Wednesday, February 27, 2013

HODGEPODGE WEDNESDAY

1.  When were you last facing an ocean?  Using just one word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.  The last time I was facing the ocean was when my mother was in the hospital over Christmas with her broken neck.  There was an absolutely GORGEOUS view of the Pacific Ocean out of her hospital room window.   I stood just gazing at many times a day.  And if I have to pick just ONE word, it would be PEACEFUL.  Nothing calms my heart quite like a look at one of God's most glorious works.  




2.  What are three sounds you hate to hear?  The sound of someone taking the Lord's name in vain is right at the top of my list.  The next would be nails on a chalk board...I get shivers just thinking about it.  And finally it would be an irritating alarm clock.  ; )

3.  This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends.  Hi real life friends!  When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying, or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?  Oh I will ALWAYS try on at the store.  The last thing I would feel like is an extra trip to return something.

4.  February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut?  Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?  I LOVE Pistachio's.  I have used them in baking for sure, but REALLY love them right out of the shell best,

5.  When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary?  WOW...what a question...sigh.  I have just recently had to do quite a bit of compromising.  I'd love to say I was gracious, kind, and generous, but that would be a definite exaggeration.  Most of the compromise was made by me which makes it more difficult to swallow down for sure.  Sooo, I guess you would say I was irritated it was ever even an issue.  What can I say?  God is DEFINITELY still working on this old gal...

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official?  Did you get a response?  No, I haven't, so it follows I didn't get a response...

7.  We "march" into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?  Well, there are a few things.  First of all it would be Easter Sunday which is on March 31st this year.  No greater holiday than this in the life of a Christian.  Love everything about this day.  And then my oldest grandson will turn 18!  AND! we will help my older sister celebrate her 60th birthday!  Lots to get me smiling as you can see!



MELODY

8.  Insert your own random thought here...My thoughts are always soo random it is ALWAYS hard to just pick one....but let's see.  Today I was feeling kind of nostalgic.  Mom and I went out to lunch as she was hungry for Mexican food, so I decided to take her to the restaurant hubby and I discovered this week-end.  The food was great (they have a simply delish Taco salad) and yet there was 3 times the crowd.  It seems to be the place the "work" world gathers for lunch.  Probably won't do that again too soon.  But that isn't what I wanted to tell you.  After lunch, mom didn't feel like going right back home so we decided to take just a brief little drive.  It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in California, and that sounded good to me.  Anyway, before I even realized the route I was taking, I found myself driving down the street of the university where Melody went to college.  I wasn't there often of course as she drove herself back and forth etc.  But there were a few times I was there.  Freshman orientation, the time her car broke down, the time I dropped her off as she was going to stay overnight with a friend and didn't want her car, and of course the last time would have been for graduation.  We also drove right by a couple of spots I met her right by the college for a yogurt or a cup of coffee when I was in the area.  It all seems sooo long ago, and yet just like yesterday in others.  It has been almost (not quite) 5 years ago now since that graduation day.  It just made me think back on those days and how I enjoyed them, never dreaming she would end spending (what will most likely be) the rest of her life living sooo far away from me.  I miss her.  I miss those days.  Made me wonder if someday it might be her and I driving around much like my mother and I were today.  Hard to imagine, and yet I guess it could be.  If I am fortunate enough to live until I am 80 years old that is.  Either way, I felt grateful I guess.  Grateful for the time spent, and the memories made.  Told you...kind of a nostalgic mood.




Hope you are all enjoying your week.  You can join the others participating in Hodgepodge HERE.






11 comments:

  1. I always enjoy your hodge podge. Usually, you answer very similar to the way I would. I have, however, written to an elected official. I wrote my very first one way back when I was in college. They probably have me on some sort of lunatic letter writer watch list by now.

    I send a big hug your way for the last part. I understand the nostalgia part very well. I'm feeling that way a lot these days with my daughter so far away. I can only imagine what it's like when there is a grandchild (soon to be 2) far away too.

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  2. The ocean does seem to make us stand back and realize what handiwork our God has made. Random thought (hug):)

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  3. I love your picture of the Pacific. Just seeing the ocean, even from a bit of a distance, is so calming.

    Every mom feels a certain amount of nostalgia, I think, but in your case I imagine it's heightened because you're so far from your sweet Melody. {{hug}}

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  4. It's always such fun to read your hodge podge. I love the ocean too! And Easter is my favorite holiday. If there was no resurrection we'd be worshiping in vain. I love to remember what Christ Jesus did for me and praise Him. I also shudder every time I hear someone use the Lord's name in vain. I'm with you Deb.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  5. One learns a lot from these sorts of writing prompts. I quit trying on clothes in the store when Oprah did that exposé on cameras in fitting rooms. Did you see that show? LOL! Anyway, the store had to tell you if they used cameras (according to law) and now, whenever I see such a sign, I do NOT use that fitting room.

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  6. I know all about living away from your children, and while I feel proud of their independence I don't think I'll ever stop wishing they were close enough to grab lunch with. Maybe one day : ) In the meantime I am thankful for technology!

    I feel the same way about the ocean.
    Have a wonderful day!

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  7. That picture of the ocean is just gorgeous. I loved all of your answers this week. That Mexican restaurant sounds wonderful. Reading about Melodys college made me feel sad too. My daughter is coming over on Friday and I think it will be to tell me when they are moving to Arizona. I read what you write about Melody being far away and your grand babies and I know it will be me.
    I know I won't fight God about it anymore and God knows what is best, but when God gave me that passage of how Abraham obeyed God and took Issac to be the sacrifice, I knew I had to obey God about this too. Still it is hard.
    Yes, it is beautiful here right now. We might get up to 80 on Saturday.
    Have a nice week.

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  8. Yes peaceful is perfect! Compromise is never easy. Sounds like a nice drive down memory lane. Time passes so quickly.

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  9. Hi dear Debbie, Love all your answers-I find such peace in nature and enjoying God's creation. Just wanted to pop in and say hi; I'm exhausted and going to take a little catnap. Have a wonderful evening!
    Love, Noreen

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  10. Hodge-podging is such a great way to give us a peak into your life & heart.

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  11. I do love the your photo of the Pacific Ocean, just beautiful. I love the Ocean as well for many of the same reasons. Congratulations on the new little grands you will be adding this year. You are blessed indeed

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!