The story of the road and creek

                   

Yesterday, I drove down a road that never rushes me.  I enjoy this drive every time I travel on it.  This road never fails to whisper calmness.  

As the road stretched out in front of me, I so enjoyed seeing the bare branches that reached way overhead, creating a tunnel effect.  This isn't just any back road. This is a road where something historic once happened. There isn't a sign of any kind flashing details, but the weight of time certainly lingers here. 

I drove slowly.  Not because I had to, but because when Winter is here and the leaves are all gone, you can see through the woods so clearly.  I stopped and took a picture of a weathered gate that has clearly stood season after season. It was bent just enough to show its age, but yet it was still standing strong. Its things like this that excite me....I have a love for the old and a bit of rust makes me love it even more. 

    

And then.....there was a sheep!!

It was just resting like it had nowhere else to be and had all the time in the world.  It was completely unbothered.  Not one concern of a schedule or notification.  Just a sheep doing what sheep do. I couldn't help but smile. 

Nearby, is where the  quiet creek slips through the woods and its water was moving gently, catching sunlight in patches.  The trees along the banks of the creek stood like witnesses....silent, steady, rooted in stories older than all of us.  

The Story of the road and and the creek!!  ↓↓↓↓↓

Battle creek runs underneath this road.  This creek is where BATTLE OF THE NECHES took place.  This was a turning point in East Texas history. In 1839, forces of the Republic of Texas clashed with the Cherokee people led by Chief Bowles. 

The Cherokee were resisting removal from the land they had long called home. The battle ended with devastating consequences....the Cherokee were defeated, Chief Bowles was killed, and the tribe was forced to leave East Texas.  

It's hard for me to imagine that kind of turmoil that took place in this area.  Many local residents have found arrow heads as well as all kinds of clay pots and such, as they explored the creek.  

My husband (Sam) used to play in this creek as a young boy, not even realizing the history or the battle that took place on these grounds.  

Sure makes me sad to know that these people were once living their lives in peace and that this battle took it all away from them.  

Hope you enjoyed learning this bit of history that happened right here in my home town.  As for this old road....it is only about a mile from our home and every time I get a chance, I take this drive. 

Shug...

 

Winter Weather, Texas Style.

A Look at Our Winter Weather... 

This morning is greeting us with temperatures in the low 30's and it there is just enough chill that makes you hesitate before stepping outside.

I'm even questioning right now whether my coffee is really hot enough for this weather. 

Not sure how long it will last, but I think Winter has officially clocked in for work this morning. 

But...here is the funny thing.

Just last Thursday and Friday, we were living our best spring lives with temperatures hanging out in the mid to upper 70's. My windows were opened and we all had on short sleeves and flip flops. 

Winter must have taken a short vacation on those days. 

Not only do I have roses blooming, our shrubs are blooming as well.  

This shrub is Loropetalum, also knows as Chinese Fringe Flower.  

And then there's the greenhouse....Sam's own little slice of tropical confusion.  Inside, oranges and grapefruits are almost ready. 

Even my outdoor ferns (the ones planted in the ground) are thriving.  They seem to be loving this weather.

Cooler mornings, warmer afternoons, with just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting for me.  I cover them up in the late evenings and uncover them about mid morning.  

For me, it's socks in the mornings and flip flops in the afternoons...then back to socks in the evenings!  LOL

Squirrel Nest...

Maybe there is a quiet lesson tucked into this unpredictable season. Life doesn't always bloom on schedule. Sometimes beauty show up early, late or right in the middle of what feels like the wrong timing. But....GOD"s timing is ALWAYS where it is supposed to be. 

Shumardi Red Oak Acorn.  

I look at it like this.  

Maybe this is what stillness looks like.

Not the absence of change, but the ability to remain rooted while everything around us shifts. The Temperatures rise and fall, the seasons blur, and yet the blooms come anyway. 

Stillness teaches us to pause, to notice, and to trust that God is working even when life feels unpredictable. 

In the quiet...growth happens. In the waiting, beauty unfolds.

Stillness allows us to see it!!

Shug..💛

Simple Metal Shelf

Simple Metal Shelf.....Who said???? 

Back a few weeks ago, I purchased this shelf.  Of course....it had to be put together.   I thought it would so EASY.   No, No, No....... My first mistake was in thinking it would be simple.

This past week, Sam and I ATTEMPTED

to put it together, which did not work out so well.  

We had all the pieces separated, and the instructions right in front of us.

After several attempts, we finally just stopped and put everything back in the box. 

First of all, Sam was way too tired to work on this project.  Second of all, I'm not good at following directions.  

I called in the team this morning!!

It was way too cold for them to put this thing together out in the garage, so they borrowed our living area, and this worked out great.

It also made it easy since I have a big indoor storage room.  When they finished, they just had to slide it into that room..

Mylee, Trista, Tom and Shanda had this thing put together in about 20 minutes.  

Here it is in my store room.  They moved it in and even placed the containers on the shelving.  

All I need to do now is label each box.

Here they are celebrating a job well done.  

Thank goodness for my family!!

All it takes is the younger generation to get things done for you.  

Shug...   

The Cup

 This morning, I am lingering a little longer with my coffee... (I certainly do not need the extra caffeine....) I'm here because the note attached to my computer is saying ... Sit awhile! 

"When they ask me if my cup is half full or half empty, my response is that I am thankful I have a cup."

Source: Pinterest

These words hold more wisdom than I often give them credit for.  This world that we live in loves to label us.  Are you an optimist? Are you a pessimist? Are you strong or are you struggling?  In my stillness, I am noticing how often we are being taught to evaluate our lives by what's missing or what is overflowing.  I have to ask myself if I am simply noticing what is.  

Being thankful for the cup doesn't mean that my coffee is always hot, just the way I've always seemed to demand it to be. Some days I'm too occupied to even notice that I have a cup of coffee sitting beside me.  What happens?  It gets cold.  

Crazy as it might seem..I do not do lukewarm drinks.  I want my coffee or my hot chocolate HOT.  I want my tea ICED cold.  But...during all this time, I fail to realize that hey, I HAVE A CUP!!

The question isn't really whether my cup is half full or half empty.  The better question is: Am I paying attention to the gift in front of me?

This morning I'm going to choose to notice my cup. I'm thankful to have one to hold and I'm thankful for what is in it.  Many people in this world have not a single cup and most likely not a beautiful cup.  

I would encourage you, just as I sit here reminding myself, to take a look at your cup.  Thank God for it. Hold it with grace, and trust that it will be filled each and every day. 

Shug....💛