Boxes... family... blessings...

Today my family did what families are supposed to do, we helped one of our own. My younger brother has recently accepted a managerial position at a Ruby Tuesday's out of town and had to move. ( Ruby Tuesday's has very good food, including the best salad bar I've ever been to, you might want to check it out at http://www.rubytuesday.com/.)

Yesterday afternoon my sibling received his keys and the word went out that the move was on for today. Dad drove the U Haul, I carried little things, my aunt kept the doorway dry and my older brother and my husband carried all the heavy things.

My younger brother? (This would be me chuckling slightly... he had to work... yup... we moved him without his presence.) I'd like to tell you we didn't do anything silly but, I must confess that in addition to the boxes carefully carried in, his older sister did put two empty Diet Coke bottles in his refrigerator. I laughed when I found them in his old home and figured they needed to move with him.

While we worked, we all laughed and talked. Though moving is not amusing, it sure is a better way to gather family than a funeral. With all my heart, I am so glad to be blessed with kind people who love me. I am so happy to have people to love.

What a blessing it is to have family.

Life is good.

This day and always, I pray for you. That you are blessed. May you have peace in your heart and family to love you.

Tomorrow is moving day!

Tomorrow is the big day.

I'm sitting here for a moment or two pausing and trying remain calm. I have so much to do that I'm a little stressed... All right, a lot stressed but let's not tell anyone... it can be our little secret!

My favorite packing tools at the moment are white garbage bags. There is nothing like the last "rush" to make you rethink what you really want to keep.

Do I really need those old candy molds? What about that cute dust catcher that sits on the top of the t.v.? Nah... At almost nine at night I'm becoming almost Spartan in my outlook. It's a good thing all the important stuff is already packed because I just might rethink it as well.

I am so grateful for all my family and friends who are coming to help me tomorrow.

Good, loving people who have so many other things they could be doing with their weekend.

They are generous and kind; I am overwhelmed by their friendship. I pray that I will be the friend they need as well.

I hope for you tonight, that you are blessed with loving friends who reach out and help you even when it is not convenient, even when the task at hand is not easy.

I pray that your life may become a beautiful adventure.
That you are never without a map to guide you.
That you always have company for the road.

May you be blessed,
Today...
Tomorrow...
Forever...

The gardens are moved...

Sixty pavers made their way into two cars aided by three adults and one dear daughter.

Now they are nestled around the front and side of my new home and stand ready to be filled with dirt.

Hanging baskets...

little rabbits...

porch boxes...

even my fire pit...

all made the transition.

Now, back at the old house I sit,

still and quiet.

typing...

thinking...

Taking only the two smaller gardens means that I've decided that only my grandmother's black-eyed Susan's are coming with me.

All the rest can stay.

As one of my friends suggested, my gardens are fresh canvases.

What an apt way of describing the opportunity before me.

I hope that when you are given a chance for a new start,

whether it is a new job, a new hobby or a new friendship,

that you will find the strength to embrace the possibilities that are before you.

I have always liked the idea that when a door closes that somewhere one opens.

I think the sentiment holds truth.

Tonight, may you find peace.

The future is uncertain for us all.

Yet, we are promised we are not alone.

Embrace this truth.

Walk on with confidence.

We are blessed!

Scurrying about!

The last few days have been quite productive. Next weekend I move and I have been scurrying about taking care of all the last minute details.

I've bought renters' insurance, copied my dog's shot record for my new landlord's management company and I've even purchased new door locks for the bedrooms and bath. For some reason, not a single door has a "pop lock". I don't know about you, but I for one like to shower and dress in relative peace!

I spent today with my parents as we ran errands and enjoyed each other's company. Patient and kind, I believe they could stand in an earthquake and only the ground would tremble. It is from them that I learned faith and trust.

Though my father is a retired pastor and my mom's been part of more church events than anyone I know, it has been their lives, not their words that have impressed me.

They are the kind of people you meet in Hallmark movies or read about in inspirational novels. Retirement age, they have spent their whole lives in the service of their Lord and their fellow man. Materially, they have nothing to show for it. And yet... they are the richest people I know.

The woman, who used to give me her cup of orange juice because I wanted more and there wasn't any extra, is in poor health and often in pain. Yet, she calls me to see if I need anything!

The man, who is hands down the most honorable person I have ever met, is also one of the most understanding and kind individuals you would ever meet.

Tonight, I have a simple wish for you....

I pray that you will be fortunate to encounter people like my parents. They are the type of people that make you know the world is still beautiful even when it seems rainy from where you are standing.

May your life be filled with the honesty and kindness modeled before me my whole life.

Not perfection... true people who do make mistakes... good people who live what they believe...

May you be blessed.

Ready to go!

This afternoon I dismantled my two smaller flower gardens!

Now sixty cement pavers stand in lines awaiting transport to their new home.

An angel, a turtle, a frog and even a couple of bunnies await reassignment.

...a birdbath and a trellis...

...some planters and garden rocks....

...Hanging pots and lawn furniture all stand ready....

A satisfying collection of happy things...
...good memories to take with me...
....flowers from loved ones long gone and from cherished friends who still make me smile daily...

A garden is a place of growth.

I wish for you...

I wish for me...

That this will be a season of growing for us all.

Of beauty...

Of happiness...

Of new beginnings!