Category: Small Town Charm

Queen of Everything

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After posting The Writing Robe, I reached out to my friend Jordan, and asked if she had a robe from Honest Cotton that I could try. She had two robes, and invited me to stop in anytime to try them on. đź’–

To walk into Jordan’s studio is a treat for the senses. There’s low vibe music softly playing, and the temperature of the room is just right. You can smell the aroma of essential oils being used, and it makes you want to stand there and inhale deeply. Jordan specializes in Chinese medicine and owns Common Thread Wellness down the street from my home.

I tried on the robe in a khaki color and it felt great, but had to try on the other one in ecru, which is a candlelight color. This pale color amused me envisioning the short amount of time it would last after an explosion from the coffee bar, or the first time I sit in something on the bench outside, or when any of our three pets brushed by while wearing it.

This robe is plenty long. I’m 5’9″, and it tickles my ankles. There’s so much fabric to it, I have to roll up the sleeves to type. I love slipping it on first thing in the morning, and have it hanging on a hook near an A/C vent. It’s like enveloping yourself in chilled gauze. Walking through the house I can feel it flowing along behind me.

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Years ago my daughter came home with this little metal sign as a gift for me. She handed it to me with a grin, and it’s one of my favorite things. It’s hanging from a lamp that sits on my desk, as a much needed reminder on those difficult days. It says, “Queen of Everything!”

Strolling from my desk to the window scanning the front yard, lining up tasks in my head, I give the robe a tug and feel it resting on my shoulders. This robe makes one feel like Queen of Everything.

The featured photo is Jordan’s dog in studio. The mantra for her business is – ‘Connecting the common thread between body + mind + spirit.’ It’s not only used for her business, but how she lives her life.

Living God’s Best

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I ran into a friend yesterday, and she asked, “Are you okay?” She had a look of concern on her face, and I assured her that I was. She had read my Blog about the Cancer scare, and wanted to make sure I was all good. She is not the only friend that wasn’t sure, so let’s see if I can be more clear.

What we go through in life is a test of some sort.

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I don’t believe there is Cancer in my breast. The technician wasn’t sure what she was seeing during the sonogram, so I had the films sent to my Oncologist who knows my history. He didn’t see anything concerning, but wants to see my next film in six months. I’m not worried, so don’t you be either!

God used that situation to reach the right people, and I now have really good health insurance!

In March, or April of next year, I will have another mammogram, and have faith for God’s best. Since walking out of the imaging center a month ago, I have made life changes, and am still making them. When God shows me His best, I want to give Him my best in return. The entire incident brought this to the forefront of my mind.

“What do I want my life to look in six months? Am I living God’s best?”

It’s a Choice

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Since deciding to take a Social Media fast, some friends have called me out. Facebook detects a connection, and is telling on me. To stay connected to my daughter while she is at her Father’s this weekend, we’ve used Messenger. Facebook Messenger is an app that is  made by Facebook, but is separate. So, nope. I have not posted one Meme.

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It all started with my phone. Sometimes the bill is due before the weekend, and before payday. I get paid on Monday’s, so I get to choose. Do I want an active phone, or money for the weekend? I choose having money to spend, over my phone.

I’ve used Cricket phone service for 5 years, and it works. There are no contracts, and you just pay month to month. No re-connection, or late fees, just pay when you need it.

The phone turns into a blingy paperweight, and I’m out the door. An iced latte would hit the spot, so I hop in my truck, and drive 10 minutes down the road to Chapparal Coffee.

This young couple moved from Austin, TX, to open this coffee bar, and his name is Austin! He has the best vibe, and it’s pure joy just walking in the door. Coffee and I have a serious relationship, and I have learned a lot at Chapparal. I go there several times a week for the coffee, and the people.

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Austin at Chapparal Coffee, Lockhart, TX.

His wife brings in wildflowers, so there are always flowers. Walking in today, Austin had just finished installing a couple of beer taps, but not for beer. Oh no lovely. This is magical!

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Ginger Beer!!!!

Austin handed me a glass to try, and it was a treat!

Some friends scoff at me for spending money on high quality coffee. “Being a single Mom with a part-time income, how do you do that?” I’m going to drink coffee, so it might as well be a life experience. The coffee costs a little more than the grocery store brands, but it’s well worth the extra dollars.

Experimenting in the kitchen on the weekends is a newfound love. The last time I went to the local grocery store, they had some huge basil plants on display. My daughter and I chuckled at how big they were! I’ve been wanting to try this Basil Hummus recipe, so instead of paying $3.98 per packet for a few fresh Basil leaves, I opted to buy this guy for $9.00.

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It should bring plenty of Basil Hummus and fresh Pesto!

Since trying my hand at the Boston Ferns, (which shout out to the lady who left a comment with tips), this spoke to me today. I have a planter full of dirt sitting on my porch from last years plant demise, but we’re gonna give this Basil a go.

When I went in the store to pay for the Basil, I took a walk through the flower department. Fresh flowers are a love of mine and my daughters, but not just any flower. We have a few that are special to us, and this time of year is for Peonies.

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This little bundle cost $6.00. They will be fully opened by the time my daughter gets home.

These choices bring more meaning and beauty to my life than my phone. I’m able to choose today, and the end result is showing others, “I love you more than my phone.”

To Feel Him

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I have done a lot of things that make me look like an idiot. Probably one of my all time favorites was when I would praise and worship God on a pier.

I woke up this morning, snagged a cup of Joe, and stepped outside. I love to stand on my front porch, feel the cool breeze, and just soak in the moment. The sun breaks through these two ginormous oak trees right in front of me. It’s like God’s way of saying, “Good Morning.” I walked inside, flipped on the stereo, and stepped back outside.

This moment brought back memories of McDade.

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This pier is where I stood and worshiped God. This picture was taken on a crisp, and frosty morning, but that didn’t stop me from going down there. I still remember the warmth of my feet, breaking through the frost, as I jumped up and down, and danced around. That pier was completely thawed by the time I was done, and so was my heart.

The wooden spool is where I sat my coffee, and laid my phone, which was playing the music to worship Him. I miss that pier. My heart was longing for that feeling this morning, but all I have now is a front porch. Plus, there is a road in front of my house!

I still live out in the country, but since we moved to this little farmhouse in Dale, I haven’t enjoyed that outside ‘praise and worship’ moment. This morning, I could feel, and hear the music coming through the screen door, as I stood on the porch. Instinctively, my feet started bouncing to the beat.

It was the one I shared yesterday in our Feel the Music series. I sat my coffee down, and raised my arms high in the air, and sang along with Tenth Avenue North, “I have this hope…”

My heart began to swell, and it felt like mild electrical waves flushing through my veins. I had goosebumps from head to toe, and it’s just the most exhilarating feeling ever!

I heard a car coming, so I withdrew.

It was the same feeling when I would hear a car coming down the driveway in McDade. I lived on 40 acres, so the only car that drove by was my landlord. He was probably thinking, “We really need to size her up for a little white jacket that ties in the back.” What would this person coming down the road think, if they saw me dancing around my porch? In my pajamas no less!

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This is a picture of my daughter taken in McDade. She is gazing out the window, on a rainy day, looking at the pier. That is how we treat God sometimes. We can feel in our heart what He wants us to do, but let’s just stand here a minute and think about it.

The Bible is full of stories where God asked followers to do things that made them look like idiots. My favorite is Noah. Let’s build an ark, and wait for the rain. The people in this town already shake their heads at me. It wouldn’t surprise them at all to see me building an Ark in my front yard.

They know I’m a writer that lives with my daughter. I wear pajamas way too late in the day. Sometimes the entire day. I had Breast Cancer and walked around bald-headed last year, but….”She’s always happy.” They know what they see, but you can’t see God.

You have to feel Him.

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Feel the Music

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My daughter figured out how to hook up the sub woofer to her stereo before she left to go visit her Dad. I now know how to get her out of bed without even walking into her room!

It’s amazing how it feels when something is completely connected. We enjoyed the stereo pre-subwoofer, but now it’s like, Holy Cow! I can feel the vibration of the music. The whole house can, and probably the neighbor!

It’s the same way when we are completely connected to God. I am learning to be still again, and just feel His presence. Just like in that Chemo chair. He is the vibration of life and love. This song has really good bass, so if you can, turn it up and feel it.

“I have this hope, in the depth of my soul. In the flood or the fire, you’re with me, and you won’t let go.”

A Good Morning

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I was standing at the counter of our local store, waiting to checkout. A more mature gentleman was standing behind me, and I turned around to wish him a ‘Good Morning.’ He asked, “Is it?”

I said, “Well, God woke me up to another day, so yes.” He looked at me and scoffed. Then said, “Oh, you must think you have it easy then.”

I was nice, and smiled at him with my most gleaming smile and said, “No Sir. There isn’t anything easy about that.”

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When people ask me what faith, or religion I am, I just say, “I love God. We have a fascinating relationship.” Then comes the awkward moment where they don’t know how to respond. I just want one person to exclaim, “SAME!!!”

It hasn’t happened yet, but that man made me ponder. Following God, and doing what He wants, is not easy. It’s much easier to ignore all signs He gives me, and just keep forging straight ahead.

God saves me from myself, and this world.  To follow our hearts and listen to that still small voice beckoning us to let go, and let God.

Outside the Box

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My daughter and I went shopping yesterday, and there is one shop I absolutely adore. They have the most beautiful things, and it’s pure bliss just to walk through. I bought a candle.

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Having spent years of my life smelling candles, I know the really good ones to buy. This shop just started carrying some that are new to me. Not only do they smell divine, but the jar they are in is gorgeousness.

Upon leaving the shop, we noticed a quaint little Cafe across the street, and decided to give it a try. We had not had showers, wore no makeup, and were dressed in our really comfortable clothes. As soon as we walked in, I noticed how bright it was, but entered anyway. It was like walking into a really bad tea party, with no Mad Hatter as your host.

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My daughter was immediately uncomfortable with the stringent atmosphere, as everyone looked up from their plate and stared. (Remember, I’m bald from Chemo.)

Yes, real people just walked in, but we were not welcome. I am very comfortable in my skin, and try to teach my daughter to be so in hers. I could have sat down and ate, but all they offered were salads. I can make that at home.

A lady that worked there approached us, trying her best to welcome us. I just smiled, and told her very nicely, we would come back another time. I don’t believe she was used to people walking out of her restaurant, because her face dropped, as she referred to me as a Carnivore. I rarely eat meat.

I didn’t take it personally, and gave her my warmest smile. I sincerely wished her a beautiful day, as we exited out the door.

My daughter was so relieved to be outside. As soon as we were, I gave thanks to God. I was so grateful that I didn’t feel the need to go to places like that anymore. I don’t have to fit into anyone’s box, and I am free to just be me.