holidays – Page 2 – mom's musings

Day Two in the Big Apple

Excited and eager tourists, we packed in lots of sightseeing, some fine dining, and Broadway plays into our second day in the city.

The next morning we enjoyed a good breakfast in the hotel. From eggs to bagels and lots of yummy items in-between, the Staybridge offered quite a selection. Adding to the ambience of the dining area were the background sounds of Christmas music. Plus, it’s just a little thing, but I was impressed by the bamboo fence outside the huge windows that separated the Staybridge from some apartments. Throughout the room on both mornings that we were there, there was an anticipatory feel of excitement. Everyone was upbeat and looking forward to another day in New York.

When all six of us had finally gathered, we left the hotel with tour bus tickets in hand. We purchased a two-day tour with tickets to the Empire State Building for $74 each, and we perceived that as “a deal.” I still do. The bus tours are great in that they get you around the city and give you tons of information about the sights and history of New York. Plus, you can get off and jump back on all during the day, so it’s nice to know that if you want to spend a little extra time at the South Street Seaport, then a bus will come by about every 20 minutes. Or say, if your friends want to go to the Tenement Museum and you’re determined to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, there’s no need for concern because a bus will be by shortly. Right, Lisa?

On the way to Empire State Building, we passed a Starbucks, and a couple of the “girls” wanted some hot chocolate. While waiting for them, I spied a friend from Elgin who just happened to be walking by at that moment. How likely is that??? I darted out of the store and ran her down. She and her party united with the six of us in Starbucks for a little conversation, and before parting company, Mary took a picture of the “Southern Girls” outside of Starbucks.

Next stop, Empire State Building. Although I’d been there before, it was just as exciting this time as it was before. For anyone who wants to have the total tourist adventure, I highly recommend it. The aerial sights of the city from all angles are awesome. We loved picking out various landmarks such as Bryant Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Flatiron Building. We even spied some ice skaters far in the distance.

In addition, the staff there were all helpful. For instance, when we got to the area just before being allowed outside to view the city, I realized that I didn’t have my new Macy’s hat or my gloves. I shared my plight with one of the attendants who called security downstairs to check on my items, and sure enough, the hat and gloves had been put aside for me. After a few calls between security personnel, Jeanita and I were allowed to go back downstairs to retrieve the items and then reclaim our places in line.

Leaving midtown, we continued the educational bus tour until we arrived in Chinatown. Hopping off, we were immediately immersed in a different culture. Loved that! We kept on walking until we got to Mulberry Street in Little Italy. Mary remembered a restaurant, Angelo’s, where she had dined before, and we decided to eat there. It was marvelous. White tablecloths, candlelight, Christmas decorations, and Italian music added to the delightful ambience of the restaurant, and the food was delicious too. Dining and conversing with special friends as dusk fell was a treat I’ll always remember.

Dinner complete, we headed back to the bus. On the way, we stopped for some souvenirs, mainly scarves and t-shirts. Amazingly, no one in our group wanted purses. Because of our leisurely dinner, souvenir shopping, and bus tour, we made it back to our rooms with barely time enough to change for our evening at the theatre. Two of our group went to see Wicked, and I went with the three others to see A Little Night Music. I can’t speak for the others in my group, but I LOVED it. The music, the acting, the plot, and the set were superb, and the theatre itself was beautiful.

By the time we left the theatre, we were a bit weary and decided to go back to the hotel rather than dine so late at night, especially since we knew that tomorrow would be busy, busy, busy as we tried to pack as much into our last day as possible. We simply went back to the Staybridge and had some late night conversation before settling down for a long winter’s nap.

I hope someone out there (Connie?) is enjoying this travelogue. I’ll finish it tomorrow.

A Day in Manhattan

Sometimes a girl just needs to have fun, and if it’s in New York City with good friends, that’s even better!

“How long were you there? A week?” That was Tim’s question when he overheard me telling Lisa about the things we did in New York City a few weeks ago. We were only there from Thursday about noon until Saturday around 3:00 p.m., but we managed to make use of every moment. If you want to read a travelogue of six women’s experiences in the Big Apple, read on. You might get some good ideas about what to do when you visit the City.

Here’s a rundown of our first day:

We flew out of Myrtle Beach on Spirit Airlines, an experience that was grand in every way. Well, almost every way. If you want a soft drink, juice, or coffee, you have to pay for it. Gone are the days when those frills are free, at least with Spirit. At the same time, Spirit is more affordable than the giant airlines, and it’s virtually hassle-free. The ride was smooth, and the people were friendly.

Upon arrival at LaGuardia, we easily found the baggage claim area where we retrieved our bags and then went outside to hail a taxi. Fortunately for us, we quickly found a little yellow station wagon that carried all of us. We oohed and aahed our way into the city as our small-town eyes drank in the sights around us, and if I recall correctly, we especially loved the bridges and tunnel.

We checked in at the Staybridge on 34^th Street (high recommend this establishment) and rendezvoused with Mary, a friend of Jeanita’s who lives in New Jersey. After checking with the Staybridge staff for directions, we headed out in search of the Westway Diner. My husband and I had spied Brooke Shields while eating there in May, and we were halfway hoping for another celebrity sighting. If that didn’t happen, I knew the food would be good…and it was. I love the ambience of Westway. From the black and white tiled floors to the magnificent service, it’s a grand place to eat.

Tummies full, we walked to Macy’s for a little touristy-type behavior. We gawked at the window displays, enjoyed the sights of Herald Square, and did a little shopping for hats and gloves. While in Macy’s, I inquired about Tiffany’s location in relation to where we were, and since it was going to be open until 8, we decided to ride the Subway there. With Mary’s help, we made it there and back.

The area around Tiffany’s is far different from that around Times Square, not better but different. Connie and Tilara took numerous pictures of the beautiful street decorations, and then we went inside. Although they were incredibly busy that afternoon, there was still an almost formal feeling in the air. We loved the pale blue carpeting and uniformed “guards,” one of whom agreed to take our picture. We spent most of our time on the third floor drooling over sterling silver, and after making our tiny purchases, we rode the subway back to the Staybridge.

After a little primping and preening, we headed out to the Rockefeller Center area to see the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. In a word, fabulous. I fell in love with Santa and felt like a kid mesmerized by his laughter and rich voice. Anyone who could sit through such a delightful performance and not be in the Christmas spirit would have to be a first-rate Scrooge.

All our walking and sightseeing left us hungry so after leaving Radio City, we walked to one of my favorite Manhattan restaurants, Junior’s. I’m not sure what it is that I like about that place, but well, maybe it’s the generous portions of good food. Or it could be that the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s a busy, buzzy place with a lot of energy and a big city feel. That night, we were there until 12:30 a.m., and as the restaurant was nearing closing time, the employees presented the hostess with a birthday cake and a song. Nice way to end a perfect evening.

The next day was even better. Stay tuned.

Laughter, Stars, and Other Specifics

What makes Thanksgiving different from any other holiday if you don’t take a few moments to reflect upon and share some of the things you’re thankful for?

The moment had arrived for the Thanksgiving feast. Everyone stood around waiting, knowing that I’d be making a little speech. It was undoubtedly the least profound of my life. I think it went something like, “Well, welcome to Thanksgiving 2010. We sure hope everyone has a great time, and now I think Otis wants to say something.” He looked surprised and said, “Amen to that” before asking Paul to say a blessing on the food.

I wish I’d said more. I wish I’d said something deep and moving, something memorable that my children and grandchildren could ponder later. I wish I’d said something like, “As we celebrate this special season of the year, let us be ever mindful of our multitudinous blessings, things like our health, these beautiful children, our great country, our ancestry, our family, laughter, music, the gospel of Jesus Christ, love, stars, the sacrifices of our forefathers and mothers, the power of prayer,….” By that time, one of my children would have probably said, “Mom, we know. We know what you’re saying.”

As it was, I finished my pitiful speech, and we proceeded to heap turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other delectable goodies on our plates. Using the alphabet as a guide, we sat around our bounteous table and took turns stating things we were grateful for. It’s a corny tradition, but one I still insist upon. One year Paul tried to take a shortcut by saying, “Everything,” and Thursday I gently chided him about it and told him he’d have to do a little better than that. “What’s better than the truth?” he asked.

What’s better than the truth is specific truth. Specifically speaking, I’m grateful for Braden’s more grown up demeanor. He’s a second grader now and has become quieter and more cooperative. He told me that he wasn’t too good at math, but I’m sure he’ll improve. I probably had a challenge with subtraction too! I’m grateful for Brooke’s sweet little spirit and her motherly attitude with the little ones like Colton and Olivia. And Emma, crazy Emma. I love everything about that little blond tyke, and I enjoyed painting her fingernails and toenails a sparkly pink color. I painted Brooke’s nails too, but Paul said NO to my offer to paint Olivia’s tiny nails. I’m grateful for Colton’s energy and determination. And Olivia…I’m thankful for her beautiful blue eyes and her serene essence.

I’m grateful that these five children are surrounded by love and that they receive guidance and encouragement every day of their young lives. When we went around the Thanksgiving table recounting our blessings, Rich said darling daughters when he was hit with D and kids when he ended up with K on his next turn. His children know how much their father loves them. I overheard Paul say, “You’re awesome” to his six-month-old daughter, and she grabbed his face with both of her chubby dimpled hands and squeezed his cheeks.

As I enjoyed the days with my children and grandchildren, I couldn’t help but think of my parents and grandparents and days of yesteryear. My paternal grandfather worked for the railroad, and as luck (?) would have it, there was a train track on a hillside near the villa where we stayed in Asheville. It was the first thing I noticed as I looked out the window Wednesday afternoon, and as we listened to the trains ride by during our stay, I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather. Who knows? Perhaps he rode those very tracks where decades later his granddaughter and her family spent Thanksgiving, 2010.

Last Vacation Day

Yesterday was magnificent. Yes,magnificent. Not just okay or fine or great but absolutely superb. For years, as Christmas vacation grew to a close, I’d often say, “If only I had just one more day, one day of my own to putter, listen to music, hang around the house in sloppy duds, read a book, cook some homemade soup, and watch a little television. Today I did it, all of the above and a little bit more.

First, I moved all of the Christmas stuff and wow, I liked the minimalist look. Things were bare and basic. My dining and living rooms had what I’ve heard described as the “fullness of nothing,” and it was rather nice. Have you ever been to someone’s home and felt closed in by all the stuff? I have, and I’ve often wondered why they didn’t just take some little something away. Little did I realize that I’ve been guilty of the same thing.

So I continued to putter and rearrange, and although I eventually put many items back in the exact same place, I moved others and put some away. I mean, how many candles does one need on display? How many family pictures are too many? That’s kind of a challenge because since we have a rather large family, we have tons of pictures and like having them out to look at. Some people advise that family photos should be away from public view and back in the bedrooms. I say you should decorate however you wish and that if you want a life size portrait of your grandchild as the focal point in your living room, it’s okay by me.

I’m not a fanatic, but I enjoy order and cleanliness. Mother Ann Lee who founded the United Society of Believers instructed her followers to remember that order was heaven’s first law. “There is no dirt in heaven” she said. I’ve read that the Shakers elevated order to a sacred art, and while I didn’t get that carried away, there’s only a minimal amount of clutter around there today. Too much of it creates confusion and chaos in my psyche, and I can’t even think straight or feel the inner peace I need.

Plus, my house is in feng shui order. I’m too lazy to look up an exact definition right now, so you’ll have to settle for mine: the ancient Chinese art of arranging one’s surroundings in such a way that more chi or positive energy is brought into play. Even a little bit of it can bring more harmony, clarity, and feelings of peace into a home. For instance, little things like having books in view reportedly increases insight. Having a mirror in your dining room to expands the abundance. Moving 27 things around a year gets the chi going and enhances our ability to move on with our lives. I worked on the latter yesterday, and it’s amazing what a difference little changes can make.

Sarah ban Breathnach says that when we clean and order our homes, we are somehow cleaning and ordering ourselves. I believe her. Now that my home is in order, I’m ready to tackle my working world. Sumter, here I come.

Ending 2009

2009 ended with love.

I was awakened by the sound of persistent knocking on Braden’s bedroom door, the tapping of Brooke and Emma’s little fists pounding for attention. “Grandmama, are you awake?” When they heard my voice, the sweet little blondies came into the room and jumped on top of me. Emma carefully scrutinized my face and announced, “You eyes is hurt.” (She’s not quite 3 and doesn’t have all the grammar rules down pat yet). When I didn’t respond right away, she repeated her observation with forceful insistence. And you know what? She was right because I realized that indeed my eyes were burning like crazy. “Are they red?” I asked. She simply looked at me and said again, “You eyes is hurt.”

Braden then awoke, and for several minutes, the three of us had a enjoyable conversation about what exactly it meant to end a year. When I told them that the next day (today) would be 2010 and the beginning of a new year, Brooke looked confused and said that January was her birthday, not a new year. She’ll be 5 on January 19 and is still working on the concept of time and days and months and seasons.

After a pleasant morning of eating banana crumb muffins, holding baby Colton, and playing Alligator Adventure, I hugged my sweet daughter and her children and left for home, stopping only for a visit with my sister. I love that gal! She was bustling about her kitchen, and as we chatted about this and that, I said a silent “Thank you” for the blessing of a sister who’s as funny, smart, and interesting as mine.

Home at last, my hubby and I visited his parents and then ate at a fine dining establishment, Huddle House. Seriously, we like eating there on occasion, and I personally find it to be a microcosm of society. All colors, creeds, and social classes eat there from time to time, and you just never know who’s going to be sitting in the next booth. Back to DH and his parents for a moment. It touches my heart to sense the love and concern they have for him and vice versa. I found myself thinking of the generational thing and family love.

Appetites sated, we came home and settled down to watch a Netflix movie, Australia. We liked it, especially the little boy and his grandfather, King George. Plus, we learned some historical tidbits that we found quite interesting. The movie ended at 12:02, January 1, 2010, and then I texted my three children to wish them a happy new year, one filled with 365 days of happy surprises, sunrises, and strength (don’t we all need some of that?).

Love and connections. That’s what it’s all about. Family, friends, and our fellowman. We all need to show a little more tenderness, caring, and compassion. We need to look closely enough to say with feeling, “You eyes is hurt.”

Happy New Year, Everyone! Peace and love to all!

Holiday Month

As I think back over the past month, I can’t help but recall something my mother used to say. While Christmas Day is the 25^th, every day of the season is worth celebrating. Guess one reason she said that so often is because of the frequency I’d have to tell her that we’d be dining with my in-laws at midday of the 25^th, hence relegating my parents to the evening before or Christmas evening. Accustomed to working around the schedules of four adult children and their spouses, she’d say, “Don’t worry about it, Darlin’; Christmas is a season, not just a noon meal.”

She was right. If you concentrate your efforts and anticipation on just that one day, then when it’s over, it’s over. All of the planning and excited expectancy crumple up just like the wrapping paper that’s ripped from gifts and stuffed into trash bags. On the other hand, if you try to relish the dozens and dozens of moments throughout the month, you won’t feel the post-holiday doldrums…or at least not so keenly.

Here are a few of the highlights that I happen to be thinking of right this moment. In an hour, it’ll probably be something else:

Lauren and Charlie’s party on the 5^th and the memory of Hannah showing me Noel the elf hiding in their Christmas tree.
The Christmas Book Club meeting at Connie’s, a friend who has “the touch” for decorating and entertaining.
Meeting “the same sweet girls” at the Old Armory to reminisce about last year’s New York trip and to catch up with each other’s lives.
The “Girls Weekend” that I spent in Myrtle Beach with my sister, a sister-in-law, and our daughters. We shopped, ate out, shopped, laughed, shopped, wrapped presents, and then shopped some more. A couple of neat things that are on my mind at the moment include making a 10:00 p.m. visit to Chick-fil-A for milkshakes and then sipping them while shopping at Wal-Mart.
Sarah Beth giggling at my scrawny pathetic little pre-lit tree in Myrtle Beach.
My husband’s family Christmas get-together, made even more memorable with a visit from Santa himself. Seeing the wide-eyed looks of wonder on the children’s faces was marvelous.
Carol’s annual get-together. In addition to the gift exchange, Carol’s traditional “reading of the poem,” and scrumptious food, this year we also had music. It was grand to sing “Oh Holy Night” with my colleagues.
DH’s children and grandchildren coming over for an evening of family celebratory activities…loved playing Christmas Trivia. We repeated the same thing on the afternoon and evening of the 22^nd when my children and grandchildren joined us. So did an assorted mixture of other family members, including Aunt Polly and my cousin Sue.
A big family breakfast on the 24^thbefore the Masedas left for Rincon, GA. A true Southern girl, my granddaughter Brooke requested grits, and I couldn’t disappoint her.
Delivering gifts and visiting people.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at FBC, an event that always makes me feel closer to my mother.
Christmas morning breakfast in Blythewood with my brother Mike’s family and midday visit with my sister Ann in Sumter.
A Christmas repast of Allen’s barbeque and other goodies enjoyed at the beach house late Christmas afternoon.
Seeing Avatar and Invictus with my sweetheart.
Shopping with Elizabeth for after-Christmas bargains, and later in the afternoon, being visited by Paul and Amanda. I LOVE having a little home where my children can visit us more easily!
Attending church in Conway, and dining with Paul and Amanda at Lib’s house (lots of warm ambience there) before the young Crolleys left for Atlanta.
The fun we had experimenting with taking pictures using Lisa’s tip to take them from above. Just so you’ll know, we look better than this picture! Really, we do.

Today I took down the greenery, packed away ornaments, cleaned out the refrigerator, and re-read Christmas cards. Every room in the house has some little reminder of a comment, experience, or image, and I’m going to treasure those memories throughout the cold winter ahead. I’ve become a master at stretching it out, so to speak, and am still savoring the season. Tomorrow I’m off to Rincon for an overnight trip. Just gotta get a granddarling fix before going back to work next week.

Dolls and Fudge

Lucky me. I’m sitting in the living room of our little beach bungalow reflecting on the events and experiences of this past month, and I’m feeling awed and humbled by my good fortune. Wound through and around and over and under these thoughts are memories of Christmases past. What is it about this time of year that forces one to reflect on yesterday? The people, scenes, sounds, and sights from my past are all around me.

It’s been an interesting month, and I have lots of swirling thoughts about how traditions change as families change. Plus, the society itself continues to change as people get greedier (at least some of them) and more frenzied as they go about decorating, shopping, and partying. It might have been like that when I was a kid, but I don’t remember that. I just remember the magic. And no, it wasn’t because we were wealthy and had beaucoup over-the-top gifts, just the regular stuff.

Seems like my sister and I ALWAYS got some pajamas, a pair of bedroom shoes, and a doll. My granddaughters (see above) got some cupcake p.j.s this year. Aren’t they cute? One year I got this gorgeous doll named Bonnie that was the size of a six-month old baby. I loved that baby doll, especially her curly red hair…that is, until my brother David decided that she’d look better bald. Ever had a little brother who messed with your stuff??? Santa brought my sister Ann a doll that year too, and she named her blond baby Beth.

Like most of the people I knew then, my family visited grandparents to share meals and gifts. Aunts, uncles, and cousins were always around. At my Grandmother Padgett’s house, the kids would always sit on the floor of an adjoining room to eat our Christmas victuals while the grownups sat at a big round oak table. I recently had a flash of déjà vu when I relegated my grandchildren to the floor at my house. There simply wasn’t room for them anywhere else, and this way I didn’t have to worry so much about spilled Sprite or sticky macaroni and cheese.

Speaking of macaroni and cheese, it’s funny and wonderful how some of the same traditional family dishes and specialties continue while others develop. I can still taste my mother’s marvelous fudge! She never knew this (at least I don’t think she did), but I’d often sneak into the kitchen, gingerly take the top off of the tin, take out a sweet square, move the other pieces around to hide the empty space, and then I’d savor the rich sweet treat. She also made nutty fingers (lady fingers), and this Christmas, her sister Joni shared some with me. As for the present, my specialty is Chex party mix. Lib makes the best chocolate candy in the universe with a recipe borrowed from my childhood friend Jeanita. Lauren always provides sausage dip made with Rotel and cream cheese, and it’s become traditional for her dad to call her and ask for the recipe even though he knows it well.

Elizabeth and I have a busy day ahead of us so I need to wrap this up. I’m going to do it with a quote I’ve been wanting to use for a long time. Hope you like it. “Families are a complex web of lives stretched across years and generations as well as vast geographical and cultural distances.” Wendy Wright, Sacred Dwelling

Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach

Yesterday was one of the most different and yet wonderful Thanksgivings I’ve had. For the first time, my sweet husband and I spent the day apart, not because of rancor or ill will but because of prior commitments and, well, the longing to be with different family members. We’re with his family quite often, but I seldom get to spend time with mine, especially my children. That said, he spent Thanksgiving with his parents and beaucoup other family members, and I spent it in Myrtle Beach with one of my brothers and his family and my daughter Elizabeth. My brother Mike just successfully won a battle with the BIG C, and I felt like celebrating with him and his family.

Here’s what we did. Mrs. Mitchell, Lisa’s mother, and I watched part of the Macy’s parade on television, something I recall doing with my father and siblings when we were kids. My mother was undoubtedly slaving away in the kitchen, but we didn’t know that; we just knew that it was BIG fun to watch all the inflated characters, the dancers, and the floats. Last year I was excited to go to Herald Square and see the exact spot in front of Macy’s where parade performances are filmed.

Lib arrived, and the six of us went to K & W with hundreds of other Thanksgiving diners. Despite the fact that (or maybe because) the line snaked around several times before we even got to the serving line, it was actually quite a memorable and upbeat experience to stand in line in the crowded lobby with our fellow Americans. Seated, we held hands and said a prayer of Thanksgiving for our many blessings and the scrumptious food before us. Lisa, Mrs. Mitchell, and I all agreed that it was the most stress-free Thanksgiving meal that we could remember in a long, long time…probably since we were children.

Appetites sated, we went to Mrs. Mitchell’s beach house to make our traditional Thanksgiving craft. This year, it was a Christmas wreath whose directions I had seen in a a book (where else?). As an aside, I think I left that book in a buggy in the Michael’s parking lot on Two Notch Road. Back to this fascinating narrative, we even glued some shells from the Outer Banks on the wreaths to make them especially special. Not as into the craft thing as the older ladies, Elizabeth and Sarah Beth made a quick run to Old Navy before fashioning their wreaths.

The younger set went their separate way(s), and the rest of us went to see The Blind Side with a couple hundred other people. Hands down, it was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen and was especially appropriate for a holiday like Thanksgiving. The only downer was that the ticket person gave me a Senior discount without me even asking for it! Oh well, it saved me fifty cents. Afterwards, we strolled around Market Commons and then went back to Mrs. Mitchell’s for turkey sandwiches and soup, both of which we enjoyed while watching Chevy Chase and a hilarious cast of characters in Christmas Vacation.

Tired but happy, I went back to my little bungalow to find Elizabeth and her friend Carla hanging out and planning their strategy for a 3:00 a.m. shopping trip. We talked and laughed a while before I bid them adieu and settled down “for a long winter’s nap” of seven hours.

It’s Friday morning now, and I’m enjoying the promise of possibilities for a day at the beach. Maybe a little shopping and then a little shell collecting? Hmmm. I think I might read some too. Oh, and I’m way overdue on some notes that I need to write. Will I do school work? Probably. It goes with the territory when you teach online courses. Still, a good time was had by all. Although I missed DH, we talked by phone every couple of hours, and I know he had a fun time too. And to top it off, today he gets to go back to the woods the woods the woods the woods.

On a final note, my sister and I often talk about how there’s good and bad going on in everyone’s life all the time, and I was reminded of that yesterday. On the plus side, Mrs. Mitchell asked me to call her Doris, a compliment and a milestone. On the negative side, Paul said he and Amanda couldn’t meet me in Augusta on Saturday. On the plus side, Lib and Carla had a great time during the wee hours of the morning and are now sacked out in the living room. On the negative side, my sister Ann won’t be coming today after all. On the plus side, she and her husband have tickets for the Clemson/Carolina game tomorrow. On the negative side, there’s loss, heartache, illness, despair, and evil on Planet Earth. On the plus side, God’s in His heaven, and we have all been recipients of His beneficence.

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend, Everyone! Be safe…and find some bargains too.

Hiking Thoughts

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“Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, ‘No,’ the courage to say, ‘Yes.’ Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be.”
–Thomas S. Monson, “The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 54

When I read this quote by President Monson, I immediately thought of my recent trip to the mountains of Tennessee. We visited a little town called Erwin, mainly because we learned that there were some nice hiking trails in the nearby Cherokee National Forest.

At first we sauntered along the trail listening to the birds, the babbling brook, and the rustling trees. The only other sounds were those of our footsteps and our occasional conversation. We were in heaven! All was well. Rested and energetic, we were even more invigorated by the beauty around us. There were campers too, and we enjoyed seeing their campfire smoke and smelling the breakfast bacon.

Soon the trail became a little more rigorous, and DH wondered aloud why we “had to do this.” Couldn’t we just sit on a rock and soak up the ambience? “No,” I insisted. “The deal was that you’d get to play golf and I’d get to hike up (on?) a bona fide mountain trail.” Not impressed with my weak argument, he shooed (sp.?) me ahead. “Go ahead. I’ll catch up.” Onward and upward I went. Soon I noticed another sound: the beating of my own heart! Should I stop? What if I passed out and took a tumble down the mountain?

There were times when the path was so narrow that I wondered if I had indeed wandered off the trail somehow. A couple of times, I had to cross a creek by stepping gingerly and carefully on some huge boulders. Then there was the log lying across the path. Should I go under it, step over it, or view it as a sign to go back down? A family passed me on their way down and informed me that I probably had another hour to go to get to the top. Huh? That couldn’t be. I looked ahead from where they’d come, and my solo status hit me. The trail looked even steeper than the way I’d already traversed, and the silence (except for my heart) was deafening. I asked the family to tell my husband that I was turning back and would be down in a few minutes. I went across another creek, and when I looked back, there was no sign or sound of human life. How did the family disappear so quickly? Feeling uneasy, I headed back, and after a few minutes, I was relieved to see DH and the family.

In my four mile hike (approximately), I was reminded of several truths:

*It’s more fun when someone shares the experience with you.
*When obstacles appear, you have to step over them.
*You meet a lot of nice people on life’s path.
*The view is different at the top…lonelier too.
*It’s easier to quit than to persevere, but then where’s the reward in that?
*There is beauty all around. Sometimes you just have to get away from civilization to be reminded of it.
*The human body is a marvelous thing, especially the heart.
*Nothing worthwhile is attained without effort.

Independence Day

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Not a day goes by that I don’t think about this great country, this choice land cradled between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From sea to shining sea, we are a diverse, heterogeneous group. In terms of language, race, religion, ethnicity, and tradition, the United States probably has a more motley population than any country in the world. If you ever doubt it, take a trip to the Big Apple, and you might find yourself feeling somewhat like a minority. I know I did. In fact, I snapped the above picture at Ellis Island recently because of all of the faces represented, I couldn’t find anyone who looked like me. The second picture is of the same “faces” from a different angle.

When the 4^th of July rolls around, I find myself reflecting even more on our great land and also on the many Fourths that I’ve experienced in the past. I’m not going to bore everyone with a long trip down Memory Lane, but I would like to mention one of my most unforgettable July memories. It has nothing to do with food, parades, fireworks, family get-togethers, or patriotic songs.

About 20 years ago, my first husband and I arose before daybreak and left our three sleeping children in the care of my mother so that we could go to the beach for an early morning run. Mornings are always special in that they hold the fresh promise of a new day, but this July morning was even more extraordinary. It was Independence Day, and we were on the beach. We thought we were alone except for a few scattered shell seekers, and then we saw them: a Vietnamese family huddled closely together on the steps of one of the beach access walkways. Quietly staring at the ocean, there were grandparents, parents, and three young children. Why the scene hit me with such force, I don’t know. I guess it had something to do with the combination of the holiday with the sight of the family staring out to sea. I was forcibly struck with the thought America is a land for ALL PEOPLE, not just descendents of those who came over on the Mayflower.

Yesterday was a fine, somewhat low-key day, one that began with breakfast with Paul and Amanda and ended with a cookout with a few members of my husband’s family. I’ve had some pretty spectacular Fourth celebrations, including a crazy one in which Carrie and I joined festivities in Camden, Sumter, and Florence before arriving home in Myrtle Beach around midnight. I’ve seen fireworks on the Hudson River in New York, on the coast of Myrtle Beach, and on the Washington Mall with Paul, Ella, Joanna, and thousands of other celebrants, but yesterday I didn’t see a single flash of light. While that was okay, next year I plan to go wherever the fireworks are so that I can better commemorate America’s birthday with my fellow Americans.

As George W. Bush would say, “God bless America.”