Take time to........

Time is precious.  I could say....for me..... that lately my time is rare.   But yet, I find time to do things that I admit....... are not always those things on my priority list.  
I find time to call my family back home......   and I find time to jump on my laptop to do just what should be done last.      My family has the first time slot.    My friends don't always get so lucky for the second time slot because by the time - my time comes for me to do what I want to do- or need to do........   my time is short.    Or is it that I'm short on time.     And, ahum......   my time for dedication.      ouch.
Today, as I sit here typing because I had the time to do so.....or I made the time to do so....... I look around my home at my family and feel this is the time of my life when things seem so in place.  Even with illnesses and injuries.   He  has is  continues to guide me.
I wonder at this time in my life what comes next.   What is next in His plan for me.....us.
And only at His time will this happen.  

Tomorrow is October 1st.    I try to think where did the time go in September?!!
So because this time seems to be going so quickly for me.......for all of us...... I want to find more time to do what is needed to do.   And my list of Taking Time For:    grows each moment.

I want to make time for others.   I want to give more of my time to those who have nothing- when I should be so fortunate for what our Father has given- me.    Making time to thank him is priority!

You know that old saying;  "take time to smell the roses".......  I would have to say for me.....it's
"take time and give time".

What time do you have?

Love&Peace
Lis

Summers Close

As much as I wanted summer to begin.....and stay for a very long time.......I am now inviting autumn.
I should be thankful for having the summers off~ to enjoy the hot summer days swimming, biking with Apple Cheeks and spending time with friends.
This summer I found myself falling by the wayside in my daily prayers.  
My time for talking with Jesus was not a focus.   I find myself from time to time having to discipline (me) once again.   
When I sit here and write (now type) thinking of what I (my family) did throughout summer- not sure I should admit that I did not take time for devotion.   And if and when I did.....  it was quick. 
I certainly took time to ask Him questions...... or ask the "whys" and "why not" that is for certain!
I picture Jesus sitting across from me shaking his head......  as I do at myself.

Why was Football Superstar going through so much pain?     Instead, I should have been thanking for what we did have....and what options were given to Football Superstar.   
Why are doctors so incredibly short for time?   Why are they not giving us, my husband, me, him, us, me, me, me, me, me, me.........  their precious time?

I had questions.   Am I no different from any other patient?    Oh, you are correct.... I am not the one suffering from chronic pain.    Sorry, didn't want to confuse you- my husband was is the patient.
My thoughts went something like this:
"Dear Doctor Littletime,
I would like very much for you to listen to me.   I would like for you to not worry about your golf outing..... nor should you be looking at your Rolodex, lunch can be warmed up in the microwave.   I don't truly care if you don't care to hear about my issues, oh, yeah, sorry.... my husbands health issues.    Funny, did I say my issues?
Now that I have your attention............................."

This suffering heartache went on for a number of months. Then, when we thought this chronic pain would be a life long attachment for me my husband- Dr. R. came into our lives.
Dr. R. sat for 57 long minutes with my husband - and me.   He talked in length of my husbands medical history......his football injuries.....his visits with a neurologist.....headache/back/neck pain......our lifestyle......stress.....(why do I feel a little guilty on that one) and to top it off.....us.
After a series of test, and semi results.....Football Superstars pain has improved. 
It's amazing what can happen when you have the right listener.   oh, doctor.

Now, as I was saying......   as for my suffering heartache....... my selfishness of wanting my life with my husband to be as it was one year ago....... I had to just STOP..... stop making my chronic complaints to Him about poor ol' me.
Because of all the other summers I had with my husband to enjoy taking trips, or just sitting by the pool, taking in a dinner for just the two of us, watching a late night movie together......this is the only summer in our married life that was thrown off by a detour.   We had each other.  
I wasn't the one who may have had the MRI come back with a  red mark indicating what the rest of my life will be.    
So because I allowed this pain to attack me...... I stopped talking to the most important person I should have been going to all along.   Not "Dr. Littletime"..... and probably not Dr. R.
Our Savior.

Why is it I hear the song "How do you solve a problem like Maria"........ 
 
Peace&Love,
Lis



PS....if any of you ladies would like to stop by a new business blog I've created with my friend- please feel free to do so!    Would love to have some followers!   : )
http://twovin.blogspot.com                 
Two Vintage Gypsies.....featuring Simple Dimple & Rose Cottage*

A Dog and his Man

He strolls down the sidewalk.......tail flagging as he greets joggers and an occasional speed-walker just barely glancing down at this majestic senior dog.  He doesn't seem to care if you are looking at him directly or not.
No eye contact or eye contact.  If you don't love him, he still loves you.  Just dare to try and walk past and not glance- just dare to not notice his gleaming reddish-golden coat.   Chest out....head up high with a wide open smile on his doggy face.
Yes, that's the dog.  He's the DOG.  
What's he thinking as he walks down the sidewalk- the same sidewalk he's been walking down for the past 2 years since he has lived here in this new town with his human family.  For the human, it's the same trees, the same cars, the same houses, the same road signs, the same familiar sidewalk.  Of course for the human, it's a good walk.  Relaxing (for the most part when the DOG is not stopping for "doo-ty call")  while taking in the fresh early morning summer air.   But for the DOG, what's he thinking?   Does he look up at the air bus coming in low for Dulles airport?   Does he think "wow...we should dodge the big plane...or hope the pilot knows what he's doin' "!    like the human with him does.
Does the DOG look at the crystal blue sky along with all the feathered and say "wow...look what GOD created".    What is this dog thinking?     His character never changes.   He has the same reaction every morning.  As if he has never gone for a walk before..... as if the scenery is new......as if it was the best walk ever..... as if the world could end tomorrow and this walk-right here today is the best-darn-walk-this -dog has been on in 9 years!      or EVER been on in 9 years!

This same DOG has a couple humans he lives with.  But he "owns" a Man.  This man works long hours...and at times does not have the energy to go for walks or be the attentive doggy-dad he wishes to be.
This Dog's human has been under the weather.   As his human goes through a series of test for pain, and chronic headaches.....the dog knows.   He knows that his human - the one he waits for at the door each evening to come in and greet is thrown off somewhat.  Not the usual character for this human who just happens to be owned by the dog.
During a long 3 month ordeal of testing and doctor visits, the human comes home to sit on the couch..... just waiting for the pain to subside.  
And the Dog..... he walks over to his human and stares in his eyes.  He takes his strong broad head ever so gently and nudges the human as if to say "I'm here".   While the human has his hand on the broad golden head.....there is a sigh, and a smile.... (I swear it was from both)  and still the dog does not take his eyes off the human he owns.   Now, what is this dog thinking?      There are no trees or birds to distract this dog..... there are no joggers or walkers passing by......or other dogs to play with.....or to show off for. 
It's just a quiet room with his human.       As the rest of the household prepares for bed, the dog waits for his human to make the move.     His human gets up.......makes the gesture it's time for bed.   The dog waits as his human takes his medication......brushes his teeth.......and slides into bed before the dog goes to check out the rest of the household.   Everyone is tucked in.   The cat (oh, yeah...that darn cat he thinks) is finally content with her night time snack.  
The dog walks back into the bedroom and once again- with his strong broad head gently nudges his human as if to say "good-night".  
And of course, the other human he owns takes him back out for his night time "doo-ty call".   Back in the house..... back in the bedroom.....back to check on his human.....and then lights out.   As our Samuel retreats to his favorite corner of the bedroom- I see that smile.   Oh, that golden smile.  
Good-night, he seems to say.        
But what are you thinking my dear dog?     I guess it doesn't really matter..... all is good in his mind.

 Peace&Love.....it's good to be back posting!
Lis

Still here...and there....and....

Hello!
Wow, it feels like forever since I have posted anything...actually it has been forever!
I am still here....going there.....feeling as if I'm spread about everywhere.   
Finding very little time to sit behind a computer and type- finding little time to journal.

I miss blogging.   I miss being able to catch up with you and read latest postings.

For now...know that I am still here.   And I hope you don't go away either!  : )
Hoping you are all having a wonderful summer...... until I find more time.
xoxox
Peace & Love,
Lis

Mother's Day

A Mother's Love


Whether she's here or in heaven,
 Mother's love is our haven and guide,
For always the memory of Mother
is a beacon light shining inside.
Time cannot destroy the memory,
and years can never erase
The tenderness and beauty
of the love in a mother's face.
And when we think of our mothers,
we draw nearer to God above,
For only God in His greatness
could fashion a mother's love.

                               Helen Steiner Rice


I woke up early this morning.   There was a cool breeze- fresh spring air.
Hazelnut coffee in my favorite white bone china mug.
As I sat on my balcony enjoying my coffee (6:30 am) the kids are sleeping- Football Superstar is with me and Sam on the balcony.  Quietness surrounds us.   Football Superstar already knows what the plans are for the day.   This was it.   I didn't want to get out of my favorite comfy PJ's for all the chocolate in the world.
I sat with my feet up for at least an hour.  Then it was more coffee- something to snack on- and back to the world of a blue sky and birds singing in delight as they moved from tree to tree.
Sam - our golden retriever- is in position- nose pinned through the rails of our balcony- waiting anxiously for one of the "Rambo Squirrels" to pass by.
Right before Football Superstar returned from a refill on his coffee- I had that moment.


I felt the loss of my mother once again.  
The past three years were hard watching her health decline- and celebrations were not easy for any of my family members- we all wanted her to physically and mentally be able to share in the joy of well....what we were enjoying.   Why not?   My mother the matriarch of our family.

I can't speak for my siblings....but my selfishness wanted my mother so badly to witness all the wonders and joy that was taking place.   Birthdays, holidays, picnics and Bocce ball tournaments in their backyard.

Last year for Mother's Day- I went alone for my visit.  I arrived at the nursing home before my sister and father.  I had twenty minutes to sit and hold her hand. 
After one of my visits prior to this day- I had a total break down right by her side.   She refused to eat...so her youngest and emotionally fragile began to hysterically cry and beg her to eat.   My mother turned to me holding my hand quietly and lovingly tells me not to cry.   She tries to wipe my tears with one of her crinkled tissues.   The only eye contact I had with her at that moment.   We may have sat there for only five seconds- but if felt like forever that she looked deeply into my blue eyes with her  green eyes.
This year- I do not have her green eyes to look into.


Today I miss her.  Terribly.    I become selfish again.   I want my mother here with me.
I want to tell her how much I love her.   I need her to give me suggestions for raising a teenage daughter.
I want her to see the life I live today.   
I want her to see my marriage- my happiness and my peace.
I want to hear her laugh.     I want to hear her voice.

As the door opens - Football Superstar walks out to join me for more coffee and quietness.
He asked if I was doing "okay".   He knew.   How did he know?    Geez, this man is tuned in!
I smiled letting him know I was "okay". 
As I looked down at Sam, I then glanced over by the pretty pink and white Impatience that my children bought for me..... Apple Cheeks and I planted them yesterday.    And next to my big shaggy dogs left paw was my mother's large ginger jar that held pretty pink Impatience. 

Happy Mother's Day.
With Love & Peace

A CEO to Rebuild her Village

Mommy.   MOMMMMMY!  Mom.

I hear this title, this name so often that even at PetCo I turn around.   Like a momma bird, we know the sound of our children's voices- their tones- the pitch of their whines.   But when I hear "mommy" or "mom' I can't help but turn around no matter where I am.
It's built in to my internal being.  I didn't always want to be a mom/mommy/mother early in my life.  Remember, I had the world to see- even if it was from NYC's highest rooftop or by subway.   My friends who had children early in their marriages, I almost felt pity for.   I have no idea why I felt pity, maybe "Pity" was my armor NOT to marry-get prego-and wear stretchy pants.    They were wonderful mothers.   They were patient and loving.   Passionate about the full time CEO- Mother.

It wasn't until much later in my life that becoming one of the CEO's made an impact. 
I knew you needed a father- and that wasn't happening anytime during my mid 20's .... let's just say by the time I climbed the age ladder to 30- that would be a perfect time to begin my transformation to Social Treasure to CEO.     And you need to have a Father.   yes, that's important.

I love babies.   They smelled so fresh, of course baby powder helps- as if you could shake their crinkles and wrinkles out- you would smell linen.   White frilly linen.   
I enjoy working with young children.   They are honest, innocent and entertaining.
Adorable.   Lovable.   Precious.


Jumping ahead.
I'm now a CEO.   Been one for quite a few years.   Almost 16+ years.  
Those memories of my Social Treasure position come back from time to time..... I smile remembering the days where I had something called "Time".    You know what that is- where you place yourself on your very own calendar- your own alarm clock- your own pretty white crystal quartz wrist watch.   Lunch with a gal pal.  Hair appointments.   And don't forget sleeping in from time to time.   ah...yes.
Then a noise comes from a distance- snapping me out of my cloudiness.
MOM.   MOMMY.    MOMMMMMMMY!

Football Superstar and I enjoy the life of CEO.   We share this position for the most part.
We are partners in this firm.     We have board meetings.   minus the power point presentations, however I would vote for one once in a while!

Parenting doesn't come with directions or instructions.   There is a manual however and that comes either in King James or NIV here in our home.    But I will say- there are those moments when that manual throws a curve ball at me of Truth.   Hit's me dead center and I don't have my catchers mitt on.

I found a book my mother had in her room- "It Takes A Village".   Hillary Rodham Clinton.
I'm about half way- and there are pages where I feel my own mother wrote the words I read.

If anything- it does take a Village to help raise our children.   And in that village live family members, friends and teachers.   Cousins.   Playmates.   Pastors or Priest.  
I miss the days of values from my neighborhood.   Where everyone knew your name.  When they looked after you- even if it was only because you were walking from one street light to another.

Football Superstar and I are planning on rebuilding our village.

I ask you......  who lives in your village.... and are they willing to stand by your children?

From one CEO to another-
Peace&Love

Lions,Tigers, Bears and F-Bombs...oh my!!

Football Superstar and I were chatting this morning over coffee.... topic- Respect.
Mmm....where does one find this?    Are you able to purchase it online?     Does it come wrapped in brown paper and string?   Does it come with a guarantee-return it back for full refund?

Respect:   A feeling of deep admiration of someone or something.   To respect.   Given respect.


Oh, yes....I do believe I remember hearing about this.

Respect is something I know that can be earned.   To be given.   And to be received.

Now.... thinking about this word Respect, makes me think of the moments I sit in my office at school adjacent to the library.  I keep the door open for air....no windows will make one climb the walls at times- I hear echos of the what sounds like lions, tigers and bears.    Actually it is not at all that....it's human voices throwing out the F-bomb.   Yes.... it's the F-Bomb Storm Troopers throwing the toxic shock word through the hallways.  On occasion I will hear an adult voice (armed I am sure) throw back a grenade - with words like "stop that".... "excuse me????" ..... "watch that tone young man/lady"!
Yes, my friends we have come to the time of our lives when disrespecting is no longer cheating on a test or hooking out of school on a beautiful sunny day.
It's come to our language.   Our American society of "who cares" - "who gives a flying f*$#?"


I respect Football Superstar.    He respects me.  Our children see this.
We try to give our children the tools they need for this world.   To step out into society and treat people with Respect.     To be lions or tigers and bears of admiration to others.   To be role models.

I find it hard to imagine having a conversation with my husband without respecting one another.
Or living together without morals and admiration for each other.

I said to my husband.....  imagine our life full of bleeps.   ?    he shakes his head.... no.

"@###$$%%^%.....&^^&&%$##@)((*&&&!!!!!!"
"&^*%^%^.....&^%*&^.....)($#$%$$#??"
What?

Aretha Franklin said it very clearly.....  R-E-S-P-E-C-T..... what does it mean to you?

Peace&Love,
Lis  xoxox