Happy New Year!

 

Today is the one year anniversary of Mom being relieved of her confusion and pain, leaving us to once again be embraced by the loving arms of her creator.  I miss her SO MUCH!  Yes I still experience sadness and even question whether my grief has yet risen to the surface to be truly dealt with. My daughter is my ROCK, there to listen or to just share my sadness.  Our genetic pool has graced her with Mom's beautiful face, as well as her mischievous dimples.  She cannot deny her kinship to this amazing woman. 

Since the day we escorted Mom on her last trip to be buried by Dad, Katie has worn her wedding band, both as a reminder of the woman her grandmother was, and as a symbol of strength that she embodied.  I will forever cherish the picture Kate created to honor her beloved Gram on this day.

I also heard from my sister Kerry today, and am grateful we were texting and not on the phone, for I know I would have broken down and sobbed once again.  It then occured to me that perhaps I should revisit this blog, which was therapeutic to me when I began writing during Mom's illness. Recalling stories and events that molded me through childhood and into the adult I have become elicits a feeling of the love that never leaves us, even when a person does.  I have read that it is important to remember that the relationship lives on, through love, through stories, through FAMILY. 
For family will always continue to be...EVERYTHING.

Remembering....
Lisa <3

Greeting Cards Have all Been Sent...

Although I have stories to tell, and things to share with friends and family alike, I have found the events of this fall ( concussion, bronchitis, sinus infection, WORK) have left me short on time and energy.  Good thoughts and prayers are being kept close to my heart for all of you who touch my life, as I hope I have touched yours.

Wishing you all an Advent Season of unexpected miracles, warmth, and the reminder that love came down at Christmas.  Feliz Navidad!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

A warm country hug to all,
Lisa <3

It's Beginning to Look a lot like....

CHRISTMAS!
As the carols have hit the airwaves and calendar days are being X'd out, counting the days til that jolly old elf decends the chimney, I am caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorating, shopping, wrapping, and planning. Between these activities I am required to go to my place of employment, which really puts a damper on the whole holiday affair.  Christmas is a SEASON, not a day. It is a FEELING, it is FAITH, it is WELCOMING.  It is also a time for remembering.  Tonight I will light a candle in remembrance of a special young man, taken from his family and friends much to early.  I will light the candle for Stevie and for all of the children who have been lost to this world too soon. I will remember the impact their short lives have had upon those they loved.

Today is World Wide Children's Remembrance Day. In countries, cities, towns, and homes across the world, candles will be lit from 7-8 PM, in one time zone after another, lighting the way of those lost to us for a full 24 hours. A show of faith and compassion, touching the heart and offering healing to those who have lost a child.
Dearest Lor...my candle will shine for you.

A warm country hug to all,
Lisa <3

Falling for Autumn

Summer 2011 was a summer of extremes for much of the world.  Hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes, heat waves, tsunamis and record rainfall to name a few.  It makes one pause to consider the 2012 predictions. Scientifically, increased storms and changing climate and weather patterns are reported to be a symptom of global warming...caused by man made sources or as natural warming patterns throughout the world. Regardless of the cause, it does seem to be happening.  In a county nearby here in PA, residents were evacuated from rising creeks and rivers three times in three weeks.  Water can be serene, or powerfully destructive.  It certainly demands deliberation over where to live these days.  It is gratifying to feel somewhat safe in the mountains...or at least it was until the VA earthquake shook us all!  I have decided to continue to find joy in every day, in home, family, God, and nature.  Living in doubt or fear is no way to live at all.

My focus now is creating the homey atmosphere that envelops you in its warmth as you cross the threshold. I am over summer and all its weather, and falling for the gift of autumn and its cooler temps and blazing colors. 
Each season casts a spell of its own, but for me, fall into Christmas is my time to embrace nature and enhance my home with country accents, indoors and out.
Here's hoping you also fall for autumn!
A warm country hug to all,
Lisa <3

GOODNIGHT Irene

Winds over 50mph
5+ inches of rain
Power out 17 hours
Flooded roads and basements
First day of school CANCELLED!
And finally....Irene departing Pennsylvania.....

GOING....GOING...GOING...

GONE!!!
A warm country hug to all,
Lisa <3

The Hurricane Cometh

Clearing the deck and battening down the hatches....Irene is on her way! More to come.....

The END

Today marks the last day of summer vacation for teachers in my district.  I have absolutely NO IDEA where those carefree days went. Too few gone too soon. A brief 24 hour visit to my daughter Sunday was the bittersweet end to road trips and time away from the everyday of home.  As the university she works for ( and who I believe is LUCKY to have her!) returned to classes yesterday, the norm of schedules and intellectual pursuits begin. And so does FOOTBALL!  My husband, as I write, is experiencing his first scrimmage of the year, determined to find success on the gridiron that has eluded his group of freshman of late.
Tomorrow I will be back in my normal routine, and once again don the watch I refused to wear for the lazy days of summer.  I will pack my lunch like I did as a student, and thankfully drive to school in the warm rays of the rising sun. That too shall end.
Here's to new beginnings, to fall, to football, and to the students who are the critical factors in stories to be told for years to come.
A warm country hug to all,
Lisa <3