God grant me a vacation to make bearable what I can’t change.
A friend to make it funny and
the wisdom to never get my knickers in a knot
because it solves nothing and
makes me walk funny!
you’re fun…not funny.
But, I am blessed!
Blessed, beyond measure!
And this past weekend,
more than anytime ever,
made me feel it..
from the
top of my head
to the
tips of my toes!
I recently reached the half-century mark and with some poking and prodding and heavy campaigning I acquiesced in allowing my family to host a”Toasting” Dinner Party (with my besties,) for my birthday.
(I do believe it was Cuppycake’s heavy sighs of, “You’re going to make me look bad,” that was the final offensive-tactic which did me in.)
And I must admit having my (recently expanded) family next to me, seeing all my dearest friends gathered around, listening to the hum of their conversations, the circling around a table eating family-style…all of this…brought me the GREATEST joy as I reached this mile-stone in my life!
Their meaningful hugs, tender words, and lively toasts will truly remain in my heart forever…
And even before the start of the evening
other dear-ones, both near & far, showered me with loving affection…
I pray one day they come to know just how much I needed
(without ever knowing)
their kind words,
their genuine support,
and
their undeserved love.
Such a beautiful Weekend…
A Texan friend of mine introduced me to a southern phrase once as she was discussing a young woman’s behaviour which was a bit unbecoming, “She’s too pretty to act ugly!” she said. I’ve often reflected on this and I do believe, as do others, that there is a culture of individuals; (unfortunately mostly woman,) who prefer to exploit the presummed flaws, unknown defects, and failings of another to exult themselves.
However, I can tell you every woman I was blessed to share my birthday weekend with is not one of them! They are kind, compassionate, strong, tender-hearted women who are always looking to strengthen those around them. And I am most definitely a better person because of their presence in my life.
They are the ones who have helped me to feel
courageous,
empowered,
stead-fast,
and
loved
especially when I have been the most vulnerable these past few years.
And because of this I wanted to honor them
so that they may always remember
they are truly…
(too pretty to act ugly!!)
(I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS!!!)
hugs n’ blessings to all those who choose to be pretty!
(males included!)
and a few extra hugs to everyone who made me feel so special for my “5 perfect 10’s” birthday!
*to find out more about the (too pretty to act ugly) campaign please watch the video clip below and be sure to support other’s by choosing to be pretty!
“There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
it’s Memorial Day and the giggles have been temporarily suspended…
JUST IN CASE YOU THOUGHT
today
was about a 3-day Weekend.
Arlington National Cemetery Funeral Services;
SLUG: PH/FLAGSIN DATE: 05/21/09 CREDIT: Linda Davidson / staff/ The Washington Post LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA CAPTION: Annual “Flags In” ceremony in preparation for Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery. Members of each branch of service place more than 250,000 flags at each grave marker. PICTURED: Army Captain Ed Arntson (right) salutes a fellow soldier in his company that he lost during the war. He’s in Area 60 of Arlington Cemetery where fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are buried. He’s accompanied by Army Captain Bryan Ault (left). StaffPhoto imported to Merlin on Thu May 21 18:15:02 2009
With artillery smoke hanging in the air from a 21-gun salute by his company at Fort Leavenworth, the 500th Military Police Detachment, Army Sgt. Travis Smith saluted during the playing of “Taps,” during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. DAVID EULITT/The Kansas City Star
I do not know your name–
Nor for which battle you died.
I do not know your home,
Nor the tears that were cried.
I do not know where you rest–
Nor the promises broken.
I do not know your uniform
And your fears lay unspoken.
But, I know your spirit exists–
That your courage is admired,
And your sacrifice is honored
By each soul that’s inspired.
And I offer you from my heart a
Thank You,
to guardians unknown
For offering yourselves for us all
That we may keep freedom…
Our home.
-Sherrie Ball-
hugs n’ blessings to all the lost (but never forgotten)
Service men, women, and their loved ones this Memorial Day,
which is meant to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Our Freedoms,