"Cultural acceptances and Southern hospitality"

My disappearance

2009-02-01T01:48:00.001-06:00

Here it's the first day of February. I've been struggling with MRSA for over a year.

I've had no other choice but to continue down this journey of my life presently.

For the past two months, I have had considerable hospital stays in the months of

December and January. At times, I admit, I felt sorry for myself asking God why?

It's progressed in my lymphatic system. I was wondering what now? My frame of

mind is totally different now. It's had to be, or I might not make it period. I have

way to much living and joyous times with my kids and grand babies to accomplish.

I am ready to fight this full fledged again. Katie, a best friend of mine found me in

bed unable to even get to the hospital. She got me there with my 12 year old son,

Walker in toe. They started Cubicin immediately and Saturday I had surgery. It

wipes all the strength out of me and for about 5 days all I do is sleep. Katie, being

Katie, one whom I go on mission trips with in the summer is so predictable. When

in a crisis, we all like predictability. My Granny, made the best blackberry

cobblers and you would always get a whiff of her masterpiece baking in the oven.

Still to this day, I remember that scent. Predictability gives one a since of

belonging well this is how Katie makes me feel. She was there during the dark

periods when my Mamma died a few years back. She came to visit me in the

hospital as she did every day on her lunch hour from The Girl Scout Counsel. She

was telling me about this book her Dad had lent to her to read. It's called

" THE SHACK" by Wm Paul Young.

This man had a horrible abusive childhood at the hands of an alcoholic father

who beat them regularly. He ran away around the age of 13 never to return and

this is where the story began. He married a practical, loving gal and they had

children. "The Great Sadness" happened and it changed his life profoundly. He

had always been angry at God. After their loss, it was more embedded in his heart.

His parents were long gone from this world, and suddenly during an ice/snow

storm a letter appears in the mail box. Enticing him back to the crime scene of a

few years back, but it was signed Pappa. His father never lived up to the name of

Pappa. His sweet Nan called God, Pappa. Her relationship has a strong loving

bond. Hmm, how perplexing, we do tend to categorize God don't we? He's all

knowing, and how wonderful to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. I

don't know why this has happen to me, but more importantly I am not alone. I

have a sense of peace; I haven't had for sometime now. God is with me as he has

been through this gruelling ordeal. I apologize for not posting, but I was just so

darn mad at the world and feeling sorry for myself. I've picked myself up by the

boot straps and will post more regularly. I highly recommend this book even if you

are mad at God.

Until we meet again..

Rooster crowing verses Alarm Clocks

2008-11-25T21:30:00.000-06:00

I am in the middle of suburbia USA. Tiger, my cat, had found freedom for a brief amount of time

this afternoon. The temp had risen a little today and my cat ran as fast as he could go so I

wouldn't try and catch him. He succeeded for a short period of time.

He hides in this water pipe that isn't in use. It's a few houses down from us.

I'm whistling for my fur baby, "Tiger bee come here." I have taught them to come to my

my whistle. I hear a faint meow and sink in ewey, gooey, swishy mud near the pipe. Here

comes the over sized yellow, tabby kitty. I hear a rooster. For a minute, I wonder where am I?

"Earth to Gabrielle," ok now my thoughts are back to this planet. I asked Walker when he got

home from school about the rooster?

He tells me this menagerie of a zoo is a few houses up from us. The owners welcomes all the

children in the neighborhood to come see their zoo. Walker proceeded to tell me "they have

approximately 20 chickens, 3 roosters, 12 cats, 4 dogs, and 30-40 rabbits.

Gees.. the city counsel is trying to in-act an ordinance the "4" per household.

Their covered though, any animals before it goes into effect they are allowed to keep at

their residence. I am for everybody having pets in town, if they so chose to do so.

This is way to much don't you think? I wouldn't want their feed bill.

I came in with the cat and begun to think about Grandma Howard's farm. We didn't need air

conditioning, there was a cool breeze from the huge oak trees in the front yard during the

summer. If it was winter time, she had one of the hottest ole houses. She burned coal in a

huge pot belly stove in the front room.

We piled the quilts on those cozy feather beds throughout the winter months. It got dusty but it

sure was warm. The rooster's woke us up

every morning with their cock-a doodle-do's . We were guest sort of, so my cousin, Carolyn

would let us have her room downstairs when we were there. A pan of bacon was always frying,

and oatmeal steaming on the stove. The coffee peculator had pipping hot coffee ready to go.

Maybe that is why still to this day I don't cook oatmeal often! We ate so much at Grandma's.

It's funny what we remember from our childhood.

Back to the roosters, I would chase those chickens

and roosters around in a tirade. Carolyn would holler "Gabe Brielle stop chasing them hens."

"We need eggs tomorrow!" Carolyn, was my favorite older cousin. We use to talk about big girl

stuff. She explained the _ _ _ topic to me. Shh.. don't say it out loud. I was about 10 years old

then. We would go to the country store and get a Dr. Pepper or an ice cold, bottled Coke. She

saved me once from a sick o neighbor named Wesley who was a second cousin too.

He was walking up the private road to the farm house and I was near

the fence post by our private cemetery when Wesley came by. He had some juicy fruit gum

and had the audacity to offer me a piece of gum if I would lay down in the field and let him kiss

me. Eww... I ran home and told Carolyn and Carolyn told Grandma.. He got a chewing out I

tell you. Never again did he had a colorful conversation with me. I grew up that summer and I

was only 10 years old. Someday I want to live on a farm again.. I want the roosters to wake me

up and not the dreaded alarm from my cell phone.

Until we meet again..

Oprah and her free offer, for U.S.addresses

2008-11-13T08:34:00.008-06:00

I was watching Oprah yesterday, she made an offer to her viewers. You must visit Oprah.com and follow the link. Like most of us, we need to find creative ways to get family and friends Christmas presents. Money is tight, and I have bled my turnip dry. If this suggestion helps you by all means go and utilize this free offer. :)

Overwhelmed by what to do with growing piles of your child's art projects? Peter has

a great solution! "Take digital photos of their artwork, upload them to Snapfish.com,

and they will send you back a beautiful, bound book of the kids' artwork. So, over

time, you can build a library of your children's artwork—let the pieces go, but keep

them in this form forever."To help you get organized, Snapfish.com is offering The

Oprah Winfrey Show viewers a free 8" x 11" custom-cover photo book! *Create a

Snapfish.com account now or log in to your existing account to receive this special

offer. Get your free book! * This offer is only good for one standard 20-page 8" x 11"

custom-cover photo book per household. Coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST

Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST

Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and

handling changes or additional pages. Offer applies only to mail-order delivery to U.S.

Until we meet again...

Shhh...

2008-11-08T16:05:00.007-06:00

When I was a child, cursing wasn't allowed in my home. This was the norm of my friends houses too. For a girl to say a cuss word, was worse yet. My ds and I were watching a movie called "Gold Diggers Secret" Friday night. I use parental controls on our T.V.'s. I have to put a 4# numerical code to allow anything higher than PG13 to be viewed. This movie was PG, so I thought I was in the clear. Kids are such sponge's and if you slack off just once. I will hear from my ds "you did it Mom.' It was about a teen going to stay with her Grandpa. Adjustments made on both sides was an understatement. She met a girl there which told her a legend of gold being left in the mountain near the island. It had some profanity here and there. You know, I just cringe when I hear "those" words. It's like my Mother, who has passed on bless her soul is over looking me shaking her head. I feel guilty. My older kids curse but not around me. It's a respect issue with me. We were a 3x per week church going family. Anyways, my Granny differed with my Mom. Maude had a sitcom out in the 70's and were one of the first to have a little profanity. She would say, " I am old enough it's not going to affect me." I thought, " alrighty Granny!" With me being a Grandma, I remind my older kids the importance of watching their words around the babies. Kids are good about embarrassing you in front of others. In those days, we had a moral compass, we knew right from wrong. We were taught good manners. I will continue teaching my grand-babies right from wrong. The world is a better place when we treat each other like we want to be treated. There is hope. Until we meet again...
Posted by Southern Gal at 4:05 PM 9 comments

Pioneer Woman

2008-11-06T07:37:00.009-06:00

Synopsis - Ree's description of her life, read further..
http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/

Ree in her own words from her blog,

"Howdy. I’m Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Welcome to my frontier!
I’m a thirty-something ranch wife, mother of four, moderately-agoraphobic middle child who grew up on a golf course in the city. I attended college in Los Angeles and wore black pumps to work every day. I ate sushi and treated myself to pedicures on a semi-regular basis. I even kissed James Garner in an elevator once. Then, on a brief trip to my hometown, I met and fell in love with a rugged cattle rancher. Now I live in the middle of nowhere on a working cattle ranch. My days are spent wrangling children, chipping dried manure from boots, washing jeans, and frying calf nuts. I have no idea how I got here…but you know what? I love it. Don’t tell anyone."

Marlboro Man is a rugged rancher and he brought me to tears when he gave his account of him and his girls in Dominican Republic with other bloggers and their children. In his own words, he felt helpless and deflated. What he did observe is a " Tale of Two Houses." One house didn't have faith and no hope. In the other house, faith was present and laughter. Simple people can make a difference in this world. This pushes me to reflect on my own life. This is a GREAT read!

Until we meet again...

Nominate your favorite Blog :)

2008-11-04T12:11:00.004-06:00

Please go and vote for your favorite blog. Here is the address :

http://www.divinecaroline.com/awards/

If you don't see your favorite site, nominate your favorite site. Good Luck! :)

Until we meet again...

Zayn, my grand-baby and blogging...

2008-11-04T11:51:00.018-06:00

This is Zayn, my grandson, he brings me laughter and joy everyday. I am so thankful for both of my grand-babies. Their love is so pure. A child to me is perfect. They don't hold grudges, nor store up anger. In simplicity; a child, brings one back to time of our own childhood. I use to love to swing on Grand Ma Howard's metal fence on our family farm. Supper time approached, and I could hear Aunt Carolyn calling me to come in and eat. I didn't want to stop playing to eat. I encouraged my kids to use their imaginations to the fullest extent. In my kitchen, Zayn has his pots and pans like his Daddy and Uncle before him. I've given him dried beans and rice to cook. I get an array of dishes from those items. His imagination never ceases to amaze me. Mamma's and Daddy's work so hard and have so much on their shoulders. When you become a Grand Ma, your perception of things changes. Time and experiences have been very humbling to me. I wanted to share my precious grand-baby with you.

My personal Synopsis to begin blogging. Thank you all for welcoming me with open arms. May God bless you and bless our country. May we all pray for the safety of our service men and women in lands abroad.

I have read blogs from many parts of the world. An interest in blogging began, when I went on a mission trip here in the states with my youngest son, Walker. When I began to read blogs from other parts of the world, began with mission trips from local college age kids of friends here in Missouri. Katie, has a daughter who went to Kenya to assist with inoculation of children. She saw malnutrition, poverty, and malaria which could have been prevented with a sum of a few dollars. Katie's husband, went to Ethiopia to assist with a medical group in that impoverished country. Jacque, Sharon's daughter, has went on mission trips with us here and abroad. I have a strong conviction for helpless children in this cruel ole world. Our children need a voice.

Until we meet again...

Did you vote today?

2008-11-04T10:21:00.004-06:00

I voted early this morning. I wanted to beat the crowds. They are projecting record turn outs for this election at about 80%. It's in the hands of all Americans whether on our sand or abroad. Let your voice be heard.

Until we meet again...

Halloween

2008-11-01T23:37:00.002-05:00

The day started off so nice; Walker didn't have school, so everyone slept late Friday. That in it- self was glorious to me. I was chipper and busy all afternoon. I hadn't gotten his costume out of the storage shed. Friday afternoon, I got boxes down, and exhaled dust and cobwebs went in my hair yuck. That's part of it though. I was going to be more organized this year. I really was, but it didn't happen. I didn't put out much Fall decor this year. I have a plan for Christmas decor though. I will get it out by Thanksgiving. I have to have regular pep talks with myself. The goal is to decorate like I always do.

Many churches in our area offer a fall festival kind of atmosphere. Walker wanted to go, so we did. It was so packed you could hardly get through the place. They did have a rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, huge NASCAR track with gigantic cars to race on the track. This place was cool. I knew he would stay for about 45 minutes then want to do his ritual of door to door Trick or Treat. I drive the car up about 5 houses from him and he criss-crosses the street. We go in the same neighborhood's every year. The houses are very close to each other and Mom's, Dad's and kids are packed where I take him every year. He surprised me this year though, he wanted to quit by 8:15. We did and he got more candy he's gotten in several years. We didn't have the baby last night; I knew it would be rough on him staying in the car or keeping up with Walker. He went Trick or Treating with his "Mee Mee" his other grandma.

We got home; he poured all his candy on the floor then re-arranged it in tubs. I got him to watch a movie with me. Have y'all heard of "The Invisible?" Here is the plot, after an attack leaves him in limbo -- invisible to the living and also near death -- a teenager discovers the only person who might be able help him is his attacker. It was a good movie; I recommend it.

Saturday came, we did our normal routine. Later in the day, Jay-J. pops in my room. He wants to know what I'm doing. I was doing nothing but watching a movie. We take the boys to the park. We played Frisbee and swung. Little buddy got hurt and has a nice shiner under his eye from the monkey bars. Mama got a little shook so we went to their house. They cooked Mexican food for us. We had burritos with the fixings, chips & salsa. After dinner, we all sat down on the floor to play Apples to Apples. I WON the game! I never win, and you know what? Jay-J. was pouting. I thought is was funny. The avoided topic of politics lingered into discussion. It's been said by many, we are leading to Socialism. He blew a gasket, when I said for Some Countries it has worked for them. We all know that CHINA has a horrible record with it's people and their liberties. None the less; we need to be concerned about where our country is headed. I'm voting are you?

until we meet again...

My Life with Nascar and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2008-10-22T16:33:00.003-05:00

Dale Earnhardt Jr., has the title of the most popular driver in NASCAR,
but that's not why I love him and his family.
He's a way of life here in my part of the hills.
"There are so many "ways of life" with a true Southerner."
Fried chicken after Sunday sermon's, Tennessee's,
U.T. football games (Volunteers) in the freezing cold of winter,
with a fire crackling in the open fireplace, and NASCAR
races on a warm summer afternoon sipping sweet tea
with a piece of peach cobbler. Growing up in Tennessee,
I remember Darrell Lee Waltrip 17, Caleb Yarborough 28, and,
"The Intimidator #3". I've always liked driving fast it's sort of unexplainable.
The wind rushing over my face, my hair blowing in the wind,
the freedom while I am under that wheel. It's like speed with no ill effects.
You could find a confederate flag in most homes.
It's just bred in the south. Back in the 70's, the speed limit was
80 miles a hour on the interstates. You didn't get pulled over for going 90.
My Mom would fly down I-65 towards Nashville.
The track we went to in Nashville was at the Nashville Fairgrounds
it was a short, oval, track. The ramming of those loud engines,
and the different color decals on those bright colored cars,
it was sight to experience. We had to scream over each other
at the track just to be heard over the stock cars.
Earnhardt raised his kids like he drove his cars, hard, and fearless.
Jr., had always wanted to walk in his father's foot steps.
He was always at the track with him and the team.
Teresa, the Step-Mom, tried to be a buff for the kids
but it didn't always work. When Jr., began racing with the circuit,
Sr., never gave Jr., a race. He had to win with his own grit and, raw determination.
Oh, he was always hard on Jr. but, Sr. was proud of his boy.
Then the unthinkable happened, Earnhardt Sr. # 3,
was involved in a muti-crash and hit the wall in turn 4 hard
at Daytona 500 in 2001 and died. Dale Jr., 26,
immediately left the track after finishing
second in the race to be at the hospital with his father and step mom, Teresa.
Earnhardt's newest driver, Michael Waltrip,
was interviewed in the Daytona press box after
his first career victory in 463 starts without realizing
his car owner was already deceased.
He won the race but he didn't get to enjoy this win with such a dark cloud
over the NASCAR family.
The last few years Jr., has struggled. Theresa wasn't supportive
and wouldn't give Jr., a role in his Dad's company.
He had been there from the beginning. Earnhardt would have
wanted his son to have control of the company
with his siblings by his side. With many losses, and being snubbed at D.E.I last year,
he began scouting for a team who would help his career
and much as he would bring all his many talents
on and off the track. He is a simple man, his home is a modular home.
Two kits brought together. He lives a simple life.
Something about Jr., that has been bestowed upon from his
Grandpa and Dad. Hard work, and little family time was the
legacy behind the dream from the "legend." He's simply Jr., and I love him.
I am so happy with the success he has had in 08 , do you want to come along for the ride?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 10) - Dale Earnhardt was widely considered the best restrictor-plate racer in NASCAR history - the one guy who could see the air, work the draft, slice his way through the field and always a threat to make that one, final winning.
Jr., wins Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona in his debut race as member of Hendrick Motorsports. This wouldn't count to the top 12 drivers "Race to the Chase."
Tony Stewart thought , when Dale Earnhardt Jr. used a late pass to snatch the exhibition Budweiser Shootout away from the two-time champion. The victory ended a nearly two-year winless streak and returned Junior to the forefront of NASCAR's best plate racers."It's hard to beat Dale Jr.," Stewart said. "He's one of the best restrictor-plate drivers there's ever been. He learned a lot from his dad, and I'm not sure he's not better than his dad in all honesty."Debatable? Yes. Out of the question? Maybe not. Even Junior pretty much acknowledged his success at NASCAR's most famous track."Daytona is a special place. How many times has an Earnhardt won here?" he asked. "Daddy won 30-something. I won, I don't know? Eleven races? That's a lot. I didn't think it was that many."I embrace that. This is where we lost him and I want to keep whoopin' it, you know what I'm saying?"

Jr. put the longest drought of his NASCAR Sprint Cup career behind him Sunday, winning the LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Earnhardt had gone through 76 races since his previous win on May 6, 2006, at Richmond. Mr. Hendrick was sure proud of his boy. He's taken him under his wing and is a surrogate Dad. Jr. talked about that race, yes it was won on fuel mileage. None the less; he, took the checkered flag to victory. He's found a home to put his hat on the hall tree at Hendrick Motor Sports.

Until we meet again..

"It's my Birthday"

2008-10-20T08:19:00.006-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=achKk6K7xkM

Walker and I hadn't made plans on Saturday.

Sometimes, it's nice not to have time restraints.

The evening approached, and Erin popped her

head in the door to see if we were home. She said,

"We have presents, cake, and Jay-J is going to grill steak."

Yummy...

They brought salad, potatoes to make mashed potatoes,

with lots of fattening butter. She put brown sugar

on the baked beans and put them in the over.

We had a delicious birthday dinner.

Erin got me several things from Bath and Body Works.

Lavender is my absolute favorite scent, and

Cinnamon spice would be a solid 2nd.

Walker got me a gift card from Barnes and Noble.

I enjoy reading immensely. We are a family

who loves to play board games. We played

Apples to Apples, after dinner.

Everytime we play that game there is

never a time where it's the same. It was getting late,

and Zayn was getting crabby and wanted to go to

sleep in Grandma's bed. I let him sleep over,

but he didn't go to sleep easily.

I was tired when I got up Sunday morning.

Turning 45 doesn't feel old to me. I am one who loves

roller coasters, riding bike trails. I love life! I told my

kids, "you are only as old as you feel." I resolve the fact; that

I'm never going to grow up life is to exciting!

Until we meet again...

Autumn's making a slow entrance here in Missouri.

2008-10-19T22:49:00.003-05:00

Autumn is slowly arriving in Missouri.

The leaves on the trees are changing into

vibrant, muted colors of fall.

The nights are cooler; therefore,

I sleep with my windows raised. I

sleep like a baby. Hay bales,

pumpkins, gourds, Candy corn,

and yummy, hot, Carmel apples , on

a stick are what Fall of the

year mean to me.. The moon seems brighter,

and the sky's are a more vivid azure

blue. I am so happy fall has

arrived. Enjoy your week everyone.

Until we meet again...