Hodgepodge-In-Law

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered this week's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then go say hi to your neighbor. March on!

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so?

Well my sweet mama is the obvious number one female influence in my life. How so? A million trillion ways beginning with how I mother my own children, the role faith plays in my everyday being, my love of books, the way I cook, the value, importance, and intent I put into home and family. I am my mother in so many ways. 

I feel lucky to have grown up beside a very dear neighbor, a woman who influenced me probably far more than she realized. I was a teenager and she was a young mom, and she was so special to me. When someone mentions Proverbs 31 she is the person who comes to mind. She was a woman of deep faith, gentle, warm, intelligent. 

She'd had a career prior to having children, but when I knew her she was in a season of parenting young children, completely devoted to her husband and girls. She found great joy and personal contentment in being a wife and mom, and this was a message my longing heart needed to hear. She had more patience than anyone I've ever known, and the way she lived her life inspired me to be my best self. 

Finally, I'm going to say my daughters. They amaze me on a regular basis and make me want to be everything they think I am.  

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men?

Killing spiders and dealing with rodents falls under hubs domain, so there's that.  I'm not sure easier is the word I'd choose. I think we have it 'differently' than men, not neccesarily easier or harder. When I think about how our marriage works I struggle to articulate what it is I find so freeing about the fact that we are different. Every man-woman relationship stands on it's own, so I'm not generalizing here, but...

When the world threatens to overwhelm, when it all feels too fragile for my heart to hold, I know I can hand it off to my hubs and he knows what to do with it. Mend it, save it, fix it, change it, take charge of it. I think men feel the weight of that sort of 'hand-off' in ways women don't. 

Will an illustration help? How about this-if we're standing on the edge of a cliff and one of us has to jump, he'll be the one to jump. He'll do it without me asking, prompting, or pushing because of that weight I just mentioned. 

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace?

Thankfully we don't ever really have to choose, but if I'm picking one for today it's hope.  I cannot imagine living a single day without hope. 

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why?

Well I might collect beautiful pottery. Not on purpose really, but I have a hard time passing by a pretty dish, platter, or pitcher without picking it up, looking closer, and quite often buying.

I don't make a point of collecting, or adding to what I already have, or telling people I collect it. I just really enjoy looking at beautiful pottery all around the world and buying a piece now and then. Adding it to my 'collection'. 

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

It depends on what we're striping, plaiding, checking or dotting. I like a tartan plaid throw on a couch by the fire. I like checks and stripes in decorating, but again it depends on many other factors. I have a couple of plaid shirts, and several with stripes (vertical only please). There's something really happy about polka dots, and I do have a sweater that's polka dotted, but mostly I like them on bags, gift wrap, that sort of thing. 

This question is too hard. I can't choose a favorite. 

6.  In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?

I still wear my rose colored glasses. They're a bit scuffed and scratched in 2016, but I continue to see the world from a glass half full point of view. 

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?

I always enjoy the word-related categories. Shocking I know, but words are my jam. I like idioms and proverbs, phrase origins, quotes, separated by a common language, homonyms, rhyming words, grammar and language and other similar topics.  The word ace might be over-estimating my ability, but I don't think I'd hang my head in shame with these categories either.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of influential women...can we just discuss this picture for a moment? 

Look who's rockin' the plaid shorts-ha! Maybe I'll take back my answer to #5 and go with plaid after all. That's my mother-in-law wearing the striped top. 

We are so very young. 

It's the first thing that hits me when I look at this photograph. I have no idea what year it was taken, but I'm going with 1986. There's nothing in the background to give me a frame of reference, but those shorts definitely say 1986. 

As do my super skinny arms and my unadulterated brunette hair. 

Thirty years ago we sat in lounge chairs on a sunny summer day.
Relaxed. Chatting. Familiar. 

It's how I always picture us in my head. How I like to picture us still.  

My mother-in-law celebrates a big birthday this week, and I look forward to celebrating and spoiling her just a little. 

I got the best one y'all. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 258

It's that time again! Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then march back here tomorrow and add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so? 

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Monday. Let's Do This.

Good Monday morning everyone. First things first...temps are supposed to be in the 70's all week, or at least the high 60's. You know when I say first things first I'm going to talk weather. We need one whole entire completely dry week here and it looks like we might-maybe-could get that.

As you know hubs is a working man these days, and spends a chunk of his week in another city. Consequently he's hovering at the building site a lot less, which causes him no end of frustration.  I think it's actually better because when you're not observing the progress nail by nail and board by board it feels like there's more of it.

Not enough because still no roof, but we do have framing and stairs and almost a roof. They're getting ready to add the roof. I think? Sometime.

That's pretty much what I
want to knowknow when it comes to our home build schedule.

We went out to the lot over the weekend and checked progress. Here we are standing in front of a window in our master bedroom. That view y'all...

I might never leave this room.

Also, we still haven't mastered the art of the selfie.

On Saturday the Southern Home and Garden show was at the Convention Center in town, so hubs and I spent a few hours checking out the vendors there.  Vendors which included the Greyhound Adoption group, because every home needs a greyhound?

When we pass people walking their dogs hubs will look at me and say something like, 'Now those people, they have a full life'. Ha! He's trying to wear me down, but I'm just not ready to add a dog to our family. I know if I said so much as a maybe there would be a dog at the end of our bed tonight.

I have not said so much as a maybe.

Besides dogs, guess what else there's a lot of in a southern home and garden show? Information overload! We spoke to various people at the Home Show about the pros and cons of wood-fiberglass-steel-garage doors, the endless color choices and the detailed process employed in finishing off a garage floor, ceiling options for beneath the deck but above the patio, the pluses and minuses of natural hardwood flooring versus an engineered product, lighting, landscape features, life on Mars, and more.

At some point I just need to have lunch and think happy thoughts.

Like Downton Abbey, which is really a happy kind of sad. Sniff, sniff. I thought the show's ending was truly satisfying. My favorite storyline was Barrow, which is funny since I wanted him off the show at the end of Season 1. Hubs and I both recognize that Downton Abbey fed our need to have a little piece of England in our week, and we're wondering how we'll get that now that it's over???

I'm pretty sure a trip across the pond is the only answer. To steal a line from Dickie Merton...

'How perfectly marvelous' that sounds to me!

Thursday Thirteen. Ish.

What does one do when one feels like blogging, but doesn't have much to say? They blog anyway. And a list is always a good idea, especially on a Thursday.

Here's my thirteen somethings-

1. I've been browsing through my collection of scanned photographs for a little project here, and came across the absolute sweetest picture of my girlies when they were oh so small. I started to post it here, as a #hashtagthrowbackthursday #bestillmyheart, but they're in tiny swim suits and I started imagining the creepy crawlies all around the Internet and decided against it. Do you think about the creepy crawlies when you post pics online?

2.  I did find another swim related pic I can post, taken during this very same week in March, 2008-

Daughter2 and one of her best buds at a high school swim meet.

In Cairo.

I know! I love this last one...not a shot you see every day, and perhaps not what you imagine when you think Egyptian pyramids, but real life.

Pizza Hut and history.
High school swimmers need both.

6. Anyone notice what I did there? Totally legit.
Also, 2008 feels like a long time ago.

7.  Hubs is working from home today which is nice. A couple of weeks I ago I tagged along to NC with him, a quick couple of days on the tail end of our long weekend with friends. I met a blog friend for lunch one day, which was really fun. (Odom Party of Five) I think we started blogging about the same time, and we're both moms of adult daughters. So great to meet in person.

8. Here's a tip for making your Thursday more super than your Tuesday...steer clear of the news and social media. Other than my blog of course. You're safe reading here.

9.  I'm re-reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers this year, and every morning I remember how much I love this book. I bought the journal version since my copy is in storage and I like to journal in the morning. It's been in print since the early 30's, but is still relevant, convicting, and filled with wisdom for daily living in 2016.

10. What in the world am I making for dinner tonite???

11.  Tomorrow my son-in-law celebrates a birthday so whoohoo! I know my daughter will make him feel special and adored because he is. And she knows peanut butter is his love language so I'm sure she'll find a way to serve up some peanut butter in the form of cookies, cake, pie, or ice cream.

12.  This picture was taken the first time we met, August 2013. We spent the day in Annapolis and insisted the Army boy have his photo snapped in front of the Naval Academy. He agreed but under duress.

13. Also, it was the hottest day of the century and we were literally melting.  Well maybe not literally, but close to it.  My son-in-law is a good sport, and we capped off the day with a crab feast at our favorite spot-Cantlers.

Happy birthday dear Dr. Captain! I'm so glad you're family now, and I appreciate so very much the gentle love and care you show my girl. Your girl. Our girl.

 May the year ahead be filled with good health, lots of love, and all the joy your heart can hold.

And The Hodgepodge Goes To....

The Wednesday Hodgepodge is back in action this week, marching onward into a brand new month. Answer the questions on your own blog, then add your link at the end of my post. Hodgepodge links only please! Here we go-

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

Well it felt like I was chasing my tail all the ding dong day.  I had a long list of to-dos, but that list was derailed several times by small interruptions. Sometimes you just need to embrace the interruptions, so that's what I did. And hey, it was a bonus day anyway, right? 

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

My prayer life. 

3.  Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I generally read a little something before seeing a film, but am probably more persuaded by short trailers on TV. If a film is based on a book I'll definitely read the review first, because I don't like film makers messing with my book plots. 

I watched The Oscars, and honestly I thought the show was awful. In fact I think it gets a little bit worse every year.  This might not be a popular sentiment, but I really wish they'd stick to films and leave current events out of it. Can't we just be entertained? I feel the same way when sitcoms tackle heavy issues.  

I hadn't seen many of the nominated Best Pics this year, two so far although a couple more are on my to-see list. And I don't know if she was best dressed, but the dress I loved most was worn by Naomi Watts. I thought her whole look was perfection. 

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

I don't think I've had overnight houseguests since the Christmas holidays. This is very, very unusual for us as we typically have a steady stream. We do have an extra bedroom and bath in the apartment, but the living space is pretty cozy.  I think once the house is built we'll be back to our usual 'bookings', and hubs and I are excited about that. We love company. 

As far as tips for being a good houseguest...

-Let your hosts know how long you're staying. I don't care if it's three days or three weeks, but I want arrival and departure dates.  Also, unless you're my mother three weeks is too long. 
-A gift for the hostess is a thoughtful gesture. 
-Keep it tidy-make the bed and don't leave wet towels on the furniture

I tell my houseguests to make themselves at home, and I hope they know I mean that. 

5.  March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I am more of a peanut butter liker than a peanut butter lover. I'm not planning to celebrate, but I wouldn't turn down a home made peanut butter cookie either. 

6.  Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

I think failure is unavoidable in life, and it's how you handle it that's important. Failing means you had the courage to try. Go you! And if you keep trying you'll eventually achieve something, which I think you appreciate all the more because it didn't come easily. Failure builds character, it helps keep us humble. When we fail (and we will) we need to learn from criticism. We need to keep trying, keep hoping, and keep working hard. 

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." -Henry Ford

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

My mother-in-law is celebrating a big birthday this month and I'm looking forward to making her feel loved and appreciated. My mom is coming down from NJ to join in the fun, and I'm taking both moms, my big sister, and my Daughter2 to a Lifeway Women's Conference in Asheville.  I'm excited for the fabulous speaker line up (including Lisa Harper and Annie Downs), and especially the music (Natalie Grant and Christy Nockels). 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Some of you know my Daughter1 has a blog and she's adorable, so if you don't follow her you should.  (Sincerely Shannon). She writes about newlywed life in the Pacific Northwest, her mischievous puppy, her travels, her faith and more. 

My Daughter2 started a blog about three years ago, which was also her first year teaching. She had to set it aside because do you know what first year teachers lack? Free time! They drown in paperwork and planning, and since something had to give she put her blog on hold. Recently she's picked it back up, and I'd love for you to pop over and say hi. She blogs about teaching, fitness, food, faith, and more. (It's Elementary)

Oh, and she is also adorable. 

What's a little nepotism among friends? 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 257

Hello March! Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then leap back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Let's Talk

How about we get this out of the way right off the bat? I don't care which side of the fence you're on, this election season is depressing. It's easy to feel discouraged about so many things, mankind being high on the list.

I wrote last week about a recent long weekend spent with friends. Friends we made while living in the UK. Friends who, other than the commonality of life in England, are different from us in a good many ways. There were seven couples in total. Fourteen individuals with varying backgrounds, beliefs, political persuasions, nationalities, and life experiences.

A true collection of hearts, minds, and opinions and I love every single one of them. I feel like we're a snapshot of something many people thought was gone for good given the angry times in which we live. I mean there's a whole host of issues where we're not on the same page, a few where we're likely polar opposites.

In 2016 it feels almost impossible to not only get along with, but also enjoy friendships with people who hold opinions contrary to our own, but ya'll...

I am here to tell you it is very, very possible.

We spent four completely lovely days living in the same house without conflict, tension or a cross word spoken between us. I actually think it boils down to something pretty simple...good manners.

We didn't used to have to talk about good manners because people had them. Today? Not so much, at least not online. People feel justified saying (or sharing) just about anything they want, then become offended when someone disagrees or suggests an alternative point of view. And the way we disagree is as coarse as coarse can be.

After our weekend together did anyone change their mind about who they're voting for in the next election? I don't think so. But we did stand together and admire the immense beauty of the Smoky Mountains. We discussed books, boats, cars, home builds, fine wines, moves, jobs, grown children, grandchildren, fly fishing, travel destinations, great hotels, and interesting cities around the world.

We begged our hosts to share recipes and give us the inside scoop on what it's really like to be Innkeepers, then sat side by side as 1000 jigsaw puzzle pieces were put into place. We introduced our Canadian friends to the awesomeness of chicken fried steak, cheesy grits, and biscuits and gravy.

We steered mostly clear of politics, because politics are a HOT! button and why do we feel like we've got to constantly be pushing the HOT! button??? There were some quiet conversations that naturally developed over a pint of beer or a steaming cup of coffee, but isn't that where those conversations work best?

Face to face with a real live person? Considering your words because you see the impact those words have on that person sitting across the table from you, or next to you on the couch, or beside you in the car?

There's real back and forth in these settings, and you can determine pretty quickly if you've been heard or misunderstood. In person we correct false assumptions before they ignite and blow up a relationship. We recognize that passion exists on all sides of an issue. We take note of body language and furrowed brows, adjusting our tone and posture because we care about these people. They're not faceless beings behind a computer screen. They're people in our actual life.

There's no name calling, no scolding, no lecturing which in my mind is what so much of social media has become. I think the intent  (bringing people together) was originally a good one, but the reality has morphed into something else entirely. Social media has polarized us, made us run into our collective camps and batten down the hatches.

I can only speak from what I know first hand, but I for one am grateful that not all of my friends are carbon copies of me. People whose lives are different than mine are interesting. They make me curious about the world, and add depth and beauty to what I know.

I'm not saying we don't need friends who think like us, and I do think it's really important to have friends in our lives who share our faith. Friends who will pray for us, encourage us, speak truth into our lives when truth needs speaking.

I think it's also important to have friends in our lives who see the world and it's many problems from a vantage point that's not exactly like our own. Maybe they were raised outside of America, or they're of a different political party, but whatever it is they push us to look inward at the beliefs we hold dear and to know why it is we hold them.

Real people keep us real.

It's easy to look at the big picture and feel discouraged about the world as it is today. I tell my girls to keep watching for the many deep pockets of love and kindness that most definitely still exist.

Forget Google...

...do a real life search instead.