THE LIFE OF A BON VIVANT

After falling into my chair, I slouch down smiling as I lean back listening to the rain that just started to fall as if on que. After such a productive morning it is delightful to slow down and enjoy this moment. Thinking of all this past week brought into my life, and where it will undoubtably take me. My mind is in awe of all that impacted me. Now, deciphering how to implement and forge on with all I have been given. As anyone else, my life can become a blur if not careful. As Summer is rapidly fleeting, I can feel my body tense up at the thoughts of letting it go. Yet, I steer my emotions to the delightful nuance of all that is yet to come. I find myself in that moment of an awakening. These gifted times of life that seem so momentous. You feel the sadness of leaving the familiar and embark on the unknown. These usually occur at Birthdays, New Years, new jobs, and milestone moments. However, they happen too during the moments of "just life." At any age, the unknown can be quite frightening. I have been stopped in my tracks this Summer for certain with my own Daughter. As if she turned a corner, she has changed in so many ways. Fear sets in like a mighty river and I liken it to me standing on the shore watching the waters race downward. Over the boulders and branches, the noise is deafening as the intensity is fierce. The temperature is distinctly different and I wonder what it must be like to be that delicate, beautiful flower that dropped off that branch and swirls and dances its way down. Bobbing over sticks and being pulled by the undertow like it was quickly sucked under, I gasp. Smiling as all my muscles relax, I am pleasantly surprised only to find it happily bouncing further down. I am lost in fascination. 

Without hesitation I am traveling down the river bank unaware of anything around me but my fixation is intensely locked on that traveling flower. I imagine it being a perfumed pungent  Elderflower for it's meaning symbolizes zeal.  My mind flashes back to vacationing when my Daughter was young. We had a little running brook beside where we stayed and one of the highlights from that trip of memories were of her and random objects she might find. She found a stick, a leaf, her favorite though was a bottle top. She would set it in that lively brook at various points and watch it flow down. Watching it bump against rocks and such. Remembering her captivated, enthralled and truly enchanted as it would swirl around and around seemingly stuck at times. That white hair, blue eyes and her squatted down beside it. She would comment and squeal. I remember there being a drop off and it kept her marveling at it's journey. There was a sitting area at the base, where the water stopped into something like a little pool. At night we would sit around the campfire, snuggled under blankets, telling stories and yes, speaking of the journey on that little water fall. The noise of the water filled our beings with such fervency I still feel it today. Jerry Garcia was quoted, "Listen to the River sing sweet songs to Rock my Soul." 

 My mind goes to another vacation with my Daughter and we again are on the water. It was a rapids this time that we were on. Sitting in our innertubes just floating along giggling and soaking up the sun. We were rounding the corner and my knuckles were clinching tighter turning shades of white. Holding to my tube as if somehow magically I am aiding her in holding on. The water would come racing in to push your tube. Oh, it was exhillerating and fearful all in the same moments. My Daughter was younger; so all my attention was on her. The waters forged her nervously onward ahead. Instantly, she was airborne and alas I saw my beautiful girl go sideways and flip over. I was paralized with fear. For what seemed like a lifetime and yet only moments later that white haired love wonder came bouncing up out of the moving waters waving both hands in the air yelling "I'm okay!! I'm okay!!" John O'Donohue said and I wholeheartedly agree, "I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of it's own unfolding." I see myself sitting at the river bank sipping on St Germain, an elderflower liqueur. Perhaps fitting a Left Bank Martini Cocktail and I get lost in the waters. I think of the movie "A River Runs Through It" and I lift my glass as if to toast the mighty glorious waters. For they haunt me too. Telling the stories that words fail to convey. Bypassing my head and going straight to the marrow of my bones; from the depths of which I draw my breath. 

On this same trip my Daughter and I spent the afternoon on a beach and we marvled at it's splendor. It was unlike our beach at home in the South, yet oddly enough the same. We spoke of the differences of the many different waters.  We learned invaluable lessons as these waters pierced our Souls. Life is all around us to impart. For us to decipher the greatest mysteries. This day as I watched my Daughter and we visited upon this beach; I was inspired to write the following:

"As the river flows so do the waves crash in bringing treasures to the shore. The boundless limits of creation will leave me inspired forevermore." ~TEC

The Wonderment here, is sometimes we need to swirl against the boulder and be seemingly "stuck." Other times we need to be catipulted airborne and flipped over. Just to find we are okay. If not better than okay.  It readjusts our perception and recaluculates our compass.  Ah, Rumi was so brilliant when quoted on to say the following quotes: "When you do things from your Soul, you feel a river moving in you, A joy." 
"Soul, a moving river, body the riverbed." and the last one I share; may we all raise our glass and salute one another "may we be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love." This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO MARKET....

Sitting on my front porch swing, sipping bottomless Arnold Palmers and thumbing through recipes. Not just any recipes but recipes of my Mom's, my two Grandmothers and various people growing up. As I see the name on top of each card; rubbing my fingers over the writing as if I am touching my Grandmother's who have past away. Reading over my Mother's brings tears to my eyes as thoughts and emotion floods my being. As I gaze at them I am remembering the way she used to be before she became ill. Most of all I radiate that unmistakeable way she always made me feel. I am startled back to reality as the expected daily Thunderstorm quakes me to my bones. I spent the morning at our Market Downtown. It is like Christmas time to me. Except it is grueling hot. There is a band playing music, I was not particularly fond of their selection today, but all the while it was entertaining as it set the magestic market tone. I sipped on cold brew coffee which was a breath of cool air as it was served to me over ice and I hadn't yet had my cup of coffee. Now here I am in my own City, it is Home and familiar; yet, it was magical. Everyone was lovely. I had some fascinating conversations as we would walk or wait in line to make our purchases. I found myself envious as in speaking with several who live right there and how they walked with their morning coffee with their spouse or beloved and others spoke of riding on their bikes because they did not live far. I smiled as I imagined how picturesque that couple must have looked as they peddled home with her beautiful fresh cut bouquet of flowers and gushed about getting into the kitchen with their new purchase to fix for lunch. 

I liken this to Christmas because everyone was smiling and there was that something in the air that made this morning just a little more special. I jot down on blank cards suggestions and recipes that were shared with me before they flew out of my mind completely. I went to one tent where I asked if this was Silver Queen Corn, I was delighted when she said yes. Later I found myself at another produce area and I commented on how much I loved silver queen corn and this voice from very high up and very deep bellowed out "silver king." I giggled as his voice and presence surprised me and thought how chauvinistic that was of him to call it king instead of queen. I told myself okay I will bite as I looked up towards the Heavens and tilted my head with the puzzled look on my face as I said questioningly "silver king?" Both the lady working and my very tall deep spoken man both chuckled in a harmonious unison. Just as if a dam had burst, they just could not contain their enthusiaism as they educated me on the difference and hybrid variables. It was if it were Christmas Eve and they were gushing about this wonderful gift they just purchased or received; as if I too needed it for that special person on my list. Or most importantly, myself! I attested I too would love to purchase this silver king corn and I would have a test tasting at my table to see if our palates would be able to discern a noticable difference. We all laughed and shared favorite ways to prepare it and my nameless new friend with that lovely southern draw that reminded me of a Grandfather hugged me as he left. 

I love when I travel to indulge in losing myself with their culture, their normalcy. Therefore, it becomes something so much more meaningful than just a place I walked through. My girlfriend just traveled to Venice and purchased these fabulous egg cups that I have from my travels there. They are all different as if pieces of art to showcase your transformed black tie egg. I am confident it was not just because of the works of art themselves but the words that swirled off my tongue from the depths of my core of my experience with that city when I got "lost" wandering around in and out. Drinking in all that was eager to pierce my very soul as I sipped on espresso. I shared with her my experience with the Shopkeeper and our visit and how he and his partner emailed me for quite some time of pieces that they thought that I would find interesting. The Wonderment of Life is that at every given moment, there are treasures awaiting your uncovering. I smile thinking of my morning, my new found treasures; liken to, as the older woman I walked in to Market with was so excited to be there and babbling of what all she was hoping to gather. Then when I was walking back from my car to go back in to gleen and be inspired, another elderly woman was pushing her overflowing cart of goodies smiling with such intensity it is as if magically turned the corners of my mouth to either side of my face as I told her she had found some goodies. She stopped and took my hand and said with unmistaken enthusiasm, full of joy as she was beside herself with so much pride of all she was taking Home to prepare and share with her Family. Her eyes glimmered and  danced as she spoke, as if she was a lighthouse on a dark, foggy night bringing you Home.  I wholeheartedly meant it when I said I only wished I was going Home with her too.

I was at the Orthopedic Doctor with my Daughter while sitting in one of the waiting rooms, an older man sat next to my Daughter. We struck up conversation, when we asked him why was he in there he said he had climbed telephone poles for his whole life. Bad knees now. We chatted about his life and Family for a while. When I asked him about his Bride he said she had past away, two years ago on his Birthday. His words pierced my very soul and tears flooded my eyes. I recently attended a beautiful special wedding out of town. At the reception an older gentleman came across my path. He was hunched over walking with a cane. I spoke to him and he asked about where to place his gift. I quickly took it from him and assured him I would put it with the others and as I was going for the handle to open up the door, I coyly asked him if he was ready for what was in store! It was a very entertaining band he was bound to enjoy. Later on, I go back to our table and who in this world would you imagine was seated there all alone? My new friend. I leaned down and asked if I could get him something more to eat because his plate was almost empty. His arm wrapped around the back of my head as he drew me close to speak into my ear of what he wanted. I then went and got him some cake as I squatted down next to him I asked him who he was there for. He was friends with the Bride's family. So off I was moving to the tunes of the showstopping band and found the Father of the Bride I showed him this picture and asked if he knew him. 

He was amazed and pointed to the Grandmother of the Bride and I dashed over to show her the picture. She excitedly told her girlfriend to come at once and took her hand and we chatted as we made our way across the room and brought them together. We took another picture of them and then he asked for one with these girls and me. I was standing behind him with my girlfriend and we both were moved without words to convey as we watched him pull up our picture on his cell phone. He told us he was to turn 93 on that following Monday. Rest assured I thought of him throughout that day as if he was someone I had known forever and yet I had only just met. I shared Home with him even out of state for it is in my Heart and Soul and Printed on my Bones. Later one of my girlfriends husband helped him to his car and learned he had just had back surgery thus the cane.  So, as you go forward with your weekend and next week, for you in the United States reading this will be celebrating Independance Day. May we bind our Heart upon our sleeve and bear our freedom boldly as we declare Home is where the Heart is. It is with us everywhere we go. This singer blows me away, they are donating all profits from the song to Charities all around New York  that has changed his life. As this singer was quoted, "Being able to carry my home, my city, my roots with me everywhere I go is so important in Life." May we all dust off our Welcome Mat and leave the Front Porch light on. This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

SAYING GRACE

I follow a fella on Social Media (mrbobbybones on insta) and he has started on his Insta Stories at night vibing what I love the most. Lighting a candle in a dark room and having a song of the night playing. Mood music if you will. I am spellbound and within the cusp of distance I am impacted. Cusp defined is a point of transition between two different states, a pointed end where two curves meet. How perfect that last Night his song of the Night was Jake Owen's "I was made for you." I have always liked the song but it hit me different when I saw and heard this late last night. It set the beautiful tone of the ending of a really good day. It made me think of a girl I adore who is on her Honeymoon and I pray she is dancing with her Groom to this very song.   June has always been the "wedding month" and I have two special weddings to attend this month. I being the romantic I am; I have to admit I am beside myself with glee. It is as if someone injected me with cupid potion straight arrowed to my heart. My oldest Godchild who has been like a Daughter to me got married to the one who completes her this past weekend. To say it inspired me would not begin to scratch the surface. It  forever changed me. When this gorgeous girl went to throw her bouquet she locked eyes with me and did her fingers in a V in front of her eyes then towards me(and probably all the others knowing her). It was as if magically she cast her spell during her momentous moment as imagining the pyschedelic hue spiraled and danced through the air with glistens of glitter straight to the depths of my being. Most certain all the other single ladies with me felt it too.  Although the bouquet was not caught by me, she threw me something so much more tangible to my Soul. As if struck by lightening I caught the realization that she saw in me something I did not and it taught me the importance of us all adjusting our focus.

This girl was given her name by her Mama which means Grace. Grace defined is simple elegance or refinement of movement.do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence. She lived up to her name in every way. Most of all she imparted herself by her presence in the most unimaginable ways. Truly imparting herself in every way. At her bridesmaids luncheon I joked that I was going to have to leave the room because of my overcomed state of emotion. She spoke tearfully from her heart and soul to each of those who would be attending and to each one as she presented their gift increasing the value of what she was presenting. She included the Grandmothers, Mothers and even her Mams. We were graced. She and her bridesmaids all stayed in my Home this evening and all got ready within my boarders and took their pictures with her Parents, Me and all her girls within the helms of where me and my Daughter reside. I shall never view this Home or yard the same. No matter where life takes me it will go with me for it was planted deep within the fibers of my being. I am convinced as Ruth stated in the Bible one of my Favorite verses and quote, I have hanging in the heart of my Home, my kitchen for it is something 

that I view with my eyes from my Soulful Heart. These are the moments I live for. Those unforgetable moments that I will carry with me forever to replay throughout my days.  The morning of her wedding her Mother and I were sitting on the porch having our coffee and she and a couple other girls joined us. She looked at me and said, "Mams, your Home, it just has that sense that you can feel....it is special." My Home had been graced. She gifted me a book at her luncheon titled Celebrate Every Day. Inside on the first page,she wrote the following

I find it wildly ironic that me journaling my celebrated moments started here. For I have been awoken in such a manner that I had not realized had been in a deep slumber. That is the Awe inspiring knock me over with a feather moments that someone graced us. It is as magical as we allow it. Beauty is we control the dial of volume, and for me it is all the way up to ten. I could not be me turned down. You would not, could not shine with your God given finesse as anyone other than who you are way deep down inside. I will liken this to Snapchat. Those posts that appear and somehow life can try to erase. We have unlimited resources to impart and inspire those around us. Now a days we can add gif's and emoji's to up the ante on our thoughts and actions. Driving our intentions deeper, penetrating through the walls and hopefully tear down those that life will sometimes build. Like my cyber friend who I have never met and probably never will, he met me at the cusp. Smiling as I envision this as what used to be meeting at the water cooler. I used to work in an office where we would email and instant messenger had just been born. We would email "coffee break" to gather to see one another for that personalization that hearing and seeing one another could not be matched. To truly "see" one another is the hallmark of gifts to give and receive. 

The note she gave me with my book

These are her reading her very own letter before she walked down the isle from her Beloved. 

Think on each of these words for a moment, stalling and lingering over the each, letting your mind roam free. amazement

awe

bewilderment

curiosity

fascination

marvel

shock

stunner

surprise

wonder

astoundment

Those are all synonyms for Wonderment. We can choose this kind of life or settle for the antonym which is indifference. This love wonder imparted their love story into us all in attendance. We took pictures where she was taking the booty of my baby that had passed to put in her wedding gown pocket to have her close. She was already wearing the bracelet given to me when I had my Daughter, but she wanted to squeeze that lemon that much harder to get all the juice. After the wedding they released white balloons in memory of the Grooms Grandfather who had recently passed, a cousin to the bride, my Daughter and just very recently Warner a sweet week old newborn his Parents best friends to the Bride and Groom where his Mom was a Bridesmaid and his Dad was a Groomsman. It was poetry in motion and I was spellbound. 

 One of their best friends officiated their ceremony and he encouraged all those in attendance to hold the hand of their spouse to renew or rekindle their own magic during the vows. Both sets of Parents gathered at the alter after the unity candle and all of the attendants gathered and prayed for this glorious couple while come to the alter was sung by guitar.  When they announced the Bride and Groom there were shouts of jubilation that both came from deep within and smacked your own Heart. They exited the Chapel while we all cheered, hooted and hollared as the each came down the isle to Earth, Wind and Fire's, September and it was as if that song became live form right then and there as the beginning lyrics go, "Do you remember the 21st night of September?

Love was changing the minds of pretenders

While chasing the clouds away

Our hearts were ringing

In the key that our souls were singing

As we danced in the night

Remember how the stars stole the night away"

And we did just that this evening as we not only Celebrated this Loving couple but we too had awoken our own realization of just what life could have if not right there in front of us, then assuredly it was right around that corner. Most of all, thank you Hannah for loving not only me so immeasurably big; but us all in such a deep way it unlocked the places life had shut. You see, we all are cooler than we think. It just takes those that "see" us to show us sometimes, when we lose our way or forget. May we all harken to this example and love so deep and wide and Beautifully. This is the Beautiful Wonderment of Life. 

xoxo

Turn this up to ten and dance like you have never before, Celebrating. And....write that book. Everyday. Everyday. Everyday.

FLOWER GIRL

I was in a favorite stationary store the other day and I was stopped in my tracks by this strangely familiar fragrance that demanded my being to notice. I looked up at the lady assisting me and I said enthusiastically, "what is this phenomenal fragrance?A candle or what??!!" My mind honestly hadn't calculated this fragrance but my senses were moved in an instant as if a part so deep within me was awoken as from a deep slumber or hibernation. She smiled and held back her chuckle there they were literally right under my nose a vase with fresh cut gardenias from one of the woman's yard that worked there! I shreaked with excitement as I realized I hadn't noticed mine yet and I gasped and proudly told her I too had these beloved wonders in my yard! As I knelt down on the ground in my backyard, inhaling my freshly cut gardenias I breathed in so deep I felt as if my lungs might burst. These fragrant flowers are my favorite. The bewitching fragrance takes my heart captive as in a moment I see my Daughter at the age of two at her first ballet recital with these in her hair and every year after. Even after quitting ballet we will have them in our hair.   They are placed throughout our Home in hopes to fill our dwelling as enchanting as they are outside.  My eyes fill with tears as I share with my Daughter all these beauties contain. Explaining to her they are simply equisite flowers all on their own but the mere fact they grow in her backyard and have graced our hair and various spots around our Home since she can remember is what brings them their true value.  She takes one as she inhales deeply as her heart is unlocked and the dreams and heartfelt verbage flows freely. We giggled and girl talked about her wedding day and perhaps mine too someday, again. Vowing this would be our chosen flower somehow, somewhere if not everywhere. My prayer is long after I am gone as we saw Princess Diana's son pick her beloved favorite flower that grew in their yard of forget me nots; to put in his bride's bouquet. May this be ever true with my Daughter. You see, these things that often are the most valuable in the end never cost us a penny they were felt and laced intertwined within our very souls. I must concur with Barbara Streisand who was quoted as saying and one of my favorite quotes, "I love things that are indescribable, like the taste of an avacado or the smell of a gardenia." 

Our senses are gifts so far greater than our minds can possibly perceive. It is as if they shoot straight to our Heart and Soul as the mind falls captive to them. Our thoughts are instantly flooded with moments within our lives when our senses are heightened and our mere moments became indescribable. When I was married and my Daughter was young, I started a tradition when her Father was out of town. I would have her sleep in one of her Father's tshirts even when she was so tiny they swallowed her whole. We would spray some of his cologne on the shirt and I told her it was as he was hugging her all night long and although he was away it would help him seem much closer. She still loves to sleep in his tshirts to this day from time to time. When things that are merely tangible such as a tshirt or a beautiful fragrant flower are fueled with our hearts and soul they become indescribable.

 Indescribable is defined as not describable; too extraordinary for description. Wow! Think of moments you missed just even today on Monday. Did you exert your being to make it Magically dream worthy or hold back, give up or not even try as to have it ordinary or Mondane? The Wonderment of Life is living a life that is indescribably you. Understanding that just what makes me tick is oddly different from anyone else around me. We will glean from one another throughout our journeys. Glean not only means to pick up what someone has left behind moreover it means to learn, discover, or find out, usually little by little or slowly. This is so incredibly beautiful to me. You have within your makeup exactly what someone else is craving to fuel their very beings. One of our favorite hotels we like to stay in has a signature perfumed candle one specific to each location. New Orleans has my beloved Gardenia fragrance. When I walk in I feel like one of those cartoon characters that has been lifted off my feet as they are curled behind me like the swooning of a phenomenal kiss and that foot kicks up. Drawing me with its spellbounding hypnotic aroma that transcends my very being taking me to a place that my deepest core is set free. 

I chose this song not only because I love it but the video brought me to tears as I watched it with my Daughter. She was studying in another room and came squealing into my room singing and dancing to it. When I would look at her she would redirect me to the video and said, "Mom, you are going to love this." She was right I was moved beyond words. We all can give of ourselves. May we live in such a manner that others are left better by us being around them; than that as before we encountered them. This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

BE THE BALL

After a week long bout that I truly thought the pollen had won, the victory is so deliciously sweet. I was chained to my sofas, chairs, beds and floors. Often times at moments crawling to the kitchen to display superpowers as I put together the necessary nutrients to keep my Daughter healthy. I declare victory as I am now standing outside, breathing in so deeply with arms wide open my eyes cannot stay open as my head tilts back and a smile curls up from deep within that transcendes my being to another realm. As if someone tapped me, I am thrust back jolting me as a soldier who just took the formation to that of a salute. The truck that passes me I wave as if I am on my street and yet; I realize just how accustomed I had become to seeing such destruction and construction on what used to be hallowed grounds of our beloved Golf Course. You look around and there is anything but beauty. The grass is brown and dead, trees are being cut down, mounds of dirt all over. Saddness overtakes me. For a moment I only long for what I used to behold. Losing sight of what all of this will become.

 The Club has decided to update our course and bring a fresh more modern design. Although I haven't paid attention to their plans of what is to come, I am enticed from within to be surprised and anticipate new memories being made.  But all my eyes survey is what is lost and gone. I look over to where one of my favorite trees used to reside right outside my back gate. My Daughter and I since when she was a toddler would sit under it and enjoy a picnic and booktime. Instantly as a chuckle erupts tears fill my eyes as if a movie screen replays that momentous day that I was driving my Daughter back to our yard after enjoying one of our picnic dates. My Daughter and I were as if on a ride at an amusement park when instantly our cart came to a complete stop. I was stuck! Giggling how the men I called over to help working nearby could not speak any English and somehow we communicated. I shake my head as I start my morning walk that I have missed and longed for this past week. As I enjoy my new found freedom I unchained my Heart and Soul to run freely, liken to my dog who jumps and runs and sniffs from here to there as if on a quest of the vast unknown. 

As I now sit upon my back porch savoring my coffee my mind is liken to the speaker of the house as it unveils the findings of what is deep within my being. As if my Heart and Soul were now leashed and called Home after running freely. I ponder over my thoughts and senses as I entertain them as the most admired guests to join me. The relevence of golf to life is spoken so commonly it is almost dismissed. As my Daughter is about to finish her first golf year on her JV High School Team this imagry is more potent. I am mulling over about caddies and their role in the game. Moreover, their role to the player. In golf, a caddie (or caddy) is the person who carries a player's bag and clubs, and gives insightful advice and moral support. A good caddie is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, along with the best strategy in playing it.Whilst carrying the bag is part of the caddy’s more traditional role, their actual job description is a whole lot more complicated than that. They are a confidante, a playing partner, a right-hand-man and an advisor to the professional golfer, and the close ties between golfer and caddy are testament to the difference they can make to a game. In short, they can make the difference between winning and losing a tournament, and in a competitive sport, that means everything!

Part of the role is menial – carrying the bag, cleaning the ball, raking the bunkers, replacing divots and holding the flag are all basic caddy duties, but the real skill in caddying lies in helping their golfer to determine the distance to the pin, in advising them on club use and informing them how their game is holding up, as well as how they think it could be improved. A lot to do then! Often times we are the caddy to our own Dreams and other times who is the caddy for you when you are the player on the course of your own Dreams? Just let that resignate and marinate within your being. How often would you have been fired as a caddy? I know about days 4-7 of my sickness, I was weepy, tired and frail. I had a couple incidents that had me overshoot or entirely miss the ball. I felt like I will never see any of my Dreams; much less ever feel better! I complained I was tired of carrying bags, especially anothers. I took no pleasure in the menial aspects and my whole persona almost caused me to loose my tournament of my Dreams of my own in my life. 

A dear inspirational friend shared a book on facebook. My Daughter was sitting beside me with her head in my lap on her phone when her ears perked up when I played the portion my friend shared. She said, "Mom! Get that! Let's listen to it! Send it to me!!" I should not be surprised for she is my child but she was as a cortisone shot to my weary body. Alas we lay in bed at night and are listening together. It is called, "Girl, wash your face." What is more inspiring is the story behind this book. I follow both the Author and her Husband on Instagram. Two days ago she posted a picture of a bottle of Dom Perignon with a piece of tape across the top where she had written New York Times Best. She had that bottle saved for 10 years. She wrote an awe inspiring post you must check out at @msrachelhollis. Her Husband @mrdavehollis too wrote the most beautiful words of calling out her biggest dreams by believing they will happen and the impacts on their Family. He said it took her twenty+ years and he said "today and for the rest of her life, she gets to say that she's achieved her big dream." I am thankful for those I choose to be my caddy in this most precious game of life. Moreover, I am humbled and inspired to be the caddy as well. May I be the best caddy amongst the most menial of tasks. Last week, my Daughter was nervous before the match. I being her "caddy" I said as she was coming off the driving range, you have got this, I see a spark in you. Channel that force within you not what is trying to intimidate you. She said,"thanks Mom. I needed that." She shot her first birdie this day and I can now attest as I was standing on the green as her awe inspiring shot was played out to perfection; it was one of my most momentous times to be a "team" with someone. For I have been doing the menial tasks along this journey for her and with her as well making that moment so much richer. 

From the wise words of a phenomenal and truest Lady, the Late Barbara Bush. "The winner of the Hoop race will be the first to realize her(his) dream, not society's dream, her(his) own personal dream." This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

TAKE A SEAT

Dusting off my pants legs as I rise to meet my lunch date who I see smiling as she approaches me. She is in from out of town and insisted that although our time was brief, we agreed the opportunity was still there to be worthy of remembering as if we had an abundance of time. The place I chose for us to meet is an olden day store that has been turned into a Restaurant. Something about this place fascinates and bewitches my being as it delights my very Soul. It always has as if laced within a mesmerizing whisper as the walls tell me secrets of what I cannot see. I nod as in acceptance as my mind takes flight, entranced with delight. I have chosen this spot for momentous times as my Birthday, and my last meal before my second child was born. It is as if I am transcended into times of old and this quaint little storefront that is around a hundred years old has come to life. I am distracted by the mumblings of the voices that I hear   resounding of their stories as if I too were standing in the Moore Brothers General Store. Alas as if Jesse King himself were writting up my tab as we talked. Happy talk like being there for my Birthday and the somber, heavier moments laden down as mentioned my last meal before delivering my second child, who I knew was terminal; uncertain of what was to come. I wonder if Jesse as reported never missed a day of work in his sixty years was because his very heart and soul was what showed up for work. I was telling my out of town friend the legend is that this place is haunted. Although they report there are no bump in the nights and stories to tell I believe that Jesse brought that place to life. The aged old saying as if these walls could talk is poetry in the present. My imagination floods with wonder of now of  how people are still drawn to this enchanted delicacy. They are continuing to breathe life and add more chapters to this undeniable story of life. I find it rather ironic that another word for memorable is haunting. This is Monday motivation graciously taking me by the hand and ushering me in to breathe in from the marrow of my bones. 

As we ate from one anothers plates, giggling as we embraced this moment in time.  We knew that we were being gifted with more than something from the Chef. We were no longer occupying space, we were hyptmotized and delirious with the mere Wonderment of Life. On my way home I took my time to enjoy the beauty that was bestowed before me. I stopped and found a bench beneath the trees so beautiful as if the most skilled artist had painted beauty too rich for words to describe. The moss that was draped were as if a skilled designer had thoughtfully placed it. As if a veil had suddenly been lifted and the drapes were drawn for me, I understood the beauty of the benches such as that of Notting Hill. My mind escorted my senses to the bookstore in London we visited a couple of years ago where they made the movie. The beloved line where Julia Roberts read the bench to Hugh Grant, "For June  who loved this Garden from Joseph who always sat beside her." As if a chemist in a lab upon discovering a marvel my heart prodded where would my very own bench reside and what would my bench proclaim? Last week I was watching my Daughter's golf match. One of the holes had the most picturesque swing hanging from a tree with a view mere words cannot describe. I hopped out of the golf cart liken to a little girl excited and drawn to a swingset on a playground. I basked in the beauty before me that surrounded all around me marveling at how fortunate these people are to have this yard and this view. I allowed the swing to tell the stories as I sat and let my mind run free. 

I wrote months back about the water oak that had fallen in my front yard. I had lost another one shortly before in my back yard and only thought of clean up. This time I was wiser and amidst the pieces that had crumbled beneath that mighty oaks fall,I was inspired noting how lofty this tree was and how much it had lived.  I wrote of cutting chargers to display upon my tables. I also kept the stump which simply sits upon my front porch for now, and I had them cut me logs in sections storing them in the garage. Often times I must attest I shake my head at myself for saving them. They simply remind me of my loss. Somewhere in the depths the voice was very clear to wait. No need to rush about in haste. My Heart was quite clear in giving instruction to simply sit and draw from this. Thus choosing to wait until I was inspired and passionate. And so I did for quite some time. Questions bombarded me as to why I had them cut these logs and would I ever really enjoy them enough to save them.  Fast forward to the other day at my Neighborhood Garden Club I was in charge of table decorations. As if a messenger delivered it to me, I googled Garden Club Table Decorations, alas what do you think I saw?! My dusty cobwebbed beloved logs that layed there against my garage wall were going to be transformed into the most beautiful of vases. I am disappointed to state that I could not figure out the drill to have them ready for that day. Instead I improvised at the last minute with what I had on hand. The Ladies were delighted and raved about the creativity. I quickly showed them pictures and told them all about my tree. I am waiting now on the driller to teach me how to craft those beloved logs. It is important to me as if mandated that I do them as much as I can for I am imparting my very own existance into them. So as when my Daughter sets her own table many years from now; that mighty oak will still stand tall captivating those who sit around as if delighting in it's shade. The yard that this Mighty Oak lived was chosen because the same type of feeling resounded within the helm of this House as I feel at my favorite restaurant. It is imagery in motion. All this time and this tree is still giving to me in new ways. This Mighty Oak is a poetic remembrance of her childhood Home wherever life might find her. 

This was my table at Easter and I cannot wait to see those logs in all their mighty splendor filled with glorious flowers to adorn my table. Many years from now this chapter of my story may be enjoyed as in the olden days before the televisions. Where families would gather together as someone would read as laterns provided light. I imagine I would love for it to go something as this.... may I be so fortunate.  Camille thoughtfully sat at her table allowing it to speak inspiration to her senses to carry out the tone that her guests would undoubtably feel. As she took her rightful seat as the Hostess of her Easter Brunch she shared the story of her Mom. Although she lived for how ever many years she never failed to show up for duty. She poured herself into her family and guests. Camille shared her beloved tree that serenades it's listeners with all that it has seen. The crystal goblets were chosen because they have mine and my sister's names for their patterns. The silverwear we eat with were gifted to me year after year consecutively on Christmas Eve until I had a complete set. My Mom would use  them throughout my life to make the memories that make them shine with bountiful brilliance. They were chosen for me namely after flowers for floral patterns. One of my favorites is named Poppy which is what I referred to my Father. Another is Lily which my Mother often times called me and my maiden name is inscribed upon the other that was hers and passed on down to me. Her passion is undeniable as she invokes a force as if the ground quaked beneath her feet.No longer were we talking table talk, it was far greater. Her story would continue laced with her own essence intertwined with mine while being weaved into her children. 

What will your story be? We all have the opportunity as Jesse to have one or June that must have marveled with such intensity that Joseph was captivated to sit beside her. Be captivating.  Be passionate. Main ingredient; make sure you live with intention and as you move, it is with such a fluid motion that dictates a story to be embraced worthy of your life. This is The Wonderment of Life. 

                            xoxo

One of my High School Leaders in my girls group was at a concert I attended this past weekend. She posted on Instagram the following, "@moon_taxi, your music makes my soul more alive. Never change. Here's to a band full of talent and love." Well said Caroline, well said. I wholeheartedly agree. I leave with you one of their songs and this version is acoustic. May you savor in your moments that ignite your being to Dance in the River Water....  

SPIRIT HORSE

Choosing to don another layer of clothing instead of closing all my doors. Formally inviting this fresh crisp extraordinary spring air inside to set the tone and abiance within my boarders. The cool breeze twirls me in rhytym to the music bellowing from the piano.   Smiling as imageries have burst forth into reality imagining my lounge wear transforming into an equisite couture gown custom fit and designed just for me. I  saunter throughout my Home moving to the melodies I have selected for the piano to play. I nod as appreciating as if my pianist has come to life and is playing my requests to delight my senses. The ballads that beautifully strum from the dancing ivories fill my being with beautiful wonderment. Spring has officially sprung. Ironically I sing the words to the music of how sweet it is to be loved by you. The "you" in this instance is Life. The beautiful indescribable gift of the here and now and of all it is yet to be. With all the priceless gifts that Spring graces us with my senses are heightened. As the catapillar breaks forth from that cacoon into the magestic beauty of a butterfly; so we too have that opportunity bestowed in Springtime. A favorite tune of mine comes on, You are the Sunshine of my Life and as if on command I bow with outstretched arms as I lift my dress from either side with one toe pointed in front of the other. Ever so gracefully as awe inspiring I have welcomed this new Season that has taken my very breath away. 

I stand at the threshold of one of my doorways as if I was led by my gloved hand held high, bent acknowleding the femine daintiness I possess. My feet as if a graced ballerina follows dancing on pointed toes. I stop as I sense an outstretched arm waving before me to drink in all that is beheld. As my reality is dishovled hair from my grueling morning workout in sweaty attire, my yard that has beckoned me also needs a makeover. However, I see it from the depths of my Soul. As if I have morphed into the great unknown I am overcome with peace and beauty for my Heart is familiar; for it is Home. As my eyes are ushered to this vantagepoint, I am viewing in the black and white but seeing it in indescribable color. The black and white are real however I am presented as if guests in all of their finest parading before me. Not only dressed with their beauty but they exude such merriment as approaching the doorway of what is to be of this moment.  These are all of the memories this past Winter has gifted me. The not one but two snow days that I cannot recall experiencing here in the South but inevitably brought the freeze to this yard. I liken it to the years that life has lived on my very body from the greying hair and the growing lines upon my smile. The very definition that I have lived. My Daughter would quip I was getting old. Instantly I hear my Mom whisper from the marrow of my bones "she will too look back and recall it the same as this yard is a parable of her winter season."

I wipe the tears from my eyes as I reluctantly turn to go back inside. All those late nights by the fire dancing and enjoying my Daughter and friends. Days and nights spent cuddled up with my Daughter in a tent, on the trampoline or watching her and her friends on the swing. Realizing now, just how often we spoke of wishing the warmer weather would come. Chuckling as I recall my inexperience to the icy sidewalk when my excited Dog decided to bolt after my neighbors repairman. I could feel my cheeks again redden as I rub my lower back sensing that dull ache that accompanied my embarrassing display of Snowy Southern Charm. The repairman could not contain his laughter when rescuing me from my fall and in turn I perhaps had the best belly laugh of the Winter. I truly do not believe my yard looked any Merrier than when it was strung with Christmas Lights this year. All of these moments were gifts and will continue to be. Moreover,  I would assume Winter's from now will be measured by these. As for you who have read my thoughts or posts these are the Chapters I speak of in our Autobiographies. The Dreams that now fuel my being were born within these very moments.  This is the Wonderment of Life. 

I leave with you a song that was one of my favorites twenty five or more years ago that has recently peaked again for me. I love this video for it is him now and moments back when he recorded it. Saddle up those horses, we got a trail to blaze. Into the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace, into the glorious unknown. This is the Great Adventure, the Ride of Your Life.

xoxo