Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

Mama used to say, "Buckle your seatbelts," when she had a long story to tell us.

She was quite a story teller.

So hold on and buckle up.

I ventured out today and found a new place to dig and plunder.  

Upon entering I was hit with a foul odor that almost turned me around.

It was a mix between a nasty trash dump and mold and mildew.

Some say it was under water during the Nasvhille 2010 flood.

Hey, but the thrill of the hunt will pull us junkers into some very strange and scary places.

I went to search for a couple of car seats. This place is like a salvage store 

that gets all the damaged boxes of merchandise from other retail stores. 

I didn't find what I was looking for but I did find this. 

The regular retail price was $20. (It's a small mirror) Their price was $8.

You are given an additional discount depending on the date on the item. 

It was dated 2/10/15 so I was hoping for a big discount.

When I went to check out, she said,"That will be 86 cents."

What??? You have got to be kidding.

It was a whopping 90% off. You can't find that kind of deal at Goodwill.

I like it. 

It's very Shabby Chic with the etching around it. 

I love mirrors.  

According to Wikipedia, a mirror image is a reflected duplication of an object 

that appears identical but is reversed.

While working with different youth groups, I would have them pass around a mirror and 

have them look at themselves. 

It's funny how some teenager guys liked what they saw and some of the girls passed the mirror 

quickly to the next person. 

That's not what I see today or maybe these girls are asking for validation. I'm amazed at all the selfies I see on facebook even of grown women.  Oh PLEASE!

But that's another soapbox.

When the mirror was back to me,

I'd ask these questions:

What do you see?

What do you want to see?

And what is going to take to get there?

Answers varied as did each individual.

It's amazing what you discover when you have a group of youth 

who have grown together, cried together, prayed together, loved and lost together. 

There's assimilation and trust that makes the group real with each other and 

not afraid of attacks from one another. A bond that is not easily broken.

There was always someone who would break down and admit they had failed God.

Sometimes we knew, sometimes we didn't.

Just one moment of vunerability and the rest of the group opens up.

A shy, self-concious 14 year old girl admits that she feels ugly or fat or too skinny.

"My daddy gets drunk and I'm scared.  Can I come live with you?"

"I did something really bad that no one knows about and I can't share with anyone."

"I went out with the guys last night and got drunk."

"I don't care if anyone likes me or not."  (so NOT true.)

Some things were shared alone, 

"I'm having sex with my boyfriend."  (I already knew. I just did.)"

"I had an abortion."

"I'm looking at girlie magazines." (There was no internet then.)

"I'm cheating on my boyfriend."

"I'm leaving home.  No one knows.  I've got to get out of there." (An abusive home)

The part I liked best was the answer at the end of the last question.

What do you want to see or Who do you want to be?

I've sat with teenagers on pews at church,floors at youth prayer meetings, on bunks in dorms, and around campfires at retreats. They don't usually see what I see.  They don't usually see their God-given potential.  They rarely see their beauty.

The Me I See may not be the real me. 

The Me You See may not be the real you. 

The Real You that God sees is wonderfully and fearfully made. That I know full well.

I've read Psalm 139. Read it.  You'll see!

God, help me to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Forgive me when I judge what I don't understand.

May the reflection others see in me, be a reflection of You. 

Bonnie

An Independent Spirit: PRIDE?

A few nights ago, after a day of running here and there

we came home and settled in for the night.

With kids and PJs on, to the sofa I dropped.

Ready for bed, I realized I'd left somthing in the car.

An exasperated Mr. H: "I'll get it."

He too was tired and ready for bed and a little irritated too.

You know how we women are sometimes.

HARD HEADED with a no-way-do-I-need-your-help attitude.

Me: "Oh, nooooo you want.  I've got it."

Stubborn and headstrong, I run down the stairs,

slide on wet algae from new sod

and skin up elbows and knees.

Yes, laugh!  It's okay.  I did too.

I'm sure those looking below did too.

That should have taught me a lesson, but Nooooooooo!

Here I am today, still stubbon, still hard-headed and still headstrong.

I enjoy my little journey around the area.

I shop Antiques shops and junk stores and consignment shops.

I mean, "window shop."

On the way home, I realized I need a "few" groceries.

No woman can go and pick up only one thing, 

thus 6 bags full including 

a gallon of milk, eggs, vitamin water(s)

and enough for three meals.

So again, what do I do???

Carry ALL bags up the appartment steps myself.

Out of breath and exhausted I fall in the door

and groceries spill everywhere. 

Mr. H:  "Why didn't you call me and ask for help?"

There are two things that I continually fight from within,

asking others for help and trying to do it myself before asking God.

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galations 6:2

I'm okay with carrying someone else's burdens, 

why can't I ask for help when I need someone to help carry mine?

Somehow that independent spirit (is that what God calls PRIDE?)

transfers to my relationship with God.

Where is it that is says, 

"Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you?"

In other words, He will Carry You.

Ok, Lord, I'm listening.

You have my attention now. 

I'll trust in the ONE who made the rainbow

because I believe in HIS promise!

Bonnie:)

What is THIS about?

I am happy but just without emotion.

Is that possible?

I'm not sure.

I have everything to be happy about

and I can't say that I'm sad.

I'm not depressed.

I am content, but

Just don't feel like talking.

Don't feel like blogging.

Don't feel like writing.

What is this about???

Am I in a funk?

Anybody else there?

I have three pending posts still out there.
I guess you could say I've been in Blogger's Block
for 6 months now.

I'm so sorry, my friends.
Please hang in there with me!

 Harper is 6 months old now and already loves books!
She's now trying to turn pages.
Nothing like the feel of the pages of a good book!

We kept these babies last night while Mommy and Daddy
went to a Brian Adams concert.
We played outside.  Connor was exhausted and went right to bed.
Cora is an easy baby and goes to bed with her thumb and blanket
without a whimper.  Last night she was having so much fun she still wanted to play.

They are all my heart.

The transition has been enough to send me reeling
but these babies have kept me balanced and sane.

Maybe the change has just left me blah,
but a happy, content kind of blah.

David has a job with benefits!  Yippee!
Benefits for me too!
Now, that stirs my emotions.

My Nerium Team gained 3 new Brand Partners!
My Brand Partner, Theresa added her first.

Laney added two!

I need a new Bible Study.
That will certainly get me out of my funk!
Any recommendations?

The kids say I need to go to Disneyworld with them!

I think I need a beach trip with them all!

Maybe next year all the little ones will be able to enjoy.

SMILING now:)



Hodge Podge Wednesday

Hodge Podge Wednesday (I think it's called) Check out Just Simply Linda

If you have never followed Just Simply Linda, try visiting.  She is a 100% mess!  She makes me laugh.  She is not afraid to share her views.  Like her or love her, she's real.  That's what I look for in a friendship.  She is loyal and loves with a big heart. She is an entertainer!  She and I share some common peeves:)

1. June is National Great Outdoors Month. Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month? If so where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns? The humidity in the South is like none other! If it weren't for this pool that I am enjoying with the kiddos, I'd stay inside.  The niece and nephew are coming next week so we'll do some putt-putt and everything else will be near water. I'm learning about the new splash pads around here.  You go to play with the kids, get a little wet and stay cool.  Works for me!

Don't what crazy thing happened with the camera on this one.
Scooting around the pool with my buddy
is keeping me active for sure!

I'm loving the pool with the GRANDS.
Today is my daughter in laws birthday.
Another fun day!

2. What's a current hot button issue for you? Insurance!!!  Have you tried to complete the paper work or talk to a representative.  I can't tell you how much time we've spent with agents and I'm still not sure if we have coverage.  Yes, I hate to admit that I had to talk Obama care.  I spent 4 hours on the phone only to find out that I had to talk to someone else and say the same thing. I hung up.  We talked to a GA agent for 3 hours before we left and then a TN agent for 3 hours here. We've decided to pay one more month Cobra using the severance pay which is running out. Do you know that Cobra costs us almost $1400 a month.  Yes, I am ranting!  Hopefully, Mr. H. will have a job with insurance by then.  PRAYERS PLEASE! 

3. What's a food or treat that 'disappears like hotcakes' in your house? Ice cream, peanut butter and chips.
 
4. How hot is too hot? Anything above 80*. (Yelp, Linda.  That's my answer too!)

5. Do you have an artistic outlook on life? What does that mean to you? Art to me is more than just the beauty in nature.  It's music and drama.  Our daughter is going back to play Sandi at the opening of the new theatre at her high school Alma Mater in September.  I can't wait!

6. What's one question you'd like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father? Sometimes, I want to talk to him so bad.  He was always my strong man, the one that could answer the tough questions and the one I talked to when I had questions about money.  I'd ask him now what to do about insurance. 

7. Something you learned from your father? How to love others with a servant's heart.  He never said anything bad about anyone.  He was a pastor with a pastor's heart.  You don't see much of that today.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am thinking about my purpose in life these days.  Although I'm loving this time with my grandchildren, I sometimes feel like I'm in limbo.  I'm certainly not complaining.  They give me purpose, but I do feel called to help others.  I want to find my place of ministry.  I want to find the job that brings me joy in serving others.  That's who I am.

Thanks, Linda for sharing your thoughts so I could share mine. 

The Snow White Drive In

Does anyone else like the TV show

Drive Ins and Diners

or something like that?

We have the coolest one in Lebanon, TN, 

the Snow White Drive In, 

built and opened in 1952.

Remember these?

BonBon happened to have a pocketful of quarters!

Who could resist this "please?"

We ate inside.

The burgers tasted like summer camp burgers.

Remember those?

We took our treats outside.

This booger loves him some chocolate ice cream!

Sister does too!

On your way to Nasvhille, drive through Lebanon 

and stop at the Snow White Drive In. 

I'll Meet You There!

Bonnie:)

It is Well

Maybe we are just about settled 

and things will return to normal.

MAYBE!

I added a few things to our home. 

I bought the bookshelf at T.J. Maxx.

I don't usually buy retail but the shops

around Nashville are kinda pricey.

I can't wait until the end of the month.

The Nashville Flea Market is the best!

I placed the shelf under my milk glass plates

and was able to pull out some more to display. 

I am hanging this on the wall beside my bed 

to remind myself before I go to sleep at night

and wake up in the morning that

"It is Well with my Soul."

This is probably my favorite hymn of all time. 

I've been going to the pool an hour every other day 

or so for some Vitamin D.

I've even been to the gym a few times.

This is my view there and all around our apartment.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrow like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot,

Thou hath taught me to say, 

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Bonnie

Busy with the Babies

It's been a busy week. 

I've had lots of special one on one time 

with my Harper. I kept her Monday and Tuesday.

Her daddy was out of town and her mommy needed me!

Rather, I told her her mommy that she needed me:)

Her smile brightens my day.

She's teething!  Yikes! 

Looks like this may be a while.

She's a snuggler and lets me cuddle with her. 

Sweet loving.

Her mommy and daddy haven't wanted to get her hooked on TV.

Well, BonBon introduced her to Disney.

As you can see, she is spellbound.

These two love Disney and are making a trip in September.

Pool time and picture time for these angels. 

Connor-man looks 5 instead of 3!

Cora-bug has lost that baby look.  

They enjoyed the pool so much

but I enjoyed it more with them.

I helped bathe them and put them to bed.

Can you believe?

He talks non-stop and repeats EVERYTHING you say

which means Bon-Bon and Grandy have had to 

illiminate certain not-so-nice words. 

Words like "Crap!"

Just a bad habit.

"A little child shall lead them."

Is she not a doll-baby?

I'm loving being this close.  

Nerium is slow, but I have parties planned for July.

The big wheels in Nerium are cruising so waiting 

for my National Marketing Director to get finished partying. 

I could hold the parties, but she wants to do the Nasvhille scene

and invite some more directors for a Market Party. 

Believe it or not, Nasvhille is not flooded with Nerium!

I'm looking for business partners. 

It's easier than ever to start a small business

and goodness knows in this economy we 

need all the help we can get!

We have some great incentives right now. 

Become a preferred customer and receive a free hand cream!

This is a limited time only offer through July.

Available only to new customers!

Even I can't get it!

I've been busier with the babies 

than I have with the business.

That's the good thing about Nerium-

build a team and make money while you play!

We still have to get the car from home. 

My sister and brother in law will meet me half way 

or we'll make a trip home. 

Have a Happy Weekend! 

I will!

From Music City USA, 

Bonnie:)

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. 
I have been using Nerium FIRM Body Contouring Cream
(this is not me)
on my 195 pound body for 10 days and I can now
button my bottoms.
Nerium
Real People 
Real Results!

Rednecks, GA Whatevers and TN Hillbillies

My life has been quiet these days 

and not much to write about.  

Our phone and internet service 

is not great here. 

The area we live in is kinda rural.

I guess you could say we live between

a small town and the big city

which I love.

I've always been able to walk to town-

which I did very little.

Town is just down the road here but not within walking distance 

and the big city is a few miles up the highway.

We laugh.

Hillbilly rednecks on one side.

We are GA whatevers in the middle.

The uppercrust live on the other side.

An insurance agent came to see us a few days ago.

He said, "I knew you were from GA when I spoke with you on the phone.."

What's that supposed to mean???

He then spoke with a most Southern Drawl.

Then he mocked the TN hillbillies.

Yelp, there's a difference. 

We've had a virus this week. 

I started with laryngitis which must 

have been viral because I wound up 

with a really bad bug for two days. 

Today I just had to get out for some Vitamin D

and retail therapy.

I found this little shop that I had "liked"

previously on FB.

The pink door and pink bench caught my eye right away.

I almost did a U-turn in the middle of the road.

The people here are soooo precious!

They have real Southern hospitality.

On down the road, closer to Nasvhille, not so much!

Although they pride themselve on good ole country.

My Nerium peeps are coming to see me.

I guess we'll hit Country Music City Row.

Until then, 

I'll choose Lebanon, TN over Nasvhille any day of the week!

Bonnie:)

I'll show you my finds later. 

Bye, Bye to the Pink Room

The pink room is no longer pink. 

Sniff...sniff...sniff.

I went pickin a little on Saturday.

I continued to be drawn to pink.

Then I remembered that my pink is in storage.

Sniff...sniff...sniff.

My decorating is mimimal.

I'm looking for a softer, beachy feel.

The apartment has a more contemporary style

than I usually like, but it's been a nice change

and I've still got a touch of vintage here and there. 

I already had the pillow.  

It and NERIUM (the aqua and gray)

was my inspiration.

I exchanged a throw I had for this one that makes 

me think of the beach.

My work desk is in the room. 

No space anywhere else.  

So, you want to see what Nerium colors are?

Gonna miss the beach again this year.

It's okay.

I've got these to make me happy.  

They are better than the wind and the waves. 

Cora loves her Grandy.

Saturday in the park and Chick-Fila with Connor.

Saturday night with Harper while her mom and dad had date night. 

My heart is full and overflowing. 

Bonnie:)