Thankful Thursday in Boots

 

Happy Thankful Thursday!!

This old photo popped up just in time for me to think about the things I am thankful for....

I LOVE old cowboy boots and these boots that are sitting in the Texas grass belong to our youngest grandson.  If they could talk, they  certainly could tell some stories.  Chasing pigs, stomping in mud puddles and maybe doing a "Two Step" from time to time.  

I am thankful for cowboy boots and for all that they represent.  Grit, adventure and personality!!

I know....a weird post for a Thankful Thursday, but a pair of boots means a great heritage from our Texas roots and they mean leaving a legacy of watching generation after generation walking forward with the Lord.  

Much to be thankful for!

Shug.....  

joining Michelle 

HERE

A Pink Kind of Hodgepodge

A Pink kind of Hodgepodge

Joyce asks the questions

We answer the questions....

Join the fun here

 

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'? 

LOL...I was tickled Pink about this fun photo that came up on facebook.... All you had to do was add a photo of yourself and .... Wa La....you have a fun picture.   The picture I used was of me a couple years ago when my hair was short and I had bangs.  Who needs a photo session when you can do it yourself?   lol. 😂   check out the boots....they too were pink.

2. A bed of roses, everything's coming up roses, every rose has it's thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns...which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way? 

I'm going to say......"Stop and Smell the Roses."

This year (so far) I've grown fond of the moments when the world has eased its grip on me...I am learning to pause long enough to notice what I used to hurry past....to lean in close and breathe in life as it is.  There sure is a lot of sweetness in giving attention to what's already blooming.  In choosing to linger, I am finding that my spirit is more refreshed and my pace is softened.  

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated? 

Older photo.....but this is us!!  My fun loving family!   Since this photo, we have added Eight

 more to our fun loving group...

My family....they have a beautiful way of making me feel loved.  They show up in a thousand different ways and with them I feel seen, valued and deeply connected.  Their love wraps around me in comfort and strength, reminding me that no matter the season or the day, I am Loved. 

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine's Day? 

I am not a fan of chocolates and being that I owned a flower shop in past years.....I will have to go with FLOWERS!!  I do love flowers but I prefer to arrange my own.  

Special plans?  Sam and I actually went out to eat last weekend for Valentines and he also gave me a very nice gift.  I had misplaced my ear buds and for this reason he knew I really needed some new ones.  I enjoy listening to music each night before I fall off to sleep....This was the Perfect gift.   

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love. 

Song:  "When I said I do" by Clint Black:

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'till the end of all time.   Be faithful and true, devoted to you...That's what I had in mind when I said I do.

Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you.....that's what I had in mind when I said I do.

My Quote:  "Our vows spoken once, being lived out every single day."  "To say "I Do' is to choose the same heart, again, and again, for a lifetime."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My random thought:   How many others keep every card their husband has ever given them?  I've been keeping, not only Valentines cards, but every single card my husband has ever given me for the past 53 plus years.  (We dated 4 years before we got married).  

Here are my thoughts..... Keeping Valentine's cards from my husband for fifty-three years plus, feels like holding a handwritten timeline of our love.  For me these cards are more than ink and paper....each of them holds the season of life that we were in and the jokes that made us laugh.  Some of them are simple, some of them are worn at the edges, and some of them look as beautiful as the day I first opened their envelopes.  They all whisper the same truth....that He loves me!

Shug....💗

Pure Country Life

 A ride to the farm (which is only 5 miles away) instantly slows my heartbeat....and it slows it in a very good way.

Windows down, fresh air rushing in, and that unmistakable smell of the grasses and the earth.  These are smells that you just can't buy but you arrive in the middle of them when driving the dirt roads.  And the Pine Trees...the best smell ever!!!

Right off, Sam and I were treated to a little farm-side surprise:  TWO roadrunners.  

(roadrunners are widely considered symbols of good luck, strength, and protection in many Native American and Mexican cultures, seen as "medicine birds" that ward off evil spirits with their distinctive X-shaped tracks and revered for their speed and courage. Seeing one is often interpreted as a positive omen, bringing good fortune, swiftness, and protection against negative energies, with their feathers also used for spiritual purposes.)  

The First Roadrunner

The second one...

We tried to get closer to this last one, but it was just to fast...I always love spotting them because I think of seeing a roadrunner as a sweet wink from nature.  

We drove on down toward the lake, the one that's home to the alligator..

This is one of the smaller lakes on the farm and it just happens to be the home of "Chomp" the gator.  

NO SIGHT OF HIM......YAY!!

I couldn't help but think that he might be eyeballing us from just beneath the surface.  🐊

The farm itself looked like winter had definitely  been there.  One big change that I was sad to see, was the disappearance of the OLD BARN..

I have not been down to the farm since before Christmas and I was so surprised to see the barn gone.  Sam had it torn down a few weeks ago.  The barn had been there for probably 80 years and had seen some better days.  It's bones just could not hold up any longer.  While it was sad to see it gone, there was also a sense of peace in knowing it served it's purpose well.  

I never get tired of seeing views like these....

This was another one of those days that fills up your soul without even trying.  A drive, fresh air, a few unexpected sightings, and the comfort of familiar land.  It felt really great to be there and to be there with my sweetie.  I never ever get tired of these trips just five miles from our home!!  

This is what I call

Pure Country Life!!

Blessings Y'all.....

Shug...💛

Rest and Daffodils....

Rest and Daffodils.......

I didn't exactly pencil "rest" into my calendar, but life had other plans....and honestly, I'm glad that it did.  I'm learning that sometimes the pause is the point.

Taking a little time to feel better has been one of the kindest things I've done for myself lately.  I'm not a 100% yet (there's still a bit of lingering congestion hanging around), but I know the meds are working.  I actually have contacted my doctor to see if I can get an appointment for Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday.....  I know...I should have already gone in to see him.  Healing isn't always instant...and in my case, this is okay.  I just want to be well way before my trip in just a few weeks.  

I know my body is tired and run down which is most likely the reason that this WHATEVER IT IS, seems to be lingering.  

Rest and drinking plenty of fluids does have a way of pressing the reset button on more than just the body.  It clears the mental clutter and softens the sharp edges when you have had so much on your plate. 

In the middle of all this stillness, I have noticed that some of the daffodils are popping up.  Mine have not bloomed yet but the stems have poked out through the winter soil.  

I love how daffodils are bright and unapologetic.  They stand so tall after a good winters rest, and they have no concern for what all they have missed while the world rushes on.  They just show up full of beauty.  I think what I just said here might have been a silent lesson meant just for me!!!  

I have enjoyed the slower pace much more than I expected.  Early nights are good!  Doing Nothing can absolutely be good for the soul and I took advantage of it.  My sweet hubby was great at trying to take care of me.  I think he knew that my body needed a rest and my heart needed it too. 🌼🌼🌼 

HEALING ISN'T LAZY....IT'S NECESSARY especially when you are run down.  

With all of this said, 4 days of rest has seemed like forever and I have missed opening my computer and visiting with you all.  I'v missed conversations, the check-ins, laughter that comes from Victor each day, and just the simple rhythm of showing up.  

If any of you have been feeling run-down or overwhelmed, then this post is a gentle nudge to say it's okay to step back and rest.  

I am grateful for the messages of encouragement from each of you and for your prayers.  I'm also thankful for the beautiful, bright shining daffodils sending me a message that beauty rises quietly after a difficult season.  

I am still waiting for this congestion to pack it's bags so that I can feel a 110%.  lol. 😂

I'm looking forward to catching up with a full heart.  💛🌼

Shug...