Old Friends are Like Music to the Ears

I guess all moms want their children to experience life and learn new things.  My mom was no different.  Although Mom often says she couldn't have done then what parents do today regarding hauling our kids to and fro, I am sure she would have done whatever she needed to do.

Mom seems to forget all the things we DID do.  I remember years of scouting, from Brownies on up the ranks.  Martha hung in there longer than I did.  She had a lot of friends in her Girl Scout troop and they all became very involved in the organization.  I do remember selling quite a few Girl Scout cookies in my time, however!

We also took dancing.  We studied at the Gross School of Dance.  And no, that isn't a joke!  Mr. and Mrs. Gross were professional dancers and when they came to Shelby and opened a studio, it was quite an exciting time.  I took ballet, tap and jazz.  I wasn't very good.  Grace and agility have never been my strong points.  I did love my pink tutu, however.  When I think what my daughter, Madeline, does compared to what I did back then....well, I am sure there isn't a scale that could measure that!  This is not to undermine the teachings of the Gross couple.  They truly were passionate about dance and a very talented pair.  I thought it was so interesting that a husband and wife shared this profession.

I played clarinet in Junior High School.  I never made the "A" band nor did I sit in first chair in the "B" band.  Homer Hayworth and Gene Ellis were good teachers.  I'm just not sure the clarinet was my forte.

I was coerced into drama in high school.  My best friend, Terri, was quite the drama queen....literally!  She could sing, act, and never had the stage fright that seemed to cripple me.  She had one of the leading roles in our high school play, "No, No Nanette."  She convinced me that I HAD to audition for a role, as she would be rehearsing day and night for several weeks and this would be the only way we'd see each other.  We were attached at the hip at that time.  Well that, and I forgot to mention that my boyfriend DID make the "A" orchestra and he did occupy that first chair.  He played the cello, or the bass.  I get those two large instruments mixed up sometimes.  And he was chosen to be in the orchestra for "No, No Nanette." 
Guess who decided to audition?
I suppose this was the beginning of the end for me...I was bitten by the bug!  I loved being in that show so much.  I was in the background and my dancing and singing left a lot to be desired, but the thrill of being on that stage was amazing....and the rehearsals were more fun that I could ever imagine! 
I did make my own costumes for the show.  I think that was more my forte.

I sang in the church choir.  I always loved that.  I even continued to sing in the choir in high school...the adult choir that sang every Sunday morning.  My friend, Susan, and I did that together.  I'm not sure why they allowed me to be part of that beautiful choir, but I think I kept my slightly out of tune vocals very quiet so that they went unnoticed.  It still felt good being up there looking out into the congregation.  It felt peaceful and holy.

Martha and I both participated in Young Life.  I am pretty sure that was an activity that deeply impacted my life.  What an exciting way to learn about God....sitting on the floor in jeans and a flannel shirt singing praise songs led by my peers with their guitars and banjoes!  That is still my preferred method of worship.  Jim and I currently attend the contemporary service at our church.  I guess being a child of the 70s is a hard habit to break!

We also were active in MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) at Central United Methodist Church.  Steve and Rosa Linda were leaders when I was there.  They were young and exciting and were also instrumental in teaching me about right and wrong.  I realized that being a "good kid" could really be fun!  Steve even took me on my very first motorcycle ride.

I participated in many clubs and organizations throughout my school career.  As soon as I was old enough, I started attending Teen Club on the weekends.  It was such a cool way to see friends, dance, play ping-pong and just "hang out."  I think anyone growing up in Shelby during the 60s and 70s would have to agree that Teen Club was just about the coolest thing going!

I took art lessons from Bob Sheperd.  He was a local artist and teacher.  Some of his works hang in my home today.  He was amazing.  Later, I took art at The City Park.  I don't remember who taught there, but I remember learning  a lot!  By the time I got to high school, Ford McDonald was my teacher.  He really lit a fire under me!  I loved his classes and his crazy manner.  He was another talented Shelby artist.  These teachers probed deep and found a part of me that displayed a bit of talent and certainly an interest and a desire.  Art then became one of my fortes.

I worked during the summers and Christmas holidays.  I always loved working and earning my own money.  I felt so grown up and responsible.  I managed to fit this into my schedule as well.

Following Martha's lead 4 years prior, I was a debutante during my senior year in high school.  I think that this was the most enjoyable period of my teens.  Being a deb meant lots of themed parties, new clothes, getting to ask the boys out on dates, and meeting the debs from Kings Mountain and surrounding areas.  It took up a lot of time, but I managed to keep up my schoolwork and be a deb besides.  I didn't care so much for the "status" of being a deb.  I'm not sure I even realized what it meant....I just enjoyed all the fun that came along with it.

Martha and I both took piano lessons for many years.  I know that I took for 7 years.  One of the regrets I have in my life is that I didn't continue with the lessons.  But at the time, boys, other activities, school, church and all the things teenagers encounter took precedence over piano lessons.  It was time to quit, otherwise I am sure my parents would have been wasting their money.  During those 7 years, I did learn to read music and unlike my dancing and singing, I could actually play the piano.  I remember my first recital piece was entitled "Petite Ballerina."  Although I forgot the piece and kept repeating phrases, I did survive the recital and I find it a bit ironic now that I chose that piece.  I went on to raise a Petite Ballerina of my own!
Music is very important to me and I especially love piano music.  One day I'd like to hone up on my skills and have a piano in my home so that I can play.  I think that would entertain me almost as much as reading, cooking and arts and crafts do!

Mom may think she couldn't or wouldn't do what we do today as parents, but in reality she actually DID!  My sister and I were busy girls, and I am thankful to my parents for allowing us to have such a well-rounded upbringing.

When we started taking piano lessons, Mom and Dad bought a piano.  It is a beautiful piano and it still has a place in Mom's home.  Joseph and Madeline are automatically drawn to the piano whenever they visit.  They both have a love and ear for music.  They both learned to read music when they were in orchestra in school.  I think they really just have a love and passion for music and that drives them more than their directed learning of music. 
Mom's piano is sorely out of tune, but I can usually make out what Madeline or Joseph is playing when we are there.  Madeline tends to pull out the well-used Methodist Hymnal and plays old hymns.  Joseph just messes around on the piano,  as creating music is his "thing."

Not only is the piano a beautiful piece in mom's home, its bench is truly a work of art.  Soon after Mom and Dad purchased the piano, Mom had her friend, Winston, needlepoint a cover for the bench.  I don't know how it has maintained its beauty and clarity over the past 50 years or so that it has been in Mom's home, but it has.  It still looks like new.  Winston did a beautiful job on the needlepoint.  It is floral and the colors and design are magnificient. 
Winston was known in Shelby as THE needlepointer.  She had a real talent for the art and her creativity is evident in each piece she made.  Mom's piano bench cover is no exception.

Winston was a great friend of Mom's.  Mom had a lot of good friends, and as a kid I remember going to their homes and feeling so welcome.  Winston's casual laid-back way made her home one of the really comfortable places to visit.  She had two daughters almost the same ages as my sister and myself.  They were good friends and we always enjoyed playing together.
Mom and Dad did social activities and church activities with Winston and her husband, George.  They always had fun together too.  As families, ours meshed together nicely.
One thing I remember about going over to Winston's house was that she was SO FUNNY!  Her humor is the one thing I will remember most about her.  You were guaranteed a laugh or two each time you visited.

Whenever I sit on that beautiful piano bench and try to recollect some of the things I learned while taking piano lessons, I think of Winston and even the out of tune piano sounds like music to my ears.
Yes, Winston was a great and talented needlepointer, but I think more importantly, she was one of those good ole friends that will remain forever and always with us.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts.  I think Winston is one of those people.

Music to my ears

Beauty from Winston's hands

Sugar, Spice, Snips and Snails

Mom always says that had she known how wonderful being a grandmother was, she'd have done it sooner!  In fact, I think she has an embroidered pillow on the bed in the guest room that says something along that nature.

Mom has 1 granddaughter and 3 grandsons.  Being the mother of 2 girls, she never really knew a lot about the goings on of little boys.  When her first grandson, Joseph, was born she quickly learned! 
Everyone knows the old verse about girls being made of sugar and spice and everything nice and boys being made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails.  Honestly, that part about the boys seems sort of odd when you think about it.  I suppose the writer just wanted to think of something opposite of sugar and spice.....bits of snail and puppy dog tails seems an odd choice to me, but snails and tails are slimy, dirty and a far cry from sugar and spice!

Joseph Porter Fitzpatrick has the great honor and distinction of being the first grandchild for Joe and Bea Porter.  I am pretty sure there has never been a set of grandparents more excited or proud!  There are probably plenty of grandparents out there who feel equally so, but none who could possibly surpass.

Joseph, of course, was a beautiful, sweet and well-behaved baby.  And he has grown into a fine young man who has maintained his sweet and peaceful disposition.  He never really fit the bill of the snips and snails and puppy dog tails.  Although he was "all boy," he didn't live up to the reputation of being wild and loud and unruly.  He was always able to entertain himself with whatever was at hand.  He, like myself, has never understood the sentence "I'm bored."
Joseph is a wonderful musician and artist.  He definitely inherited a creative gene.  His creative talents far surpass mine, but our passion for such creativity is shared mutually.

James Marshall Fitzpatrick came along a little more than 3 years later.  Now Mom had two of these male grandchildren, but by this time she was well aware and understanding of the goings on of little boys. 

Even though Jimmy and Joseph never acted wild or loud nor did they fight with each other, Jimmy did fit into the description of little boys being made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails!  In fact, I will never forget the time Jimmy came inside holding his hands palms up to me.  I couldn't figure out what all that unusual slime was all over his hands.  He proudly took me outside to show me all the slugs on the driveway that he had enjoyed picking up and squishing!  He was always very busy and seemed to be able to get dirty doing just about anything.
Jimmy is a wonderful golfer and he does get bored sometimes, but his disposition is calm and sweet and quiet (until he gets in a room full of talkative Fitzpatricks!)

We were quite busy with soccer games, church, school, basketball, junior golf, friends, birthday parties and all of the other things that keep parents of active boys busy.  Life was wonderful and those two boys brought a lot of joy to their parents, grandparents and a myriad of others.

After my dad, simply known then as Grandpop, passed away, some of the joy disappeared from our lives.  The boys continued to keep us busy and gave us a reason to experience that unconditional love that only children can evoke.  None of that changed....in fact, it actually became stronger and more important.  God has a way of reminding us of what is important from time to time.

My mom has always said that when God takes someone from our earthly lives, He does something wonderful in return.  We sort of view Madeline as one of those wonderful gifts.  
Jim and I always wanted to have three children, but the timing for that third child was never right.  After Daddy died, we agreed that life is too short and we felt that we didn't need to wait for some "perfect timing."  Madeline Mills Fitzpatrick was born and brightened a lot of lives.

Joseph and Jimmy both immediately became exemplary older brothers.  They were so attentive and helpful and never acted anyway towards Madeline other than proud and loving.
All three of my children still love to get together and laugh and have fun together.  It makes me happy to know that they stay in touch with one another and that they truly do love each other.  I know that my happiest moments are when I have the whole family together under one roof!

Madeline was sugar and spice and everything nice...she had no choice!  With pink being my favorite color anyway, having a little girl after two boys meant that pink was the color of choice.....or rather, no choice!  Grandma loved buying beautiful clothes for Madeline and I started a doll collection for her, as dolls were always my favorite things growing up.
But Madeline developed her own personality.  Yes, she is sugar and spice, but she definitely has a few snips of snails and puppy dog tails thrown in!  The fact that she is a dancer shows that.  Dance is an amazingly athletic feat which requires a lot of coordination and strength.  However, an audience sees grace and beauty when they watch a dance performance.
Although Madeline is the "baby" of the family, sometimes she acts the role of the matriarch.  Her sense of family is very strong, and I know she will always be there to take charge and get the ball rolling if need be!

And last, but not least, Porter Leland Yelton came into the world six years later.  Talk about a gift from God.....I know Martha and Bob were over the top excited as they had waited a long time for the experience of being parents.  Porter, like the other 3 grandchildren, was immediately loved and adored!  Madeline now had someone younger than herself to take charge of.  And that she did!

Even though we live in Florida and Porter lives in North Carolina, Martha and I made sure we got together often so that the cousins could really get to know each other.  Madeline and Porter grew exceptionally close and they remain that way today.  Joseph and Jimmy were already much older and out on their own, so they tell me often that they hate they missed really being deeply involved in Porter's growing up years.
My wish is that as adults, they can all be close.  And if we leave Madeline in charge, that is sure to happen.

Porter is about to turn 16.  Although he's the baby of the family, he's not a baby at all.  Watching him grow up and into the fine young man he is today has been one of the joys of my lifetime.  Porter and I share a special bond, and I hope it continues.  I know firsthand how special an aunt can be!

It is interesting that when one of Mom's grandchildren visits her, they often walk around the house and look at her things.  Mom has beautiful and interesting things in her home, and we all love to look at them.  Someone always points out the favorite piece that they like best.

Joseph always goes to a porcelain figurine of an oriental man.  It stands on the floor in Mom's living room.  It is a beautiful room, but probably the least used room in her home.  Why Joseph always gravitates towards this piece, I don't know.  I think Joseph's combination of being an artist and an avid reader explains some of this.  I know that while he enjoys reading and studying many topics, Eastern philosophy and religions have always been of interest to him.

I cannot walk into that room without immediately looking down at that Confucius-looking figurine and thinking of my son.  I guess it's a good thing since studies show that Confucius based his teachings on Chinese traditions and beliefs, which embraced strong familial loyalty, ancestor worship, and respect of elders by their children.  He also is credited to have said "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself," which is one of the earlier version of The Golden Rule....a rule we all try to abide by.  So the next time I hear the phrase "Confucius says......" I will think of family loyalty and respect.

The piece in Mom's house that most intrigues Jimmy probably is a result of his make up of snips of snails and puppy dog tails!  For some unknown reason, Mom has a brass figure of a snake swallowing a frog in her sunroom.  Jimmy always talks about this piece and he finds it interesting that she has such a thing in her lovely home, especially knowing her dislike of snakes, other reptiles, and anything creepy-crawly.  I think when she bought that piece, Daddy and all the rest of us thought she was off her rocker just a bit!  This frog-swallowing snake will find its place in Jimmy's home one day I'm sure.  It will be a reminder of one of Mom's wilder and crazier moments, and also a reminder that little boys are indeed made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails.

Porter has taken a liking to Mom's beautiful Swarovski crystal......in particular the larger pieces and even more precisely a large Swarovski pineapple with a golden top.  I must say, Porter has excellent taste which can probably be attributed to his mother.  Martha loved all things elegant, artistic and unusual.  I'm sure that all the wonderful pieces in her home also have stories to tell!  Swarovski crystal dates back as far as 1892 and its craftsmanship, quality and beauty are unsurpassed.  This Swarovski pineapple sits in Mom's foyer and when the light is right, it sparkles and glistens and could be an attraction to most anyone.  The foyer is an appropriate home for a piece such as this since the pineapple has been associated through the years as a symbol of welcome.  I suppose one day when I see this pineapple in Porter's home I will think of Mom and I will feel welcomed.  In the past and still today, the pineapple symbolizes family affection for home gatherings.  There is certainly nothing more inviting to me than a home gathering and what it represents.  I look forward to everyone gathering at Porter's house one day.

And last but not least comes the object that Madeline is attracted to when she visits Grandma's home.  Unlike the boys who have chosen a piece that they like and admire and would enjoy displaying in their own homes some day, Madeline is drawn to a piece that she really doesn't care for at all. 

One would think that clowns represent fun, comedy and happiness.  Madeline has always been a class clown and the biggest clown in our family, yet she has a different opinion of clowns.  She finds them frightening!  Madeline has never been a kid who enjoyed "dressed up" characters.  She shies away from the characters who want to shake your hand and give you a hug at Disney World and other theme parks.  She never wanted to sit on Santa's lap or visit the Easter bunny at the mall.  And she certainly never wanted to be approached by a clown!  Again, this seems to be unusual behavior for a girl whose passion is dance and performing.  Since she was a little girl she has dressed in costumes and make-up.  I guess she doesn't mind this for herself, but when faced with costumed characters out of her element, she cares to have nothing to do with them!

Mom has a statue of a clown head on the counter in the bathroom.  This bathroom is right across the hall from the bedroom Madeline always stays in when she visits Shelby, so she keeps her things in there and uses that room.  When Madeline began encountering this statue, she would turn the clown head so that his face was not showing.  Now that she is a college graduate and living on her own in Philadelphia, I guess she has decided to face her fear.  She no longer turns the clown around, but I notice sometimes it has been pushed back away from her things!  I often wonder if I will see that clown displayed in Madeline's home one day.  If so, I think it will symbolize a journey of growth and change.  And always it will remind me of Mom and visiting her home in Shelby.

I am glad Mom has had so many years of enjoyment of being a grandmother. I hope she has many more.  Perhaps at some time that embroidered pillow will wind up at MY house.  Then I will be anxious to hear what Mom has to say about the joys of being a great-grandmother!  Maybe one day.



Confuscius Says......



Creepy-Crawly

Funny or Fearsome?

WELCOME



Sisters are Timeless

Everyone has a special someone in their life.  It might be a person who taught them about their favorite hobby.  It might be a person who took them somewhere special.  It might be a person who gave them things like no one else ever gave them.  Often your special person isn't the someone others were expecting.

I am one of those fortunate enough to have many special people in my life.  But there is one special person in my life who has made a unique impact on me.  She passed away this year.  Despite all the comments about how old she was and how she had a great life and that she died peacefully, I felt a sorrow at her passing that is inexplicable.  I loved my Aunt Jessie in a way that others may never understand.

Jessie was one of the most elegant ladies I ever knew.  From as far back as I can remember, I thought she was beautiful, stately, well-spoken, and kind.  She had a regal-ness about her.  I held her in the highest regard.

Jessie loved her family to a fault.  Sometimes we wondered why she did certain things....or rather, why she DIDN'T do certain things.  I think Jessie was more like Jesus than most people I know.  ("Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."  Philippians 2:4).

She chose to put others before herself at all times and at any cost.  If you were family and you needed something, Jessie was definitely your go-to person!

The best part about Jessie was her humbleness.  She didn't need or expect to be thanked for the things she did.  She truly did not understand why anyone would want to thank her.  In her mind, she was simply doing what she was put on earth to do.
My mom truly looked up to her older sister.  I know this because Mom credits a lot of her blessings to Jessie.  I also know this because Mom couldn't help but be influenced by this wonderful woman.  You see, my mom is really like Jessie in so many ways.  Especially those ways that are kind and generous and good.

I think sisters have a bond that is only understood by sisters.  I know my sister and I shared that bond.  As much as we might have been different in some ways, we had a common thread that held us together.  There are things only a sister needs to know and there are times when only a sister can be your go-to person.

When Martha married Bob, I was the Matron-of-Honor.  It was my first time to be given that honorable title.  So, at the wedding reception, I chose to make a toast to the newlyweds.  In my toast I quoted the framed saying that I had given to Martha some years prior.  This saying has hung in both our homes, as she also gave it to me.  Today it has a place of honor in my kitchen.  It goes like this: 

We shared many secrets,

the same Mom and Dad.

We shared lots of good times.

Don't think of the bad.

Our memories we'll cherish,

with love without end.

I'm glad you're my sister...

I'm glad you're my friend.

I don't think Mom and Jessie had this hanging in their homes, but I'm sure they shared the sentiment.

I started this blog to record the stories behind the things in Mom's home.  Jessie is the reason behind several of them, but the one I wanted to write about is a clock.  This clock is very ornate.  It is porcelain and PINK.  I think that is why I was so attracted to it as a young girl.  You see, pink was (and still is) my favorite color.

Growing up, my bedroom was painted pink.  My little personal bathroom had a pink sink, pink toilet, and pink tiles...on the walls and in the shower.  And the best part of this, Jessie and her husband had the house built that I grew up in.  Sometimes I feel guilty about that house.  Mom always wanted to build her dream home.  She and Daddy bought a lot.  They planted pine trees on that lot.  They had an architect draw up plans for the house that was going to be built on that lot.  Poor Mom lost out on that dream.  Jessie and her husband were going to put their house on the market and move to a different location in Shelby.  Martha, Daddy and I begged Mom to buy Jessie's house.  We loved it.  I thought it was beautiful and elegant like Jessie, and I remembered so many good times in that house.  Plus, at 8 years old, building a new house meant nothing to me.  Moving into Jessie's house...now that was SOMETHING!  So, Mom being a sport, gave in to our requests, gave up building her dream home, and we all lived happily ever after on Ridgeview Drive.  The stories I could tell about those years are countless!

When Jessie's husband passed away, she stayed with us for a while....in the very house that they had built and lived in for many years.  Jessie shared my pink bedroom with me.  I had twin beds and I was more than thrilled to be having a long sleepover with this woman whom I admired and loved so very much.  I had never shared a bedroom before except for a week at summer camp, so this was a new adventure for me!

But back to Jessie and the clock.  I really loved the clock.  It had so much to look at!  I thought it was elegant.  And did I mention, it was pink?  I commented on it every time I went to visit Jessie.  Being Jessie, she remembered how much I loved the clock, so when she had to move out of her home and into a retirement home, she told me to take the clock.  She told me it was mine.  She said it had been mine since I first admired it.  Wow.  That is incredibly special.

So, I packed up the clock.  It was bittersweet.  I was thrilled to be the owner of this clock, but I was sad that the reason it was now mine was because Jessie was moving and had to downsize....do away with some of her things.  But you know, Jessie never cared about things.  I don't really care about things either, but I am glad the clock is mine.  It is a forever reminder to me of Jessie.  It reminds me of the times I visited her and commented on the beautiful clock in her living room.

This clock now resides in Mom's living room.  When I was given the clock by Jessie, I realized how much it didn't "go" in my Florida home.  I also realized how difficult it would be to transport to Florida.  But mostly I realized how it looked like it was made for Mom's living room!  We agreed that this would be its home until I was ready for it.  It looks perfect and beautiful in Mom's living room.  I still think of Jessie every time I see it.  I know one day I will transport it to Florida.  And I promise, it will find a place in my home even if it has to sit next to a statute of a pelican or a heron.  After all, it is a piece of me and my history.  It is a reminder of sisters and what is really important in life.

I've always heard that good art doesn't have to match the sofa.  Well, who's to say that a beautiful ornate clock has to match its surroundings?

One day, I am hoping that Madeline or Jimmy or Joseph might want this clock.  It is not only a timepiece, but it and its sentiment are timeless.

And memories are made of this.



Beautifully displayed clock in Mom's living room



Gorgeous!  I love it.

So Many Books, So Little Time

I've often seen a bumper sticker that says "If you can read this, thank a teacher."  I definitely want to thank my teachers.  From the moment I learned how to read, I have never been without at least one book on my nightstand that I am currently reading.  Reading is one of my most favorite pastimes.

Growing up in Shelby, one of the highlights of the week was going to the public library.  Mom got a library card for me as soon as she realized how much I looked forward to our Saturday morning visits to the library.  Unlike today's library visists, at that time we were limited to checking out 6 books.  I would peruse the shelves, choose my 6 books....usually "Madeline" books, Dr. Suess books, or books about cats.  As I got a little older, The Boxcar Children became my best imaginary friends.  I was amazed by those stories!
Anyway, we would go home and I'd proudly show Daddy my 6 books.  I would look at their covers and stack and restack them.  Then I would finally decide to crack one open and begin reading it.  After that moment, I was doomed!  I would whiz through all 6 books usually before time to wash and roll my hair and lay out my clothes for church the next morning.  It was a bittersweet time as I was enamored by the books, but I knew I'd have to wait all the way until the next Saturday before I could go to the library to get more books!  So I would re-read them.  I would read them aloud to my dolls. I would sit on the floor and flip through the pages and read them silently to myself.  I would play "school" and read them to my imaginary students.  I would then put on my pjs, kiss everyone goodnight, get in my bed, say my prayers, and pick up my books and read them again in the dim light shed by my trusty nightlight.  By the end of the week, I would have practically memorized each book!

I guess I wasn't the only one in the family who liked books.  While I was recently at mom's snapping photographs, I had to take a picture of her floor-to-ceiling bookcases in the family room.  Those shelves are packed with books.....and memories!  I never fail to look at the books and pull a few off the shelves each time I visit.  Through the years the collection of books has ebbed and flowed.  I will take some off the shelves from time to time and bring them to Florida.  I know my son, Joseph, pilfers a few tomes each time he goes to see Grandma!  Joseph is an avid reader and sometimes he reads stuff I just can't understand.  His mind is a sponge and he loves to soak up all sorts of information.  I suppose that is why there are so many different types of books published.
Mom's bookshelves house current novels by John Grishom, James Patterson, and Nicholas Sparks.  There are several biographies, as that is what Mom enjoys reading most.  Plenty of poetry books, both old and newer are on those shelves.  We always laugh when we see the big, heavy medical books on Urology!  Homer added those to the collection.  Seeing them on the shelf makes me smile as I think of Homer and what a wonderful addition to our family he was for 13 short years.  His stories, many prompted by his study of Urology, often had us practically rolling in the floor!
Mom's bookshelves also are home to little "gift" books as I call them.  These are books about Moms, Grandmoms, Best Friends, special Dads, or Inspirational Quotes.  We all enjoy giving and receiving those books from time to time.
There are books about history, in particular World War II.  Both Daddy and Homer were fans of those books.
On the shelves is the complete set of Nancy Drew Mysteries.  Martha read (and re-read) each of the books in this series.  She was completely enamored by Nancy Drew.  I never got the attraction, as I was more interested in books like "Nurses Who Led the Way" or as I mentioned, "The Boxcar Children."
One whole shelf is filled with the complete "World Book Encyclopedia."  I think they were purchased in 1962.  It was an investment in the education of Martha and me.  I know they were expensive, but Mom and Dad put a lot of emphasis on a good education.  They wanted us to have what we needed to ensure that.  One day I'm going to flip through those encyclopedia volumes and see how much the information seems to be outdated!  Those encyclopedias will be a collector's item one day.
There are many books about Christianity on the shelves.  Daddy wanted to make sure we all knew about Jesus and His love for us.  Those books definitely impacted my life and helped me with choices throughout my lifetime.

I couldn't help but spot a small metal box in the corner of one of the shelves.  It immediately sent a flood of memories through me.  That box has been in our family since before I was born!  The box was a set of very thin paperback pamphlet-like books that were educational in nature.  Each book was on a specific topic.  I remember reading those books many many times! Martha and I loved to use them to play "school" or "library."  I think my aunt Jessie purchased them for her son, Tony.  Tony is 16 years older than me and his things were often passed down to Martha and myself. 
I spent a long time going through this box.  I was amazed at how clean and neat the books were, considering how many people had used the books over and over again.  They didn't have any marks in them except a few where Martha decided to write her name on the front of some of them.  She also crossed through any of the ones that had Tony's name and then put her own name next to it.  There were just a few marks in the "Pioneering in Aviation" book.  I guess we will have to blame that one on Tony!
The little books were each called "Little Wonder Book." They were numbered, although the numbers and order seemed to have no logic.
The copyright dates in these books caught my attention.  The oldest were copyrighted in 1934.  Those were entitled "Coal" and "Navajo Indians."  I guess I can understand why those two might be the oldest in the set.  Most of the rest were copyrighted in 1946 with the exception of "Insects," which had a copyright date of 1948.  I remember it was one of my favorites.  I loved looking at the pictures of  the praying mantis, bee, butterfly and caterpillar.
One book, "Our Transportation"  had a couple of pages that were cut up.  Obviously, someone needed a picture for a school report or something!
The "Pioneering in Communication" book begins with the chapter entitled "Bob Breaks a Record."  It is about being able to SEE something in a newsreel!  I'm sure the author of that book would be blown away by our means of communication today!  That could take up several blogposts at another time!

And the best is always saved for last.  As I was about to pack up the little metal box full of Wonder Books, I saw stuck in the back of it some pamphlets.  I had to sit down and stifle some little snickers, even though I was in the house alone.  I found the information that Martha and I each received in 6th grade as we were taken into the auditorium WITHOUT BOYS to learn about the birds and the bees!  Martha's booklets were called "You're a Young Lady Now" and "Very Personally Yours."  I received more booklets and mine were entitled "Growing Up and Liking It," "Getting to Know Yourself," "It's Time You Knew," and "Accent on You..."  I guess 4 years is a lot of time and our progressive thinking was easing it's way into the Women's Liberation Movement!
Today's youth learn about the birds and the bees before 6th grade, and I'm pretty sure they don't separate the boys and girls any more!

There are truly so many books, and so little time.  One of the best things about books is that they are there for us to read, re-read and pass down through the generations.  Memories, and remembrances, are made of this.








One side of bookshelves



The other side



Little Wonder Books

So much to learn about!



Martha's Important Information

And my important information



Creativity and All That It Implies

My mom often says she can't do anything.  She doesn't say it to be pathetic or get attention.  She says it very matter of factly.  I always laugh when she says it, knowing just how wrong she is.

I must admit that I love to do and make lots of things......probably too many things!  All types of arts and crafts keep me busy for hours.  They also keep me up all night!  I'm either engrossed in a project way past bedtime, or I'm lying in bed thinking up yet another project that I want to attempt.
Martha always told people that if something was handmade, they needn't ask who did it.  She simply told them that the answer would inevitably be 'Mary.' I always laughed when she said this, knowing just how wrong she was.

On my most recent visit to Shelby, I carefully chose a project I could take with me that would be easy to transport and easy to work on since I would be out of my element and away from my abundantly stocked supply of materials.  Since I love autumn and its colors, foods, activities, and holidays, I decided to take the makings for Halloween and Thanksgiving greeting cards.

The first time I decided I to pull out my supplies, I spread them on Mom's breakfast room table right next to the scorepad and deck of cards that she uses to play gin rummy with her friend every day (see, there's one thing she does and does well!)  I began making my first card and had decided on a Halloween theme with jack o'lanterns and ghosts.  Mom walked by and I told her to sit down so that she could join me in my card making.  Sure that she would laugh and tell me no, my mouth dropped open when I heard her say "okay" as she smiled and pulled out a chair.  She sat down, looked at my card and asked if she could copy it!  I told her that she could, and she grabbed a blank card, some stickers, a glue stick and went to town!  She actually didn't copy mine, as she let her own creativity take over.  She did quite well and was very proud of herself.  She immediately took it back to her bedroom, wrote a note in it to her dear friends Barbara and Dick, put it in an envelope, stamped it and came back anxious to make one for her friend from church who also makes her own greeting cards and has many creative talents.  I never even saw the completed version of that card because Mom followed the same routine......walked back to the bedroom, wrote a note and got it ready to mail.  She surely doesn't waste any time!
That was the end of Mom's greeting card creations, but I am pretty sure she enjoyed it while it lasted!  I went on to make about 40 cards over the next few days.  I never seem to tire of it.

All of this leads to the photographs I took of Mom's house and her household "things."  Things to me are not merely things, rather they symbolize some period of time within a lifetime. 
I moved all my craft supplies out to the sunroom because I knew about those late afternoon games of gin rummy, and I had to clear up the table for that! 
Mom's sunroom is such a special place.  I think it's my favorite room in her house.  I love the outdoors and the sunshine so the sunroom with all its windows lets me enjoy the beauty of the backyard, the trees, the birds, and the sun shining in.  Needless to say, it was a pleasurable place to put my creativity to work.

Out in the sunroom I looked around at all the things Mom has put in that room to enhance the decor.  There are several of my handmade things in that room.  One piece hanging on the wall is a framed needlework picture of a deer in the forest drinking from a stream.  Another is a needlepoint scene of some wild ducks in flight.  It has been made into a throw pillow.  These pieces brought back memories of the hours and hours and hours I used to spend doing needlepoint and cross-stitch.  I remember Jim saying to me during the early years of our marriage that he forgot what my face looked like because it was always either buried in a book or into a piece of needlework!  That was a happy and simple time in my life that I love to remember.

I also saw the painted cement figures of a frog and a turtle on the floor of the room.  I can't believe Mom still has them and still finds them attractive enough to display in this beautiful room.  I guess she is just sentimental like me!  I painted those figures when I was a teenager.  I did them for the sunroom we added on to our home on Ridgeview Drive.  This is the home I grew up in.  That sunroom reminds me of many happy times, including my wedding reception, which was held at our home.  Many of the guests were drawn to that room and out onto the patio.  I guess they had the same feelings that I do about the beautiful outdoors.

When I painted these cement creatures, I don't think I imagined how many smiles they would evoke over the 40+ years they have been displayed in my mom's homes.  Maybe one day I will have grandchildren to whom I can show these figures and watch them smile.  I imagine that too will be a happy and simple time in my life that I can look forward to.

After smiling at this reptile and this amphibian with chipped paint and some scratches here and there, I spied a throw pillow on the loveseat.  It is a simple and beautiful cross-stitch with little butterfly-like designs that says "I love you."  I didn't make this one.  My sister, Martha, made it.  She shouldn't have told everyone that I was the only one in the family with the creative gene. 

Mom's talents don't stop with the creation of a couple of Halloween cards nor did Martha's creativity stop with a simple piece of cross-stitch.  Through the years these two dynamic women's talents and creativity surfaced and showed their faces far more times that I can count.

And I love you too, Martha.




 

Craft supplies spread out and ready to go!



Needlework by Mary




Needlepoint by Mary




Rib-It!




No worse for wear!




I LOVE YOU



Memories Are Made of This

After a recent visit to my hometown of Shelby, NC, I was feeling a bit melancholy and overwhelmed by the thought of my Mom's house possibly being "dismantled" one of these days.  During that trip, I attended the funeral of one of my high school classmates.  I had heard about the auctioning off of the items from his childhood home.  I also spent some time with my cousin as she was packing up her parents' home and all of its contents.  We shared some laughs and some tears as we went through boxes of old photographs of our Dads, but that can be another blog one day!  All of these things reminded me of our own mortality, which led me think about Mom's home and her "stuff."  I was fretting over not having the proper space in my home for all the things that evoke memories and sentiment from my Mom's house.  I don't want to ever forget.

I was sharing all these frustrated thoughts with my friend Sally.  She is a fantastic blogger and I look forward to her blogs each time she posts a new one.  She suggested to me that I photograph some of the things in my Mom's house and write a blog about the stories behind them.  That way I would always have something tangible to help jog my memories of Mom, Dad, Martha, family, life in Shelby and all those wonderful times in my life.
I now think Sally is not only a great friend and fantastic blogger, but also a genius for thinking of this venture!

Time restraints made me hesitate about starting this blog, but I quickly got over that as I reminded myself just how precious time is and how our days are numbered.  This is just one more thing I will do with my time and I will do so lovingly and with excitement!  Recording these stories will be such a great reminder of how time has been spent in my life and the lives of those who have gone before me.

Two days after my discussion of a blog with Sally, Mom left to run some errands. The house was empty and quiet so I got out my Kodak EasyShare camera and began my journey through her home!  As I snapped the shots I was instantly flooded with so many memories.  I also realized that I had forgotten many details which made me think of numerous questions.  I will have to ask Mom to help answer some of those questions.   Hopefully she will remember.....between the two of us, we should come up with some good "stories!"

Although I did not grow up in the house Mom has lived in for the past 31 years,  I did grow up with so many of the knick-knacks, artwork, books, furniture, old photographs, handmade items, etc. that she has in this house. 
After all, isn't that what makes a house and home and isn't that what memories are made of?


Back of Mom's house