Really?

When I was getting groceries one day and checking out, the cashier, S, said to me before leaving, "Have a blessed day." I replied, "Thank you.  That's so nice that you say that to the customers."  She went on to tell me a story.....Back at my old job, I said that to someone one day, and my boss asked me, "did you mean that in a religious way?"  She just stood there for a moment and didn't say anything.  Her boss continued, "cause you're not supposed to say that."  She was just astonished, and went on with her day.  I quickly said to her, "well, I think it's wonderful."  After hearing her story, it really upset me.  I thought, Really?  We're not supposed to say what we feel or believe any more?  That's where I draw the line.

Our blog friends are bright, and one day I came across a woman who shared her thoughts with a similar situation.  It went something like this.....They say it makes them uncomfortable when we express our beliefs in public.  But what about how uncomfortable they make us when we can't even rejoice in our beliefs?  I couldn't have said it better than that one fellow blogger when I read her words that day.

One of my blog friends asked if I could show some of my Fall decor this season.  So, here you go.  I am always drawn to the orange colors this time of year, but I do like to add a few blue touches too.  I put out my grandmother's candle holders, and am reminded of the quote by Mary Austin, "It's not that I belong to the past, but that the past belongs to me."  I went to see A. at the home place on main street, and I love going in her shop because she has some of the old along with some of the new.  After browsing through all the isles in the shop, I bought these two things - this small antique vase looked Fallish to me.

I went to an estates sale over the weekend, and chatted with a couple of ladies who were there.  It was throughout the whole house, and the daughter just lost her mom, and was selling her house and many of her belongings.  There was some really nice items, even furniture.  I found a gorgeous vanity table, but since I have a vanity table, I passed it up.  I didn't see anything to my liking, but the mom really kept her house up well, being as old as she was.  It reminded me of the time me and my sister and brother went through all of our mom's things when she passed away and had a yard sale.  It's an emotional time for sure, but one that brings togetherness.

  When I saw this painting of the young lady in the black hat, it got me thinking of the time I took a portrait with my son and was wearing a black hat just like that.

After the estates sale, I picked up some fried chicken.  Have you ever had Krispy Krunchy chicken?  It's Cajun style, and it's the best fried chicken I've ever had.  For being such a small town, there are surprisingly a lot of good places to eat up here.

Have a nice September week, 

 and

 Oh, have a blessed day. 

~Sheri 

The Jewel Of A House

You may have heard about the wildfire that's going on in California right now.  It is an active wildfire in northern California, and it has affected several counties.  It's called The Park Fire, and it is the largest wildfire in California, 2024, and the fourth largest in California history.  It's not that close to where I live, about an hour away, and thank God it's about 99% contained now.

Mia started school last week, and this is her first day of school outfit.

Her and Nel did their traditional first day of school breakfast at the bakery before dropping her off for first grade.

My son made a batch of jumbo shrimp, and I think it was his best one yet - butter, lemon, hot spices, ts. of salsa, and honey.

Grilled cheese sandwich with smoked turkey.

I had to get these delightful dish towels I saw at the store.  They remind me of my Disney-loving daughters.

Baby Charlotte turned ONE last week!

While visiting with the girls recently, I noticed how hard they try to manage work and kids and teaching and the home, and it's not easy.  When I was shopping with Jess one day at Target, we saw this cup and both smiled, and I bought it for her, cause sometimes you just have to embrace the mess.

She made homemade apple cinnamon scones.

 

Francesca going for a ride with Papa in his classic vintage Volkswagen Bug.

My neighbor's latest garden decor.

I have 10 pines in my front yard!  I do love the Falls and Winters up here.

I went into town to get a few things.  I talked with some ladies while I was out, R, P, and K.  This is a small town, and everybody knows everyone.  I found some cute things - a felt fox, a coffee cup, a pumpkin hot pad, and some Fall socks!

And it's never too early for an orange pumpkin on the porch.

It's good to see you again, September.

~Sheri 

Behind Every Child

Since school is starting, I thought I'd share my school years growing up, especially with my new friends, who I'm just becoming acquainted with.  My school years were wonderful, for the most part.  I was an outgoing child and teenager, so that may have made it easier for me.  My mom had a tremendous part in ensuring that my school years were good ones, by sewing costumes for school events, and just being there at the end of the day, asking how my day went.  Sometimes she started and completed a whole project while I was at school.  The elementary school was right down the street from my house, so I could walk to school sometimes, but when junior high came around, I had to take the bus for a time, as the school was way on the other side of town.  It seemed like it took forever to get there before the day even started.  So, here's some bits and pieces of my school years back in the day.

The sweet years.

I remember having good teachers the first few years of grade school, and I remember the principle always had a smile on his face and said hello when he passed my way.  By the end of the sixth grade, he knew us well.  One year, me and my best friend were not talking to each other for a while, and he called me into his office and reminded me how special our friendship had been since kindergarten, and did we really want to break that up?  We eventually made up and all was well after that.

Year of the pixie cut.

Francesca got a hair cut before school started, and when I told her about the haircut I got in third grade and how short it was, she laughed, so I had to send her and Mia a picture.

My mom pretty much made every costume I ever wore.  I always wanted a store bought costume, but looking back, the ones she patiently sewed for me were so much more special.  I'm in the middle, and these two sweet souls have already left this earth, but they were surely my favorite cousins of all.

The awkward junior high years.

This was my first girl/boy party at my house.  I can't believe my parents let me have one, as they were pretty strict, but I guess they trusted me...as they should have.  ; )

I was always involved in one activity or another.

Do ya'll remember the school cafeteria burritos?  Me and friends had one nearly every day at lunch time, and I looked forward to them even before the bell rang.  They were the best.  I actually found the same type of burrito at a drive-inn in my hometown, and used to get them from time to time.   

All the football games and the Homecomings every season.

Well, there you go.  A little of my school life through the years.  Having good friends around me each and every day made the school days less monotonous and more uplifting and fun.  I got pretty good grades, except for Math; never cared for it.  And when Algebra came around, I even had to get my middle brother to help me for a time, which improved my grades some.

Fast forward to the mom years.....when I had kids of my own, I was very protective, and used to make sure they got in their classroom in the morning, or were in line with their teachers.  Looking back, I still remember walking Nel to the bus stop when she was in middle school.  Her school was in the country, and I felt uneasy until she was safely on that bus.  But that's another story for another post.

While shopping with Jess at Target one day, I came across these raccoon socks and loved them.  They look Fallish to me.

I simply want to say, thank you, Teachers.

I'll leave you with a few nature photos.  This outgoing gal needs alone time, and nature is a must.  We received some rain!  When I was driving recently, I looked up at our mountain and noticed a dusting of snow on the peak already.  This horse was very sweet, and came right up to me without fear or reservation.  The reddish leaves are reminding me that the most wonderful season is on its way.

~Sheri