“Where are you?” “Are you where you want to be?” These questions aren’t meant to be solely regarding your physical “place” in life, but where are you spiritually? Emotionally? Socially? Professionally? In all aspects of your being, are you where you want to be? Most likely, the answer to at least one area (if not more) is “not really”. Even […]
I’ve been thinking a lot about listening. I’m talking about listening, not just hearing, but wholeheartedly listening to others. Our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge (or “Silent Cal” to some) is credited as saying, “No man ever listened themselves out of a job.” Listening is key to growth and success. One CANNOT go astray when listening intently. We certainly CAN go […]
“It’s just so real.” These were the words spoken by a 19-year old to her mother after visiting the newly set monuments at her sister’s grave site on March 17, 2018. Earlier that week, on March 14th , I received the email and pictures from Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana notifying me that “The monument for Savannah […]
What is a “pause”? What does it mean to “take a break”. In the times when we are “still”, are we legitimately “still” in all aspects of our being? Or, are there parts of our being that are in control or moving or firing? Do we micromanage our breaks by having an agenda? If I were to watch a movie […]
Valentine’s Day is here. It’s a nice day to remember those in our life that we love. To confess, it’s just not a big deal at our house. Really, neither is Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. I know, I know … it’s “un-American” or something, but it’s true. Tim and I trade cards that are heartfelt but left around for […]
Back in the late 70’s, Nestea encouraged everyone to “Take the Nestea Plunge”. This was a long-running advertising campaign that featured people becoming completely refreshed when drinking this tea. Literally, with just one gulp, your environment around you changed and you found yourself no longer standing on the ground, tired, and worn out. No, the ground turned to water and you […]
Turning 50 found itself to be quite a surprise! I’ve never had a “surprise” birthday party. This year my birthday was a “surprise DAY”! We had ordered a new mattress and to my delight it came in a week early … on my birthday. I couldn’t wait to take a nap but I wasn’t going to lie down on the […]
Snow Day!!!!!! Or, as we say in south Louisiana, “SNEAUX DAY!!!” One week ago, south Louisiana was blanketed with 3-6 inches of fluffy, perfect snow. I mean, REAL snow. Not that icy, crunchy mess we have gotten in the past. Or, that wet, sloppy snow that makes a hideous mud-man, not a snowman. This snow was luscious, light, and simply […]
Thanksgiving at the “House of Payne” has come and gone. We did not travel, we stayed home instead. Tim, Isabella, and I just “hung out”, enjoyed each other, watched movies, and ate good food. This was the first time in a long time that all three of us had all been home together for more than one night. Isabella’s school […]
Ok, so I’m finally ready to share about “our little ray of sunshine” (and, I’m calling her this ever so facetiously). Her name is Moxie and she is a bonafide pound puppy. Before I discuss this little “ray of sunshine”, I want to lay a little groundwork. If you know me or know anything about me, you know we have […]