Sister Time On The Island

Sometimes you just need to escape with people who love you back, so on Thursday, I sent a text to my two sisters asking if they would be interested in a short getaway to Galveston—all expenses paid. They both said yes, so around noon on Friday, off we went to my favorite hotel on the Island, the San Luis Resort.

After a quick freshening up at the hotel, we headed to one of our favorite dining spots, Fisherman's Wharf. It was unusually quiet inside the restaurant, and between our slurps and bites, we laughed like school girls and enjoyed the view outside our window.

Afterwards, back at the hotel, I brewed a cup of coffee, donned my hoodie and retreated to the patio. The wind was gusty and cool, but nothing could mar the calming effect of the waves crashing to the shore.

While I tried to comprehend the greatness of a Creator who spoke the world into existence in six days, I received a text from a longtime friend who knows the personal heartache I carry: "Always know, the sun still shines behind every cloud. We only have one chance at life on God's beautiful planet earth. Live it to the fullest and make the best of every day, in spite of all. Bless you, dear friend. I love you." Her words touched my soul, and I was grateful for friends who genuinely care when I am hurting.

Later, as daylight slipped away and dusk fell across the Island, the sun suddenly broke through the clouds in a stunning descent westward. I remembered my friend's timely words and stared in awe at the Creator's matchless handiwork. Not only did I have sisters who love me back, I had a Creator who loved me to the cross and back. Even on the cloudiest of days, I am blessed beyond measure. ♦

Joining:
Mosaic Monday
Outdoor Wednesday
Share Your Cup Thursday

A Spontaneous Getaway to the Seashore

The sea has a way of lifting my head and lightening my load, so I made a quick getaway to the Island on Labor Day. It was a last-minute decision, and I was happy twin sister was able to join me. She makes everything better without saying a word.

Sitting on the beach, listening to the waves roll in, I considered the seagulls standing on the shore. Day, after day, they come, and day, after day, they find what they need to sustain them. Knowing I am more valuable than many seagulls to the one who made me brought a renewed sense of peace to my soul.

Dinner was fried oysters at one of our favorite spots.

Back at the hotel, coffee and dessert was served on the balcony. 

And as the evening sun painted glorious hues around us, I thanked the Creator for the priceless gift of another day.

Joining Outdoor Wednesday

The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself in 2015

A few days before the new year, big sister and hubby invited me to escape with them to Galveston Island. Although the weather turned rainy and cold before we left, the time away was exactly what I needed: Stress-free days with people who love me. It was also a time of inward reflection, counting blessings, looking forward—those things I do as one year ends and a new one unfolds.

During breakfast one morning, in the cafe downstairs, an older couple came in with a woman in a wheelchair. By all appearances, she was their adult daughter. About 40 years old, and very disabled. Her head was tilted to the right. Her eyes were opened wide, and her mouth never closed. There was no sign of understanding from her. No sounds of any kind. No movements. Just sitting and staring.

As the dad pushed her by our table, bumping into a few chairs along the way, he chuckled and said they were "used to that." My sister and I looked at each other. No words were needed. We knew how blessed we were with healthy adult daughters, living on their own.

Later that evening, in the lobby, a male trio played jazz music for guests of the hotel. A few feet in front of the piano sat the disabled girl in her wheelchair, her mother close by. 

At one point, the musicians took a break, and as casual chatter ensued, the piano player walked over and kissed the silent girl on the forehead. Only then did I recognize him as the same man who had pushed her into the cafe that morning, bumping into chairs as they settled in. Who would've known this gifted musician, spreading joy in such a masterful way, was the father of a severely disabled child? I wondered if I would be so strong. I think I would cry every day. But not this man. Somewhere in time, he had made peace with his challenging circumstances, and had moved on with his life.

As the music resumed, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's instructions to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. He didn't say we should be thankful for all circumstances, but we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Even without a disabled child, giving thanks isn't always easy to do—we all know that. However, gratitude is a glorious gift we can give to ourselves.

Melody Beattie describes it this way: "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Chances are, life in 2015 won't be without heartaches and sighs. However, if gratitude can fill our hearts every day—sunrise to sunset—our lives will be full the whole year long. ♦

I'm linking to:

Imparting Grace - Grace at Home
Thought-Provoking Thursday
Spiritual Sundays

2013 ~ The Year in Pictures

Warning: This might be the longest blog you've ever scrolled through. But what can I say? It's been a big year.

Oddly enough, the past 12 months seemed to fly by, but the year itself seemed quite long to me. I know that makes no sense, but I have no explanation. Here is a look back on how 2013 unfolded.

In January, I accompanied Leslie to the doctor to determine the gender of her child. I would've been happy with a boy or a girl, but Leslie was rooting for a boy. When the nurse told us it was a girl, Leslie was disappointed. However, after a few days, she embraced the news and I'm sure she wouldn't trade Miss Audrey for a boy now. I first shared about Leslie's unconventional pregnancy here.

February found me doing what I love to do: Decorating! Leslie asked me to bring a feeling of "home" to her new apartment, and I was more than happy to oblige. I love how it all turned out.

After months of debating the issue, I bought a Nikon D3100, and on a balmy day in March, me and Ann (my camera buff friend) enjoyed the early blooms at the nearby botanical gardens.

As April evolved, I attended a mass baby shower with Leslie. It's hosted by the Houston Fertility Institute, and the parents (and parents-to-be) of these much-loved and anticipated children come and celebrate their miracles together. It was quite inspirational. Here is Leslie, posing with Dr. Griffith and Dr. Williams, two amazing physicians at the Institute.

I also tried my hand at furniture refinishing. I bought this dull and boring coffee table for $20 at Goodwill...

...and transformed it into a gleaming, bright, useful piece.

May was a busy, busy month. Leslie's baby shower turned out to be perfect, despite an unexpected detour. The whole story is here.

...and I spent some time enjoying summer's bounty, along with my sweet grandniece, my spoiled grand dog, and a little DIY for my granddaughter's room.

I also celebrated Mother's Day with my dear mother. We tried out a new hamburger place in town, and the one you see here was the best burger I've ever eaten. Divine!


My beautiful niece celebrates a birthday in May, so I hosted her birthday dinner as well.

Without question though, June was THE month of the year. After many hours of painting and preparing a room for my new granddaughter, it finally came together. The coffee table fit right in, and the $35 chest of drawers was a great find.

But other exciting changes came in June...

After years of hating my kitchen cabinets, I called a contractor and did something about it. I LOVE how they turned out, and they continue to bring me joy on a daily basis.

And then...

On Tuesday, June 18th, Miss Audrey Emeline (pronounced Emma-Line) made her debut. I had just stepped out of my car at work when my daughter called and said, "I think it's time." Audrey came quickly and peacefully at 2:59 p.m. Nonni cut the cord, and fell head-over-heels in love. My initial blog about her birth is here.

Audrey made her first official appearance 10 days later at my other lovely niece's birthday dinner. She slept like an angel the entire time.

July got off to a grand start with BBQ, watermelon and family. A great combo during any month.

And the heat of August didn't seem so bad when divided by three. We've done "sister trips" in the past, and I was thrilled when we were all able to enjoy a few precious days on Galveston Island. I don't recall a happier, crazier time.

As the month came to a close, Miss Audrey popped in for a visit at work one day. Words can't tell how much I love this child.

Obviously, September was filled with "all things Audrey," including my first Grandparents Day. Memories for a lifetime.

Of course, October is birthday month for me and my beloved twin. Sadly, we couldn't celebrate together this year, but we both had memorable days.

 First here...

Then here.

As you can see, Dayle was far away, experiencing a little romance.

November is a time to give thanks, and we certainly did. My dear parents joined us for Thanksgiving Day, and how grateful we all are that Daddy is walking again and Mother remains healthy. Indeed, all the money in the world can't buy such riches.

December is birthday month for my one and only. If I close my eyes long enough, she is a little girl again. We celebrated her big day at my house with a requested brunch menu. I must say, the food was superb and sharing it with my family made it even better.

And that's how 2013 played out for me. Sure, there were days of personal storms and struggles to battle through, but every rain brought its own rainbow, and every struggle brought a renewed sense of strength. I hope your year was a good one, and I pray that 2014 is filled with promise and peace.  ♦

The Sisters Do Galveston

In the fall of 2007, I invited my sisters to join me on a road trip to the Smoky Mountains to stay in this little cabin "Absolute Tranquility."

It was a ton of fun, and we agreed that we should continue taking trips together as long as we are healthy and able.

Thankfully, we are still healthy and able, and I do believe our 2013 trip was the best one yet. As Big Sister put it, we've gone further and stayed longer, but we've never had a better time. Honestly. We laughed till we cried, and then laughed some more.

A big thanks to Stan for driving Cloud 9 (his and Dayle's RV) to Galveston and turning us loose in it for a few days. Here are a few pictures (and a long, rambling narrative) for those of you with a spark of interest and some time on your hands.

After the RV was parked and situated, we all piled into the car and headed to one of our favorite seafood spots for a late lunch with the guys before they returned home. It was delicious, as usual.

The next few hours were occupied with settling into our wheels by the gulf, unloading suitcases, setting up camp, etc.

As evening approached, I headed to the beach for a time of sky gazing. The Master Artist knew I'd be there with camera in hand, of course. The colors were majestic in their own subtle way.

Friday started with rain and ended with rain, but we seized the sunshine in between and made it count. A little beach time, a little shopping time.

Dinner was at Fisherman's Wharf...

...and dessert was at Hey Mickey's Ice Cream!

My friend Ann recommended this place, and it was a big hit in a big way. Located near Stewart Beach, the outside was quaint and welcoming (as you can see above), and the moment we stepped inside, the smell of fresh-baked waffle cones had us swooning in the foyer.

Their ice-cream is freshly homemade, and after much tasting on my part, I finally settled on Almond Joy. In fact, we ALL selected Almond Joy. It was scrumptious! Thanks, Ann!

As the sun sank into the west, we returned to our gulf-side abode and decided to do some "sister posing" at the beach.

  

Our self-portraits are much like us—zany and unrehearsed—but we usually come away hee-hawing like crazed donkeys. This day was no exception.

Saturday, we dined at the Mosquito Cafe. I can't vouch for anything else they serve, but the Warm Goat Cheese Salad I ordered (with grilled chicken on top) was totally delectable. The house-made champagne vinaigrette made me smack my lips and ask for more. Oh, yum!

Saturday night, just when we thought things couldn't get any "funner," Matilda popped in for a visit. If you've never met Matilda, you have no idea. If you have met Matilda, then you know how wonderfully wild and woolly Matilda is. Maybe she'll greet her fellow bloggers in a video one day. I'm not holding my breath though. She's very busy.

Sunday morning, I woke at dawn and crept out of the RV, anxious to see the sunrise. Watching the glory of God unfold with the morning leaves me breathless every time. 



How grateful I am that God doesn't dwell in temples made by hand; He dwells in the praises of his people, the Bible says. And as I watched the sun climbing slowly in the east, heralding the start of a brand new day, my heart was filled with uninhibited praise.

I don't know what our next trip holds, but with my sisters, doing anything is fun. ♦