Sweetness

I noticed it a few nights ago.
That old, familiar smell.  I don't know if it's from a bush growing at the edge of the woods.  Maybe flowers I didn't notice. 
Could just be the wet, warm earth.
But as it wafts by on a breeze, I am back in the mountains at my grandparents' homes.
I never smell it without thinking of summers spent there.
Of being outside in the morning when either of my grandmas would be working in the garden.
Of catching lightening bugs and swinging until dark.
Of that cooler, fresher air that I only breath there.
It always seems to pass by as quickly as it came and I find myself actually looking around, breathing deeply, hoping to get it back.
Could it be when I am the grandma that I will still so easily be taken back to those days of my childhood?
I hope so.
Often my heart aches a bit for those memories, both missing them and being thankful for them.
And I wait for the next time.
The next time that fragrance reminds me again of those sweet times and sweeter people that I call mine.

The Recurring Dream (and a book)

Number one.  I just finished The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.  Wow.  Just wow.  I am amazed at what kind of mind wove that story.  It was heart-wrenching.  So telling at how we can convince ourselves that we are doing a good and right thing, all the while breaking someone's heart.  A gripping story of grief, hope,deceit, forgiveness, longing, and relationship.

Number two.  I have a recurring dream when I am stressed out or worrying about something.
It came back last night. 
There are two versions, both involve me and college.  In last night's scenario, school starts tomorrow and I have no idea what my schedule is or where an office is or where my classrooms are.  And there is no one to help even though the campus is crawling with people. 
The other scenario is that it's the end of the semester and I have missed a class for the entire semester and am now in a panic.  How will I take the exam or write a final paper in two hours or walk in the classroom I haven't been in once?  How will I explain the big, fat F?
Aaahhh.
I am always so glad to wake up!
The funny thing about these dreams is that once, a few years ago, I told my dad about them.
His jaw was about on the floor.
He has a very similar recurring dream himself. 
Who would have thought?

Wednesday Evening

That roast, potatoes, and carrots that cooked in the crock-pot all day was a perfect dinner on this wet, rainy day.  What a wet spring and summer it's been.  I have sent the kids out when the rain stopped just to get some energy out. Sam and Lucy headed out in the rain some, too.  The Lord sure is watering the earth!
I have spent the day hitting some hotspots in the house- places where things have piled up- which for me can mean any surface.  Today was the top of the frig and a shelf that was kind of tucked in a corner but was such an eyesore!  I can feel myself relaxing a bit as the piles get taken care of.  There are plenty more, and don't even ask me about the basement or garage. But little by little...
I have several books I'm reading on, or at least am waiting to read.  Not gonna hide it- I am flying through The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty."  It's a fast read and so interesting to learn about their family.  They give testimony to the Lord and that's always encouraging.
Up next will either be East of Eden by Steinbeck or The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. 

Last night Kayla was joking around at dinner and said, "Let's talk about politics."  Lucy smiled and say, "OK.  Once upon a time, Polly Ticks..."  Everyone got a good laugh though I don't think she was quite sure why!

My Family

Yes- another beach post.  We really did have a wonderful, refreshing week.  We ate well, played hard, and enjoyed some good family time.  As much as I loved our time there, I think the thing I am most thankful for is my family.  It's a little sobering to realize how blessed we are to like being together so much and what a true gift that is.  The older I get, the more grateful I am for my parents, my brother and his family, and my own.

 

I just might be jeopardizing my relationship with my brother by posting this but it is a pretty funny picture!  :)

You Know It's Been A Good Vacation

You know it's been a good vacation when...

Beach Read

Do people "summer" anymore?  Go somewhere for the summer and stay for weeks on end?

I think we've about decided that if we summered, it would be at the beach.  Probably the Outer Banks.  I love the beach.  

I could see myself as one of those wrinkly, tanned old ladies who put on a floppy hat in the morning to water her flowers.  I would get to know the people who came in on Saturday with the traffic and tell them the best restaurants.  And I would read good books- a lot of them.

This week's (quality) beach read has been The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.  It's been one of those books that drew me in- marriage, loss, love, and even a fairy tale element.  Loved it. 

"In my old age, I see that life itself is often more fantastic and terrible than the stories we believed as children, and that perhaps there is no harm in finding magic among the trees."

Camp Week Was Great!

They got in the van Friday morning and it was like they were on fast-forward.  Until they crashed from exhaustion not long after.
Sooooo much to tell about their week at Ridge Haven!
I can't say enough about the quality of this camp.  Truly, top-notch.  It was so well organized with fantastic counselors.  Everyone was so friendly and helpful.  I want the kids to go back next year just as much as they want to.
Jack and Kayla, in ten years, do you remember:  the golden plunger award, cabin devotions, the rope swing into the lake, the big swing, Bucket, 500 miles, archery olympics, the camp store, candy, the scavenger hunt through the woods, dance party, crafts, soccer, Gus, canoeing, kayaking, Uncle Archie, etc...?

Kayla's cabin

Jack's cabin

Everyone!

 

 

all the pictures are taken by Ridge Haven staff and posted on Facebook