gYZMPNOifDOUU_s/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+susi+sharon+anja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Rsw6mIAQGXatK5NbshViPlZB-4-nZGchisBTk1d0W6RICTzpG7etUeN92bukclOFRqT3A7FzfVZbWvpMGr2pz5uAhieI1WZ5CANUQSi1Yxp-Nko-AKqkBnbhW78gYZMPNOifDOUU_s/s200/xmas+brown+2008+susi+sharon+anja.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A few years ago, we
abandoned the gift exchange for the Dirty Santa game. As if the Brown family
needed another reason to argue, this Dirty Santa involved both useful and gag
gifts, so our chances of taking home a gag gift increased with each steal. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuwNIvJxHYZxaGDi3R9shmszeJkrLbb-yzK0hqsX6BPG5-UkZTJ6QOfaEgvzIqyb95e2-rOqMhYQiMIffFj38o9S5LJrpwHpx4oowTxnAqXJtnkZBhAcKnTr0-W2EgBOGN4jd523x8JA/s1600/xmas+brown+siblings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1024" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuwNIvJxHYZxaGDi3R9shmszeJkrLbb-yzK0hqsX6BPG5-UkZTJ6QOfaEgvzIqyb95e2-rOqMhYQiMIffFj38o9S5LJrpwHpx4oowTxnAqXJtnkZBhAcKnTr0-W2EgBOGN4jd523x8JA/s200/xmas+brown+siblings.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-8B93Mhhq26c4OfRSNx__X-PtALncJeLFyceFpk_FGHyF7jkuSH88vv4UwtPzFhqFdDOwLubuI-VCc7twV4ZHEEVoVUWWbQ5SbSzze5-s8zldbaIj5fioNq7ycIYLetz1D1wKpgigdQ/s1600/xmas+brown+food+bruce+amy+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-8B93Mhhq26c4OfRSNx__X-PtALncJeLFyceFpk_FGHyF7jkuSH88vv4UwtPzFhqFdDOwLubuI-VCc7twV4ZHEEVoVUWWbQ5SbSzze5-s8zldbaIj5fioNq7ycIYLetz1D1wKpgigdQ/s200/xmas+brown+food+bruce+amy+.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Dad and his siblings
are no longer with us, and several of my cousins live too far to stop by for
Christmas Eve.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But, we have the in-laws (or out-laws as Uncle Sam calls them), and we try to be
together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The menu might be soup and
sandwiches or a Christmas Eve feast, but I promised Mom there'd be meatballs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgRwCeCUuhuQy058GZ3z0d0A768i_qIQl_alIojANLemwQDjNXTuPj9C-Bha-H6Wq17Nj36jrl8mWJ9f5BbPt0QDKOCOMmlQGKykdMmWHmagZw-SsW0RMKV4TyJlKxGzi0SFuFbHsjH8/s1600/xmas+brown+luke+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG11ib5_hGN4wqH-zHM63MLwe-rIw-9qoT9PSCIxGU856tcH_f_OKI4pWLD4AWuxdfcVp6Pg2b0qf6x5CqkhsUxQ0qwkx5WkbLHe9CMjQa31SRF88SkRxXU2I8ruAx1nqqqooURvMk6Q/s1600/xmas+brown+grant+hope+hanna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQhEhbaisaoH7yCrBUis1VQVdJwwxAm8ClAtjudxrHggCac48kN1-SJUm9eROGnPq5B17Zl4Y6yo1svk8kA8OJfwFgOOEuAghH7_P4aksJlY7lPsaee31ewkj9NpokV7U1Q24eFtyMMY/s1600/xmas+brown+2013+grant+susi+katy+amy+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1148" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQhEhbaisaoH7yCrBUis1VQVdJwwxAm8ClAtjudxrHggCac48kN1-SJUm9eROGnPq5B17Zl4Y6yo1svk8kA8OJfwFgOOEuAghH7_P4aksJlY7lPsaee31ewkj9NpokV7U1Q24eFtyMMY/s200/xmas+brown+2013+grant+susi+katy+amy+chuck.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwConLzGdRY5DbzJ-fZRIGIaeFDSz1Zx0Rbwz2iDZKxTjrCBayQWoywuWVMECRqeqorj549kupzCAgoWc3IRXsQXYMccdcOY062Tm-adDCKjGJEEvRHMlqodBtSBoLtsYfUy2Ja9oHn0/s1600/xmas+brown+cousins+with+grandmother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwConLzGdRY5DbzJ-fZRIGIaeFDSz1Zx0Rbwz2iDZKxTjrCBayQWoywuWVMECRqeqorj549kupzCAgoWc3IRXsQXYMccdcOY062Tm-adDCKjGJEEvRHMlqodBtSBoLtsYfUy2Ja9oHn0/s1600/xmas+brown+cousins+with+grandmother.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We may not bring gifts. We may only meet for
an hour or two.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But, we will laugh. We’ll
create memories, grateful for decades of love and laughter provided by the most
personal of our associations, the Brown Family. </span><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG11ib5_hGN4wqH-zHM63MLwe-rIw-9qoT9PSCIxGU856tcH_f_OKI4pWLD4AWuxdfcVp6Pg2b0qf6x5CqkhsUxQ0qwkx5WkbLHe9CMjQa31SRF88SkRxXU2I8ruAx1nqqqooURvMk6Q/s1600/xmas+brown+grant+hope+hanna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s200/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG11ib5_hGN4wqH-zHM63MLwe-rIw-9qoT9PSCIxGU856tcH_f_OKI4pWLD4AWuxdfcVp6Pg2b0qf6x5CqkhsUxQ0qwkx5WkbLHe9CMjQa31SRF88SkRxXU2I8ruAx1nqqqooURvMk6Q/s1600/xmas+brown+grant+hope+hanna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG11ib5_hGN4wqH-zHM63MLwe-rIw-9qoT9PSCIxGU856tcH_f_OKI4pWLD4AWuxdfcVp6Pg2b0qf6x5CqkhsUxQ0qwkx5WkbLHe9CMjQa31SRF88SkRxXU2I8ruAx1nqqqooURvMk6Q/s200/xmas+brown+grant+hope+hanna.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gccgo-tMHJfkxmiSB1JS6KzSfr_ol3h-ZcU1dwxuVsLJNywFN4Prfvb5b3nOsmqQFZCeE1J2SVLB9PcOC-hjGf8KzjYpxQy4WqkCd5vjFcOk1CLd1SyUpNsN7Haa_0pUV0tOZdDXZeg/s1600/xmas+brown+scrapbook+picturews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gccgo-tMHJfkxmiSB1JS6KzSfr_ol3h-ZcU1dwxuVsLJNywFN4Prfvb5b3nOsmqQFZCeE1J2SVLB9PcOC-hjGf8KzjYpxQy4WqkCd5vjFcOk1CLd1SyUpNsN7Haa_0pUV0tOZdDXZeg/s1600/xmas+brown+scrapbook+picturews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gccgo-tMHJfkxmiSB1JS6KzSfr_ol3h-ZcU1dwxuVsLJNywFN4Prfvb5b3nOsmqQFZCeE1J2SVLB9PcOC-hjGf8KzjYpxQy4WqkCd5vjFcOk1CLd1SyUpNsN7Haa_0pUV0tOZdDXZeg/s200/xmas+brown+scrapbook+picturews.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hX4hqsPGaMCGs63NPcdM2zjhUoAJtoJwdmxARkSAV12NDJFuX4pXLKk114D8uicqN2LLtvrV4VYspcwzmaMvPReIq2EfErhcErg49UfY11wDyBzZMeDwXCdUbm9F_zicqQYUA07M4nU/s1600/xmas+brown+hope+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hX4hqsPGaMCGs63NPcdM2zjhUoAJtoJwdmxARkSAV12NDJFuX4pXLKk114D8uicqN2LLtvrV4VYspcwzmaMvPReIq2EfErhcErg49UfY11wDyBzZMeDwXCdUbm9F_zicqQYUA07M4nU/s200/xmas+brown+hope+party.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HDfvLMWbx0JAR_HIVsnVqpYqWJl7Jb0FbaGuJBxvIXc5B7zkvOSYtG-ieqo7kF7anAvMPCen85_vhBeLenStjlOuy3IlBl8yI4txXSVc36lix-qRR6pf3IDzL0dgGdkzVtDWnY8U0LQ/s1600/xmas+brown+hope+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HDfvLMWbx0JAR_HIVsnVqpYqWJl7Jb0FbaGuJBxvIXc5B7zkvOSYtG-ieqo7kF7anAvMPCen85_vhBeLenStjlOuy3IlBl8yI4txXSVc36lix-qRR6pf3IDzL0dgGdkzVtDWnY8U0LQ/s200/xmas+brown+hope+at+chuck.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvtfXomPSWs2M3MPOyAhzJrsl_woaxULelf9j1_mqt7w-hu7SIi_EOPrBLp5uCUitBT6YFUtNT0szf1jiA8CtLnXbduyxWZsCAd9qOmSDznFMfeggZgpxkrV7_yVE-XN1x0eWh3FtKW8/s1600/xmas+brown+mark+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvtfXomPSWs2M3MPOyAhzJrsl_woaxULelf9j1_mqt7w-hu7SIi_EOPrBLp5uCUitBT6YFUtNT0szf1jiA8CtLnXbduyxWZsCAd9qOmSDznFMfeggZgpxkrV7_yVE-XN1x0eWh3FtKW8/s200/xmas+brown+mark+at+chuck.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xwo7E-QtRDOyJDuEKGl4lrHZ67zmvaLZ-GSGwe-MXGB4vvt26ZpsFGYdjW4iR92Hesk5k-RVG3XGc1Rd1mHNIE9HO1dqFbegDBVnuUEp8FDdis6egbZt4FGpgAlV1KqwDNVYXepZFTE/s1600/xmas+brown+david+grant+gladys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="604" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xwo7E-QtRDOyJDuEKGl4lrHZ67zmvaLZ-GSGwe-MXGB4vvt26ZpsFGYdjW4iR92Hesk5k-RVG3XGc1Rd1mHNIE9HO1dqFbegDBVnuUEp8FDdis6egbZt4FGpgAlV1KqwDNVYXepZFTE/s200/xmas+brown+david+grant+gladys.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaIywvPKDoj41syPxYlUw09n48rWVGGXFuQ4BGcZNVSbdqvvA6x6yTNVlVGX1FL0-xFYvJ5wXP6IrUGqxKrX0tCF9yDSQMjaDlulWGHDeH2zh_ehHqc9ZGcYoO5VpzN3JTLj96rbOp5c/s1600/xmas+brown+cousin+transform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFyU93ZnI79wlrZ7X4nzJm0Ez_HnboUUgRoGbrnFRlFQl1q5uwL_T9KHK-T2a9vmOsDsdNqiA0HU47xqf4GtQZr9K6kS0gpvEfgPGjtRJ_olzUh57WbnA18XGltofwXjQqGAm0vcBsgM/s1600/xmas+brown+dad+james.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="796" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFyU93ZnI79wlrZ7X4nzJm0Ez_HnboUUgRoGbrnFRlFQl1q5uwL_T9KHK-T2a9vmOsDsdNqiA0HU47xqf4GtQZr9K6kS0gpvEfgPGjtRJ_olzUh57WbnA18XGltofwXjQqGAm0vcBsgM/s200/xmas+brown+dad+james.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaIywvPKDoj41syPxYlUw09n48rWVGGXFuQ4BGcZNVSbdqvvA6x6yTNVlVGX1FL0-xFYvJ5wXP6IrUGqxKrX0tCF9yDSQMjaDlulWGHDeH2zh_ehHqc9ZGcYoO5VpzN3JTLj96rbOp5c/s1600/xmas+brown+cousin+transform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaIywvPKDoj41syPxYlUw09n48rWVGGXFuQ4BGcZNVSbdqvvA6x6yTNVlVGX1FL0-xFYvJ5wXP6IrUGqxKrX0tCF9yDSQMjaDlulWGHDeH2zh_ehHqc9ZGcYoO5VpzN3JTLj96rbOp5c/s200/xmas+brown+cousin+transform.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgRwCeCUuhuQy058GZ3z0d0A768i_qIQl_alIojANLemwQDjNXTuPj9C-Bha-H6Wq17Nj36jrl8mWJ9f5BbPt0QDKOCOMmlQGKykdMmWHmagZw-SsW0RMKV4TyJlKxGzi0SFuFbHsjH8/s1600/xmas+brown+luke+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-8B93Mhhq26c4OfRSNx__X-PtALncJeLFyceFpk_FGHyF7jkuSH88vv4UwtPzFhqFdDOwLubuI-VCc7twV4ZHEEVoVUWWbQ5SbSzze5-s8zldbaIj5fioNq7ycIYLetz1D1wKpgigdQ/s200/xmas+brown+food+bruce+amy+.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; cursor: move; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div>
<img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s200/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5K0Jr28HHbv8dQ9frTWqbZtW2smLBj_wEBjSJ2gDvnZBTy77eKYkAvuqnZI5ofrxzNXa151e6CCV7oYtX16Ol9tXv_uofALD4YyNkFoV030ll9i0ihuyH11O5hMh7TzDOgqefnBbJw/s1600/xmas+brown+david+anja+mark+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5K0Jr28HHbv8dQ9frTWqbZtW2smLBj_wEBjSJ2gDvnZBTy77eKYkAvuqnZI5ofrxzNXa151e6CCV7oYtX16Ol9tXv_uofALD4YyNkFoV030ll9i0ihuyH11O5hMh7TzDOgqefnBbJw/s200/xmas+brown+david+anja+mark+at+chuck.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzELdPLsbI-PHgro9CiE8Vsh2buIQ9ujPA74OnmE1cdeeu9gFPiKYHE93POEtYOFCuGyHBfPw9lMPZqEvI5sgLOOk9dBDLq2SDNf8GPjC8tHkYq90idiVPkl16lt85x8l3W8kW3A1_T4/s1600/xmas+brown+david+josh+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzELdPLsbI-PHgro9CiE8Vsh2buIQ9ujPA74OnmE1cdeeu9gFPiKYHE93POEtYOFCuGyHBfPw9lMPZqEvI5sgLOOk9dBDLq2SDNf8GPjC8tHkYq90idiVPkl16lt85x8l3W8kW3A1_T4/s1600/xmas+brown+david+josh+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="720" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzELdPLsbI-PHgro9CiE8Vsh2buIQ9ujPA74OnmE1cdeeu9gFPiKYHE93POEtYOFCuGyHBfPw9lMPZqEvI5sgLOOk9dBDLq2SDNf8GPjC8tHkYq90idiVPkl16lt85x8l3W8kW3A1_T4/s200/xmas+brown+david+josh+at+chuck.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgRwCeCUuhuQy058GZ3z0d0A768i_qIQl_alIojANLemwQDjNXTuPj9C-Bha-H6Wq17Nj36jrl8mWJ9f5BbPt0QDKOCOMmlQGKykdMmWHmagZw-SsW0RMKV4TyJlKxGzi0SFuFbHsjH8/s1600/xmas+brown+luke+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDXpx5jpcTOINGjhvLbUcVOTCxT2sLYkxKuNIZdIkIVimEl5hQCdFzzyLcINB2ykd6-NTrSEqSgVDKeDySQPAmr2fdzKG0tk_Rdvc9JGQPombXRVV3e1hBCU7eU7ZWprBtRQgc1g2jak/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+gladys+bruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDXpx5jpcTOINGjhvLbUcVOTCxT2sLYkxKuNIZdIkIVimEl5hQCdFzzyLcINB2ykd6-NTrSEqSgVDKeDySQPAmr2fdzKG0tk_Rdvc9JGQPombXRVV3e1hBCU7eU7ZWprBtRQgc1g2jak/s200/xmas+brown+2008+gladys+bruce.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgRwCeCUuhuQy058GZ3z0d0A768i_qIQl_alIojANLemwQDjNXTuPj9C-Bha-H6Wq17Nj36jrl8mWJ9f5BbPt0QDKOCOMmlQGKykdMmWHmagZw-SsW0RMKV4TyJlKxGzi0SFuFbHsjH8/s1600/xmas+brown+luke+at+chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgRwCeCUuhuQy058GZ3z0d0A768i_qIQl_alIojANLemwQDjNXTuPj9C-Bha-H6Wq17Nj36jrl8mWJ9f5BbPt0QDKOCOMmlQGKykdMmWHmagZw-SsW0RMKV4TyJlKxGzi0SFuFbHsjH8/s200/xmas+brown+luke+at+chuck.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZHc5HerAWbeDCH6FvbKIfLncGk-lKu2ihavKs5c5W7bNyzaOQCeSfyvgH2txqL4HXR2AqjRVDaHE_tBEWWnMUt9NH02RPxhcUTfXOdtOr9YMGPRWOzPyzs_iJZhQc14GSGyH9rP_08/s1600/xmas+brown+amy+mark+grant+stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><u></u><u></u><u></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-8_6EKqdGx7Nclz6VzuGPdCSbw5wfHJ7JiUMmmLRv8EkIfzYG9DNKO8ypEMWUv3yoGsA_1PSZO0eiA1q6x_jW3JMvFw18ODTgKcZCMNH3HTEpKYvmpmIDHE_OHMszvLRPYcpMv-u5Ws/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+susi+sharon+jim+david.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-8_6EKqdGx7Nclz6VzuGPdCSbw5wfHJ7JiUMmmLRv8EkIfzYG9DNKO8ypEMWUv3yoGsA_1PSZO0eiA1q6x_jW3JMvFw18ODTgKcZCMNH3HTEpKYvmpmIDHE_OHMszvLRPYcpMv-u5Ws/s200/xmas+brown+2008+susi+sharon+jim+david.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OMfi4f9xtucfS38xKWd22GdExUlLQXCAQkzTTrhFcez3TaQJUt90AHo1bvup2U5IB6q7m9xgmUiMHF_vsMhdfreLuE-JRby9tr71lBuEe53HcyGsAAfTA6p-qK_-ndOp6r3EkWGi6tY/s1600/xmas+brown+2008+hope+hanna+hogan+josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWabpejiOeXZ2e3ablnEXVij1sbWn1K8GTWnr0sbJ0gSWZr0amX1FtOWS_NTCcQfNxpOvcr49HOpksLm1nYnb-ooBqiYfPGePRE8u3Vn0_9BhPMddb3sbq9lUgYpQAIyMW0IxJWGNQRVg/s1600/disney+xmas+brown+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWabpejiOeXZ2e3ablnEXVij1sbWn1K8GTWnr0sbJ0gSWZr0amX1FtOWS_NTCcQfNxpOvcr49HOpksLm1nYnb-ooBqiYfPGePRE8u3Vn0_9BhPMddb3sbq9lUgYpQAIyMW0IxJWGNQRVg/s200/disney+xmas+brown+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wpUdb7GXMbckR90kVR_25EPYHdlBkpwORXzbJU4dwXqOTCjyMU4oqwJ7EYvElL1PlJrwZReB7l3yAFpRzHRSZXct4zrqNMFTIS8lGFRXv79rZjjM_VQFPHyRD0IuLthNz5-5XOcnx0g/s1600/disney+hope+brown+xmas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wpUdb7GXMbckR90kVR_25EPYHdlBkpwORXzbJU4dwXqOTCjyMU4oqwJ7EYvElL1PlJrwZReB7l3yAFpRzHRSZXct4zrqNMFTIS8lGFRXv79rZjjM_VQFPHyRD0IuLthNz5-5XOcnx0g/s1600/disney+hope+brown+xmas+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wpUdb7GXMbckR90kVR_25EPYHdlBkpwORXzbJU4dwXqOTCjyMU4oqwJ7EYvElL1PlJrwZReB7l3yAFpRzHRSZXct4zrqNMFTIS8lGFRXv79rZjjM_VQFPHyRD0IuLthNz5-5XOcnx0g/s200/disney+hope+brown+xmas+2.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b06400; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-3505373755804248022017-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:002018-03-19T10:17:35.554-07:00Trickery
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
“Where’s them candy sticks? Timmy, you better not of got you some of my candy
sticks without me approvin' cause them Halloween beggars will be here tomorrow
night wantin' a treat."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolProQ6fZxFKXV23sdDiUCh9dRBwmqu6AzZfE_YFRgWVokO7QPrD-ZFZ5l8GShhux_ul4VnbrjV2p_jC7ptUECfIohXcKeLDkjvw0curKdkVBCkjTsdDVneKm54dx6mzNJEVIObJEcnU/s1600/recorded+for+reality+trickery+candy+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolProQ6fZxFKXV23sdDiUCh9dRBwmqu6AzZfE_YFRgWVokO7QPrD-ZFZ5l8GShhux_ul4VnbrjV2p_jC7ptUECfIohXcKeLDkjvw0curKdkVBCkjTsdDVneKm54dx6mzNJEVIObJEcnU/s200/recorded+for+reality+trickery+candy+store.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Last year, they turned over my
favorite flower pot and took three jars of pickles from my back
porch cause I didn't have no treat to give. Three Halloweens ago,
them tricksters painted all sorts of red and black stripes on
Lucy, my best friend Molly's pig. Them tricksters is serious about this
silliness. And I know for a fact from preacher Massey's cousin's wife, who
lives next door to that Scottish Grant clan covered with the devil's
spots, that them heathen Scottish people brung this nonsense to this Christian
nation. They called it guising on account of them being disguised, and it's
just a pretty darn shame they couldn't leave that blessed beggin' custom over
there with their own heathen kinfolk. <br />
<br />
"Timmy, walk down to Molly's farm and fetch mama six eggs, will
ya?" <br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I'll bake a cake for them beggars
even though I'm mighty tired from this here sicknes the good Lord is takin' his
sweet time in healin' me from. <br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I could tell you a few things about
beggar’s night you wouldn't believe like two years ago what commenced at Doc
Robinson's place. When he was out deliverin' Helen's twins on Halloween night,
some tricksters set fire to his office. Lord help us for your people have
done gone mad and headed straight to the devil. Smashing pumpkins, turning
over wagons, and rearranging the scarecrows is right annoyin', yes, and
not real Christian-like, but settin' fire to the good doctor's business is
taking things a bit too far. <br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It ain't right to gossip, but I'm
goin' to tell you all about Molly and then of course what I done for her, bless
her heart, when them beggars painted Lucy. This was back when I was kinda
healthy and could walk two miles, so me and Timmy walked all the way to her
farm with the good book, cause Lord knows Molly and Chester don't got one.
While Timmy was washing Lucy, I give Molly a lesson on doin' proper things
for the good Lord if she wanted a bundle of easier life.
And by a bundle of easier, I mean Chester comin' home sober every
night. The verses I used come straight from the book the good Lord used,
the King James, the English King James, naturally. <br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It tickles me to death to tell
y'all that due to my good deed, Molly comes to church every Sunday, although I
wished she'd dress a little more godly. And Chester has quit his drinkin' and
carousin' all but Saturday night. I told Molly to make sure that sorry
ole Chester picks up some sweets for them silly tricksters every year cause
Lord knows these tired legs can't walk no two miles no more on of account
of Franklin, my husband who isn't the president even though our house is white
but pitiful small and he ain't nearly as smart, done gone and sold our car and
won't tell me why.<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He had to ride a train home after
he drove up to Chicago and sold it. I didn't kick him out on account
of me being a Christian woman.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAhh1hjnWQroJGdqvu85FdIrXVlxK-rtDf-zhgzicE4nUSjj04juM8ybyQ_ySeIeM0n1qsErmMMAe8Aut_uZnUgJkAbf0PjQbu3G220osf3419rc_ARP3QuL8oa1Hi_XOWFyLqRptyJw/s1600/recorded+for+reality+trickery+anderson+history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="279" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAhh1hjnWQroJGdqvu85FdIrXVlxK-rtDf-zhgzicE4nUSjj04juM8ybyQ_ySeIeM0n1qsErmMMAe8Aut_uZnUgJkAbf0PjQbu3G220osf3419rc_ARP3QuL8oa1Hi_XOWFyLqRptyJw/s200/recorded+for+reality+trickery+anderson+history.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Back to my
special sickess which is more important than Molly and her no-count
husband. I don't know what I done to deserve this. The only thing I
can consider is that I ain't always real sweet to Franklin. But, he ain't
always real lovin' and sweet to me neither. "An eye for an
eye," and if he expects a treat of a sweet, lovin' wife, he best be a bit
nicer husband. I'm guessin' that's why the good Lord give me this here
sickness. I been remindin' him of all my good deeds and been doin' more
and more of them good deeds, too.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I bet my house, don't tell Franklin, that
the good Lord will heal me real soon on account of how I been gettin' His
attention with my prayin'. If the good Lord wants me to keep on servin' him and
doin' all those good deeds like takin' soup to Mr. Owen after he went and
catched a cold from fishin' and giving the widow Lewis grocery money cause her
no count son won't, he'll heal me from my sickness. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I'll be a prayin' that til he hurries up
and heals me. If he don't heal his good servant Mae, let's see who he
gets to cook Sunday dinner for preacher Massey and those eight misbehaving
youngins and his sickly wife. What a treat my healin' will be for all the good
folks in town I help. I know the good Lord wants treats from me, and he
sure knows what kindly tricks I'm pretty darn capable of doin’.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I've Trick or Treated
with God and prayed like Mae, with better grammar, of course. If he'll
answer with a "yes," I'll serve and pray more. If he doesn't
give me my desires, I may decide to disobey or threaten to stop serving or
believing. I've asked God to prove his love by making something good
happen. I like treats and admit I've expected a few from God.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PSxv1KeO5hEVkqyKL7t1JSwduQ83Ur2iOsA7FYyTz8KVRuSeuBvQfwulrKq2DaXv585teAlPXcNRPEjSp3TwJhtllFirvqyGE9oVQ9VclF61q9sHIaaRXRvn3HEQXsDk3gpXo9xl2cI/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1034" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PSxv1KeO5hEVkqyKL7t1JSwduQ83Ur2iOsA7FYyTz8KVRuSeuBvQfwulrKq2DaXv585teAlPXcNRPEjSp3TwJhtllFirvqyGE9oVQ9VclF61q9sHIaaRXRvn3HEQXsDk3gpXo9xl2cI/s200/IMG_NEW.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">"And it is
impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must
believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
Hebrews 11:6</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">God
rewards us when we sincerely seek him, then mysteriously, treats are no
longer a concern. Our prayers are no longer "if you don't give
me...." or "if you give me....." No more bargaining.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Even when we feel more tricked than treated with
rewards by the world, we have peace. We don't need to Trick or Treat with God.
God’s reward, an abundant life, is a treat the world cannot give. Of
course, an occasional Snicker's bar doesn’t hurt.</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1SdE48_mc0eAuGtTcdZnlAeUomDuTIksO6oB4pwEhq2pEVfI8h5qeKJiMxU11pJ4Ojqtb4l8AxfTHLtavLz9e9t66GLaI9HoZKN3l17c3bjahtzqT8pqX-6PZl-H2gL1tCv4LZIDaog/s1600/recorded+for+reality+trickery+daddyluke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1SdE48_mc0eAuGtTcdZnlAeUomDuTIksO6oB4pwEhq2pEVfI8h5qeKJiMxU11pJ4Ojqtb4l8AxfTHLtavLz9e9t66GLaI9HoZKN3l17c3bjahtzqT8pqX-6PZl-H2gL1tCv4LZIDaog/s200/recorded+for+reality+trickery+daddyluke.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Hope & Luke, Grace Pratt and </div>
<div>
Daddy Luke</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-57982785619508171972017-10-27T06:29:00.000-07:002018-03-19T10:18:53.861-07:00Nothing Gold or Baby Blue Can Stay<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">As summer gradually
ends in September, we dream of relief from oppressive heat and antagonizing mosquitoes
then welcome a pumpkin flavored and scented October as fall slowly tip-toes in with
a landscape so brilliantly painted, people drive, walk, and climb for hours and
sometimes days, delighting in its splendor. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For me, October brings more than pumpkin
lattes and hours of leaf raking. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My
favorite month delivers joy and sorrow. This year, my oldest son, Luke, turns
twenty-five, and my youngest son, James, turns eighteen, while their mom adds
another year, an age known only to her closet friends. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb9dQUzCz5pJ1kREb0Z8n3Tknn6FyhROAfT-Ozv3_7YO1Tewb6kt-AZuYGlpvHIUvqO3YngbXlUqGXgHkAxlN3LIZDVGcV_9Ce25B5zOLntZdnXyIDQzZDLV_4cf_7aeoeDF26zL_cpM/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="972" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb9dQUzCz5pJ1kREb0Z8n3Tknn6FyhROAfT-Ozv3_7YO1Tewb6kt-AZuYGlpvHIUvqO3YngbXlUqGXgHkAxlN3LIZDVGcV_9Ce25B5zOLntZdnXyIDQzZDLV_4cf_7aeoeDF26zL_cpM/s200/IMG_0001.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke & Mommy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
Although often ridiculed, I was a mom who
kept her little boys in baby blue and overalls until they were unavailable in
their sizes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I didn't consider Luke and
James little men when they couldn’t talk, walk, or feed themselves. They were
my babies, and I decided to dress them as such. I knew as soon as they wore
khaki pants and knit shirts for the first time, they would resemble men in
their attire from that day forward. Being warned of the brevity of baby days, I
wasn’t ready to trade baby blue for navy or footed pajamas for big boy
sleepwear.</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OEwbp8Ja9gGqn1AXYsa__M6Ye0rbM11zF29odngQ7nm2_Mg4XScqA3WI2PmgaWNqP7VCRjWlGePtE3u41NtusHgfWDyDb2V6rQ06JDdpNDN975mpv0Mq80YNdZ2eJfL20MGOhFYjWs8/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1373" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OEwbp8Ja9gGqn1AXYsa__M6Ye0rbM11zF29odngQ7nm2_Mg4XScqA3WI2PmgaWNqP7VCRjWlGePtE3u41NtusHgfWDyDb2V6rQ06JDdpNDN975mpv0Mq80YNdZ2eJfL20MGOhFYjWs8/s200/IMG_0002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span><div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pDOgXJ_Fi73c3X6qEHF-3F9amW5ST06lu055qtU05SZBS4qvGa6qKHtkbJOVjFLADKxz54eJ9xZq1L6k8t7_dbAqQl_UL7MIbMeIhtXkWSDmwRS14Y49sZFxoeyvBNQNujY4Jdyzoxo/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pDOgXJ_Fi73c3X6qEHF-3F9amW5ST06lu055qtU05SZBS4qvGa6qKHtkbJOVjFLADKxz54eJ9xZq1L6k8t7_dbAqQl_UL7MIbMeIhtXkWSDmwRS14Y49sZFxoeyvBNQNujY4Jdyzoxo/s200/IMG_0013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My love for Luke and James strengthens and
my joy being their mom grows with each October birthday, but I don't know too
many moms who don't miss holding their baby boys, watching their wonder at
simple things, or showering them with public affection without embarrassment.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79xwxoPImKxhBoRvqgjyuXynU2PKY8LQgGcgxW9FI8EX6BNqDHabrFd4nMRykixSwDg6QKHdaHUeeavssKJS2VLYMpsJmGJeGeAh8JBaPypbuIMmrZcsjicSeHt4eQMJIE8HHjXp4Yqs/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1229" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79xwxoPImKxhBoRvqgjyuXynU2PKY8LQgGcgxW9FI8EX6BNqDHabrFd4nMRykixSwDg6QKHdaHUeeavssKJS2VLYMpsJmGJeGeAh8JBaPypbuIMmrZcsjicSeHt4eQMJIE8HHjXp4Yqs/s200/IMG_0023.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bQBJGAZKH-GG-F9m6XmOYiKC7-YsFlhVnmISsXo50LnAgJaRNIafY4Eaei6mt4XHFOXSEmSUuIYZek3bjtpr_8OL262wQYyJ6zx2EO60O6yjNREg_93EISZKGf0-89PfKQnPl7D4WrQ/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bQBJGAZKH-GG-F9m6XmOYiKC7-YsFlhVnmISsXo50LnAgJaRNIafY4Eaei6mt4XHFOXSEmSUuIYZek3bjtpr_8OL262wQYyJ6zx2EO60O6yjNREg_93EISZKGf0-89PfKQnPl7D4WrQ/s200/IMG_0022.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Each October is one year removed from rocking them to sleep, holding
their hands, helping them set up train tracks, reading bedtime stories, baking
special birthday cakes, and tucking them to bed with a stuffed animal or
blanket. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9EWPBMCvjvlJegxEdiLcj4xwhXaEJ-Zknps2lydNqEK6Yb_PD2GBOLMTKS2riYPJRNoLurfDPQN6MPrInAWfWirRBcRaWyOfoWQHzbveRT8fTUp7Ezd12YGDB5VYlX3BKVJzE1ll8QY/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1515" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9EWPBMCvjvlJegxEdiLcj4xwhXaEJ-Zknps2lydNqEK6Yb_PD2GBOLMTKS2riYPJRNoLurfDPQN6MPrInAWfWirRBcRaWyOfoWQHzbveRT8fTUp7Ezd12YGDB5VYlX3BKVJzE1ll8QY/s200/IMG_0005.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Robert Frost offers an honest reminder of
the transience of life in his poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Nature's first green
is gold, <br />
Her hardest hue to hold. <br />
Her early leafs a flower; <br />
But only so an hour. <br />
Then leaf subsides to leaf. <br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfabbT1wi6Xo0oEFrMRE6i_9Sr2LtCdEmX_S43Vc6hZQPlMduaKzVuAiY8cMOi5rMCgmb7UsgDaLywQqRxb86GfpMR2wXCZqXRR_DmFe6Lt7VkhTt22WF8-OxPprnpm2OvPGG36Hc3Eag/s1600/james+senior+baby+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1308" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfabbT1wi6Xo0oEFrMRE6i_9Sr2LtCdEmX_S43Vc6hZQPlMduaKzVuAiY8cMOi5rMCgmb7UsgDaLywQqRxb86GfpMR2wXCZqXRR_DmFe6Lt7VkhTt22WF8-OxPprnpm2OvPGG36Hc3Eag/s200/james+senior+baby+blue.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So Eden sank to grief, <br />
So dawn goes down to day. <br />
Nothing gold can stay.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Gold, as a hue, doesn't hold in nature. In
spring, gold buds on the willow tree quickly become leaves. Golden sunsets last
less than an hour. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Life in Eden, with its river Pishon, where
gold was found, quickly sank to grief with the loss of Adam and Eve’s innocence
and their knowledge of good and evil.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pcdMOTEqXqYRpoUnz5avIMqC_erVG_m0VdajIP8_0gaTMRMQrD4-6UwOQ0Ro7Lb7W9gnhZ5NFTDnyP1ofvbCc6XE60eR5IMhE11r_h1ZvAKvFsohap31NcfEWmz6XAyBkUeD5tLBcdw/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1333" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pcdMOTEqXqYRpoUnz5avIMqC_erVG_m0VdajIP8_0gaTMRMQrD4-6UwOQ0Ro7Lb7W9gnhZ5NFTDnyP1ofvbCc6XE60eR5IMhE11r_h1ZvAKvFsohap31NcfEWmz6XAyBkUeD5tLBcdw/s200/IMG_0022.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I miss baby boys in baby blue being
blameless, free from deceit and worldly experiences. As boys in baby blue,
their worlds consisted of people who loved and protected them. They
hadn't been left out of a crowd or bullied, failed a test, or experienced a
broken heart. Nor had they mistreated anyone intentionally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VXSB3tYnVxD8xVd13T76WG4SY16NGNGfpLdrgPWba6bLqH0JOWVWWtCEcvOIcJy8h3p6lfMhXOjrF0KJWdJUniuTEW_2SVMqwA1sqsTXbhBHyhZ4gMCy7CF9pcZDV0EHVG4pcUKFgmk/s1600/luke+katy+graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VXSB3tYnVxD8xVd13T76WG4SY16NGNGfpLdrgPWba6bLqH0JOWVWWtCEcvOIcJy8h3p6lfMhXOjrF0KJWdJUniuTEW_2SVMqwA1sqsTXbhBHyhZ4gMCy7CF9pcZDV0EHVG4pcUKFgmk/s200/luke+katy+graduation.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke's graduation<br />
Univ. SC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmj0KeZ8yX5VWPYcExxV92DON4dZqnSPs21mfGokrJNIrqlLMJmQl7XN8WYCW2M0umd4H_P3uG26SXIS-Y9onZTeqUs7svJOodkPiRV_J-cq8mQBIG-mPxm77MidyvpW_jLul_hFA9oE/s1600/2017+may+cades+cove+james+katy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="223" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmj0KeZ8yX5VWPYcExxV92DON4dZqnSPs21mfGokrJNIrqlLMJmQl7XN8WYCW2M0umd4H_P3uG26SXIS-Y9onZTeqUs7svJOodkPiRV_J-cq8mQBIG-mPxm77MidyvpW_jLul_hFA9oE/s200/2017+may+cades+cove+james+katy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
James & Katy</div>
<div>
Cades Cove, Tenn.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Today is special, too, though. Luke and I
talk about work and football, and he lets me call him Sunshine when friends aren't
around. James and I watch storms and work jigsaw puzzles together,
and he lets me call him Jaybird or JayJay. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Through experiences, they now possess knowledge
of the world and make choices while the people who love them most make fewer decisions
for them and pray about the scary concept of free will.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To grow up is to become acquainted with
evil, to sin and experience guilt, to become too smart for our own good, become
our own gods and rely on our own knowledge. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In October, I watch maple leaves turn a
rich red or bright orange, then bright gold, but as quickly as I had packed up baby
blue blankets and pajamas, the gold disappears. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span> The trees are still there, though, and
those two sons are still mine. They've experienced life, sin and guilt for
twenty-five and eighteen years, and now their innocence, and ours, is found in
God's wisdom and grace, which steps in and declares us blameless when innocence
is gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAyEIfAa7QezqaBdJ3n6q7fhdNV1Rl6L9k4UQQJc5Z33tdG8hzUS3yc6ogi0EYDE8VHJuAqeQHEE01-Nbx2Nd5onFzKFxoH45N_r8fLXZ7poddtxWQF2-ywgmkz_MLautBGHeT8ctnro/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1028" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAyEIfAa7QezqaBdJ3n6q7fhdNV1Rl6L9k4UQQJc5Z33tdG8hzUS3yc6ogi0EYDE8VHJuAqeQHEE01-Nbx2Nd5onFzKFxoH45N_r8fLXZ7poddtxWQF2-ywgmkz_MLautBGHeT8ctnro/s200/IMG_0019.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">You wore baby blue and read in my lap.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">You found your blanket and took an afternoon nap.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uPkkeSOhiw2Bys31sU2rvIkBLrgfEsZftPj7ACyeFCZ_QmcaCp0U1ILruzUKRryaNeoMYp30wCq9FJAvwt1Q-eIcIOk_i0nUUIHQ_VEuIPng2Truf89a23wVA7ya_bbL9U5QS9j__uI/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1119" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uPkkeSOhiw2Bys31sU2rvIkBLrgfEsZftPj7ACyeFCZ_QmcaCp0U1ILruzUKRryaNeoMYp30wCq9FJAvwt1Q-eIcIOk_i0nUUIHQ_VEuIPng2Truf89a23wVA7ya_bbL9U5QS9j__uI/s200/IMG_0023.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke & Ralph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">We colored our skies baby blue, sang silly songs and made pumpkin
treats.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">We played with our golden dog and held hands crossing the
street.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzWWp2FB9a8eYDxPBD8MPZrNRoimwDQt297ri-c2TX3fos-hK3sA1j0qzTLZchzuaMEKzy-DS8gP9mFQjQT_UsLxr-Xqz4kMzjZK-P8xSiYhUKELOhpZufFxNpxLV1AwK-rhximl5ws8/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1017" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzWWp2FB9a8eYDxPBD8MPZrNRoimwDQt297ri-c2TX3fos-hK3sA1j0qzTLZchzuaMEKzy-DS8gP9mFQjQT_UsLxr-Xqz4kMzjZK-P8xSiYhUKELOhpZufFxNpxLV1AwK-rhximl5ws8/s200/IMG_0018.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I folded and stored your baby blue and let you swing by
yourself.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I drove you to school and put trophies on your shelf.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">You picked out a wall color darker than baby blue and did
your homework at night.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">You played games with your friends, grew taller and stopped
believing I was right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">When the sky is baby blue, we sit on the porch and talk
about being old.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">We laugh. We cry. Then October fades as quickly as gold.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNZ78uabIcpYEJv-FH075_Q3xPyqZQsLRy_OAPKqEDfXysyrdzMhnoBPrifjRf6uI0Syw-2bMul9H99rFu3J0_IiR-53s4Q7-wuJBQUInK1NjCT2DspCGlPnLzIp-wjLxBrYEtUWCDbc/s1600/2015+october+isaq+fall+luke+katy+james.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNZ78uabIcpYEJv-FH075_Q3xPyqZQsLRy_OAPKqEDfXysyrdzMhnoBPrifjRf6uI0Syw-2bMul9H99rFu3J0_IiR-53s4Q7-wuJBQUInK1NjCT2DspCGlPnLzIp-wjLxBrYEtUWCDbc/s200/2015+october+isaq+fall+luke+katy+james.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
A happy mom and her sons</div>
<div>
Isaqueena Falls, SC</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Birthday Luke and James,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Mom</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
</div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-20018522876687699182017-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002018-10-18T11:55:51.244-07:00Carved Cleaned Transformed<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4bcls9mKXHB4bLxZrABZjCUGfaZMGAk_VBclv6qZnlVbPXYvFjXWPfcYRHa2qgfn3sHmGS5zEBEtynbdwev-0qKNA1jHvOQrZQ5mPNJQMz8XA2erRujiaTQUszkBbGJ0O8M9ALUHFQs/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+falls+park+fall.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm_HBNpuVyUgqksf6lzT_nWPAKyvIhm45OplQ-1JA28cmFg38_5yuKtChvbFfnzj5k97NbRk-c5APoJ_sVqNLWza7ra3MGjzx0t5hDtM442qU741uMh_BIin1-MEaSjL83XULgXkSdP0/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+falls+park+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm_HBNpuVyUgqksf6lzT_nWPAKyvIhm45OplQ-1JA28cmFg38_5yuKtChvbFfnzj5k97NbRk-c5APoJ_sVqNLWza7ra3MGjzx0t5hDtM442qU741uMh_BIin1-MEaSjL83XULgXkSdP0/s200/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+falls+park+fall.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="margin: 0px;">A list of what I like
about summer: flip flops, flowers. The end. My favorite season
arrived, and the list of what I love about fall is much longer: boots and
football, cool weather and denim, changing leaves and scarecrows, chili and
bonfires, apple cake and coffee, fall colors and sweaters, and </span><span style="margin: 0px;">pumpkins, which I've loved</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> long before they were trendy. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 0px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNvP9BfIvP0_ecfhh74pqMA8MQcWTe26oGJu4FxIysKt4NOkzS8AzYHt_Jc_BGpdJryhynqv2q93IZkxOSS9SEGmmdPE_B_g1cv6Yk_CX8ZfhoUba9Gd1UZCApivjB4HbONyK7CeyyyQ/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+pumpkin+muffins.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 3pt 4.5pt 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDivb9VVwn5eDvvzvnWLw4otNyu4xfBYbM2u_TE3qoVJGZzUC8b4qfoSmUU1FCmy2igGowpt_LBjVDg1ooaUPMCX_aeR1bior4s2UQaSxGtzSamwIdTTtXoqFi1HfQqjcmKqL9f0pqjpo/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+pumpkin+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDivb9VVwn5eDvvzvnWLw4otNyu4xfBYbM2u_TE3qoVJGZzUC8b4qfoSmUU1FCmy2igGowpt_LBjVDg1ooaUPMCX_aeR1bior4s2UQaSxGtzSamwIdTTtXoqFi1HfQqjcmKqL9f0pqjpo/s200/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+pumpkin+muffins.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="margin: 0px;">Having no baking
ovens, early New England settlers filled a hollowed out pumpkin with milk,
honey, and spices, then cooked it over hot ashes. Luckily, the pumpkin pie
followed, and now w</span><span style="margin: 0px;">e've transformed this versatile squash into cheesecake, latte,
dip, pancakes, fudge, bread pudding, and ravioli. So, I kick off my favorite season by meeting my friend, Cindy, for coffee, drooling when another
friend, Mary, posts pictures of homemade pumpkin muffins, and finding an excuse to make pumpkin crisp. Although no one agrees, I've declared it the best pumpkin dessert ever made. </span><br />
<br />
The more pumpkins the merrier and the more creative the better. They've come a long way from sitting on the front porch with triangle eyes, nose and jagged smiles, then rotting shortly thereafter. If carving is your talent, there are plenty of options. Or, you can transform without the knife. My best creation, Pumpkahontas, made her debut at Anderson Memorial Hospital's 1987 fall festival decorating contest. I'll never understand why she didn't win: a Native American pumpkin with braided black yarn pigtails and feathers. What could be more creative? If I had a picture of her, you'd agree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb-qbr3FugCX0Ez3xukgQhXZJLiRHJ7KZKZVUaBgfdQRV44m3eBc4HZ1aDZAqgOqia4Q3tTaE5hFGRyVTPFdjIR7SE557MucssuhhlNCwyDtIT0M2SsP6vAuOI3uS0I2twGPYft52ErU/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+monogram+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb-qbr3FugCX0Ez3xukgQhXZJLiRHJ7KZKZVUaBgfdQRV44m3eBc4HZ1aDZAqgOqia4Q3tTaE5hFGRyVTPFdjIR7SE557MucssuhhlNCwyDtIT0M2SsP6vAuOI3uS0I2twGPYft52ErU/s200/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+monogram+pumpkin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My pumpkin transformations improved drastically each year: carved initials, designs using a drill. But they never compared to my cousin Amy's perfectly monogramed pumpkins or the unbelievable Pinterest pumpkins transformed into flower pots or ice buckets, stacked as snowmen, painted as Cookie Monster, carved as a Volkswagon Van, or wrapped like a mummy.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
P<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">umpkins don't have to exist as rotting, front portch Jack-O-Lanterns. Neither do we.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9Eqs1w5cnlmIQJOfJM8GUK-O14ESc8vJfRLuOm_nc5nVKpm43SiFmtetv8E6ZdPUKYCa2I9J_oMl_iWaojwyp1zUcba7KDlxuVhGUwWIWPHCR1OOD_mis1f2H0yRkXfuSqSufIVQMpQ/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+carving+hope+luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="960" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9Eqs1w5cnlmIQJOfJM8GUK-O14ESc8vJfRLuOm_nc5nVKpm43SiFmtetv8E6ZdPUKYCa2I9J_oMl_iWaojwyp1zUcba7KDlxuVhGUwWIWPHCR1OOD_mis1f2H0yRkXfuSqSufIVQMpQ/s200/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+carving+hope+luke.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Transformation isn't about UNbecoming us.I remain Katy when I (usually kicking and screaming) allow God to change my thoughts, words, and actions. He expects me to be me but wants so much more for my life, like freedom and an opportunity to be new. </span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhGjnkfoopb-KyF0iBssBbg9NuonQlDYkotGRmeHRHBTBjL_TfNQm6vWxifhghg3_rZxNQFiF0zxfBuaxDZRCquxGo7ChepQiywnqlsFLg2S7zM1CNs6-Bfo7ZhJGyn3ZBlBuonqaL9Q/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1453" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhGjnkfoopb-KyF0iBssBbg9NuonQlDYkotGRmeHRHBTBjL_TfNQm6vWxifhghg3_rZxNQFiF0zxfBuaxDZRCquxGo7ChepQiywnqlsFLg2S7zM1CNs6-Bfo7ZhJGyn3ZBlBuonqaL9Q/s200/IMG_NEW.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Blogger Zack Hunt writes, "<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Jesus is about transformation, about finding us just the way we are, but not leaving us that way</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">. <i>When the sick come to Jesus, they leave healed. After the lame meet Jesus, they walk home. The blind can see after he touches them. Even the dead come back to life when Jesus calls them out of their tomb."</i></span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Just when I think I've arrived and doing exactly what I need to do, God shows me areas that need transformation: attitudes that hurt others, habits that become addictions, desires that leave me empty, and words that don't reflect Him. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Transformation isn't instant.. A new nature is a lifelong process of digging out seeds of bitterness, pulling out thick tangles of deception, cutting out dark spots of jealousy, scrubbing away pride, adding self-control, goodness, and peace, as He carves, blends, and paints a new person with a new mind and a greater purpose. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Why rot on the porch when you can be transformed? </span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVUWKnnDrRBi6-oqCzJiyoNRckpMr9dRGm5cnN2pOP5NiRz7KR-i1O7vxG58tVYSlsvouBXiM2D8jlMXSpYLZFPwd1vecLEJbNZ3LKStcZx3s-U8tfqPlGPT4qx2hYqOkw3jj9s-tLOw/s1600/2016+november+fall+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVUWKnnDrRBi6-oqCzJiyoNRckpMr9dRGm5cnN2pOP5NiRz7KR-i1O7vxG58tVYSlsvouBXiM2D8jlMXSpYLZFPwd1vecLEJbNZ3LKStcZx3s-U8tfqPlGPT4qx2hYqOkw3jj9s-tLOw/s200/2016+november+fall+family.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine0Ph2Ky7Xfb24szMXploG4aMT2opk0dmOL5I-Zgruw4ozY516Wmfi6ap34W-TvI4wsyZAhaD_a48we9FJ0Dx2QaNFLlK48gNh70zfrPgryr0cXXtgDC439dU_V5npLg5U_yalnFR1MY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+vw+van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine0Ph2Ky7Xfb24szMXploG4aMT2opk0dmOL5I-Zgruw4ozY516Wmfi6ap34W-TvI4wsyZAhaD_a48we9FJ0Dx2QaNFLlK48gNh70zfrPgryr0cXXtgDC439dU_V5npLg5U_yalnFR1MY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+vw+van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="720" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine0Ph2Ky7Xfb24szMXploG4aMT2opk0dmOL5I-Zgruw4ozY516Wmfi6ap34W-TvI4wsyZAhaD_a48we9FJ0Dx2QaNFLlK48gNh70zfrPgryr0cXXtgDC439dU_V5npLg5U_yalnFR1MY/s200/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+vw+van.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVUWKnnDrRBi6-oqCzJiyoNRckpMr9dRGm5cnN2pOP5NiRz7KR-i1O7vxG58tVYSlsvouBXiM2D8jlMXSpYLZFPwd1vecLEJbNZ3LKStcZx3s-U8tfqPlGPT4qx2hYqOkw3jj9s-tLOw/s1600/2016+november+fall+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<i><b></b><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 0px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 3pt 4.5pt 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 0px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0NfxTIjZ7vglc0HnaLIkmUrLV2GcJFxv8YfmI14c26tIj9WGY6rRX1sKVgdxQbG3ae1b3nMYQaosXIMKFmsdnHYttUWyWlz89T19N5BGtlDjNeZuF-jrz5MoZDOIpfrMnLbih-EoUAI/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+monogram+pumpkin.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 3pt 4.5pt 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxWRm4oIuDKJbU8AoJ26g0-Op1cHXxLuXgrNNpBWh5NzHsK2CGunGhieNddcn7okw05Y0nyNSfYcxxWiUBRfxK5j8ta98YHrGLqP6S6qzTFEP46pGcpfTpU9lIT-jwXY9gqc7KC_RCj4/s1600/IMG_NEW.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JYZ5JAptjmmb0FQnUUFQ0olv_pXwKmCPRgAQFnGW_Nff2jOQL2B3eqVP6qZJrjr42vmgFptYogAbrUZRZq7w-fVDPqbUDiTlx3-QnVVNCe6hrys7rZyKBHEhnC5cG_dZ7yo1wFd27v4/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+carving+hope+luke.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 32px 16px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLVOYV4_tPnEdmx30ZupyXaIs482ewLF-KwX0V5pz4RyLzWandFeNH0xABC9S0OwzWIIj2Lbg3Y8T3c_9no1DhSmWEPALMs329c6ATyVszdPaWC0uORsScjLw6mK90mMxcFGjUgXbPiY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+highlands+family.jpg"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;"></span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 32px 16px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 32px 16px 0px;">
<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLVOYV4_tPnEdmx30ZupyXaIs482ewLF-KwX0V5pz4RyLzWandFeNH0xABC9S0OwzWIIj2Lbg3Y8T3c_9no1DhSmWEPALMs329c6ATyVszdPaWC0uORsScjLw6mK90mMxcFGjUgXbPiY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+highlands+family.jpg"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></a></span></u></div>
<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLVOYV4_tPnEdmx30ZupyXaIs482ewLF-KwX0V5pz4RyLzWandFeNH0xABC9S0OwzWIIj2Lbg3Y8T3c_9no1DhSmWEPALMs329c6ATyVszdPaWC0uORsScjLw6mK90mMxcFGjUgXbPiY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+highlands+family.jpg"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></a></span></u>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 32px 16px 0px;">
<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLVOYV4_tPnEdmx30ZupyXaIs482ewLF-KwX0V5pz4RyLzWandFeNH0xABC9S0OwzWIIj2Lbg3Y8T3c_9no1DhSmWEPALMs329c6ATyVszdPaWC0uORsScjLw6mK90mMxcFGjUgXbPiY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+pumpkahontas+highlands+family.jpg"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;">
</span></a></span></u></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-9991373859979785092017-02-15T20:33:00.000-08:002017-02-15T20:34:12.336-08:00Daydreaming and Pretending
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I have two questions
for you. 1. If you could be anyone else, who would you be?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2. Aren’t you tired of that question?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I think about that question because I like to daydream and pretend, but not as much as Walter Mitty.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHnQgsx3R4SIsvjeUGwxs6Z-AKw-Rv2rkxp1F_IQcEa23Y4sazsR0gicVs3Fj5DLPkeyQl6pWadl3WesBFON8ergn29Mcns6hAOgzPFcwY0F4HuJsKVfPlJCfI9fmj1pgTU7kJfPlOq4/s1600/this+is+a+story+about+daydreaming+anthology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHnQgsx3R4SIsvjeUGwxs6Z-AKw-Rv2rkxp1F_IQcEa23Y4sazsR0gicVs3Fj5DLPkeyQl6pWadl3WesBFON8ergn29Mcns6hAOgzPFcwY0F4HuJsKVfPlJCfI9fmj1pgTU7kJfPlOq4/s200/this+is+a+story+about+daydreaming+anthology.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">James Thurber’s dark short
story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, </i>is
considered a masterpiece, and the word Mittyseque has even entered the English
Language. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It means an ineffectual person
who spends more time in heroic daydreams than paying attention to the real
world, or more seriously, one who intentionally attempts to mislead or convince
others that he is something that he is not. (Wikipedia)</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The story’s
protagonist, Walter Mitty, has five heroic daydreams while driving to town to
buy groceries and take his wife to the beauty parlor.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In his mind, he’s powers a Navy hydroplane,
performs surgery, appears in court as an alleged murderer, fights the Germans
in World War II, and waits to be shot by a firing squad. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Although Mitty never tries
to mislead his wife, whose roll is to bring him back to reality, his
daydreams are vivid enough to convince himself that he’s someone else.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tsM3l0ceeuFJJTZ-nswhyGWpqMbyCVoXlq0bzry3Jj4OyMKiGmpnRueYw5fc1lwYLrA1DBDvx8tVDQdu9X8f8Gq6Ht9I5hbxjNpe_72uGvZnhDTHqtHLdIETPAIr-wdE98K5iaZs-jU/s1600/2016+june+nashville+opry+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tsM3l0ceeuFJJTZ-nswhyGWpqMbyCVoXlq0bzry3Jj4OyMKiGmpnRueYw5fc1lwYLrA1DBDvx8tVDQdu9X8f8Gq6Ht9I5hbxjNpe_72uGvZnhDTHqtHLdIETPAIr-wdE98K5iaZs-jU/s200/2016+june+nashville+opry+hotel.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">As I daydreamer, I’ll answer my first question just for fun. If I could be anyone else, I’d like to
be either a landscape architect designing patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens,
and one of a kind, magnificent, award winning, magazine worthy gardens OR I’d
like to be a published novelist, with my work being read by more than just a handful
of obligated close friends and with at least eighty percent five star reviews
on Amazon. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubYoaURDpo9zMBJvMwRDKvXh1epff-3RaVj1iSZRSgQHzS1EXHlqcMqSAmyYE6IH_G7ecEFEk2J6YWqpDGRZJ_T7TRVPPuVmwgflPHlIEnk8YhDo_ukc_N6wn90lqnFrikTK8sszOchY/s1600/2016+summer+stump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubYoaURDpo9zMBJvMwRDKvXh1epff-3RaVj1iSZRSgQHzS1EXHlqcMqSAmyYE6IH_G7ecEFEk2J6YWqpDGRZJ_T7TRVPPuVmwgflPHlIEnk8YhDo_ukc_N6wn90lqnFrikTK8sszOchY/s200/2016+summer+stump.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">The landscape
architect gig is out since the thought of geometry makes me sick and my
gardening style is basically <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this looks
like a good place for a new flower bed today. Next week, another portion of my
yard will look like a good place, but first I’ll need to finish the bed I started
last year. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></i>My magazine will have to
be Facebook and my award a hot bath with Epsom salts. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">As for being a fiction
novelist, I spent four years daydreaming about being published, with about
sixty hours each year devoted to actually writing the novel. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Then, I decided to change that question from <i>If I could BE anyone else, who would I be </i>to<i> If I could DO anything else, what would I do?</i> Instead of
daydreaming about being<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> someone else</b>,
I decided to BE myself but DO <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">something
else.</b> I stopped pretending and spent thirteen months and over six hundred
hours on a first draft.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvqg3dBpwmtYArZLR4USzLfzMZQomfHyyZgPczDNvjIGlgtL68La7SmTUf760HUZjrErdc1X4j6OE7a6OXdlNnlcmBiW748KyeCsIRyd-CeZPN6sV9tsb7xVNjUvu-EO2E4BVfT4rXw/s1600/2016+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlvqg3dBpwmtYArZLR4USzLfzMZQomfHyyZgPczDNvjIGlgtL68La7SmTUf760HUZjrErdc1X4j6OE7a6OXdlNnlcmBiW748KyeCsIRyd-CeZPN6sV9tsb7xVNjUvu-EO2E4BVfT4rXw/s200/2016+office.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This is what I
discovered. Daydreaming and pretending were easier and a lot less scary, but they
didn’t take me anywhere. <span style="margin: 0px;"> Do</span>ing did.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span><i><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-53545746173315689502017-02-08T17:55:00.000-08:002017-02-08T17:58:41.350-08:00Clueless in Love<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6hlJL6KY8iv-eKoMZHBe4HAKzSNucJIOzzwpFVfux3AdkTn-ut7OT9lrAJd_gXFBvgO5Z-TUdRfjXSovTHiy2qbleGn5N4VUzaD18aZsGexZg3asUqGQzefW4HhVupClHm7w3YQib60/s1600/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6hlJL6KY8iv-eKoMZHBe4HAKzSNucJIOzzwpFVfux3AdkTn-ut7OT9lrAJd_gXFBvgO5Z-TUdRfjXSovTHiy2qbleGn5N4VUzaD18aZsGexZg3asUqGQzefW4HhVupClHm7w3YQib60/s200/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+hope.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2002 Hope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Being a recycling
nature lover, I was thrilled when my daughter, Hope, joined Planet Patrol in
6th grade. She took it seriously, too. She didn't want us to
see Roper Mountain Lights in Greenville during the Christmas
holidays. We assured her their lights burned even if we stayed
home. "But it's too much gas to drive over there." When
we considered driving to a Disney park from our hotel on vacation, Hope
absolutely refused. "That's what the buses are for." I was
proud of her, but one morning driving to school, we had an interesting
conversation. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"You know what's
a great idea, Mom? School
buses."
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"Yes, they
are."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"I mean, think
of all the gasoline that's saved when people ride the bus. I'm glad people ride
the school bus."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"I didn't know you
felt that way. I rode the bus when I was your age. Maybe you can, too."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"Oh, no. I
wasn't talking about me. I'm not a bus rider."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Clueless, what was good for others was not good for her. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Does "what's
good for others is good for me" apply to love? Considering
the love chapter, 1st Corinthians 13, What if I'm kind and patient to and not envious of the people I love or the people I like, especially when they're kind and patient with me. What if I only behave
rudely when others are rude to me. Is that love? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Imagine the crowd
of clueless faces when Jesus spoke of love.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXPQ5SwaOGKf69Z6NDwPjOr6Tz1qsg6DZAfszK52MDxJnbD-av2nq48OgK59JO-zYzUW7S8FxF-uP6FesBvLnmVtn8kb2P5aNCz77vJr6uf0SO1qWpNidU1-ymmqJ1ED1ua4bI36Ghz4/s1600/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+jesus+teaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXPQ5SwaOGKf69Z6NDwPjOr6Tz1qsg6DZAfszK52MDxJnbD-av2nq48OgK59JO-zYzUW7S8FxF-uP6FesBvLnmVtn8kb2P5aNCz77vJr6uf0SO1qWpNidU1-ymmqJ1ED1ua4bI36Ghz4/s200/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+jesus+teaching.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">"And
you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is equally
important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater
than these." </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Mark 12:31</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">“<b><i>And just as
you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way</i></b>." Luke
6:31</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Surely he must mean
treat others as they treat me. What's good for me is good for them.
If they're rude, I should at least let everyone know about it,
right? If they lie to me, surely I can lie to them. If they control
me, shouldn't I control them? If she gossips about me, she deserves a few
slanderous remarks. Others manipulate situations to suit
themselves. Shouldn't I do the same? If they post something
negative about my school, my work, my church, or my passion on Facebook, I'm
instructed to do the same, right? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Clueless in love is not for those of us who believe. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">A few years ago, my
pastor gave us a few <i>Occasional Important Reminders. </i>Based on Titus 3:1-8, one of our reminders was to be
Magnanimously Gracious People. Magnus -great, Animus -soul &
mind. Another reminder was NOT TO use our words to heap abuse on
people, revile people with our words, be caught up in society's drama, or be contentious.
Instead, we are to be peacemakers, be under control and not fearful, and be
considerate of others. <a href="http://www.concordbaptist.com/sermons"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;">link to sermon Occasional Important Reminders/January
26,2014</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlW9KE4MhbSmnyiCAs9KX1wkFeTleYclzzzb3UCNLSEal-Cf4iLwso_RE5E92Tkn402aJUxZZ-tMWFOxZ7YHuQBRqI9KDWcYejr9us-xhXF0NUwrXMwuunWkS5EKB6WZuX-02i1uLnxU/s1600/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+coriththians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlW9KE4MhbSmnyiCAs9KX1wkFeTleYclzzzb3UCNLSEal-Cf4iLwso_RE5E92Tkn402aJUxZZ-tMWFOxZ7YHuQBRqI9KDWcYejr9us-xhXF0NUwrXMwuunWkS5EKB6WZuX-02i1uLnxU/s200/recorded+for+reality+clueless+in+love+coriththians.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Love is a tall order.
Believer's Bible Commentary suggests that I think of how much I love myself and
how much of my activity is centered around the care and comfort of myself, then
try and imagine if I showered that same love on my neighbors, everyone I know.
If I think it's impossible for me, I'm absolutely right. I'm clueless because that behavior isn't natural. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This love is only possible if I
ask God, who is all Love, to guide me.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Happy Valentine's
Day, Neighbors,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span><i><span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-64509563238463235562017-02-01T18:27:00.001-08:002018-10-18T12:20:59.731-07:00Waiting<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Athletic
abilities amaze me, so I love to watch football. I enjoy a long pass with
a good reception, an interception, and a sack. However, I don’t enjoy time out.
In a close game, the seconds seem like hours. But sometimes the big
plays or turnovers come after the time outs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">And half time? I want
the second half to start immediately after the band plays to find out
what’s going to happen next and who’s going to win.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Players need that rest, though, to hopefully
return with renewed strength after adjustments are made. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsWvArdhWPZJjYjy-LTevqOGihwQyve3hrTBnBuQR02_yYVPvCk9MBAOYil8qBT5mnzEoLpUYaqaJBlbWUHhJ7jzrwqPbJRkJrDQd2MikdTZI7TJkHlTngqR7CTay5GoHViuXVBnBxv4/s1600/recorded+for+reality+waiting+hershey+in+the+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsWvArdhWPZJjYjy-LTevqOGihwQyve3hrTBnBuQR02_yYVPvCk9MBAOYil8qBT5mnzEoLpUYaqaJBlbWUHhJ7jzrwqPbJRkJrDQd2MikdTZI7TJkHlTngqR7CTay5GoHViuXVBnBxv4/s200/recorded+for+reality+waiting+hershey+in+the+woods.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Hershey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I used to wish for a year without winter, to move from fall into spring. As a gardener, I
didn’t want to wait another three months for my spring perennials to show up. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">But, the older I get, I look forward to winter, to a still and colorless season. Although nature looks
dead, it’s not. It’s dormant: inactive, asleep, suspended, making
adjustments. Nothing grows without rest. Nature is simply
waiting.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjuyHpzdGLRwYp9RaF4OesR4RRBFujwcTjzdYCfmuQxaNr6qFV8Nwt7HRxn6pYtpauGrvI41ZKHGYGsolr2UMsI-AEUODaRveL2nYVe3rscxDtAeBiQfRkL_zaTwYrXiqp_nPRYICzSw/s1600/recorded+for+reality+wait+perennials+and+park+bench+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjuyHpzdGLRwYp9RaF4OesR4RRBFujwcTjzdYCfmuQxaNr6qFV8Nwt7HRxn6pYtpauGrvI41ZKHGYGsolr2UMsI-AEUODaRveL2nYVe3rscxDtAeBiQfRkL_zaTwYrXiqp_nPRYICzSw/s1600/recorded+for+reality+wait+perennials+and+park+bench+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjuyHpzdGLRwYp9RaF4OesR4RRBFujwcTjzdYCfmuQxaNr6qFV8Nwt7HRxn6pYtpauGrvI41ZKHGYGsolr2UMsI-AEUODaRveL2nYVe3rscxDtAeBiQfRkL_zaTwYrXiqp_nPRYICzSw/s200/recorded+for+reality+wait+perennials+and+park+bench+home.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">My yard is brown.
My perennials are mostly covered with pine needles. But the suspended
lilies, inactive iris, sleeping hosta and resting cherry trees will grow bigger,
fuller, stronger, and maybe more colorful after their
rest.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">When spring
comes, I’ll divide the perennials, giving myself more to enjoy. Three
months isn’t too long if the results are a fragrant spring, bright summer, and
golden fall.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Since 2009, The
Summer of My Poison Ivy, I’ve reserved walking in the woods for the
winter. My late Labrador, Hershey, liked to wander through the woods. My
new puppy, Maybelle, does, too. She takes her sweet time, sniffing and
inspecting every leaf and fallen branch. Nothing is hidden, so we see details
we've never seen before. The leaves are softening the soil, making it more
valuable. The trees are bare, making the sunsets more visible.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpsYoUZNN1wYm_k_1IEA3pElOgO7KWx3APTLTriAnetOHoUPoMFHB4EQS3g02HzlNFQycPCPOoXYc7U2iP5UC8VHT5goQQt3Yn-Qg6adyPGys709Yq3L5__7lMw6qLl20XPJp05gi7WU/s1600/2017+jan+maybelle+log+climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpsYoUZNN1wYm_k_1IEA3pElOgO7KWx3APTLTriAnetOHoUPoMFHB4EQS3g02HzlNFQycPCPOoXYc7U2iP5UC8VHT5goQQt3Yn-Qg6adyPGys709Yq3L5__7lMw6qLl20XPJp05gi7WU/s200/2017+jan+maybelle+log+climbing.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Maybelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Psalm 27: 14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage,
He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Waiting isn’t fun, but it’s necessary, and according
to Dr. Seuss, everyone’s doing it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Everyone
is just waiting…mail to come….phone to ring…hair to grow…for Friday night… a
pot to boil or a Better Break…or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting……</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> (from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh the Places You’ll Go</i>).</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Not knowing what
comes next can make us anxious and tired, but God strengthens our hearts while
we wait. What was hidden becomes visible in the waiting. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Maybe we pray more. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Adjustments are made. Although it seems like a
lifetime, we’re only dormant for a short time, and then we see something new,
better, stronger, and brighter, maybe in ourselves or our situations. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbgB6rFU1m7fm5tGJJnh25mqiE15CoCwu-C1XTqf2FROCNHSmgS0T2vbLhCulWfp6jtvhyphenhyphens3hBSBwtaeotARH1mgXqGBfM6rlQYIR5tlit1ndTA3-uhP4Vqya3nvJsRJjX6DSOXWaajM/s1600/2017+sunset+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbgB6rFU1m7fm5tGJJnh25mqiE15CoCwu-C1XTqf2FROCNHSmgS0T2vbLhCulWfp6jtvhyphenhyphens3hBSBwtaeotARH1mgXqGBfM6rlQYIR5tlit1ndTA3-uhP4Vqya3nvJsRJjX6DSOXWaajM/s200/2017+sunset+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Keep waiting.
There may be a turnover soon,</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</span> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-23512934096336428172017-01-25T19:21:00.000-08:002017-01-25T19:22:13.718-08:00Campfire Television<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-8a5DYlgE_Rb2k1D86c8QZxyHC6aVWbZ8hiBYI76a_Wd5-zKCggHYU1YB9XiAACxXn8VBKUlikHjh-aYD7tBxDbZBOsdqfU8xNlBZje-MWtTec02Pz9CL493UDgK3BsM4DpxHfS1vY/s1600/this+is+a+story+about+campfire+television+granddaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC-8a5DYlgE_Rb2k1D86c8QZxyHC6aVWbZ8hiBYI76a_Wd5-zKCggHYU1YB9XiAACxXn8VBKUlikHjh-aYD7tBxDbZBOsdqfU8xNlBZje-MWtTec02Pz9CL493UDgK3BsM4DpxHfS1vY/s200/this+is+a+story+about+campfire+television+granddaddy.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">My Grandmamma
and Granddaddy Brown were avid campers who often took me and my sister, Susi,
along.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I have fond memories and miss
those times.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">We started
in a pop-up camper and gradually progressed to a small travel trailer with a table on one
end, a tiny kitchen in the middle and a double bed on the other end. Above our snoring grandparents, Susi and I squeezed
into a bunk bed where our heads hit the ceiling when we sat up. The close quarters got smaller in the morning when Granddaddy
Brown woke early and boiled water for his Sanka. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This
suffocating steam sent us outside to explore and play in the dirt and
gravel with other camping kids.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We were
never bored.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The only time I remember
missing home was when Granddaddy kept a running tab in his little notebook of how much
I owed him for meals while we traveled from one state park to another.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He knew I was gullible, and although he
never kept a tab for Susi, I believed him and hoped my dad would pay him back
for my $1.50 breakfast.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">My
grandparents traveled with their camping club, The Puddle Ducks, and spent nights
sitting in lawn chairs and talking either under an awning or around a campfire.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Occasionally, they'd send us kids snipe
hunting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you don't know what that is,
you've missed a great part of growing up.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFx8wDVtJcWBXM-DiaJZppGRxk7VjeaM51vktSALbUJq7if571AV7HenQnayIq5q8Kcz8HVg_L9dYgWNoSQcmfQCf9xRtAZfQR5bN2BXhYndtRPDQ6jlbop22PehrcnzqEB-VRnMy9I/s1600/2016+campfire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx6ZyxhJ4y0LLIE12L9VvP2etrvjP4t3A2cQnvhP3BsyKQnnCXJvJiWa7JAFH6bm4mLz93DX0CHsM0dqNF7kuyc-LSoTiOavr2_fgEASN3ewT0kDR14Fcb1RdPEb7Nxi78R1wN8_KNaU/s1600/raft+trip+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx6ZyxhJ4y0LLIE12L9VvP2etrvjP4t3A2cQnvhP3BsyKQnnCXJvJiWa7JAFH6bm4mLz93DX0CHsM0dqNF7kuyc-LSoTiOavr2_fgEASN3ewT0kDR14Fcb1RdPEb7Nxi78R1wN8_KNaU/s200/raft+trip+group.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">When my daughter was a teenager, I willingly
chaperoned her youth group, Concord Baptist, on a few rafting trips,
and my favorite part of the trip was the quiet, relaxing campfire after an adventurous day in the hot sun. Without cell phones, ipods, video games or television, entertainment for three adults and eleven kids was a crackling fire, where we enjoyed each others' company and combed the
woods for the perfect marshmallow toasting stick.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">I remembered to buy marshmallows
but forgot the graham crackers and chocolate bars; however, a toasted marshmallow
between two chocolate chip cookies was a hit and became known as a
"Concord" S’more.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFx8wDVtJcWBXM-DiaJZppGRxk7VjeaM51vktSALbUJq7if571AV7HenQnayIq5q8Kcz8HVg_L9dYgWNoSQcmfQCf9xRtAZfQR5bN2BXhYndtRPDQ6jlbop22PehrcnzqEB-VRnMy9I/s1600/2016+campfire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfFx8wDVtJcWBXM-DiaJZppGRxk7VjeaM51vktSALbUJq7if571AV7HenQnayIq5q8Kcz8HVg_L9dYgWNoSQcmfQCf9xRtAZfQR5bN2BXhYndtRPDQ6jlbop22PehrcnzqEB-VRnMy9I/s200/2016+campfire+2.jpg" width="157" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Several of
us stayed outside for hours after the Concord S’mores were gone and watched the
colorful flames grow then subside as logs burned and flames danced. We watched
the logs change, fall, break, then turn to ash. More logs were added, heating our faces
and providing us with more quiet entertainment as they slowly burned, diminished,
and eventually crashed to the ground, throwing red sparks at our feet.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Real and unrehearsed, witnessing nature's superiority over anything
manmade was far better than watching television. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dUKpm4983hYoHC7MSO11CeOAbkjZYlqH_-u_IvzJ1BvPa80ubCuJkkQXeYpu9zrZooS44VBdWI6PssHz5isqaHi8LFhjOAZIe9Xpx68oQh8ErCHTPaUiPAZsRdXsxQT0jiahgCX1A5k/s1600/2017+becky+firepit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dUKpm4983hYoHC7MSO11CeOAbkjZYlqH_-u_IvzJ1BvPa80ubCuJkkQXeYpu9zrZooS44VBdWI6PssHz5isqaHi8LFhjOAZIe9Xpx68oQh8ErCHTPaUiPAZsRdXsxQT0jiahgCX1A5k/s200/2017+becky+firepit.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
My friends' fire pit </div>
<div>
where they enjoy campfire television</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">This natural
entertainment seems to be popular now, not just with autumn bon fires and
winter fireplaces, but with cozy fire pits on our patios. It isn't easy, but hopefully we're moving our families away from
technology as often as possible.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I don't intend to give up my favorite shows,
but it won't hurt to watch a few hours of campfire television more often. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Turn it off
and go outside,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwTViozOFOabyp1R6P-Oabvqb3WLIrzH8Ejam_AlVT5fbjjWNwIejCiiPGS8wR02dVNsR3iLhKbfYRk3tG2CCKmlVJ1QIYnI2_eAyd-D1OHdlw06IpN_otpwl_sQp8l_AAHNCSWIZ7DY/s1600/2016+december+campfire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwTViozOFOabyp1R6P-Oabvqb3WLIrzH8Ejam_AlVT5fbjjWNwIejCiiPGS8wR02dVNsR3iLhKbfYRk3tG2CCKmlVJ1QIYnI2_eAyd-D1OHdlw06IpN_otpwl_sQp8l_AAHNCSWIZ7DY/s200/2016+december+campfire.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
2016 Concord Young Singles</div>
<div>
enjoying natural entertanment</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "kristen itc"; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-45695444754814500432017-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:002017-01-19T16:01:17.443-08:00Ringing in the New<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">Working in retail taught me to
fall in love with ringing in something new: calm, quiet January.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6KROUQTVvlwADCUlt773naDIzMhefIVe5e5yWv5Xk1eOPrXLcsPqdLwSp-NpLvJPbMl3ISZkI64hlIvQI84jyygnbQxr0FTgKWD7L_FVlFGhssNsR5eyHxVp8v1FLmAa6Y_rohadLHe/s1600/20131223_123636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6KROUQTVvlwADCUlt773naDIzMhefIVe5e5yWv5Xk1eOPrXLcsPqdLwSp-NpLvJPbMl3ISZkI64hlIvQI84jyygnbQxr0FTgKWD7L_FVlFGhssNsR5eyHxVp8v1FLmAa6Y_rohadLHe/s200/20131223_123636.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJXiQiHZnvoknuZ-8BC_K83Qwd2cJPdr1ZfgxfSqrCMu72ugQmoJgsKkt16c19sDBhji8GvPXJimlcKsoaXg1b4__y6gZskMn3Nu7aLKvPEd7qAkzExryT69f8jEcUCDonIpdu2crZZb/s1600/20131223_132302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeJXiQiHZnvoknuZ-8BC_K83Qwd2cJPdr1ZfgxfSqrCMu72ugQmoJgsKkt16c19sDBhji8GvPXJimlcKsoaXg1b4__y6gZskMn3Nu7aLKvPEd7qAkzExryT69f8jEcUCDonIpdu2crZZb/s200/20131223_132302.jpg" width="200" /></a>Imagine the living room and kitchen
on Christmas afternoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6KROUQTVvlwADCUlt773naDIzMhefIVe5e5yWv5Xk1eOPrXLcsPqdLwSp-NpLvJPbMl3ISZkI64hlIvQI84jyygnbQxr0FTgKWD7L_FVlFGhssNsR5eyHxVp8v1FLmAa6Y_rohadLHe/s1600/20131223_123636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6KROUQTVvlwADCUlt773naDIzMhefIVe5e5yWv5Xk1eOPrXLcsPqdLwSp-NpLvJPbMl3ISZkI64hlIvQI84jyygnbQxr0FTgKWD7L_FVlFGhssNsR5eyHxVp8v1FLmAa6Y_rohadLHe/s1600/20131223_123636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>n. Multiply that mess by fifty, and that’s what the store
usually looked like on January third. Unlike home, though, we couldn’t toss everything
in a hefty bag, a closet, or the attic. We threw away Starbuck's
cups, chicken nuggets, candy wrappers, and gum, and the rest was gathered
and sold to customers who threw out their old and made room for new. <br />
<span style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96t1xdNceRfUw2vQKb8XlYVpztzucizc2Ui_lTNyW2ecROqEOIhEKcN4ION4DeJBTIcLFcoqOU-Y6EK1MR10x4BZht-QpElj_ELElqA-tz1KaPTWQmzPXl6mDTqh96lqqRU2tkDxScrZ2/s1600/retelling+retail+night+and+day+its+cinderella+chick+fil+a+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96t1xdNceRfUw2vQKb8XlYVpztzucizc2Ui_lTNyW2ecROqEOIhEKcN4ION4DeJBTIcLFcoqOU-Y6EK1MR10x4BZht-QpElj_ELElqA-tz1KaPTWQmzPXl6mDTqh96lqqRU2tkDxScrZ2/s1600/retelling+retail+night+and+day+its+cinderella+chick+fil+a+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;">We were anxious to get rid of the
old: sweaters, coats, gloves, and flannel shirts, and looked forward to ringing up the new and to the calm quiet of January, but getting there took work.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Search the store for more old to mark down and add to the clearance
zone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If we were lucky, we’d find
them together and orderly on one rack while having a good battery for
the scanner. That never happened. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Hunt for tags for old
and new. As savvy as retail associates are forced to be, they haven’t
memorized prices for the entire stock. When Siri becomes a retail
associate, she’ll be employee of the year. Until then, UPCs run the
place, and the UPCs that disappear the fastest are the last shirt, pant,
earring, purse, etc.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">Move lost old back home with
the rest of the old. The more old we rang up, the more room we had
for the new, so the trampled and tried on, and the folded in a box under the
tree until thrown in a bag and returned on December 26 had to look appealing for the customers who always turned an old into next year's new.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">INVENTORY. If we
didn't ring it up and see it leave the store, we counted it. Saturday
after closing, we were tired, but BEEP we were soon BEEP energized with the constant
BEEPING of dozens of scanners all BEEP over the store until midnight. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfon_VAoJzSLa-jm6Qx1U_mUt_90BONwCk481dgqhLrm9Si8Fx25FmzBC2gaed1f6oTpI9-2LXY3IJzcUj0WraERc1fYZWgdHBiz_lIczYHSQ0rS2y4zeFEPy2QH79gCVa02EZhoYILYw/s1600/retelling+retail+eat+big+frog+jewelry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfon_VAoJzSLa-jm6Qx1U_mUt_90BONwCk481dgqhLrm9Si8Fx25FmzBC2gaed1f6oTpI9-2LXY3IJzcUj0WraERc1fYZWgdHBiz_lIczYHSQ0rS2y4zeFEPy2QH79gCVa02EZhoYILYw/s200/retelling+retail+eat+big+frog+jewelry+2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="margin: 0px;">6:00AM Sunday
morning BEEP we were sleepy but had to BEEP return to scan every sock 1,2,3 on
every row BEEP, 62, 63 BEEP...80,81 then press escape (we wish), count every
sock individually 1, 2, 3,..67, 68,...79. Scanner says 81, recount socks
1,2,3,...77,78. Repeat for scarves, wash cloths, purses, shoes, BEEP
boxed jewelry, necklaces, dishes, etc., sometimes keying 13 digits
manually, crawling across BEEP the floor counting panties, climbing on ladders
counting towels and BEEP cupcake paraphernalia. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The reward was a fifteen-minute snack break, home
for four hours, then returning after close and counting BEEP until midnight.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0xU_RKXQU5xZ77ymv004uRB8WGKAMulSJaumZJnbrZ2UxBe7E6wf0KxhERx_5G8P_FJD31n7MfIT325GK2oRXVgl0oCPzEgR6KCThT3Pn4ygawB3WmLH60TWN3XlZN3Kjt_mjhG_YCA/s1600/2017+snow+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0xU_RKXQU5xZ77ymv004uRB8WGKAMulSJaumZJnbrZ2UxBe7E6wf0KxhERx_5G8P_FJD31n7MfIT325GK2oRXVgl0oCPzEgR6KCThT3Pn4ygawB3WmLH60TWN3XlZN3Kjt_mjhG_YCA/s200/2017+snow+walk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="margin: 0px;">All of that work was to
get rid of old and enjoy something new and a quiet calm. In our homes and offices, we’ve worked and thrown away or stored all
the old stuff and brought life back to order, to enjoy quiet calm and maybe something
new.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span> But getting rid of old isn't just for stuff. It's also for old habits or ideas, things that aren't moving us forward. Worries that weigh us down. This work is much more difficult than getting rid of stuff, but it's necessary
sometimes if we want to find the calm quiet of something new. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh6OyCGT_tS8q2kpUvHaxU_aNMNQ_8a5tHu1FDPer0YqalZwIoPXis4MKc2khnEs7HeaM0c5jhp6tNxAWNdxam0RqwBN9Z8IQwj0mx2Zph_UaLrVZbG91o3KGCCfExFBF0H2qsJ1rdEE/s1600/2017+snow+bamboo+chimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh6OyCGT_tS8q2kpUvHaxU_aNMNQ_8a5tHu1FDPer0YqalZwIoPXis4MKc2khnEs7HeaM0c5jhp6tNxAWNdxam0RqwBN9Z8IQwj0mx2Zph_UaLrVZbG91o3KGCCfExFBF0H2qsJ1rdEE/s200/2017+snow+bamboo+chimes.jpg" width="90" /></a></div>
<span style="margin: 0px;">Ring in something new, </span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;">Katy</span>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-72493533215298276252017-01-11T20:40:00.001-08:002017-01-11T20:56:32.454-08:00The River's Tale<span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Last year, I decided to write about nature
more, and one of the first subjects was to be rivers. I’m a big fan of trees
and rocks, so I prefer rivers over oceans. Every inch of a river’s bank
is unique, and I love spending time sitting or standing next to one. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZJ4RohO_I8NIqvRzXeF9qmrzo9sSWPToivVwnIJy5ROw56cfJ_-E_P9aMVt1dYnBdFWkSRk7PNEdZOBVnOKcG61BKhsY3RV4W594gozceSZv4bVpqD9HwKSDDEDEHzkuc10VxvAb7oQ/s1600/jim+river+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZJ4RohO_I8NIqvRzXeF9qmrzo9sSWPToivVwnIJy5ROw56cfJ_-E_P9aMVt1dYnBdFWkSRk7PNEdZOBVnOKcG61BKhsY3RV4W594gozceSZv4bVpqD9HwKSDDEDEHzkuc10VxvAb7oQ/s1600/jim+river+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZJ4RohO_I8NIqvRzXeF9qmrzo9sSWPToivVwnIJy5ROw56cfJ_-E_P9aMVt1dYnBdFWkSRk7PNEdZOBVnOKcG61BKhsY3RV4W594gozceSZv4bVpqD9HwKSDDEDEHzkuc10VxvAb7oQ/s320/jim+river+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Instead of writing about rivers, though, I’ve been working on a project
that has taken much longer than expected. Even if I had gotten around to it, <span style="margin: 0px;">I'm sure I couldn't have written anything like <i>The River's Tale.</i> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span> My uncle, Jim Brown, passed away on January 12, 2016. He wrote this about six months before he died, and I'm happy to share it with you today. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">The
River’s Tale</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__O-zjoHlhY4xjFXtGU_IyWNNrhrHzxFjx_kLBLdEWVB_M1EE3veJNN9YVmXzgKqHN1QJugKE4q0AIYIn4AkDJoqKNPd4kDteMjLmPvVnNxckty5HkUH25IYd2DD9AHbC2Wv4q0RKxAo/s1600/jim+river+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I have always liked water. For water is God’s gift of
life to</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>all
creatures.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Of the bodies of water on
this earth, I prefer</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>the rivers and
creeks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm9vaIyfT6FYgQwwC58jLYKcevtQ5oDw2NrcEh9Is1FUb9kZKPejwjyWEpo25_UnbG7Sqkh1Q5GudeTvdVnb4VNjb1mkBAs65F-0JOnVn-BOIPLjQ3_VTmEEhOhKeAFn9n7p2goyCylY/s1600/jim+river+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm9vaIyfT6FYgQwwC58jLYKcevtQ5oDw2NrcEh9Is1FUb9kZKPejwjyWEpo25_UnbG7Sqkh1Q5GudeTvdVnb4VNjb1mkBAs65F-0JOnVn-BOIPLjQ3_VTmEEhOhKeAFn9n7p2goyCylY/s200/jim+river+6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Lakes and ponds are for the most part man made and have</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>nothing really to
say to us. Instead, they lie still and speak</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>to us rarely and
lull us into a somber numbness.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTqc60eK1LZiD1YQ5Ne6eqRlpXOAf3TPKzDcHEnyaaFPSBAZ01ivr1MP0fjhKZy6FKqpKOtbE5s_51DQSZ7luf8xRqkVRZZK5-WUCaJKWJog_e7UAhanpz0s77AWur5zxY4NrnzswkkE/s1600/jim+river+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTqc60eK1LZiD1YQ5Ne6eqRlpXOAf3TPKzDcHEnyaaFPSBAZ01ivr1MP0fjhKZy6FKqpKOtbE5s_51DQSZ7luf8xRqkVRZZK5-WUCaJKWJog_e7UAhanpz0s77AWur5zxY4NrnzswkkE/s200/jim+river+7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Oceans have much to say, being so old and ancient, but
they </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">roar and shout and attempt to inspire us with their pure
grand </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">spectacle. More often than not, they terrify us with
their </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">sheer power and we wander not far into </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">their inviting blue depths.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">But rivers and creeks, they speak of days gone by, in
strange</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>tongues and
languages spoken by long forgotten people, </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">who stood on the very spot where you stand, and gazed
like </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">you on the bubbling water as it rushes past the stones
and</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>boulders that
vainly try to impede its flow.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWrqirbroVjtkVEJDhwwDGo7oT4-LDwvve-G0k0frEvCCXIjxCDzXTUgewDUie7Y-e2RTyFJ0tLbQUBXHRF34BkBl2H2IcvUrHpiRvYuT2FtXV6ohemY6BYEcVsBwAd384j52sy9e9gc/s1600/jim+river+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWrqirbroVjtkVEJDhwwDGo7oT4-LDwvve-G0k0frEvCCXIjxCDzXTUgewDUie7Y-e2RTyFJ0tLbQUBXHRF34BkBl2H2IcvUrHpiRvYuT2FtXV6ohemY6BYEcVsBwAd384j52sy9e9gc/s200/jim+river+5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Those voices are long forgotten by us now. But the rivers</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>remember and they
continue to remember as long as they</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>tumble down from
their airy home in the mountain tops,</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>towards their
mother oceans from which they sprang, </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">only to be uptaken by the winds and breezes and then </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">dropped again on the mountain tops to begin the journey </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">back home again. To hear their stories, we only have to</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>sit quietly by
their stream beds, and listen to our </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">minds ear, for speak they will.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Jim Brown</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJeMayY16xQMgOgcCrerw53wGSkRhUb85z0Auv8-tpJM-F0-qfVBTsQxhgykzhlqrjT5Qawnax3u7h3z-Fgot2RX6ajB_fy4Iw-q6BS2rcDVDyUzth4IDBFHgBNKuqcC8Qbb0JJrteoA/s1600/jim+river+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJeMayY16xQMgOgcCrerw53wGSkRhUb85z0Auv8-tpJM-F0-qfVBTsQxhgykzhlqrjT5Qawnax3u7h3z-Fgot2RX6ajB_fy4Iw-q6BS2rcDVDyUzth4IDBFHgBNKuqcC8Qbb0JJrteoA/s1600/jim+river+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJeMayY16xQMgOgcCrerw53wGSkRhUb85z0Auv8-tpJM-F0-qfVBTsQxhgykzhlqrjT5Qawnax3u7h3z-Fgot2RX6ajB_fy4Iw-q6BS2rcDVDyUzth4IDBFHgBNKuqcC8Qbb0JJrteoA/s320/jim+river+8.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">In memory of James Troy Brown, Jr. (my dad's brother)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">April 3, 1951- January 12, 2016</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-22291751897911505332015-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:002015-09-22T12:01:37.137-07:00Satan's Spork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_Fh__RsS-5b852os2EKxxUhJ1wSFQbu6gSe2X08tLMaPCHx5nyg4b_V3KxNQ6kmQPou8ZlTJyMwsXVGo4CTvxqCH-K6LUFvHEte_UW_rNmNlJYl5CA0QLIr9CRBUD80Fhrr9YM27t3M/s1600/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+bo+berry+with+spork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_Fh__RsS-5b852os2EKxxUhJ1wSFQbu6gSe2X08tLMaPCHx5nyg4b_V3KxNQ6kmQPou8ZlTJyMwsXVGo4CTvxqCH-K6LUFvHEte_UW_rNmNlJYl5CA0QLIr9CRBUD80Fhrr9YM27t3M/s320/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+bo+berry+with+spork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I've had
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For three years, I've eaten my
Bojangles' Bo-Berry biscuits with a spork, but that ended Saturday when I took
matters into my own hands, literally, with an actual fork, my own fork I brought
from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they can't decide which is
best, the spoon or the fork, for their biscuits, rice, beans, or anything else,
I'll decide for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, Bojangles',
the combination of spoon and fork is easier, less expensive, but that's not the
point, pun intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point? There
are times you need a spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are times you need a fork. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG1S6IsUO3p_eoskRqY6BPC49qyGqi-HKFDAhiAUgtcUMJ0mxiE3FyWnc4-Vs4PImR4bxbGkZBB12AIuGePTlalLZW9YTD2KDQ00amnOx4dz1JLctzeyOfzEn8fKMRej-uDj9Jb2exoE/s1600/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+bo+berry+with+fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG1S6IsUO3p_eoskRqY6BPC49qyGqi-HKFDAhiAUgtcUMJ0mxiE3FyWnc4-Vs4PImR4bxbGkZBB12AIuGePTlalLZW9YTD2KDQ00amnOx4dz1JLctzeyOfzEn8fKMRej-uDj9Jb2exoE/s320/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+bo+berry+with+fork.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Many like
the spork. It's a spoon and a fork, so when they make a mess of the biscuit
with the tiny brittle tongs, the spoon scoops up all the broken pieces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't care. To me, it's neither a spoon nor
a fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some think it's no big
deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some, like my friends Patricia and
Alice, are probably tired of me complaining about the spork every Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They're probably thinking, "just eat
your Bo-Berry biscuits and hush."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Call me crazy, and many do, but I simply don't like the struggle, the
"which way do I turn this thing?" the "this biscuit is hard, why
do I have a spoon?" and the "I need longer, stronger, more definite
tongs for this." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Maybe
because I'm left-handed, I blame everything on that, but I'm ususally
indecisive, so I should like the spork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, I often wonder if the spork was invented by some indecisive left-hander
like me thinking she was creative. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs764tDCKr9us7PwZWrex13xOzpo-WeIHfQo6F9mumDGSaBmwgs5_uXTuiMRB4vG3lunkC77Cx0oeQRCy8PUz2Vh17kfthealMRPujl2WJJxg5dyn4_frmAm7tntMvZYvT2cGIdxYzzc/s1600/2015+september+chester+state+park+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs764tDCKr9us7PwZWrex13xOzpo-WeIHfQo6F9mumDGSaBmwgs5_uXTuiMRB4vG3lunkC77Cx0oeQRCy8PUz2Vh17kfthealMRPujl2WJJxg5dyn4_frmAm7tntMvZYvT2cGIdxYzzc/s320/2015+september+chester+state+park+lake.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I know all
the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out
of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This verse
bothered me and had my name written on it for decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the waters in Laodicea, smelly and
distasteful, I was lukewarm, religious but not spiritual, knowledgeable of but
not faithful to Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This kind
of life is a struggle, full of uncertainty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan loves this kind of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we need to be stronger and more definite,
he offers "this will do, no need to look for strength." When we need
to know which way to turn, he presents an "either way" option. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When life is hard, which is always, he offers "just
be indecisive, that's half useful."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOs2ETT7jN_FEwaZWGVg45TKis1iBe7rNQEo7Oeaeo1gCEzouGTC8736EKCDDfnOZw4wMNlfGanAaT_EsIOywQRBHXQvBiVQXFwljnFQoCk1g1Ra2nRaYbu8L_4gLG6x4iAGN-6rerj8/s1600/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+utensil+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOs2ETT7jN_FEwaZWGVg45TKis1iBe7rNQEo7Oeaeo1gCEzouGTC8736EKCDDfnOZw4wMNlfGanAaT_EsIOywQRBHXQvBiVQXFwljnFQoCk1g1Ra2nRaYbu8L_4gLG6x4iAGN-6rerj8/s320/recorded+for+reality+satan+spork+utensil+drawer.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God, on
the other hand, wants us to be with Him. Because life is hard, He wants to be our
strength. When we don't know which way to turn, His Word is definite,
and we either believe Him or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
our life is a mess, when we're vulnerable, God is a great comfort and knows how
to hold every piece of our brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It's a decision
we make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is our zeal for Christ apparent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When others see us struggling, because we all
do, where do they see us go for strength? Are we indefinite? A spork? Or, Are
we clearly followers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Katy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-46065879135826941902015-09-13T05:10:00.002-07:002015-09-13T05:10:38.355-07:00Sally, Her Grandchildren Call Her Giggy and Watch Her Serve God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3rSp4JSjD74YS0qIuhRqL_oPUGvmn_yIvvaqXNwCZyNWgo0Td7e5Nh_rp9ZsYLVsuiO0bckoqzckV0YvZ6_9s5Xzszv9kq_IgvPnUul9mlqRul6fbZ4uhcqBCJyiYDEOh8KD59VNC8E/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+sally+pat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3rSp4JSjD74YS0qIuhRqL_oPUGvmn_yIvvaqXNwCZyNWgo0Td7e5Nh_rp9ZsYLVsuiO0bckoqzckV0YvZ6_9s5Xzszv9kq_IgvPnUul9mlqRul6fbZ4uhcqBCJyiYDEOh8KD59VNC8E/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+sally+pat.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Have you ever met a person who immediately becomes one of your favorite people? Maybe you immediately feel loved. Maybe you immediately see kindness, humor, or
hospitality. Maybe a caring personality and willingness to serve is evident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe it's
all of these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Sally Carpenter in
1984 when she and husband Pat were Sunday School directors for the College and
Career department at Concord Baptist Church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her home was always open, she was available to listen, and I knew right
away she was an incredible friend and mother with a servants heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_DNTARXDvHCMevFsRnggqPGA7LLYzgrNKQ_lGt6_cqunKtENgixF7AQfcgbCO2oXSPzly80o_NCBesO_Ujn-XbqsNSEqaPY0V_TFl2rCC2BPrJjk47VClxG1Hu_WiKpRLnvmGpr7uk/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+flags+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_DNTARXDvHCMevFsRnggqPGA7LLYzgrNKQ_lGt6_cqunKtENgixF7AQfcgbCO2oXSPzly80o_NCBesO_Ujn-XbqsNSEqaPY0V_TFl2rCC2BPrJjk47VClxG1Hu_WiKpRLnvmGpr7uk/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+flags+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our
Christmas and Patriotic music programs at Concord are popular and dynamic, and
Sally, in addition to singing in the choir, is behind the scenes directing and
decorating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our music minister, Herman
Milner, agrees that Sally is one of a kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTH5YsGNcCG1xNJ9NpdcUAaqI4rK7EFc_NNaOMO4jGqZ2DNCwVOd3tR-MjL_q8TTDyt6dd11eKY5NZNGr61Il9oOfAwl3rWdgMU8oN7gsrgkz9sNCzHLI9LFOoLI7iHMnhM2n1v6bbfc/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+july+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTH5YsGNcCG1xNJ9NpdcUAaqI4rK7EFc_NNaOMO4jGqZ2DNCwVOd3tR-MjL_q8TTDyt6dd11eKY5NZNGr61Il9oOfAwl3rWdgMU8oN7gsrgkz9sNCzHLI9LFOoLI7iHMnhM2n1v6bbfc/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+july+4.jpg" width="146" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sally always brings a
professional touch of creativity to our music ministry with her gift of
decorating the sanctuary with class for each program. With no outside direction
necessary, she has the uncanny ability to envision what can be done to exude an
atmosphere of worship through her decorations. While Sally is always open to
suggestions and seeks to make certain her decorating is to the satisfaction of
the Minister of Music, one of her sterling qualities is her willingness to take
ownership of the task, faithfully and quietly going about her work behind the
scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Sally never seems to
realize the enormity of her accomplishments exercising her creative gift to our
ministry, the rest of us remain in awe of her expressions of creation that
enhance our worship.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljK3amuKYF6eru5H3lFVDH_Iqy12zIoyrhBuiZdADyB5zSEzurmy5podUpXCatDxtSE4RZ7ovgXnHxAmzMf1aEE80m-TPByotUO84TdP86rN63A9hOPOX1NTyRIxJoQ9yXPRrOQ9KjpA/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+kappy+thad+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljK3amuKYF6eru5H3lFVDH_Iqy12zIoyrhBuiZdADyB5zSEzurmy5podUpXCatDxtSE4RZ7ovgXnHxAmzMf1aEE80m-TPByotUO84TdP86rN63A9hOPOX1NTyRIxJoQ9yXPRrOQ9KjpA/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+kappy+thad+banner.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sally makes
her ministry a family affair. Her husband, Pat, and their two sons, Thad and
Trent, have served God at Concord since joining as deacons, teachers, or sound technicians, and have worked on the hostess committee
together. They're also work with Sally as she continues to use her gifts on the decorating
committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing Sally as an
incredible friend and mother, I knew without a doubt she'd be a terrific
mother-in-law, and I was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
daughters-in-law, Karmon and Melissa serve with her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
Karmon was dating Thad, she loved how special family was to Sally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP_uG_pU5twj9ZmZm5UilgUgq-fdjzuZvtTQ2FKT62Kl16XD-NqquJ63GgW9SgUAGpv3sjYI-NmqnpzJQRpn4ZMYNPQaBkXuR5-FTPvlN8xfwmS2_MPWyFb3tVi0RNx3z-qNk81BZIo0/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+sally+kappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP_uG_pU5twj9ZmZm5UilgUgq-fdjzuZvtTQ2FKT62Kl16XD-NqquJ63GgW9SgUAGpv3sjYI-NmqnpzJQRpn4ZMYNPQaBkXuR5-FTPvlN8xfwmS2_MPWyFb3tVi0RNx3z-qNk81BZIo0/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+sally+kappy.jpg" width="150" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Sally dedicates her time
to her family and to her church. She makes her family feel special and loved. Sally always sends her homemade cookies on youth trips. When I chaperone, I see how she touches lives. I
lost my mother when Thad and I had been married four years. She picked up where
my mother left off. As a family, we make an annual trip to Cashiers, N.C. to
cut our own Christmas tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there,
we also cut the large Christmas trees used at Concord. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Melissa, Trent's
wife, works beside Sally, learning. </span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I saw how the family
worked together and the good times we have had doing it. We all help decorate
at Christmas and decorate the 4th of July picnic. She comes up with so many
creative ideas to use for decorations, and they always look beautiful. Some of
her ideas include the men (Pat, Thad, and Trent) helping her build something to
pull it off, like raising the height of a centerpiece to be seen, switch boxes
to run Christmas lights on trees, and making sure the flags are displayed at
different angles in the baptistery. She teaches me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be able to decorate like her, but
I'm serving God through our church in ways I feel the most helpful, like my
love for children leading me to teach Sunday school and AWANA. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What so
many admire about Sally is her willingness, even when she's busy working, to help anyone,
anytime. Melissa, Trent's wife, says that Sally is constantly doing something
for the church and other people. </span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sally is a very caring
person and is always making food for families who've had a death or for people
who are sick. I have seen her on so many Sundays fix plates for people who are
either sick or don't have anyone else at home with them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tT7sDpz9iPhO1u9i0UJ6_8AeZF1JMoFXaqtl3YDC3xziJXtv3j_VKAzkzvuZ3GFNOLzo4AFYwjdpRX0LAVoM28LLjrcCJJtwmoDI3zTPBjQEevQqrziXE_P2nbYrWlZ_UkntXeTr0uA/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+andrew+and+sally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tT7sDpz9iPhO1u9i0UJ6_8AeZF1JMoFXaqtl3YDC3xziJXtv3j_VKAzkzvuZ3GFNOLzo4AFYwjdpRX0LAVoM28LLjrcCJJtwmoDI3zTPBjQEevQqrziXE_P2nbYrWlZ_UkntXeTr0uA/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+andrew+and+sally.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Her
granddaughter, Kappy, thinks she is the best cook and makes the best sweet tea.
I know this personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father died
at 2:00AM on Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas
Eve afternoon, the Carpenter family showed up at my door with food prepared my
Sally, Melissa, and Karmon: homemade vegetable soup, cornbread, breakfast
casserole, fruit, and breakfast bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
If you know Sally, you know she's an incredible grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew, Sam, and Kappy call her Giggy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I say they ADORE her, it's an understatement.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to cooking a big Sunday
lunch every week, she uses her creativity to make every family gathering
special. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sally dressed Kappy like a
Native American for her first Thanksgiving. Pat even built a cabin behind their
house, where they have their Thanksgiving meals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7V-quQTjpAS7RsKTDKUK199PpGD41zuuDnMWE7t7YZd76QFWL7mGR3NxRzSswvhzqaKSIz7GqmtWYWiQJ5aYERH70J42ToXbGoMONgIDVqj-eoUFJVrCJXh7B5-CMEB4eMw8MwUUKzQ/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+with+kappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7V-quQTjpAS7RsKTDKUK199PpGD41zuuDnMWE7t7YZd76QFWL7mGR3NxRzSswvhzqaKSIz7GqmtWYWiQJ5aYERH70J42ToXbGoMONgIDVqj-eoUFJVrCJXh7B5-CMEB4eMw8MwUUKzQ/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+with+kappy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Giggy
continues her mother's tradition of The Golden Egg at Easter, writing clues for
the egg hunt. One year, she actually rented metal detectors for her
grandchildren and filled plastic eggs with metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows their favorite things and uses them
for her scavenger hunts, making the clues unique for each grandchild, like
tools for Sam and Andrew. They decorate
pumpkins at Giggy's house for Halloween, and she gives them prizes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew and Sam know Giggy will be at their
ballgames, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she hangs their artwork
in her home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But Giggy
doesn't stop with her own grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her home is open to their friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a formal dance, Kappy brought many friends to Giggy's for her
cooking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not only
does Giggy make birthdays extra-special by cooking their favorite meals, she
calls her children and grandchildren and sings happy birthday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ask Andrew about his favorite gift,
he'll tell you, "anything from Giggy."</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I always look forward to
Giggy's birthday gifts. She knows what I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She gives the best presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She shows
them how to serve God by doing for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kappy has always seen this in her Giggy.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Everything she does is
for someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite thing
about her is the way she loves other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She would go to the end of the earth for me and my family. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11Ai0As_1OtFUCxPzOc8wKseJtejq_jrws8wLCyihtFMl7inr9CDhTHqx4xoqneYB3K1rJC5foyVRqFvthDYq2kU2oOgA5r2dRQz5QyygWYu9eD8Th8Tz92ww6M5EQC6po3LIqamIXdw/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11Ai0As_1OtFUCxPzOc8wKseJtejq_jrws8wLCyihtFMl7inr9CDhTHqx4xoqneYB3K1rJC5foyVRqFvthDYq2kU2oOgA5r2dRQz5QyygWYu9eD8Th8Tz92ww6M5EQC6po3LIqamIXdw/s320/recorded+for+reality+giggy+fall.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sam, Kappy's
brother,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also sees how much his Giggy
loves God by doing for others.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She cares for
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is always willing to help
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does kind things for others
like visiting the nursing home. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How do you
serve God for decades and not expect spotlight attention or praise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Work
willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, not for
man. Colossians 3:23<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kappy
shared that her Giggy has a heart for the Lord no matter what she does.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She is full of wisdom
and knows what to say.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sam and
Andrew know their Giggy will always encourage them </span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She will never let you
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sally
shows her love for God with her talents, but above that talent, she genuinely
cares for people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her family will tell
you that Sally tries to do the right thing and teach them to do the same, to do
what God wants them to do in situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo2LN8KVacgo7NfNcQydvLyOtNkZQAnqtuIuDbUqL4DcnNNbil7harAjtxmvlmduaKI7rgLPGpTiOaFI5YGqOjZ9aRN4r4Q6Buh36rWze8-EQMAiLIzpkSlD1_nea1oXIB1gmJOYjUtk/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+thad+sally+trent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo2LN8KVacgo7NfNcQydvLyOtNkZQAnqtuIuDbUqL4DcnNNbil7harAjtxmvlmduaKI7rgLPGpTiOaFI5YGqOjZ9aRN4r4Q6Buh36rWze8-EQMAiLIzpkSlD1_nea1oXIB1gmJOYjUtk/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+thad+sally+trent.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH48PVKqTVF5cr8P18V4yKMtl54_Wd2apk747yc5qRj7N0fweVBBvXDwCormPVBHd_RSvr5f96cQqn7iOMJXUZG6OgcbedSukP7fqlbe09RXhDDPu9USFVtranJp1IZOiW3Xx98odNeIM/s1600/recorded+for+reality+giggy+grandkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH48PVKqTVF5cr8P18V4yKMtl54_Wd2apk747yc5qRj7N0fweVBBvXDwCormPVBHd_RSvr5f96cQqn7iOMJXUZG6OgcbedSukP7fqlbe09RXhDDPu9USFVtranJp1IZOiW3Xx98odNeIM/s200/recorded+for+reality+giggy+grandkids.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When you
serve because of your love for God, people know it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They see that you genuinely care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not be in the spotlight, but it
doesn't matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family, church, friends
and God see it. That's the beauty of serving Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's the beauty of Sally, Giggy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam summed it up, "And the most important
thing is she is a great person and has a great personality."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sally IS a great person, and a wonderful Giggy. Her great personality reflects Christ, and He shows up in her talent, hospitality,
kindness, and willingness to serve without attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Your friends,
family, and church appreciate you, Sally, Giggy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-32530186555130972942015-09-01T12:29:00.000-07:002015-09-02T07:18:41.574-07:00You Are Cordially Invited to My Pity Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokI8O3wylVcOwQUgtec5TDZEy3ukd4354FntLEXnjRFgzO0QQKbzhw_sw801oxKatwh42_9GLXE_t_ZH0UfxiuY1oxpFVGlUsuBRHhTAXG1gOIQWbx_ucqGHSTeN9MLVrbaX-JWAEm0w/s1600/DHEC+TB+Test_0003_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokI8O3wylVcOwQUgtec5TDZEy3ukd4354FntLEXnjRFgzO0QQKbzhw_sw801oxKatwh42_9GLXE_t_ZH0UfxiuY1oxpFVGlUsuBRHhTAXG1gOIQWbx_ucqGHSTeN9MLVrbaX-JWAEm0w/s400/DHEC+TB+Test_0003_NEW.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It could be tonight, tomorrow, next week, or next month at
home, work, church, the gym, or a ballgame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, be sure my pity party will happen, and you don't want to miss it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Why am I having a pity party? I'm so glad you asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nor anyone else in my family is terminally
ill or planning a funeral. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I'm not
homeless, and my bills are paid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
many friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, you know, I have my
good reasons, and I'd love to share them with you if you don't mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason one: unemployed and feeling worthless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quit my part time retail job this summer
believing I couldn't possibly work every morning beginning 6:00AM (sometimes on
Saturday or Sunday) then teach international students at a local university
three afternoons a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn't you
know it, there are no international students this semester, so I will not be
teaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How am I going to afford my
mani-pedi or send boxes of useless goodies to my oldest two kids? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently, I only work three hours a week at a
gym, which barely pays for the protein powder for my fruit smoothies I
need now that I've become a gym rat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My dream career is writing or editing, but no one, and I
mean no one, will give me a chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have three resumes stored on my computer, but not one person has called or
e-mailed and asked to see them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
written blog post after blog post, but NO ONE at the newspaper office has
contacted me about submitting my writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've even talked to a
helpful young man at Staples about business cards. Apparently, I have to
actually drive back up there for him to help me OR go on-line and do it myself
even though obviously I'm busy pity partying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he not understand that Ms. Extreme
Independent feels like a loser and desperately needs a paycheck? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason two: aging and forgetful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I don't have Alzheimer's nor am I taking
care of a parent with Alzheimer's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
you know, I can't remember to schedule appointments for my perfectly healthy
kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I go to the gym without
a sweat towel, can't remember to take my Omega3's, forget to stop by the
grocery store for almond milk and blackberries for my smoothies, and Sunday, I
mixed up the verses of a song I sang and became so nervous, it messed up my
entire day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason three: unorganized and regretful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's September, 2015, and I found a wedding gift
I bought in January, 2014 and sympathy cards I bought and didn't send.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are closets and storage spaces to clean
out, a book to resume writing and old friends I need to call. There are people I've neglected, adventures I
didn't take and prayers I didn't pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, I can't stop pity partying long enough to do any of these things.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6f1ukaZT5SRJ_PvPnE39nECugnXXJbaS01TLs3U223VhTTdSEbqQvfXaepsvWJSUxSey8hy14i9XFcoCM2vG2fxR-97fw-Q96XkBpjk9LX401bRmUNoKIHhls3zt1x71z7U3IZs4vdc/s1600/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+bowl+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6f1ukaZT5SRJ_PvPnE39nECugnXXJbaS01TLs3U223VhTTdSEbqQvfXaepsvWJSUxSey8hy14i9XFcoCM2vG2fxR-97fw-Q96XkBpjk9LX401bRmUNoKIHhls3zt1x71z7U3IZs4vdc/s320/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+bowl+crop.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know you're curious about the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, no cooking involved because,
again, I'm too busy pity partying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
you listen to all of my problems, what would be better than a nice hot cup of
black coffee? Whether you enjoy a cup with me at the local coffee shop, church,
or my house, don't even think about trying to top my issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's my party, after all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There's a box of candy bars under a container of Ben &
Jerry's Cherry Garcia in my freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you come to my pity party, I won't make you eat straight from the
carton. That's for my frequent solitary pity parties. I have a nice variety of
dishes for my party, like my gorgeous<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mary & Martha "gratitude" bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Founded by the original Mary & Martha who
invited guests, like Jesus (I bet they told him their problems), into their home, Mary & Martha focuses on
making guests feel welcome with inspirational products for the home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can eat ice cream or a candy bar, or both,
out of my "gratitude" bowl while you look around and feel sorry for
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeham_on6y72frP9xG8aCAzQW_XIaT_NKyx4-lEyp3GdBLFxHA2HI2Chm-Tqfej3SrE3MnngtXyoJH5ux1luHjLJ9gX6gmdLaFzy1B3QIMynvml9orp3qluo849_Hu0CE3Qk5qlVYRE4/s1600/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+hershey+katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeham_on6y72frP9xG8aCAzQW_XIaT_NKyx4-lEyp3GdBLFxHA2HI2Chm-Tqfej3SrE3MnngtXyoJH5ux1luHjLJ9gX6gmdLaFzy1B3QIMynvml9orp3qluo849_Hu0CE3Qk5qlVYRE4/s320/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+hershey+katy.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who else is coming?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew you'd ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody is welcome at
my pity party whether they want to be there or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My best listener, Hershey, is always at my
pity party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may look like she doesn't
enjoy my pity party, but she's a Labrador; she always looks forlorn, like she's
thinking, "I'm 84 with congestive heart failure and cataracts taking 6
pills a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sorry you can't find
that picture for your blog." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What would a party be without music?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Country only, of course, for the
playlist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We'll start with Patsy Cline's
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Fall to Pieces</i>, then Tim McGraw's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Diamond Rings and Old Barstools</i>, and end
the party with Hank Williams' <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I'm so
Lonesome I Could Cry.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">RSVP as soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need a head count for the coffee, ice cream, and candy bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtd-aEYV4T7UElJkSXwCGhCJVxAbZNJalIxxUnLn6vcDHJkPn37shzQRQ75vMzopG1aQ5vDzSyUhJkGHS0Wg7RcvBIbZisTLgJWgaShKye8jid9mAdPgS3bDdXYdhlTzLbbsQUAqQ__A/s1600/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+elizabeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtd-aEYV4T7UElJkSXwCGhCJVxAbZNJalIxxUnLn6vcDHJkPn37shzQRQ75vMzopG1aQ5vDzSyUhJkGHS0Wg7RcvBIbZisTLgJWgaShKye8jid9mAdPgS3bDdXYdhlTzLbbsQUAqQ__A/s200/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+elizabeth.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, you won't believe this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend, Elizabeth Nix, hosted a Mary &
Martha party, so I went looking for the perfect cups for my pity party, and I
found something I loved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's just
one problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pity party I was so
excited about? It is over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm so
sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.mymaryandmartha.com/ElizabethNix">http://www.mymaryandmartha.com/ElizabethNix</a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I found these wonderful little tea cups decorated with
flowers, reminding me of my grandmother King, always the perfect
hostess., always grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written on the inside of each
cup is "think on these things."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the outside, one word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
reminded me of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my real story- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the real reason for my pity party. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">true,</i>
whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">noble</i>, whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right</i>, whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pure</i>, whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lovely</i>,
whatever is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">admirable</i>- if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippians 4:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3YG3TZnD3-9LYOldmn8oa4R9xpVSvUJwcDX6s68z7QmjbxfxWi41C1TFjLXyhBJ10WWldEp7v07C3cVSkIh0a1Qcyvcvy3ypJoljUmdl6tFxYzF6S-xXNMfwPcrgc2Tk40h6l5b4rt0/s1600/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+tea+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3YG3TZnD3-9LYOldmn8oa4R9xpVSvUJwcDX6s68z7QmjbxfxWi41C1TFjLXyhBJ10WWldEp7v07C3cVSkIh0a1Qcyvcvy3ypJoljUmdl6tFxYzF6S-xXNMfwPcrgc2Tk40h6l5b4rt0/s320/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+tea+cups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">true</i></b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">noble</i></b>,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> pure</i></b>,
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lovely</i></b>,
my mind is on me and my wants, mistakes and regrets. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of pure, I'm feasting on rotten. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm squeezing as many sour lemons into my
mind, refusing to add sugar and water. Instead
of truth, I'm accepting the world's lies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of what's excellent, God's grace and
love, I'm thinking about how much more, besides all of the gifts God has
lavishly given to me, I want to show up at my doorstep with whatever I've
ordered from Amazon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of the
noble things others have done for me, I'm regretting what I haven't done for
them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My mind is on the job that will make me feel valued and
important instead of being grateful for a Savior that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rescued me because he delights in
me. Psalm 18:19 </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess if I
thought of the many times God rescued me from my selfish pity thoughts and told me
how valuable I am to Him, I wouldn't have time to pity party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'd have to make your own coffee, grab your
own spoon, and open the freezer
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of pity party hostess
would I be then? Probably, I'd be a
better friend, wife, and mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIqUCAyGF6hHT9t73BNsn1pyCBrc1dVLdFnt3SIKaB3iJFLfiaWPWNHFKu1MKd6yx21q_bwghTBFM3a_xpmM0aby7Bzzc3pST5cFZBxCftop2DSUf6uBKcOKibbB4dqemRW6r8jkXiII/s1600/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+table+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIqUCAyGF6hHT9t73BNsn1pyCBrc1dVLdFnt3SIKaB3iJFLfiaWPWNHFKu1MKd6yx21q_bwghTBFM3a_xpmM0aby7Bzzc3pST5cFZBxCftop2DSUf6uBKcOKibbB4dqemRW6r8jkXiII/s200/recorded+for+reality+you+are+cordially+invited+table+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I don't think my new <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pure, noble, lovely, true </i></b>cups and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gratitude</i></b>
bowl are fit for a pity party, but you're more than welcome to visit, and if I
see you before then, we'll think on those things instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Katy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-45308402700023519912015-08-25T12:13:00.000-07:002015-08-25T12:18:15.019-07:002 Words 2 Live By<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2prGfBUMwCwRNITugb9yNCxr3Qrlfzbtt6I3tJsLLRqipAGxpb_5SFqClHhSrfw9Se4MVOOH6pbX5kWe4MiElrftfo6_9IPNiNL0OL52AYYXuDAEkk2Rq0fBHP7Ab3z9mJb13xvBACI/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+mark+fish+picture.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2prGfBUMwCwRNITugb9yNCxr3Qrlfzbtt6I3tJsLLRqipAGxpb_5SFqClHhSrfw9Se4MVOOH6pbX5kWe4MiElrftfo6_9IPNiNL0OL52AYYXuDAEkk2Rq0fBHP7Ab3z9mJb13xvBACI/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+mark+fish+picture.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Words
2 Live By</i>, first time author Mark Madden not only crossed off an item on
his bucket list, he realized the process is what made it worthwhile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With no writing experience other than academic (Mark
attended T.L. Hanna High School, Anderson University, Clemson University, and
the University of South Carolina), Mark wanted to write something to help
people, but unlike the usual, lengthy self-help books, he made it short and
simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Words 2 Live By</i> suggests <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
can change your life-two words at a time</b>. </span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wanted a book people could pick up for five minutes at a
time and still walk away with a small nugget of information they could use to
improve their lives. I decided I could put a lot of inspiration and motivation
into just two words. I came up with at least two hundred two-word phrases
during my brainstorming. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjz-DXjjkTs1PffcwiqN2b-kyNCw7yoecoD9PDyChe6M7ypYIoXi5kUJYnycHt7jL5EZp0qmBHRPwZU17yV571Ykk62IuyuBFnT6CskPHlLq9OtAPScqQZ-kLn7OjRT8dFIvXTkGz7EQ/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+layout.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjz-DXjjkTs1PffcwiqN2b-kyNCw7yoecoD9PDyChe6M7ypYIoXi5kUJYnycHt7jL5EZp0qmBHRPwZU17yV571Ykk62IuyuBFnT6CskPHlLq9OtAPScqQZ-kLn7OjRT8dFIvXTkGz7EQ/s200/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+layout.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's divided into five disciplines of life: physical,
mental, practical, social, and spiritual. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With research or an anecdote, Mark discusses
two words, for example: <strong>Physical</strong>. Seen often at the YMCA, Mark is a confessed gym rat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stay
Healthy: Your health is your most important asset and must be protected at all
costs. Do something now to improve your health. Every step you take toward
better health is a step to a longer, happier life. </b>He also gives readers an
action. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose one new healthy habit such as taking a walk after dinner or
adding a serving of vegetables to your lunch. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There's an area in which all of us can use two helpful
words, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mental. </b>To <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keep Learning, </b>Mark reads fiction for
escape, especially the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jack Reacher</i>
series by Lee Child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To broaden
knowledge and for inspiration, he enjoys non-fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lone Survivor</i> by Marcus Luttrell.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's an incredible tale of the bravery, courage, and
compassion of the servicemen and women who protect our precious freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTR_X_54YEM9hmvfVhy9khMxRrV2rm2vD4OLJix3Byc-rUvYnuQtJ02cNYBjxdbXAf_N8u9YnKuzi0V1Bz0Z4sNvpMxuSETqxvInehuezdGaaMZf8X7-hh-3LJDqkck-o56LOYvtSFhg/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+boat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTR_X_54YEM9hmvfVhy9khMxRrV2rm2vD4OLJix3Byc-rUvYnuQtJ02cNYBjxdbXAf_N8u9YnKuzi0V1Bz0Z4sNvpMxuSETqxvInehuezdGaaMZf8X7-hh-3LJDqkck-o56LOYvtSFhg/s200/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+boat.jpeg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 2 Words<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't
expect in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mental</b> discipline were
actually the words that helped Mark ignore self-doubt, which is what all of us, especially writers,
experience: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Expect Nothing. </b>But,
Mark's explanation makes sense. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cannot be denied that human beings have an
innate desire to accomplish, achieve, and accumulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are satisfied when we reach our goals and
unsatisfied when we do not. </b></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just focused on the task at hand the process of creating
the book. I still expect nothing out of it.</span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'd love to sell millions of copies and earn a living
creating future related books. I'd love for people to tell me this book helped
them change their life, even if only in a minor way. However, I look back at
all I've learned and the talented people I've met who helped me complete this
project, and I realize that the process is a part of what made this worthwhile,
not just the product.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I especially liked Mark's <strong>Practical</strong> advice, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pursue Adventure, </b>because it's
something I don't practice nearly enough.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My absolute favorite hobby is spending time in the streams
of the Appalachian mountains with a fly rod in my hand pursuing rainbow, brown,
and brook trout. When I'm there all my problems disappear, if only for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1-OIzfgIxY3J4uojsaGX2D2Me972i0tjUfs3IR5tmyLklAo4IU84WosQk1ONRXZdE6_lPangdfYxkAZ5XVxOiebEgYBA2NfUujVOiPFibo8d4WxDyawy0f4v6tt78PKwNAhOhVWQC9I/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+landon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1-OIzfgIxY3J4uojsaGX2D2Me972i0tjUfs3IR5tmyLklAo4IU84WosQk1ONRXZdE6_lPangdfYxkAZ5XVxOiebEgYBA2NfUujVOiPFibo8d4WxDyawy0f4v6tt78PKwNAhOhVWQC9I/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+landon.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A life
devoted to nothing but drudgery quickly dulls the spirit and dampens a person's
sense of fun. There's excitement in adventures, big and small. Adventure is
what makes our fondest memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
what you (and your children) will remember many years from now. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark is taking his own advice of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Start planning your next adventure now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></b>He and son, Landon, earned their Basic Keelboat Certification in
June of this year, so look for them soon sailing Hartwell Lake and in and
around Charleston Harbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are few endeavors more creative, frustrating or time
consuming than writing and publishing a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The writing process for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Words 2
Live By</i> took about a year without editing because it was a part time effort
for Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's owned or co-owned several
information technology related businesses, been a consultant to several large
corporations, and invented and patented a product, which was sold to a company
in Rhode Island. Presently, Mark's on a personal sabbatical, working on his
bucket list, taking care of his mom, Jeanine Shufford Madden Garvin, who has
Alzheimer's, and trying to figure out his next career move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After editing, Mark had to rewrite 50-75% of the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is standard. Although he encouraged
himself during this process (Mark kept this a secret mainly because it was a
personal bucket list item he was determined to complete regardless of what
others had to say), he persevered and includes two words <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Encourage Someone</b> as a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Social
</b>discipline. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone has a memory
from childhood when an adult, mom, or dad or a teacher, offered words of
encouragement. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark's dad, Samuel Landon Madden, passed away in 1982. But, always his biggest cheerleader, Mark knows his dad would be the most proud of him. That's an
encouragement. He realizes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adults need
encouragement, too. Find a way to encourage someone this week. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark likes to keep the gospel simple, so his favorite
passage is Matthew 22:37-40,</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">which basically says to love God and love others as
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also says that all the law
hangs on these commands, which leads me to believe that if we would all just
love God and love others as much as we love ourselves, we really wouldn't need
any other laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a world that would
be!</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spiritual
-</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">of or pertaining to the spirit, or the
soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of or pertaining to God,
sacred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us know I Corinthians
13: 4-7, Love is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud, does not
dishonor, is not self seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, sometimes we forget<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this passage is a call to act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two words to live by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Love Others: Data indicates that relationships may have as much
influence on our health as do factors such as obesity, smoking, and exercise.
Everyone wants to feel loved. But what about showering love upon others? </b>His
advice?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Do something special for a loved
one today.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR97WBNt4-KMtVrF_LtQUrgs1xN-dnLkYxIxC7GTj3SbizFxrNZbVeQAjbxKFCQQoifsk0QOlTO6FEfDAvlnZXS4da-Fitgb66ec08oIz_UALuWBd8g83_B0DeY8U-0h-F0JhsI2IVz4o/s1600/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+book+jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR97WBNt4-KMtVrF_LtQUrgs1xN-dnLkYxIxC7GTj3SbizFxrNZbVeQAjbxKFCQQoifsk0QOlTO6FEfDAvlnZXS4da-Fitgb66ec08oIz_UALuWBd8g83_B0DeY8U-0h-F0JhsI2IVz4o/s200/recorded+for+reality+2+words+2+live+by+book+jacket.png" width="127" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life is working, creating, and doing. It's how we grow. Writing
and publishing a book began as a bucket list, but Mark's life was also changed.
</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think any worthwhile endeavor changes your life. You
learn, you make mistakes, you meet people who have amazing talent, you discover
that through collaboration with others you can do just about anything you want
to do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our physical, mental, practical, social, and spiritual lives
could use a little improvement: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Walk
Daily</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be Positive, Buckle Up, Appreciate
Others, Don't Envy. </b> With a copy of <em>2 Words 2 Live By</em> in hand, each day or week, we can read at random or choose a
discipline that fits our present circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Words 2
Live By</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is simple, enjoyable, and helpful for
every person at every age and walk of life, so it makes a great gift. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can order a copy from Amazon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2-Words-Live-Mark-Madden/dp/0989988406/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440426595&sr=1-1&keywords=2+words+2+live+by">http://www.amazon.com/2-Words-Live-Mark-Madden/dp/0989988406/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440426595&sr=1-1&keywords=2+words+2+live+by</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mark lives in Anderson, South Carolina with wife Sissy and son, Landon. His daughter, Kinsley, lives in Nashville. If you live in the Anderson area, you can buy
a copy directly from Mark ( his book is on Facebook). <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twowordsbooks">https://www.facebook.com/twowordsbooks</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope you'll buy a
copy, Start Reading and Take Action <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Words </i>at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-16192806852723562692015-08-18T11:55:00.000-07:002015-08-18T19:31:46.583-07:00A Fish Out of Water<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUMVaxzbwR6OKMXxCCArOnxhQRX3TM7nyXVkQvan58mgjTSIfkehVC-Fk1DsDdJB6B-1EYPjt9-yyvg0q_hRzCU8k9gm7kP1WxyEyHugK9xPnR2KQAG_Ssn0tCKNJHYCb61TtR31MtPI/s1600/2015+july+calif+la+star+billy+graham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUMVaxzbwR6OKMXxCCArOnxhQRX3TM7nyXVkQvan58mgjTSIfkehVC-Fk1DsDdJB6B-1EYPjt9-yyvg0q_hRzCU8k9gm7kP1WxyEyHugK9xPnR2KQAG_Ssn0tCKNJHYCb61TtR31MtPI/s200/2015+july+calif+la+star+billy+graham.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I recounted my Southern California and the City of Loud
Trumpeting Angels saga in my post from August 4, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please Be Quiet</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that
post I mentioned Billy Graham's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first thought was "A Fish Out of
Water."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to pick his star
up and move it far away from the madness of L.A., thinking he didn't fit. He's
too good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxPpZo198TkrfC5r2vkxuh4dy7k2t3DJdN6nXtIJdzWgD_oeCP8ks3dPgwkAevsb3hks0GojSeupsZXGEyyz-mxnNzj2AtSqCywmju0K2fYoblP4sVi868HHkA76rDtlib8Vu6IaRMec/s1600/recorded+for+reality+not+quite+so+fast+cove+prayer+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxPpZo198TkrfC5r2vkxuh4dy7k2t3DJdN6nXtIJdzWgD_oeCP8ks3dPgwkAevsb3hks0GojSeupsZXGEyyz-mxnNzj2AtSqCywmju0K2fYoblP4sVi868HHkA76rDtlib8Vu6IaRMec/s200/recorded+for+reality+not+quite+so+fast+cove+prayer+room+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've been to The Cove in Ashville. I've sat in his prayer
room overlooking the quiet, peaceful mountains. This gold star is not him,
especially surrounded by people obviously not longing for a message from a man who once said, "My home is in heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My next thought was the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a perfect time and place, and
desperate people who need his wisdom, it would be Hollywood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered if he ever influenced anyone in
Hollywood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My answer came a few weeks later when my pastor shared the
story of Steve McQueen. A difficult childhood led to a rough street life then
finally, through hard work, to Hollywood stardom and tremendous fame and
fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once asked if he believed in
God, he replied, "I believe in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God will be number one as long as I'm number one." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLG5O-jEUZEk8Xvznu8EWSWhNEPsWKiyospkd96mgWEKMlixEWsm9dt5Arat7fTVXmPka1NeQxxAw-_GswFLjoi9Hek_kT4S2r5pK3Gf08RgAD-fSz0on9W2MlU8hmCyYgSlrpXtuhV0/s1600/recorded+for+reality+fish+out+of+water+steve+mcqueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLG5O-jEUZEk8Xvznu8EWSWhNEPsWKiyospkd96mgWEKMlixEWsm9dt5Arat7fTVXmPka1NeQxxAw-_GswFLjoi9Hek_kT4S2r5pK3Gf08RgAD-fSz0on9W2MlU8hmCyYgSlrpXtuhV0/s1600/recorded+for+reality+fish+out+of+water+steve+mcqueen.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With his looks and drive, Steve McQueen experienced great
success as an actor, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but his star was
not as bright by the late 1970's, and he began turning down offers and
preferring to be alone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Health problems
took him away from Los Angeles, where he met Barbara Minty and married for the
third time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His interest in aviation led
him to a new friend, Sammy Mason, who McQueen described as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different
</i>from the people who had surrounded him in Hollywood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, Steve McQueen wanted to know his
secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason shared the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who</i></b>
that made him different, Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After attending church for several months with Sammy Mason, McQueen asked
the Holy Spirit into his heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seeing a dramatic change in the once rough and arrogant
star, people knew his commitment to Christ was serious. Unfortunately, McQueen
didn't have long on this earth after his change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diagnosed with cancer in 1979, the actor
stated that he knew where he'd spend eternity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had one last request, though. He wanted to
meet Billy Graham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rev. Graham visited a
bed-ridden, on oxygen, Steve McQueen, and the actor shared his life, old and
new. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Steve McQueen flew to a
hospital for his final surgery, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Billy
Graham inscribed his own Bible and gave it to him. Four days later, McQueen
died with Rev. Graham's open bible on his chest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQchZiHDe-93fFbbGJMj2QfBx1dxGQQz_lpswK6HyYzLx0aWThv-ny3w_h2G3SwQSBBpUdstXvVuuKNHR4jc-SZIXyFVrvwgkAGkYM6VnNs17T4DCN59kr7vxnoyOCdOMfjvuOoru75og/s1600/recorded+for+reality+fish+out+of+water+billy+graham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQchZiHDe-93fFbbGJMj2QfBx1dxGQQz_lpswK6HyYzLx0aWThv-ny3w_h2G3SwQSBBpUdstXvVuuKNHR4jc-SZIXyFVrvwgkAGkYM6VnNs17T4DCN59kr7vxnoyOCdOMfjvuOoru75og/s320/recorded+for+reality+fish+out+of+water+billy+graham.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen
and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This truth gives them confidence
that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before
the world began. Titus 1:1-2 <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don't know how Billy Graham felt when his star was placed
on the Walk of Fame, but I have a feeling he didn't think, "I'm too good.
I don't fit in." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is an
evangelist, sharer of the Good News of Christ. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9,
"Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do. For I have come to
call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7y088IAzyVen3F3By2myNghK-Is8qqkDqS3deENHw-wdny97TPlgMzzqpV2uJMwzg20WsMTVa-hmOgm9WXUGvZfUKD9pZa8ZB_KpBFPFDFFftITjc9EkDvtvlJxRGZZL2VlLf9Xq5mg/s1600/2013+february+cove+mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7y088IAzyVen3F3By2myNghK-Is8qqkDqS3deENHw-wdny97TPlgMzzqpV2uJMwzg20WsMTVa-hmOgm9WXUGvZfUKD9pZa8ZB_KpBFPFDFFftITjc9EkDvtvlJxRGZZL2VlLf9Xq5mg/s200/2013+february+cove+mountains.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Graham was available to all men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in his younger, healthier years, I'd
guess he preferred his retreat in Asheville and his home in Montreat, North Carolina over
Los Angeles and the many other cities around the world he visited, but he knew his calling was to
go, preach, share, and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was both
spiritual advisor and friend to many,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> even when it was unpopular. </span>Not only did
he invite Martin Luther King, Jr. to preach jointly in New York City in 1957,
he bailed him out of jail years later when Dr. King was arrested during
demonstrations. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08xTT1HNQRepHFjXFlEAgWmOBTP_BXq3yZ7iPyg7cAWlXhuhLmOdD1b6nXiiureRWWi93r3jMgQ8UhbMMpCEFXjeQjAQRyBLGSPxljFOVAmzQDOqc-ZJ6zgDSw5tnLtVZMf7qD9myv-k/s1600/2013+february+cove+shepherds+inn+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08xTT1HNQRepHFjXFlEAgWmOBTP_BXq3yZ7iPyg7cAWlXhuhLmOdD1b6nXiiureRWWi93r3jMgQ8UhbMMpCEFXjeQjAQRyBLGSPxljFOVAmzQDOqc-ZJ6zgDSw5tnLtVZMf7qD9myv-k/s200/2013+february+cove+shepherds+inn+snow.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Graham wasn't afraid to leave his quiet, comfortable
surroundings or befriend those unchanged by Christ, understanding that he
lived in a dark world that needed God's light, words and love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll willing to bet any star in 1979 would
have rushed to McQueen's bedside if asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But thanks to the influence of Sammy Mason, who was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different</i>, McQueen asked for someone he had wanted to meet for a long time, Rev. Graham.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A fish longs for water, his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So do I. I long for my comfort zone and
others like me, don't you? But, as believers, we can't hide from darkness. God calls us for a purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes he calls us to be a fish out of water,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Katy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-66901490293539053312015-08-11T12:08:00.001-07:002015-08-11T12:08:02.786-07:00Mama Cromer<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHHItFBu04QvIw3glrRKuhepU5OGzWul7ZFUZD274eSk_j2FHop32_XCXn1ggj1etMBChlCaDoRdfEeoFv2Yvr-OmE5SCttYnAr3Zk_cDQyNkF950249moNuXAm5zu8S2PwsxN-K_2Zg/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHHItFBu04QvIw3glrRKuhepU5OGzWul7ZFUZD274eSk_j2FHop32_XCXn1ggj1etMBChlCaDoRdfEeoFv2Yvr-OmE5SCttYnAr3Zk_cDQyNkF950249moNuXAm5zu8S2PwsxN-K_2Zg/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
service for Allie Mae Cromer was a celebration of her godly life of 102
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Beautiful on the inside and
out" has become so cliché, but I can honestly say that Allie Mae Cromer
was truly this and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten years ago, her
granddaughter Amanda Vickery, one of my closest friends, wrote an accurate,
unforgettable story about her Mama Cromer for Grandparents' Day at Midway Elementary
School, where she teaches. Both privileged and honored, I read it at Mama Cromer's
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The story
was followed perfectly by a message by her pastor, Don Cox. I know you'll enjoy
Amanda's story as much as I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
please, don't miss the message after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Amanda and Don gave me so much to think about for my own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">My Grandmother </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Allie Mae Cromer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSN0b5htqPyevgqNbTCFvIlqD87ARhAc8euhL7bZIPRq3eqdWSetZq0WMMtTFW7MYxTbWEwbH16D-V3-oOnU7rbvgzszYN7B-WnrwWORLzPqWOONkfTcE0Xnf3Nrz2aCC30VRkp3GWrc/s1600/DHEC+TB+Test_0004_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSN0b5htqPyevgqNbTCFvIlqD87ARhAc8euhL7bZIPRq3eqdWSetZq0WMMtTFW7MYxTbWEwbH16D-V3-oOnU7rbvgzszYN7B-WnrwWORLzPqWOONkfTcE0Xnf3Nrz2aCC30VRkp3GWrc/s200/DHEC+TB+Test_0004_NEW.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allie Mae (17) &<br />
Claude Cromer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">My grandmother, Allie Mae Cromer, born in
the year 1913, grew up picking cotton for less than 30 cents a day. She grew up
in a small but full home with eight brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During her elementary school years, she would
often go and stay with her aunt in town to attend the town school and come home
on weekends. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is
deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the Lord shall be
praised."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lives out this verse
in her life each day.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV9I8HOirgyuicH3pOHCFfeLYschgEYtoyu1W_1GaORJLb0YlKmYWiNorJ1JK0ROsZB3ZlPpPiqUS_nsF0b-3e0vZPodF6ro2nX4GR7KKGGzHvRbBzLA8JcyK6xQgxzblBojCdU7mE0Y/s1600/DHEC+TB+Test_0003_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV9I8HOirgyuicH3pOHCFfeLYschgEYtoyu1W_1GaORJLb0YlKmYWiNorJ1JK0ROsZB3ZlPpPiqUS_nsF0b-3e0vZPodF6ro2nX4GR7KKGGzHvRbBzLA8JcyK6xQgxzblBojCdU7mE0Y/s320/DHEC+TB+Test_0003_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">I always dreamed of having a little girl
one day and naming her after my Grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1996, my dream came true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
daughter, Allie Cromer Vickery, was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My grandmother was so thrilled to hear that we had named our Allie after
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to go with Allie Cromer,
leaving out the Mae knowing one day she would "get us good." My
grandmother could not understand why we would name our daughter Allie. Here are
some of the reasons we did:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Mama Cromer, as most call her,
turned 95 in May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has piercing blue
eyes that twinkle and a sweet cackling laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is 95 going on 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even
has Oil of Olay anti-age wrinkle cream in her medicine cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She washes her own little station wagon AND
drives it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She never misses church
and backs her own car up in her parking space each Sunday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Kristen ITC;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Not long ago after church one Sunday, it
was raining really hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said,
"Mama Cromer, let me go and get your car for you."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, "No, honey, I'm fine!"
She proceeded to put her black leather purse on her frail shoulder, her black
leather Bible under her armpit and pop up her "flowery" umbrella and head off in her black leather pumps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Kristen ITC;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Her favorite shows are Jeopardy and Price
is Right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She continues to bake her famous
coconut cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still insists on doing
it the old-fashioned way by breaking the coconut herself on her driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grates the coconut only on the fine side
of the grater. (That takes a lot longer!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Kristen ITC;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbTjwQq-aGH819ZcGfXOs2na6uiNWxvw4u9ymSMNl0Hmoi0UqOKg3ThY_E6aG4PcJdS8aM1Y9-lzgkW9tlbNHZ_DSYhpqGGDm4lDuWqVnIylrylaE7c4ZqSdDy8sbkYVwcc0chel8U5s/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+easter+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbTjwQq-aGH819ZcGfXOs2na6uiNWxvw4u9ymSMNl0Hmoi0UqOKg3ThY_E6aG4PcJdS8aM1Y9-lzgkW9tlbNHZ_DSYhpqGGDm4lDuWqVnIylrylaE7c4ZqSdDy8sbkYVwcc0chel8U5s/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+easter+eggs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Most of all, my grandmother is known for her
flower garden. It is more magnificent that any words could ever say! It is
where we gather each Easter to hide eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have to be careful amongst her flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each flower has a tin stake labeled with a
shaky hand-written name of each flower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My grandfather made all of these for her before he died.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqthMMDbIUNNYLvlN1XOKzQ3ZCz35CsdJ8bnfTyZjXDhJUDdosTgsr09c7juQzQmxLDb4CqbEB5sJcKqsHUzVwc2V1hHlumJfVVwPqXCv0ZWmWgwOLJ4w6laQeJzi5lMbEBc21BQdnmSU/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+shovel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqthMMDbIUNNYLvlN1XOKzQ3ZCz35CsdJ8bnfTyZjXDhJUDdosTgsr09c7juQzQmxLDb4CqbEB5sJcKqsHUzVwc2V1hHlumJfVVwPqXCv0ZWmWgwOLJ4w6laQeJzi5lMbEBc21BQdnmSU/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+shovel.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uSG6kakTfv-jKhxN07javanBs5_bED6RF1WLCDQFG53M-HOc02yRQSfXiMMfqwdPatqeS92xLGtjZQHRFKetiu4y1SGcZDYiLAO2673aYBym1Fxva7d-WZQtjQBkkXYlqgzU0g6bGxg/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+yard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uSG6kakTfv-jKhxN07javanBs5_bED6RF1WLCDQFG53M-HOc02yRQSfXiMMfqwdPatqeS92xLGtjZQHRFKetiu4y1SGcZDYiLAO2673aYBym1Fxva7d-WZQtjQBkkXYlqgzU0g6bGxg/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+yard+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">She goes to bed at 8:00 and rises at
5:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(These days she even wakes at
12:00 midnight to turn off her sprinkler). Early each morning she heads
straight out to her garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ride
by her house, you can see her bent over body and the silhouette of her wide
brim sunhat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really don't notice her
small white wood house because it is surrounded with so much beauty! She has
gardened her entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her garden is
loved and visited by so many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
says that God has multiplied her seeds and bulbs because she has shared them
with friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although she
lives alone, she is never lonely, for she has so many garden visitors during
the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">She wins awards for her flowers, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mainly, she is known for her daylilies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One time, she even won an award for winning
the most awards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another time, she won a
Bass boat and sold it to purchase central heat and air for her home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQLvtdBrPY0bId0s1BvqyHd0RsbSVHXh7VRUDYArB7K4l0emc8Mcwx5kkF8DVmktnBca8j9d08wXB-Y7KZ8LnYX79TGzP0qSuCjnFsHv0XgruL5gjIZoUA_bPXs73h3Fo0UZk_4slx7s/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+with+children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQLvtdBrPY0bId0s1BvqyHd0RsbSVHXh7VRUDYArB7K4l0emc8Mcwx5kkF8DVmktnBca8j9d08wXB-Y7KZ8LnYX79TGzP0qSuCjnFsHv0XgruL5gjIZoUA_bPXs73h3Fo0UZk_4slx7s/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+with+children.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7VEmhjvuPEUFFxvtNr9ninIxh0YcPn406WaSXH_XYa89O3ZWJtmLp6D3VCVxce0znSexZ8-yOj71Tml6keO0BDAj2s-ZAB_4QE4VdxbjaJh5GCK_-3EBlgr3Riq_huqhvuNOPxyREcY/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+and+papa+cromer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7VEmhjvuPEUFFxvtNr9ninIxh0YcPn406WaSXH_XYa89O3ZWJtmLp6D3VCVxce0znSexZ8-yOj71Tml6keO0BDAj2s-ZAB_4QE4VdxbjaJh5GCK_-3EBlgr3Riq_huqhvuNOPxyREcY/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+and+papa+cromer.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">She is a strong and prideful woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never known a woman quite like
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over her 95 years, she has lost her
husband and one of her five children to cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has kept her strong spirit through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her beautiful blue twinkling eyes are
beginning to fail her, and her hearing is growing weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, she is still much like the
young girl picking cotton, but in an aged body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQoa4AdA37caCDoHwlIdhWXiHd46TAPaXT9EP3gwdczN_vGpTMkACJx5-A3LprN8dgaWtgbq-KLgOQUG-vVa1hJ2aOUlJnfz5lKWKcdcUoJRF6fOaBlO67iQ2vk33BmZAONXjTWzfias/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+looking+out+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQoa4AdA37caCDoHwlIdhWXiHd46TAPaXT9EP3gwdczN_vGpTMkACJx5-A3LprN8dgaWtgbq-KLgOQUG-vVa1hJ2aOUlJnfz5lKWKcdcUoJRF6fOaBlO67iQ2vk33BmZAONXjTWzfias/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+looking+out+window.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">After my own father died, she and my mama
became best friends again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During
Grandparents' week, she always comes to Midway with Mama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daddy never had a chance to come and visit
our wonderful school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mama gently
leads Mama Cromer's frail body down these long shiny halls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She holds on to her tightly every step of the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having her here at Midway for
Grandparents' Day is all I have ever known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"I can't imagine," she tells us, "being a part of such a
wonderful, beautiful school as this. Midway is such an opportunity," she
tells my girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ask her about when
she was in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells them of how
schools were long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all amazed
at how things have changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">That one little girl I dreamed of turned
into two little girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer for
them both is that they grow up to be like my Mama Cromer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Amanda Vickery
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Amanda's
prayer for Allie and Maggie is what a mother's prayer should be for her daughter, a faithful and giving life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">As for me,
my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death
is near. I have fought the good fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul encouraged
Timothy personally and challenged him to be faithful and persevere in his
ministry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Cox spoke of Mama Cromer's race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEjUcilBWACxbuu_Sy6r1BG4PC0h6zI4vEZkSxxGj84ChW4D8nzSlm_uVPN1g5Aqk2_EVdF6onNqi7Z9igpNvyJuhSAjt6bXZihkx3OVJ5O-2lr-J2x6e9Y-UhhoFfoo2vFC44BR-WY8/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+with+jill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEjUcilBWACxbuu_Sy6r1BG4PC0h6zI4vEZkSxxGj84ChW4D8nzSlm_uVPN1g5Aqk2_EVdF6onNqi7Z9igpNvyJuhSAjt6bXZihkx3OVJ5O-2lr-J2x6e9Y-UhhoFfoo2vFC44BR-WY8/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+with+jill.jpg" width="200" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Looking at the tiny
frame of Mrs. Cromer, you might not think of her as a warrior or a runner, but
in essence, in Christ that is what she was. She became a disciple of Jesus
earlier in life when she placed her trust in Jesus to be her Lord and
Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was one who put her hand to
the plow and never looked back. Her battle and race was not like that of
Apostle Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not face martyrdom, but she was
faithful in that sense that all Christians are called to be in how she lived
life in the sphere the Lord gave to her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cTg8CBAvc6paIwKUU9RCHFP6C_YN0XsAbTRyfgT8PBLh_VK17aLHJGi78-eUzVes3mqjk3ULHJlC6pNXpE7pn0AWBDRcktr1WUJ09Io-i3l1UNCyx3L115kVyEPjvaSgb5ldG6oCeMA/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cTg8CBAvc6paIwKUU9RCHFP6C_YN0XsAbTRyfgT8PBLh_VK17aLHJGi78-eUzVes3mqjk3ULHJlC6pNXpE7pn0AWBDRcktr1WUJ09Io-i3l1UNCyx3L115kVyEPjvaSgb5ldG6oCeMA/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+cooking.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mrs. Cromer's battle,
her race, was more along the lines of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1
Thessalonians 4:11-12 "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." <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul places this type of
life right in the center of what it means to be faithful to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQT-rBN-tqji_gBybhZednM385i6ErSx3XT0i1vrh5TklYlAMKT_RRFKZp12EpoCJc0-vJEVMiwq0FGGgQ46lOXB-S3jZ82bKy3zEX0Osr8lIZZyrMXVcPM412D528_OERoBlA5bR_rI/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+yard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQT-rBN-tqji_gBybhZednM385i6ErSx3XT0i1vrh5TklYlAMKT_RRFKZp12EpoCJc0-vJEVMiwq0FGGgQ46lOXB-S3jZ82bKy3zEX0Osr8lIZZyrMXVcPM412D528_OERoBlA5bR_rI/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+yard+1.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNDPstVhhDQnqdFEWe4cmMmWUFd2RpcYmYB9cT13UK-tBGUVx4q5RKH33_rwL_pIK3chULvPKhtwyIavSTVsRXXs274JzR43ntnwYrnH7zqqdCEAX516qD9vX6LdITAbQXdKuYOyh6IQ/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+zinnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNDPstVhhDQnqdFEWe4cmMmWUFd2RpcYmYB9cT13UK-tBGUVx4q5RKH33_rwL_pIK3chULvPKhtwyIavSTVsRXXs274JzR43ntnwYrnH7zqqdCEAX516qD9vX6LdITAbQXdKuYOyh6IQ/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+zinnia.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As Amanda
mentioned in her story, Mama Cromer's yard was a sight to behold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span>n Anderson, most know about her yard,
especially her daylilies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how
fragile, she didn't stop working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone knew she enjoyed God's creation. Dr. Cox reminded us that not only did she enjoy communing with her Savior as she worked, she also glorified Him with the array of colors that grew up due to her diligence.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Amanda
prays for her daughters to be like Mama Cromer, but that is actually an
appropriate prayer for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I,
too, need to grow up to be like Mama Cromer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a person in love with Jesus who did
good and showed kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she gave
you a flower from her garden, she gave the best that she had.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Cox challenged her family, and I felt
challenged as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0dsipKG7tAOY0uq-srvdVR51sPwGwuxuKrU9chc62wQrPjxrq5Qw7sVFMawjVMT9e4RWHHlmFDa-JhPp2Osce9TLuLMImT1dIbpDEkVD0-Bys221ZinbQYgJ3kMTVETqHWLKhlDlb5o/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0dsipKG7tAOY0uq-srvdVR51sPwGwuxuKrU9chc62wQrPjxrq5Qw7sVFMawjVMT9e4RWHHlmFDa-JhPp2Osce9TLuLMImT1dIbpDEkVD0-Bys221ZinbQYgJ3kMTVETqHWLKhlDlb5o/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+balloon.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As Paul wrote to
encourage Timothy through his life, you her family know that as she loved you,
raised you, spent those times talking with you, listening to you, praying for
you, cooking for you, she was doing that to model before you how a believer
should live for the Lord. She wanted to be a consistent witness, and she was.
Allie Mae had to make choices to sacrifice so as to minister to others and to
advance the cause of Jesus. Mrs. Cromer would want you her family and us her
friends to see her life in the light of Paul's words to Timothy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was pouring her life out for Christ not
so as to earn eternal life but because she had received eternal life as a gift.
As she lived out her life by the principles of the faith she kept or to which
she was faithful, she would want us to run the race well. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mama
Cromer lived a faithful life, even in difficult circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was certainly a role model for those
seeking to live that life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdyvcV3dnwWKKVTzZIhJpDlu6Tkk4VwDU3gbO9U_LZrqKQVHz3Z0Fsp8-LVo0MwuyUAOEKPJpOBnGRQlz0mScJq7NAgxori52bDQ5spZt39za9TKKyEoTdM6Wx6_q8SrGROL9Au8rgXg/s1600/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdyvcV3dnwWKKVTzZIhJpDlu6Tkk4VwDU3gbO9U_LZrqKQVHz3Z0Fsp8-LVo0MwuyUAOEKPJpOBnGRQlz0mScJq7NAgxori52bDQ5spZt39za9TKKyEoTdM6Wx6_q8SrGROL9Au8rgXg/s200/recorded+for+reality+mama+cromer+house.jpg" width="200" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You are known as ones
who are part of the family of Allie Mae Cromer-a great woman in the eyes of
God. As people could always look at her and see faithfulness, as they could
pass by her house on that little corner with the beautiful garden and be
reminded that the fragrance of Jesus hangs there as much as the fragrance of
flowers, so let your homes and your lives continually be known likewise. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I can only hope and pray that when my race is finished, I leave a story as this,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;">Katy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284320117245153818.post-26042371518993077072015-08-04T14:42:00.001-07:002015-08-04T14:42:47.265-07:00Please Be Quiet<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last year's California trip was my ultimate Nature Lover's
Vacation, so I shouldn't complain; however, with exception of a few beautiful
beaches, you can have Southern California, especially Los Angeles, <em>the City of Angels, </em>which<em> </em>was obviously
named after the loud trumpeting angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Personally,
</span>I prefer the quiet, appeared in a dream, whispering in your ear kind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMJs6stqYquw0svq463WBW4peZBkLDvCEHzQbRljDo3AQQMYXmz7fkhrc9zSU77Dwl00b3CfV15ByYq73p4vLx4S-7A6H2LPD0RrGZY1pRrw8aoMKdSN-CQUYGpl8UdP2yQ4uAb-75IU/s1600/2015+july+calif+la+theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMJs6stqYquw0svq463WBW4peZBkLDvCEHzQbRljDo3AQQMYXmz7fkhrc9zSU77Dwl00b3CfV15ByYq73p4vLx4S-7A6H2LPD0RrGZY1pRrw8aoMKdSN-CQUYGpl8UdP2yQ4uAb-75IU/s200/2015+july+calif+la+theater.jpg" width="153" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We did the touristy thing in Hollywood and walked around TCL
(formerly Grauman's and Mann's) Chinese theater looking at the Walk of Fame: a
stark difference to the quiet beauty of Big Sur and Kings Canyon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to stay close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was madness: up-and-coming anxious "artists"
pushing their CDs expecting cash in return, precariously hopeful
"star" impersonators willing to be photographed also expecting cash,
various incognito criminals waiting for a chance, sadly experienced homeless
of all ages searching for a handout, and of course, cars, buses, taxis,
tourists, shoppers, and employees loudly hustling and bustling with ipod and
smart phones as the loud trumpeting angels in the second largest city in the United States proclaimed THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it was more like a
nightmare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRwwUKHoIuldjwCo_7kBM0rm8bpFGlVxgnW98DdjgfH4m0RGdjHxtaJF5D3n-LXvA5oZfd346RNV_y54Mvesm7E6Cp4mthZ8HKxpN28FeNRcBzPeFUh3PD9WZys4zrVMe6QOdpC-6-mk/s1600/2015+july+calif+la+piano+steps+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRwwUKHoIuldjwCo_7kBM0rm8bpFGlVxgnW98DdjgfH4m0RGdjHxtaJF5D3n-LXvA5oZfd346RNV_y54Mvesm7E6Cp4mthZ8HKxpN28FeNRcBzPeFUh3PD9WZys4zrVMe6QOdpC-6-mk/s200/2015+july+calif+la+piano+steps+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ready to escape the madness outside, we raced up the stairs
of their version of a shopping mall to find food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should've known better. We were still in
the City of Loud Trumpeting Angels, never wishing to be quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were no ordinary stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"What is that noise? Where is the music
coming from?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke knew
immediately. "Oh cool, Mom, these are piano stairs."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, great, each step provided more loud
noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I wanted to scream
PLEASE BE QUIET!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUU9qoKM02QymOnMwPRkXfZsMLJh9xJyzlzPzrjQqxLA1IwjAF_o6enerqgchxADttn21aZsPjSCeQ4S0jFkKuZR5pXT6XaosED25B2Q4Qhfk4Mrv7DXc34-ghmLVHWCmmSifLVwL5ME/s1600/2015+july+calif+la+star+tim+mcgraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUU9qoKM02QymOnMwPRkXfZsMLJh9xJyzlzPzrjQqxLA1IwjAF_o6enerqgchxADttn21aZsPjSCeQ4S0jFkKuZR5pXT6XaosED25B2Q4Qhfk4Mrv7DXc34-ghmLVHWCmmSifLVwL5ME/s320/2015+july+calif+la+star+tim+mcgraw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was interested in only two of the Hollywood Stars on the
Walk of Fame: Billy Graham and Tim McGraw. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first thought when seeing Billy Graham's
star was "A Fish out of Water,"
which I'll write about later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled at Tim McGraw's star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving through
the City of Loud Trumpeting Angels, I was what Tim McGraw sings about in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shotgun Rider</i>, navigating David on the fast-loud-crowded lanes of the
405, the 10, the 5, etc.,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
beside him singing to the radio</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Away from the City of Loud Trumpeting Angels, Disneyland was less scary
but certainly not quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if the theme
park itself isn't noisy enough with thousands of people talking and laughing
and babies crying, guests are serenaded at the hotel swimming pool, the
sidewalks, and queue lines with Disney tunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a great time, but I needed quiet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My wish was granted as I sat beside a fellow reader on the
plane ride to Houston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we picked up
a seat-beside-me talker in Houston. NOSE IN A BOOK is the universal sign for
Please Be Quiet, but one pause and close of the book, and the Please Be Quiet
sign is OFF. Tempted to read
again when he started talking, I closed my book because he had two saving graces. One, he was a good
Texan story teller and shared stories of his son at West Point and many travel
stories, including a submarine ride in Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two, he was a history buff, and after asking me the loaded question,
"What do you think of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE flag</i>?"
we discussed the Civil War and Robert E. Lee, the Revolutionary War and Francis
Marion, the Alamo and Sam Houston, and the Berlin Wall and Ronald Regan (I had been to his library).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He impressed me a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I impressed him not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We talked about the City of Loud Trumpeting Angels and agreed the world
is too noisy, crowded and busy. We need more quiet, and the next thing I knew, we
were in beautiful South Carolina. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHGwcc7uNjP3Z5ee5YQPnreIqexdg-MtmmGcE14X9MbYtlb5Yk9H4BBLuUneXpup5Ir0Ryqvd1xmJ4LkOzBkSZKilaJIPr2dw1L6eRT1yqsYsKcOEjFTnlBrwACEuyuTEK_eOOps4lbM/s1600/2015+june+yard+indian+feather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHGwcc7uNjP3Z5ee5YQPnreIqexdg-MtmmGcE14X9MbYtlb5Yk9H4BBLuUneXpup5Ir0Ryqvd1xmJ4LkOzBkSZKilaJIPr2dw1L6eRT1yqsYsKcOEjFTnlBrwACEuyuTEK_eOOps4lbM/s200/2015+june+yard+indian+feather.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There's another reason I smiled at Tim McGraw's star. He and
wife Faith Hill recorded the ultimate "big city, we don't fit in here" song,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Meanwhile Back at Mama's. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's their version of Please Be Quiet,
expressing how I felt in the City of Loud Trumpeting Angels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of the week, I couldn't wait to
"pack it up and leave here." Meanwhile, Back at Katy's, there's a porch,
dog, living room, favorite QUIET coffee shop, and yard when I need for the
world to Please Be Quiet. Meanwhile back at Katy's, I have friends who understand
"in a world gone crazy as this," we need quiet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We seek and experience God's presence in the crowded and
intimate, and the loud and quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me,
I experience His presence more in the quiet and intimate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a relief. If I'm home alone, the television is off. I don't even own an ipod. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">...but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And the Lord was
not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. I
Kings 19:12<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3AHOX1dpWi_EmsuQmnQz9saiR6cpAJx0zyeCkfFGRhXIItui_wp8kkPc6lkcr_gRKqv3Y7ALHBgYw45nc_gjJwIWtyfeOTVzdCyi0yg5nwngao47prbHI5f1gsak258OHL6vU33qjHk/s1600/recorded+for+reality+please+be+quiet+deck+katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3AHOX1dpWi_EmsuQmnQz9saiR6cpAJx0zyeCkfFGRhXIItui_wp8kkPc6lkcr_gRKqv3Y7ALHBgYw45nc_gjJwIWtyfeOTVzdCyi0yg5nwngao47prbHI5f1gsak258OHL6vU33qjHk/s200/recorded+for+reality+please+be+quiet+deck+katy.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes, in the middle of this crazy, crowded, noisy
world, I think God says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please Be Quiet,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Katy</span><span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
katy brown glymphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13788734003540215476noreply@blogger.com0