Handwriting still important

 I received a Christmas card handwritten

And before I looked at the address, I knew whom it was from. 

Not because her signature was signed at the end of a beautiful

  love letter but simply because I had seen that same scripted

Writing for the last 40 years.

I was filled with loving feelings as so many times, this very 

same writing can be found in a yearbook, a scrapbook,

Or in another card I have saved. 

It was from one of my two besties since second grade. 

Which brings me to the reason for this blog.

Many schools are no longer spending much time teaching 

Script writing, something that is almost as unique as our fingerprints.

I can remember,  just as I am sure you can, 

The day your teacher explained we were going to start learning script.

 The excitement for me was there just as when

She told us we could start using ink pens.

As each of my grandgirls began learning it in second grade

The Cottage was a place where they perfected their skills

Almost as though it was an another art form they had learned.

I know the world as a I have known is changing.

I understand that I am considered the “old fashioned”.

Some things, however, are still important and something as

unique as our own personal font is part of our character.

It has always been a source of pride to our elders as many could

not read or write but they learned how to write their signature so as not to 

have to put an X where it said to sign.

Going back to the childhood anticipation of learning script,

anything that gives a child that kind of excitement is a necessity.

I know for me, when I received that card,

I was brought back to many times before when that same

writing gave me comfort just as it did that day.

nothing that brings you that much happiness 

should ever be overlooked or discarded. 

Thanks Bestie for reminding me.

growing old... not for the light hearted.

You may have heard me say before that age has never bothered

me until my sister died last year at 82.

Today I am 59 and 4 months old.

It's not the altered face I see in the mirror, the one that I don't see in my head.

It's not the thinning hair or the love handles that surround my waist.

Although those are also not fun, I can live with it.

What bothers me most is the transition from the life you have always known

to one where you have to say goodbye to loved ones.

You see friends of your suffering with illness, death of their spouses. 

going to a funeral seems to be the way your family gathers these days.

I find myself, still content in my little Cottage loving my life

but needing my children more for appts. or things I just can't do anymore.

For me, this is the worst, being dependent on my children and daughter in laws.

I find myself, once able to conquer many things at once to 

becoming exhausted by just reading facebook and seeing what 

others are accomplishing.

Most days I just want to wake up, go straight into the studio and paint.

I write less and think more and then feel quilty for not writing because

how will my children and grandgirls know who I really am?

I walk around my Cottage with so many stories being told by the things

that surround me, and wonder what will happen to all my things

when I am gone? I know my children are not interested in the things that are

important to me, I often pray that the grandgirls grow up with the love

of owning things with stories that I have.

Chances are all my collections will be sold to others at an estate sale

as I keep drilling in their head

"Estate sale, not garage sale".

It brings me to a place where I find myself buying less

and allowing anything to be touched. 

So what if it breaks, none of it is coming with me.

Yet not all of growing older is bad.

I have a new found relationship with my children and its good

to know that I will be taken care of no matter how old I become.

My siblings and I have remembered just how important we all are to each other

and make a conscious effort to spend lots of time together.

We all realize that our time together is becoming limited.

Although its been a crazy year health wise, I still have

a desire to spend time at my table drinking coffee with friends 

and just sharing our lives.

When I finish a home portrait, I can't wait for the client to become a friend

as they come to the Cottage to pick up their piece.

I love it when a friend comes to pick up art work from me and we stand

around in the kitchen making small talk.

I am very thankful I have my clear mind, that most days I create something.

I understand that life is a cycle, that it is the next generations turn

to make a difference in this world and I find myself thinking often

" I won't be here to see the repercussions of that generations decisions"

More than ever, I want to believe that their is a God, that Heaven is real

and we all get to be there in the end with time meaning nothing.

However, I do know this, that life does go on after this,

whether it be the Heaven we dream of, a distant planet, reincarnation-

there is something after this.

If you have ever seen the miracle of life or just how fantastic the human body is,

you have to know this was not created by man alone.

Last but not least, I am so very thankful for my three grandgirls.

Even as they are getting older they still love time with Mumsie.

I can just forget the world and play and be a kid again.

To hear one say to her Daddy,

"Thank you God for giving Mumsie such a loving heart"

to hearing another tell me last night,

"I have the very best Mumsie in the World"

Well it makes this almost 60 year old heart burst with love for these children.

I know the time will come when they grow older, when I won't

be as important to them as, it to, is a part of the cycle.

I pray that the memories we make together, the Cottage will

live in their hearts and minds throughout their life.

When they are my age, and they look around them,

they can understand that this is what the Circle of life really means

and they are comforted in knowing that people have done this before them

and all will be right in the World.

Love to you all.

Oh and Happy Birthday Momma! 

Wish you were here and at the same time, I know you are!

WE can all make a difference!

 It's been a few months since I have blogged.

Had gallbladder removed and then just busy with Christmas orders.

Yet this weekend I spent it with my sister, C and

my great niece, my name sake, Lillian.

I have been trying to spend more time with my sister, Simone's

grandgirls from her youngest daughter, Minta.

If you don't think you make a difference in young people's lives, you are wrong.

Sister C and I waited outside for Minta to bring Lil to the Cottage.

As they drove up, this 13 year old, ran up to me,

got in my lap and said, "I am here!"

She explained that her friends got aggravated with her today

because every time she thought about coming here, she would 

get so excited and tell them she was going to "Mumsie's Cottage"

At the Cottage we have no TV and when kids visit, no internet, no iPads.

You would think no child under three would want to be here.... 

you would be wrong,  they love visiting.

(they can have a phone for photos and to keep in touch with parents)

As we ventured inside, she began talking of one of her friends.

"O can't wait to meet you, she is going to love you"

She went on praising being with her old Aunts helping to 

bake cookies and whatever else we had in store.

Lillian loves everything about the Cottage, 

took so many photos.

As we ended her visit the next afternoon she begged to 

come back to the Cottage with us but it was time for her to be home.

We dropped her off and got down to visit a bit with her parents

and little sister.

Her Dad, well he is a bit like me, wants to talk about the deep stuff.

C and I left there feeling so proud, so good

as he shared with us:

"Thanks for being such a great impression for my girls"

He went on to explain that for them to see me not only striving

to be the best artist I can but going out there and seizing the opportunities.

"She talks about her Aunt Lil all the time"

He just went on and on to tell us how important we are to his girls.

If you think the younger generations have nothing to learn from us,

that it's too much trouble to hang and make them feel like they are all 

your favorite, again, you would be wrong.

Reach out to those distant relatives if you can.

Send them a card in the mail, share some words of wisdom.

Not everyone will express how much it means to them,

but believe me, it makes a difference in this world of chaos.

Love to you all!

Jillian, the Great.

Last night was a Jillian Friday night

or as she calls it, " My Friday night turn"

As she gets older it becomes just a little harder to entertain her

boys and the internet seems to be her jam these days.

If there is one thing I am so fortunate for it is the rules of the Cottage.

When they come for their Friday there is no TV or iPad.

There are a few exceptions like if we watch a movie together, popcorn included

or in the early morning when I am also on my computer drinking coffee.

Because it has been firmly in place since the beginning, they rarely ask for either.

But Jilly is getting older whether we like it or not 

so it becomes a tad harder to keep her entertained.

They know, however, that on their Friday we do what they want.

When i picked her up at MawMaw and Poppy

she was dancing around saying she was so excited that it was her turn.

Of course, I think its only because she had no better offers on this night.

Jojo has been on vacation with a friend this week and because Jilly 

misses her she had tie-died her a t-shirt and wanted to do a cricut iron on for it.

I love me some Cricut so that took about....... an hour! 

"Mumsie can we go walk?" 

It was hot and almost dark but hey, she is calling the shots.

When she noticed her shadow on the brick she asked for 

a photo, here is that, another memory being made.

"Can I paint the birdhouse you bought for me?"

" I want to surprise you and you can put it out your studio window with 

your other bird and squirrel feeders"

Great idea, I thought as I was hoping to paint another wall in my bedroom.

She diligently spent two hours on this masterpiece 

and was quite pleased with it.

 

About that boyfriend stuff, each time that subject comes up Mumsie sings loudly 

to the tune of Encanto's Bruno...

"WE DON'T TALK ABOUT BOYFRIENDS, NO NO NO!"

It was getting late I was tired, she was not quite ready to go to bed.

I said that's fine but you will have to lay in my bed and read or something.

Which brings me to another tradition at the Cottage.

Each night as the grandgirls settle down to sleep,

I sing to them their prayers and a few other songs from when they were little and a back rub.

"If I fall asleep, don't wake me to sing or rub"

"Oh, forget it then, I am going to sleep"

She settles and quietly listens to all my singing, bad notes and all.

Just as she is about to fall asleep, she whispers, 

"This is my favorite part about coming sleep here"

Why don't you just melt my heart right there.

Jillian loves tradition, rarely wants anything to change when she comes here.

I often threaten to sell the triple bunk beds as they never sleep in them.

While we played she again asked me not to get rid of them.

"Mumsie, I will be so sad, it's all about the memories"

Well that will keep the bunks here for a tad longer.

..... and then there is this....

Each morning begins with a rock in my recliner.

This girl will not let me slide on any traditions.

As I rock her this morning I am reminded of something i often 

say in my heart as I rock, something perhaps that DR. Suess would say:

"...AND I WILL ROCK YOU HERE OR THERE,

 I WILL ROCK YOU ANYWHERE

I WILL ROCK WHEN YOU COME THROUGH MY DOOR,

I WILL ROCK EVEN WHEN YOUR FEET TOUCH THE FLOOR"

Happy Saturday, you all!

If you can't be with the ones you love, love the ones your with.

ANOTHER FATHERS DAY

 IT HAS BEEN 38 FATHERS DAYS SINCE I CELEBRATED WITH MY DADDY.

I CAME TO HIM WHEN HE THOUGHT HIS FAMILY WAS COMPLETE...

AGAIN!

AT 45, HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT HE WAS GETTING INTO.

YET, HE WAS THE BEST DADDY TO ME.

AS A YOUNG CHILD, I DIDN'T REALIZE JUST HOW LUCKY I WAS.

I THOUGHT ALL DADDY'S WERE LIKE HIM.

AS I GOT OLDER, I UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS MAN WAS MORE THAN JUST A DAD.

WHEN FIGHTING CANCER AT 5, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN 50.

MY MEMORIES ARE OF HIM ALWAYS BEING THERE.

WHEN THE CHILDREN'S WARD SAID VISITING HOURS WERE OVER,

PARENTS HAD TO LEAVE THEIR SICK CHILDREN ALONE.

MY DADDY REFUSED. 

HE WOULD LEAVE FOR A VERY SHORT TIME RIGHT AFTER THE 

ANNOUNCEMENT THAT VISITING WAS OVER.

THIS IS WHEN ALL THE BABIES AND CHILDREN WOULD START TO CRY, SCREAM.

I DIDN'T CRY, ALTHOUGH THEIR CRIES I CAN STILL HEAR IN MY HEART.

MY DEAR DADDY WOULD SNEAK BACK IN TO ROCK OR PUT ME TO SLEEP.

AS HE LAYED ME DOWN IN MY METAL CRIB 

I NEVER WONDERED WHERE HE WOULD BE.

I KNEW HE WAS GOING TO ROCK OTHER PEOPLE'S BABIES.

HE DID THIS NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.

MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THIS ABOUT MY DADDY,

MY SISTER, CELENA JUST FOUND THIS OUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO.

WE HAD AN UNSPOKEN BOND, MY DADDY AND I.

I WAS TO ALWAYS BE HIS BABY AND HE MY PROTECTOR.

JUST ONE OF THE MANY STORIES THAT WILL FOREVER LIVE IN ME.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY!

My Chapter Book

 

On Friday I had another Coffee gathering with new and old friends.

It is one of my very favorite things to do, gather around my dining room table

with coffee, dessert and good conversation.

This particular gathering was with clients who have become friends

and the couple I was able to surprise for these clients with a painting.

I love that my job brings me so many new friends and my chalkboard

is filled with names of future coffee dates.

My two littlest Grand girls were in attendance this time

and helped me tremendously in getting ready for our visit.

My friends also brought their little daughter/grand daughter 

so we set up a table for them as well.

As we sat and visited the littles had their own little party 

and then moved theirs to their room here at the Cottage to play.

As we talked and shared stories, as I gave them the

"old Cottage tour" 

Jolee had settled in the round chair in the library to read.

I should have known that her little ears were taking in all the stories I told

as well as the ones my friends shared.

As the wonderful gathering was coming to an end, 

I went into the library to check on the girls.

Jolee was there, still reading and as I passed she stopped me.

"Mumsie, your life is just like a great chapter book"

Once again this girl, like the grandgirls often do, melted my heart.

I pray almost nightly that as they grow up the words,

Mumsie's Cottage will not be just words but a 

series of events and so many memories that they will be brought 

back to a place where they knew they were loved and so special.

When they make statements like that,

..."your life is like a great chapter book"

I know I am achieving my goal.

 

My thoughts on school shootings...

 It has taken my days to be able to even think about posting a blog

about the recent school shooting that took place in Texas.

With that being said, I still don't think my writings will make much sense.

One reason being, the whole thing does not make sense.

I was a school nurse for 12 years. It was some of the best years of my life.

If you know me, you know I love me some children, to the point 

that the grandgirls say if I get a van, I will be "way too creepy".

I was in an elementary school starting with 4 year olds.

If you have never watched a 4 year old cry out of fear to go through a metal detector,

Watch their faces when we practice for a lock down, its hard to grasp.

Yet it was necessary when a second grader brought a pocket knife to school and threatened others.

People who work in any public school system probably know

that there have been children that from the early ages, we can spot out

those that are troubled, and some even use the statement,

"That one will grow up to shoot up a school"

In the privacy of a discussion over some children.

I know this won't be accepted as a popular statement to most 

but the reason for pointing them out was to start intervention early,

"Let's help this child" but hands are tied by many in the school systems.

Getting them into counseling can only be done if the adult who is in charge

of that child consents. "Nothing wrong with my kid" was also a common phrase.

I have screamed it from long ago, not enough is done for mental health.

What if mental health was the norm, counseling was the norm?

Would it change the family dynamics? Would it stop some of the violence?

We don't know but what can we loose by trying it?

Using the word bully in school by any adult is frowned upon.

Why? you may ask? For many reasons.

One being the amount of paperwork an educator must do to use that word

is out of this world. It would all be worth while if something was done for 

the bully and the children who are part of his circle.

Yet rarely does it happen. A teacher, a principle already has so much to do

in a public school system including teaching, that when nothing gets done,

they want to just go home after a long day and enjoy their own children.

I was witness to a fourth grade class that had a new student that had been

removed from another school due to his behavior. 

Keep in mind, the average age of a 4th grader is 9.

This child was 13, 13! 

He had raging hormones and an even higher raging attitude.

He sexually harassed 9 year olds, overturned desks, threatened the teacher, etc.

All the while 20 something other kids were watching or being victim.

The teacher wrote him up each time, had him removed from her class,

but the next day, there he was sitting in a desk.

You see it is very hard to have a child removed from a school.

His previous school, it took months to get him out of their

and because of "No child left behind" you have to attempt to give him an education.

He got all the attention, negative as it was.

My point here was not about this Bully, although he was a traumatized kid.

My point was the little eyes, 44 in total that watched this.

They saw him getting away with it, they were also bullied by him.

They will grow up and these things will have a cause and effect on them.

Will they be labeled at a young age, and be teased by their peers?

We don't know. We do know that most school shooting perpetrators have been bullied

and/or had a hard life with very little if any counseling.

Many are talking about a solution, yes we all want a solution,

but we live in a World that is so divided on so many levels and to 

have a solution be successful, I believe we all need to want and work hard for the solution.

When a school shooting becomes mundane, a daily event there is a lot 

wrong in our Country. This school shooting has been tragic and like

most of you, I have cried real salt water tears over it.

Yet on the very long list of school shooting, I can almost bet, you have not heard of some.

I disagree that not being able to buy a gun would solve this problem.

A friend of mind suggested give every teacher a gun and another child in their class

will not die on their watch.

This sounds really good at first, but then you have to take into account,

the fact that grown ups have also been known to go into an employer and kill.

One officer on campus with a gun cannot take care of 1200 children.

By the time he gets where he needs to be, many could be dead.

I am sorry for my morning rant, as I am normally not the negative Nelly

of course this is all my opinions only.

I do know this, 19 children families will never be the same.

Too many funerals in one little town are to be had.

Many other children are affected by what they witnessed in that school.

Some parents and families are at the bedside of one of their own that was shot.

Everyone of the people in that town, "their village" has been affected.

The lasting affect of this tragedy has changed the dynamic of this town.

That keeps me up at night sometimes.

The shooter, yes he has a family too, this boy was also someone's baby at one point.

Compassion may be hard to find for his family in the wake of the tragedy

he caused to so many, but when you put your babies to bed at night,

think about what if it was your child? 

and pray..... pray like you never have prayed before.

It is one of the many things we can do.

THE CARDINAL

I have painted many a Cardinals for others

but I had never had my own Cardinal experience myself.

It is believed that when these beautiful red birds appear,

it is a visitor from heaven, a loved one is near.

After having lunch with Hughbee and sisters and niece

I stopped to buy a bird feeder for my studio window.

I always had so many squirrels and birds there and I knew I would

enjoy watching them as I painted.

I cleaned my window and hung it up, filled it with birdseed...

and waited, and waited.....

Yep, I waited some more.

I was discouraged. Not a bird or squirrel in site.

Two weeks passed, not a one.

Then Hugh died.

I was upset, distraught, so sorry for my family 

especially my sister, brother in law, and Hugh's immediate parents and siblings.

I did what always gives me comfort, I went into the studio to paint.

Tried to put some sense into our loss.

First I heard it, a singing bird, then I saw it, the most beautiful red Cardinal

singing away on my fence!

One single bird, not another inside. I sat in awe.

Thinking well this has been an experience, while the whole time I thought of Hugh.

It did not end there, this Cardinal had a sense of humor

Just like our Hugh. He would fly away right when I cam to take a photo

or video, and when I got back into my painting he would repeat the cycle.

Sometimes even hitting on the glass with his beak.

It took a few encounters before he would sit on the birdfeeder

but eventually he did and would sing and eat.

Again each time I picked up my phone, to get footage,

he flew aways. This process lasted for days.

The day after Hughbee's funeral, I got him on camera.

A video to be exact.

I had to retell the story many times as I am a believer

of when things like this happen to you, it is meant to be shared.

Moving forward to last weekend, I had JoJo, Lillian and Violet 

over for a sleep over. As we sat in the studio making art I told them

the story about the Cardinal and showed them the video.

Then in true fashion, as we all got busy once again,

we heard the tap on the glass, the singing of my Cardinal.

Allowing these little girls to believe and know that when a Cardinal 

is seen, a visitor from Heaven, a loved one is near.

 

People say, I am the lucky one.

 People say, I'm the lucky one....

They also may say,

"Woman stop bragging about your kids"

However, it's my blog, and it's Mother's Day.... so here I go.

My kids, MY KIDDO'S!

I know the two I birthed are mine so, therefore,

I think they are the best things and also the best things I have ever done in my life.

In my eyes, they are the best of myself and their Daddy.

They are not perfect, but as I used to tell them when they were young,

"I am perfect because when I make a mistake, I say I was wrong"

(yeah it used to work when they were young)

I try not to bother them much with my personal issues 

and I try to be there for them however I can.

The table were turned two weeks ago when Hugh died.

I was distraught when finding out and called Roddie first.

He did not hesitate, drove here and put me in his arms and just held me.

He let me cry then sat with me until I told him he could go.

He visited with me the next morning as well and we talked about the big stuff.

To see him and Katie not only there for our family but supporting

me and our people, not hesitating to show their true feelings as well.

Yes, I also was blessed with the best two daughter in laws...

Then my Jesi, My gypsy baby....

Her pain the last few weeks has been palpable to her Momma.

Yet, I watched her....

I watched her drive herself right to Thibodaux to be with family that needed her

as much as she needed them.

She stayed, she showed up, she brought food.

I watched her and Sweet D at the funeral, bringing comfort to as many as they could,

all the while she, trying to deal with her own loss.

She was amazing, greeting people, making sure Ellen and Owen were fed,

hovered around them sat with them during one of the hardest times of their lives.

It didn't end there, I watched in admiration as she was not afraid to show 

her tears, knowing it was okay. Sweet D never left her side,

holding and distributing kleenex to all who needed. 

I watched and thought, she is like me in so many ways, 

and also so much her in even more ways..

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to see another side of your family.

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remember just how blessed we all are.

Sometimes so many miracles happen while we try and figure this crazy world out.

On this Mothers Day, I wish you all a wonderful day.

If you still have your Momma, let this day be the one

you put past hurts aside, even if you can't have her in your life,

let her know you are who you are, good or bad, because of her influence.

You will miss her... no matter how you love or feel about her now.

To my own Mother, there on the "other side"

You, my dear, are the reason I love the way I do.

Happy Mothers Day to my Daddy too, 

because as a youngster, it was he, untraditionally at the time,

who raised us last ones while my Momma worked.

There are lots of Daddies out there who deserve their own Mothers Day.

Thanks to Roddie, Katie, Jesi and Del,

I get to say, I am a Mother.

Hugh John Plaisance

 Our family is extremely fortunate and blessed.

For many reasons, one being although we are an extremely big family

we have found a way to stay very close.

We also have not lost many young people in our immediate family.

People in our family grow old and die and while we know this is what 

is supposed to happen in our time here on Earth,

we also know we will miss them tremendously.

So loosing my 24 year old nephew, Hugh John is not natural to us.

I am sure its not natural to any family to loose one of their young,

but for us, I cannot remember a time when I sat in a church to bury a child from our village.

With that being said, what a heartbreaking yet most beautiful thing

to watch so many of our extended families, friends, 

and the Plaisance family

come out to give us all comfort in a time that has been so unreal to us all.

The teachers and friends of Hugh and his siblings who have been there

in support of their family has been no less than awe-inspiring.

  I can't say enough, that this boy and his

parents and siblings did everything, everything to be well.

He wanted this life to be good for him if not amazing.

He and his parents searched treatments, counselors, inpatient help,

He tried everything to lift the hand of depression from his life.

Yet, like his Uncle, Father Justin shared with us all in his homily,

Hugh was sick and our God would never be angry about the fact that

the illness of depression called him home to his Savior.

God tells us when weathering the storm becomes too much

God will carry us. Hugh could no longer weather the storm

so he went to his God who he knew could carry him through.

There are no words I can say to ease the pain of Rebecca, Mikie"s and their children.

There is no amount of comfort I can give to my sister and to Miki's family.

I only know that if my pain and feeling of loss is this great for Hughbee

I can't imagine what theirs is.

Our families love deep, very deep....

So when we loose one of our tribe, our people, it hurts,

to the point that I personally think in this time of crisis,

I won't love that deep anymore, it hurts too much.

Yet, its not what this Aunt Lil does, what this Mumsie does.

Today 6 days later, I know my purpose and place in this family

what is expected of an Aunt Lil who loves the way I do.

I put my big girl panties on and I try to be there for as many of them as I can.

whether it be a card, a text, a phone call.

Now more than ever I want all my "youngen's" to know,

I will help you weather any storm. just call. 

RIP my dear Hughbee you will be so missed but 

we all feel comfort knowing your pain, this illness is gone now.

Life will never be the same again but because of you, we will

"Love deeper, speak sweeter and give forgiveness we have been denying...

We will live like we are dying"

Just as you did.

(Thanks everyone, EVERYONE who came to our and the Plaisance

family aid during this time, I hope you know how this has carried us all through this)

Terrebonne/ Ledet home

This sweet couple here?

Introducing Sybil and Lloyd Ledet.

A power couple of our  home town whom I have known my entire life.

Sybil's Mom and my Mom were besties when they were children

and this friendship lasted all the way into their 90's when they both passed away.

This couple were entrepreneurs, never afraid to take on a new project,

a new job. But just like our Southern culture,

when her Mom became sick, they packed up everything and moved 

back home to Golden Meadow, in her childhood home to care for her Momma.

Hence, the home you see here in this portrait.

I went to school with their two children and because our Mom's

were best friends, we have always been involved with them.

When Lavelle, their daughter asked me to paint their home

many memories of growing up near the Ledet's came resurfacing.

This sweet little home was an honor for me to paint.

The fence lays on the right side of the home

but when asked to take this project on,

LaVelle reminded me of just how important the fence was.

Mr. Lloyd, making this property his own,

painted the fence with flowers and vibrant colors.

But it's more than just a fence.

Each time the fence needs to be repainted its a gathering of their family.

A day to relax, eat, share family stories, and paint.

The fence is beautiful but it is a symbol of family coming together

for one purpose, to love and enjoy each other.

When Ida came and so much of our Golden Meadow was torn up,

this fence withstood the test of a Category 4 storm.

I knew the fence, being put where it belongs would do it no justice.

It stood not only in the ground but also for so 

much more of what our South Lafourche area was about.

the coming together of our people to rebuild community.

My artistic heart decided this fence needed to be front and center.

Thankfully LaVelle let me go with whatever I thought was best

and this is the final piece, with Sybil and Lloyd seeing it.

Years ago, Mrs. Sybil gave me costume jewelry that belonged to her Momma.

I treasured it as it was also a piece of my Momma.

I didn't think I would be able to regift it to her on their home portrait.

All my paintings are special to me,

yet, some stand out in my heart because of the emotions it brings out in myself.

Thanks to this family for allowing me to do such a special piece,

because of our Mothers teaching us what a good bestie meant,

even before the word was a thing,

I remain friends with this wonderful couple forever.

Miracles are everywhere.

 Some doubt that there is truth in the concept of miracles,

some even doubt if miracles ever happened back in the "day".

Others believe that small miracles are just coincidences....

Then my nieghbor/friend posted this:

...JESUS HEALED A PARALYZED MAN BECAUSE 

OF HIS FRIENDS FAITH.

THIS IS WHY YOUR CIRCLE MATTERS.

...and I though wow, this family should know...

as they are part of a true life miracle that cannot be denied.

This brings me to the story of Rhonda and Brett Harrel.

Approximately 7 months ago, on one of those early mornings 

that I could not sleep, I noticed red flashing lights at 2 am

and went outside to see what was going on.

"Did you call 911?" the responder asked.

Not me and he gave me the house number of the Harrel's 

and I directed them there. I right away texted them to see if they

needed anything. 

"Brett fell and can't seem to get up" 

Brett had been having back pains and just thought is was that, back pains.

Later in the day, I checked on them and the news just kept getting worst.

He was diagnosed with a shattered vertebra and would need surgery that day.

He seemed to be paralyzed and only after the surgery would they know his fate.

Then the fracture was found to be caused by a cancerous tumor on his spine.

Then became the ICU, surgeons, oncologist, things were just not 

looking very good at that time. 

... and our little town, their friends and family?

Well we all began praying and thinking about them, 

all wanting to know the latest updates but not wanting to bother

them in their private moments.

Surgery seemed to be a success yet the paralysis continued.

He was moved to rehab to begin the long healing process and

waiting to see his prognosis from biopsies, when 

he had a heart attack and was back in ICU within days.

Their circle? Continued to pray, made Go Fund ME accounts,

sold t-shirts, anything to help this family out, anything in our reach.

Meals were sent, bought and served.

After many weeks in the hospital including hard work on his part

and loving dedication from his wife, he was scheduled to come home.

Within days we all gathered in their yard to get it ready for his arrival.

A ramp was made, paint was added to their door, 

gardening was done, lunch was cooked, a day in beautiful weather

all for the love of our neigbbor and friend.

Brett came home, began Chemo, continued rehab and Rhonda?

Well she kept doing everything she had to do to give him the best outcome.

Last week was the first time I actually was able to speak to Brett at his home.

I shared that he is a true miracle to us all, a true testament to all of us, he agreed.

Then Rhonda posted the above statement and I realized just how true it was.

The latest news on Brett is that he can now walk with a cane 40% of the time

and wheelchair the rest. The oncologist has stopped his chemo and there

seems no need at this time for a bone marrow transplant.

I am a nurse, his prognosis should not have had this outcome,

except for the prayers, thoughts, happenings of those who call themselves

"Their circle"

This family is a big part of our community, always doing something

to make Plaquemine a better place so our little town would not

be the same without the Harrel's.

When I asked permission to post a blog on their own miracle the answer was,

"Of course."

You see, we believe that if these events are not shared with others,

we are not doing our job to being disciples and sharing these miracles.

thank you Brett and Rhonda for allowing me to tell your story.

Miracles are everywhere, you just have to be open and look at them that way.

Her life...

A few weeks ago one of the grandgirls was learning about 

the difference between fact and opinion.

I would give her many situations and she would let me

know what she thought it was, fact or opinion.

Which brings me to the post.

I have thought long and hard about this blog entry,

Knowing I may get back lash for my opinion here

wondering how many people will agree this is fact.

My reason for hesitating brings me back to the height

of Covid days,  and "Black lives Matter" era.

When people would try and convince me that their 

opinion was fact, my only answer was 

"All lives matter"

and I was condemned for that. 

I could not understand how they were preaching Black lives Matter

when they were pro-choice and killing a baby was okay

through abortion. I know abortion has taken many babies,

black, white, Red, brown....

all colors but were they saying only the black lives mattered?

Many tried to make me believe this was a fact.

Yet I continued my belief that all lives matter,

my opinion, of course... it takes many to make the world go round.

Then the whole Black Lives Matter died down

because, I believe many who went into it with a strong support

found the organization that was founded through this belief

was found to be corrupt and helped very few black people.

Now I am known for wearing rose colored glasses...

I just can't at my time in life worry too much about things of this 

nature as it makes me unsettled and my mind and heart just

can't let it go.

I rarely watch the news, i just have a better day if I don't know 

what is going on out there.

Then this happened...

This beautiful soul who loved her life, loved NOLA

loved Mardi Gras who had worked her whole adult life

well past the time most adults work and was looking forward to retirement.

She was looking forward to spending time with her husband and family.

Was doing nothing wrong, when she was killed so that 

four teenagers could enjoy a joy ride in her car...

and this sparked something in me that has laid dormant for a while now.

The whole black lives matter thing would not leave me...

It does not matter what culture the children were, it matters that....

HER LIFE MATTERED...

And that the whole belief that until we agree that black lives matter,

no lives will matter. I beg to disagree..

Let turn that sentence around, 

Until all lives matter, black lives won't matter.

I tried to let this one sit with me staying silent,

but Her life mattered, the children who committed the crime?

Their lives mattered and now they and their families lives have also been ruined.

All for a short ride in this woman's car.

If I know this woman at all, from what I have read about her,

she would not be praying for herself, but for the souls of the teens.

One final and important thought.

I am told that the parents of these teens are the ones who turned in their children.

The one bright spot in the story, as if you have ever kissed your children

good night, You know how hard this was.

When Brian Laundry's parents have covered for their son.

these parents did the right thing.

They understand that her life mattered.

  

Jolee spotlight...

Our Jolee made her first communion yesterday

and was breathtakingly beautiful.

Out of all the grandgirls, she is the shiest but loves her some friends.

While the other two are apt to talk and hug those they know,

JoJo is more reserved and always sweet.

She can defend herself if she has to, but often just doesn't think its that important.

 She is mostly mild mannered but she can put up a good temper tantrum if need be.

You don't see it often, but she is a typical 7 year old most often.

Oh but her heart, her heart is so big, even in that tiny body.

The girl is always eating and loves her a good snack.

Yesterday we made it special for her and she was so very proud of herself

as we all were. 

Coming back down the aisle with the biggest smile on her face 

took me to place hard to explain,

With Jemma singing out of the missal on one side of me

 and Jillian on the other, so excited that it was her birthday

but knowing this was not her moment,

I was overcome with emotion.

I could not stop crying.

Thinking of the day these three may walk down that same aisle

if they choose, praying I am there to witness it.

Looking at their Daddy, my own little boy

and being thankful when all the childhood oncologist said I would never have children.

My beautiful daughter in law, her parents there also,

what my life would be like without them in it.

Sad that one little girl who should have been walking down the same aisle

was watching from somewhere else.

Just lots of emotions.

I have missed going to church and

thought there that I need to start going back and bringing 

these rug rats with me. 

I have missed doing mass with them at St. John and forgot

just how peaceful the Mass is and all the hugging, loving and bonding

that goes on there.

After we all met at the restaurant and in true Jolee fashion,

she walked in with her sister birthday present,

something she treasured wrapped in her own way.

She is giving and understands that its her day but its also her sisters birthday.

Later at Jilly's softball game I watch her playing with her friends

surrounding her. Jolee gets along with anyone, well except Jemma lol.

As we watch her sister softball team,

I hear a laugh, a deep, belting laugh from the bottom of the heart.

Her Dad and I giggle, as we know that is our Jolee.

She loves her life and is enjoying it.

I love you Jolee Claire....FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

 

2nd anniversary to the 9th birthday

Jillian Grace Riera is eleven years old today.

She is our first Grandgirl and just a tad spoiled but also the 

sweetest, kindest little girl.

When she came to the Cottage on Friday she told me,

"Mumsie, I gave up my iPad for lent."

If you know our Jilly Bean that girl loves her some iPad.

Whether it be TicToc, Youtube, Roblox, its her jam.

For her to give this up it's a big thing.

So I was shocked, surprised and so very proud.

I usually don't let them play on the iPad except when they come sleep 

and I am on my own laptop and even then, its for a very short time.

We also rarely put the TV on and if we do, like Jilly said, its to watch Wizard of Oz.

(oh she knows me well)

This has been a thing since they were babies and toddlers so its engraved in their DNA.

I have always had many things for them to do and if they said they were bored,

I have a list to pick from.

The "No Whining" sign still hangs on the wall but they are so conditioned

now that they rarely have to sit there anymore.

Back to Friday...

I wondered how this would play out, if she would ask me to play with her but we were good.

Saturday morning, I decided I wold vacuum before I brought her home.

As I did this.... I heard the piano... I had taught her how to play DO-RAE-ME

the night before. I went to see what she was up to, and there she was,

pinging to the new tune she had just learned.

Jilly is a perfectionist, she will sit there and practice until she get it right.

I was touched, and so very happy I never made the piano off limits

to them even when all they did was bang on it. 

I went on to vacuuming and a while later I peaked in to see what

she was doing and again, I was so happy I never made my miniature collection

off limits to them either...

there is was setting up, humming, and organizing the place.

She loves her some organizing.

Not long after, it was time to bring her home.

I could not find her but knew she was not far.

when I returned to the Cottage I  saw she had written this on 

a chalkboard on my pantry door...

Once again I was touched by this message.

You see, there are no double digits at the Cottage.

When she turned 10 last year I informed her and her sisters

that here, they will forever be 9.

They will always just have Anniversaries of their 9th birthday.

Through the year when I remind her of this, either she won't play along

or she becomes irritated with me.

However i have heard her repeat it to friends when they visit the Cottage.

To find this, unprovoked, message right there...... 

Yeah it will stay there until one of them erases it.

Soooooo....

HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY TO YOUR NINTH BIRTHDAY 

my sweet girl. 

Mumsie will always, always be one of your biggest fans!

 

You just never know....

 A few days ago, a friend and I were talking

and he mentioned that while in line at Walmart,

and older couple before him was checking out and

he decided to put his debit card in and pay for their groceries.

They were shocked, did not know how to thank him.

We also talked about how we don't do these things for 

recognition nor a pat on the back, but it does make us feel good

to know we have done something for our fellow man.

I also added that sometimes, when others see this happen,

they want to pay it forward, to do something for others

so in that way, it's not always a bad thing.

Which brings me to something that transpired yesterday.

First, let me give you the back story...

When you have a beautician who has been in your life for over 18 years

and you just love her, you will travel an hour to continue to see her, visit with her,

when it's time for hair mechanics.

Nikki and I have formed a strong bond and I can't tell you all the

things we have talked about over the past 18 years.

Her pregnancies, building of her house, her brothers wedding...

Just a lot of things, all in a beauty shop.

So a few months ago, when she told me her Mother was battling cancer

I immediately felt she and her Family's pain.

I asked for her Mom's address to send a card.

If you know me, you know I am a firm believer in sending snail mail.

I love sending and receiving letters and cards in the mail.

I followed through and sent her Mom and Dad a card.

I just wanted them to know that I was a cancer survivor from a long time ago

and that they would overcome this and it would make them stronger.

Then I just kept sending them along with small gifts here and there.

I have never met her but felt like I knew her.

When I received a Thank You card from her, it made my day!

I did not do this for recognition, fame, not for reward,

I did it because I wanted them to know that I was thinking of them all

during this trying time.

Which brings me back to yesterday, it was time for a haircut

and Nikki put me first thing in the morning.

We visited and talked about her family and her Mom and Dad.

I caught her up on the happenings of my own family and life.

Then when I came to the counter to pay,

I was shocked when she said,

"And your haircut is taken care of today"

"What? No Nikki"

"Yes my Mom and Dad took care of it"

I got choked up, Verklempte, GRo-Cud whatever you call it.

"Please let me at least leave you a tip"

"Nope they took care of that too!"

I hugged her and was just speechless, that does not happen often, me being speechless...

I didn't want to accept it at first, because as I started this blog,

I did not do it to get any recognition and then I decided to take my own advice,

Accept it as these people are not only appreciative for the small act of kindness

but they are paying it forward, being a disciple themselves.

While relaying the story back to my friend,

I cried and I want them to know....

they made my day!

A THING MY MOMMA GAVE ME...

                                                        "MOM!!! STOP HUMMING!"

 My poor Momma, always humming and always having

to hear me say stop it!

I don't know why her humming irritated me so when I was younger.

Word of caution:

    WATCH WHAT YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT!

So my Momma, always humming or singing.

While I was raising my children and she lived with us,

it would drive me crazy...

Now I catch myself humming all the time!

I hum the Battle Hymn of the Republic,

things that play on my singing clock,

or perhaps the last song I have heard.

To the point that I aggravate myself sometimes.

Even when video taping something I can be heard humming.

Yet most often, I don't realize I do am doing it.

Until recently when, before me feet hit the bed, I found myself humming.

I was brought back to all those times my Momma did the same.

On a hard day I would wonder, 

"What is she so happy about??!

Now I realize, like myself she probably didn't even know she was doing it.

Much like myself.

I want to tell her Sorry for all those times I asked her to quit.

I want her to know that I get it now, As I have inherited this trait

or perhaps from hearing her hum most of my life.

I want to tell the people in my life, bear with me

I know not what I hum....

.... I want to hear her hum one more time...