Just a Little Southern Hospitality

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sad and Sweeeet

Last weekend we traveled south from Kentucky. When we passed Ringold GA, this was some of the results of the tornados that ripped through our country.

This is guard rails curled up under the overpass.

On a happier note,

be sure to drop by Starbucks this week, and enjoy their Happy Hour Fraps.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mother's Day is a special day. Not everyone is a Mother, but we have all had a Mom in our lives. Whether it was a natural Mother, an adopted one, or just some special woman who has come along side to encourage you. My own Mom went to be with the Lord over 30 years ago, but there have been women who have stood in her place. I am thankful to the Lord for His mercies to allow me to share special "Mom" time with these women.

If your Mom is still living, be sure to give her a hug. And if your Mom is already gone, find someone who could really use a hug. It could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. In the scriptures we see when Jesus hung on the cross, he gave His own Mother into John's safe keeping (John 19:26-27). I'm sure after Jesus died, Mary needed a hug. And when the Lord returned from the grave, in my heart of hearts, I know He hugged His Mother. Mary probably treasured those moments, just as she did when the shepherds told of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

May the Lord bless each one of you, whether you are a Mother, Grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, friend or neighbor.

Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik

Spiritual Sundays

Photo Friday

I love to see the palm trees swaying. This is the best time of year to live in Florida :-)

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

First, Fifth, Forever

Dear Mom,

This weekend marks the celebration of Mother's Day. A day set aside to honor all Mothers. And although it is a day for honor, it is also a day of reflection. You have been gone now for over 30 years, yet I still remember your sweet smile and the love that you held in your heart for me.

I was your child born to you late in life. You had lost a daughter 8 years prior to my birth. You never could speak of this baby, as the pain was too great for you to bear. So when I was born , I was the baby to bring youth back into your life. I was in essence a miracle baby in 1950's, when most women didn’t have children in their 40’s. I cannot imagine what pleasure my birth brought to you as you and Dad were well into the second half of your lives.

There's so many things I wish we could have shared. I miss the special times we had together, shopping, or going to lunch. I miss your special Spanish dinners. But most especially I wish you could have shared the time when your grandchildren were born. You would have loved your role as a Grandmother. My whole world changed the day my own daughter was born. Her sweet little face and beautiful dark curls won her Dad and me over from her very first appearance. Motherhood is a huge job. With no job description, you would have been a wonderful source of help to me.

I know there were times when we didn't see eye to eye, but your love was ever present and faithful. I'm sorry for the times I hurt you. As the years have quickly passed by, with the many milestones in our families lives, I find that I miss you more and more. I've always said that nobody loves you like your Mother loves you.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you.

Jocelyn

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

First, Fifth, Forever

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Vintage Thingie Thursday

I find it most interesting that in the late 1800's women used calling cards as a part of their Social calling on each other. This "calling" was the way women made new acquaintances, paid respects to elders, and spent time with each other.

Every woman had her own day and time when her friends could drop by for a visit. As her guest left, she would drop one of her calling cards in the card receiver.

Calling cards were expected to reflect the personality of the owner. Some of the cards are signed by the person

others are printed.

The calling cards not only expressed the visit, they were also ways of communicating as well. If the hostess was not at home, the caller simply left a card. A special code was devised to indicate the nature of the call.

Folding the upper right corner meant that she had come in person. Folding the upper left corner signified an expression of congratulations. Folding the lower right corner meant good-bye. Folding the lower left corner conveyed an expression of condolence. Folding the whole left end of the card meant that she had come to visit all the women of the household.

With the availability of the computer, it is fun to make your own calling cards. You can be very creative and have a unique calling card. If you go to an office store you can buy paper that is used for making business cards or you can use card stock. Here is a site with free patterns. You can also order some very vintage looking calling cards from Victorian Trading Company.

My two cards are not really reflective of the late 1800's, however I understand that calling cards from that era are very collectible.

Vintage Thingie Thursday