Wedding Bells

(click for mood music as you read)

Yes, friends, wedding bells are ringing for our clan. My hubby's mom has decided, after ten years of widowhood, to remarry. She's 75; he's 77.

Each was married for decades. Does that mean that they'll avoid the pitfalls of newlywed-dom? Will they argue over picking up shoes or who gets to use the shower first? Or will they treasure each moment as a second chance to do it right, without fear or worries of what others will think?

I think it takes tons of courage to marry again late in life. It takes being deliberately vulnerable to another person (when you've spent years building up your independence), and it takes courage to face another inevitable loss when one spouse dies. It takes lots of compromise from people who are "set in their ways".

And, yet, the JOY! On the face, in the step, in the ready laugh and sparkling eye ... wow, wouldn't we all want to have that first blush of love again? The enthusiasm for another person, the future to plan ... these things are as much a part of love at 75 as they are at 25.

I wish them God's blessings for each day they have together.

Film Review

You must see "Simon Birch". It's the story of two best friends as they search for faith and destiny. One is an ostracized, orphaned, bastard (yes, literally) and the other is a dwarf, shunned by his parents and ridiculed by everyone in town. Jim Carrey, Ashley Judd, and Oliver Platt headline the adult stars, but the two boys who play the lead roles are the best part of the film. Beautifully set in Maine, this film had us laughing and crying as their story unfolded towards the inevitable end.

Manners and Mores

Does anyone use manners anymore? Even in a business environment, some people are just rude.

"Oh, so sorry, I forgot we had a meeting."
"Oh, so sorry, I got detained by something else."
"Oh, so sorry, I was running the roads and completely forgot you were coming."

Each night this week, I've had an Arbonne appointment set up. I was glad my week was busy and purposeful. Each night has turned out ... zip, zilch, nada. Why do people make appointments and not keep them? It's discouraging to me and also disrespects my time. sigh

Also this week, true stories:
One church lady admits living with boyfriend, is confronted by staff member, resigns positions of responsibility, talks with pastor about marriage plans.
Another church lady (different church, different culture) is living with boyfriend and is on their church's pastor search committee. No marriage plans evident.
Both Christians, both know this is sin and not part of God's plan. One is "chastised", one is not, by their peers.
Ironic.

April snow

Today's snow must have been a record-breaker. Not because of the amount of snow, but because of the date. I've never seen snow in April here. We didn't get as much as some parts of Texas, true, but what we got was beautiful.

In the first photo, you can see the flurry of flakes all around. In the second, you can see the amount that stuck.

We enjoyed the blustery day and a warm house tonight.

Easter

When I was a little girl growing up in Dallas, my parents took me every Easter to one of two places for photographs: Turtle Creek or the park on E.Grand Ave. (I don't remember the name). These venues were full of azaleas. My brother and I stood for the photos as my children would do in the future. This photo of my mother and me was taken in our backyard. My dress was yellow with a chiffon duster. I thought I was beautiful. Notice my mom's hat, purse, and gloves. All were "de rigueur" in the 1960's.

Our kids' photos were generally made at home, however. We had those beautiful azaleas in our own backyard in Orange. Some Easters we were in Dallas and photos were made in g'parents' back yard. This photo was in 1986, and it's one of my favorite photos of my children.

Why do parents take these photos? Perhaps because we're all dressed up in "Easter finery" , or because it's a significant annual occasion, a time ready-made for photo ops. I wish, in a way, we had taken the photos in the same place every year so that we would have a visual record of our children's growth compared to that site. I wasn't a scrapper in those days, so I didn't think about what would make a good scrapbook page in the future!

Anyway, from generation to generation, Easter photos are a given.

Futon, Anyone?

We have been dickering with an online furniture store over a recent purchase. As a result of an incorrect order, we find ourselves the owner of a black futon couch, mattress, and slipcover which we do not want. Also, we have an extra futon frame without a mattress. Is anybody interested in these? Or do you know someone who's recently been struck with a house fire or other disaster who needs replacement furniture quickly? This is a pick-up only deal, of course. We're not shipping this thing anywhere!

Hay fever

When the wind changed directions (like in Mary Poppins), the unseen allergies came with it. With all the weather we've experienced the last few days, the lasting effect is that both hub and I are miserable with coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, etc. Miserable is putting it mildly. But the day is glorious, and we enjoyed our kids' visit this weekend. They probably didn't enjoy it b/c of listening to us cough, but we always relish time we get to spend with our adult children. I also got to scrapbook this weekend. I haven't done that in a long time, and I am long overdue getting my cruise book done.

I hope the wind changes again soon.