Random snippets from January...
We got new star words from church. Our first were lost in the mail somewhere. Would love to know what they were... but here are the three that Jonathan, Marvin, and I pulled out. I had two left in the envelope to take to Mama and Daddy the next day. I didn’t see what they were.
Jonathan’s is essence - and he was pretty unsure about that. :) But I just looked up essence and feel like it is a really GOOD word for him! Here are 3 definitions of essence...
‘the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person - the essence of the issue’
‘one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form’
‘the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence’
Mine is Reach and Marvin’s is Courage. I have to say the courage one scares me. Not interested in any more courage... :) So I was really wary of this, but then I looked it up and of course Marvin got Courage. It is defined as...
'the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear;
bravery.'
I believe Marvin’s whole life has illustrated his courage.
Reach for me is intriguing. I’ll be thinking about that. Reach out? Reach for a dream? Definitions include...
’To stretch out’ and ‘communicate with or make an impression on’.
Interesting.
Mama got Constant and Daddy got Genuine. Good words for each of them. Here is a definition of each that I think fits well with them...
Constant - 'faithful, unswerving in love, devotion'
Genuine - 'free from pretense, affectation or hypocrisy. Sincere'
Yup, good words for them.
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I made some old fashioned 'mix tapes' to pass
out to some small group friends. :D |
Mama and Daddy's house is like a museum in some ways... they have so many photos, plaques, mementoes from their many, many years of education and public service that they quite literally fill the walls of their home. Often, I overlook them, but on this particular day I was struck by the fact that these are all back by the washer and dryer and the back door to the house. :) The first is the proclamation by (then) Secretary of State Robin Carnahan on the occasion of Daddy's retirement as President of ATSU back in 2012. Dear John B wrote this and we all laughed heartily at the inclusion of his 'inside joke' about Mama's name being "hislovelywifeSue". :)
And this is the official photograph and certificate recognizing Daddy's induction as one of the members of the Academy of Missouri Squires. Good memories, all. And something to look at as you throw a load of clothes in the washing machine. :D
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| What. A. Day. |
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| Vaccinated! So very thankful! |
Dearest Dawn has been a true lifeline for our whole family the last year. She has always been spectacular and a dear friend, but during the time of covid she entered our 'bubble' and stuck with Mama and Daddy helping in so many ways. What a testament of love and service and self sacrifice. We love Dawn and her daughters more than we can ever say. And Dawn has lovingly spoiled Daddy with a 'pandemic holiday' called 'Pie Friday'. :) Every Friday Dawn makes him pie (sugar free, no less!). Now how can you ever beat THAT deal???
My wonderful friend Donna has a beautiful home with mid-century details in her decor. Recently she acquired some 60's style cat statues that she was pretty happy about. Well, when I saw this turquoise cat (containing Avon bubble bath!!!) I just KNEW Donna needed to have it. On one of our trips down to her town I stopped by and gave it to her. She is a great friend and was happily surprised by this (eclectic?) gift. :D
While I was there Joy dropped by and had a book to loan me. I was so glad to see these two dear friends in person and I sure can't wait until we can have a girls weekend together! :)
Donna later sent me this photo of the turquoise cat in its new (for now, at least) home in her super cool mid-century breakfast nook. I think it looks purrrrfect! ;)
And finally, our church bells rang out - participating in the national covid memorial on January 19, 2021.
