A Syrup, Sacrifice, and Sparkle kind of Hodgepodge

 A Syrup, Sacrifice, and Sparkle kind of Hodgepodge!! 💎

Joyce Asks the Questions

We Answer the Questions

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1.  The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.  Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season?

During this season, I am choosing to mark the season not just by what I give up, but by what I pay closer attention to.  I hope to be more observant of the needs of others. I want to lean into the small, intentional acts that often go unnoticed. I just want to slow down and examine my heart...did I respond with grace? Did I offer help without being asked? Did I choose compassion over convenience?  These things are so important.  

2.  Pancakes....are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on you menu this week?

I do like pancakes and I always use syrup.  Are they good for me?  Not really...not when they are all spread with butter and the sweetness of rich Aunt Jemima goodness.  

3.  Tell us about a time recently when you felt spread too thin. 

I think I have been frayed since March of last year with my husbands cancer diagnosis.  I just have to keep in mind that God is in control.

4.  What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

A girl will probably always have a soft spot for diamonds, and I am no exception.  I love the way they sparkle.  To be honest, Black onyx holds a special place in my heart.  I think of it as being bold and classic.  

The same love for the color of black shows up in my closet as well.  I think black and white looks clean and simple.....and very dependable. I do have a few primary colors sprinkled in for personality.  

5.  What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

For me...  one of the hardest parts about being in charge isn't making the decisions...it's carrying them with confidence.  Sometimes, leadership has a way of magnifying self-doubt, which is something I have to always work on.  I just try to trust my instincts and move forward.  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

"Random thoughts" is always a difficult prompt for me.  I am a bit overly organized by nature which means a lot of list and labeled folders.  I almost freeze when asked about random thoughts.  I suppose that for this question today, my random thought would be "What two books do I need to purchase for my long flights in a couple of weeks." I need something good to read.....any suggestions?

As always, I appreciate Joyce for hosting the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  

Blessings to all...

Shug..✝

Different or What

 Seriously....These are what I call very Different...  

Can anyone guess what they are??

If you guessed mushrooms then you guessed correctly.  

Yesterday was absolutely Beautiful...

I'm talking ...it was a gorgeous day!!

It seemed like the sun was lighting up the whole world.  

It was bold and golden.... and the sun rays felt so GOOOOOD.

So...I went exploring!!  

Not far... just around the yard.  I love it when adventure is just a few steps away.  

The first thing I found was these Odd little mushrooms.  

I do believe that they popped up overnight.  Look at them...they are fascinating.  They almost look as if they have been polished don't they?  

This is what I call true earthy finds!!

They were all nestled right into the straw-colored grass, and they reminded me of old fashioned chocolate drop candies.. lol.    Or perhaps two old friends just sitting there on the lawn, absorbing the warmth of the day.    

Hey y'all, maybe these are jeweled  👑 mushrooms!! What you think? 

I did do a little more exploring and found my first Bluebonnet plant for the season.  It is tiny, but I am very thankful to see that it made it through the ICE storm we had a few weeks ago.   

Leaving y'all today with this image

↓↓↓↓ 

Something that I saw yesterday that made me laugh...

Is this DOG tall or what?

Evidently it has found a way to climb up to the top of the fence.  I guess it enjoys watching the cars as they pass by....   So cute!!

Really Different stuff today...

Love, 

Shug...

Spring Is In The Air...Or Is It?

 Spring is doing a good job at flirting with us...

The daffodils have shown up and are being spotted all around town.  We also have Tulip trees blooming in the area...  Last evening....I snapped a few pictures from Shanda's Tulip Tree.

Just look at the blooms against the grey bark..Beautiful

I walked outside this morning fully expecting birds to be singing but to my surprise, what I heard was silence.  A heavy fog draped across the yard and the bare trees are standing very still and unbothered.  

No leaves, no buds....just branches stretching up to the sky.  The morning feels very quiet.... It feels like even the birds have decided it's just a touch too early to start rehearsing their sunrise symphony..

All of this brought me thoughts of how.... just like having flowers and fog at the same time, we also have promises and patience sharing the same space in our ordinary daily living.  

There are definitely signs that roots are strengthening and the sap is rising, which tells me this isn't confusion.  It's more like a choreography preparing for a big show. 

The daffodils blooming while the fog lingers...The tulip trees stretching open while bare branches still stand...      

These are not mixed signals.   It's called Timing!! 

Happy Monday Y'all...  

About our Princess

Tim Tebow's "Night to Shine and a Valentine Girl who Sparkled....

The Tim Tebow's "Night to Shine" is always held during the second week of February which means it is always near Valentines Day.  This past Friday evening was when the big event was held in our area, and our Princess attended.  

As I have said in years past, this is more than a prom.  It is more than dresses and dancing and fancy foods.  It's a celebration of Worth.. A declaration of value so to speak.  This particular evening is a reminder that every single person and especially those with special challenges, deserve to be honored and celebrated.  

What I love about this "Prom" is that it loudly and very clearly says....YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL...AND YOU ARE SO WORTHY OF JOY!!!

My precious niece (Tammy) wore the most beautiful deep burgundy gown, and when she stepped onto the red carpet, it was as if she owned the evening.  Her smile lit up the room in a way that I know NO spotlight could ever do.  Her hair was styled so beautifully as it was twisted and pinned perfectly to enhance the gown she chose.  Her happiness completely stood out and the blessing that comes from this is absolutely the best...  

She laughed, she danced and she soaked in every moment.  How happy this makes me!!!  

What makes this weekend even more tender is that her birthday is on Valentines Day.   February 14th baby!!

She was born on the day of LOVE!!

I want her to know that she is precious beyond words...She is strong...she is beautiful.  

Oh...how her mother would have glowed with pride.. I know she would have wiped away happy tears the very moment her daughter walked into that ballroom and I truly believe that heaven drew just a little nearer Friday evening as every beautiful moment unfolded for Tammy.  

Thank you to the Tim Tebow Foundation for this worldwide celebration which is dedicated to our special needs loved ones.  Tim Tebow often speaks about how his desire is for special needs people to know they are treasured by God.  What a wonderful message.  

Thanks for allowing me to share!

Shug...