THE ONE AND ONLY, AUNT MAE MAE

We hear of silent hero's but rarely do

we find out who these people are.

They don't get media attention, they

don't look for pats on the back.

They just do what they have to do 

to make a difference in the World.

I have had the fortune to be raised with 

one said silent hero I called 

AUNT MAE MAE.

She was one of many of my Dad's sisters,

she was widowed at a young age,

My Uncle Joe dying after a car accident

leaving her with six children to raise,

ages ranging from approximately 17 to 17 months.

I was 8 years old when my Uncle Joe died.

I am sure My Aunt Mae Mae was devastated

and cried herself to sleep many a nights

but all I remember seeing is this petite little woman

picking up the pieces of her and her children's 

shattered lives and build a new "Normal".

As a child, I often wondered, how she did that?

How she raised 6 children single while working

jobs, first Roscelle's (sp?) Sports, making 

trophies and then eventually taking over the trophy 

business on her own.

Everyone below Intracoastal, associated 

"trophies" with "Rosemary"

My aunt Mae Mae was a true legend,

not many like her. Never asked for a handout,

had a tough outer skin with a soft marshmallow inside

that you only saw in the presence of her grandchildren.

What I loved the most about her was her brutal honesty.

When others were afraid to say something,

she put it out there for all the hear.

She loved to joke and just like the Collins,

had a string of Cajun slang of not so nice words

that could leave you laughing, looking for a bathroom.

I loved going to her house as a child and didn't

realize until I was an adult with my own children

just how hard it must have been to raise children,

work all day, then come home to cook a home cooked

meal for her big family. Like that was not enough,

let me add all she did for the South Lafourche High School Band.

For many years, even after all her own children were grown,

she still stayed active and was a big part of

the success of the High School Band.

There was never time for rest for this 

Aunt of mine. Saying all this I guess my biggest

comfort comes from the fact that now, she rests.

Rests near the God that she loved, along with being

reunited with the only man she ever loved,

my Uncle Joe. I pray that there is truth in 

stories of dying and in your journey to Heaven all those

who have gone before you are there waiting to greet you.

I think of all who would be there, 

The love of her life, Uncle Joe,

her siblings, including my Dad and my Mom.
And many cousins, especially Fay and Dwayne
who she loved like her own.

What a party to be had!

Rest my dear Aunt Mae Mae, 

no one deserved it more than you,

my silent hero.

A YEAR AGO TODAY....

A year ago, today I had a date with a man

I met on Match.com.

I had done my back ground check, we had spoken on 

the phone a few times, I picked a local place to meet,

I was excited as I had been for all my Match dates.

I met lots of nice people on Match all good men

and most stayed friends, but no sparks.

So that night, it was a Thursday, I chose Fat Daddy's 

in the front of my street knowing that if things went

well we could continue our date at Lil Daddy's,

where there was a one man band.

If things didn't go well I had my "911 text person"

lined up to get out of the date if I needed.

Yep, always set up someone to rescue me with a 

phone call if I sent a 911 text.

He got out the car with flowers, a tall,

nice looking man, I thought

"there is a lot to like here"

I had broken one of my dating rules,

'DON'T DATE ANYONE WHO IS NOT YET DIVORCED'

Something about this guy had me believing 

I should let that one go because even if we just 

became friends, I wanted him to be my friend.

I talked a lot, he nodded his head a lot,

we laugh about that now because he admitted

he didn't hear most of what I said so he just nodded his

head, "Yes"

For whatever reason, I broke another one of my rules

that I had held true,

I invited him to visit my cottage.

Something in him made me want to share my 

beautiful cottage with him.

He was shocked i offered the visit,  but not

more than I was.

We talked more and when he left that night, 

I knew there was more to this one than all the others.

Since that day, one year ago, he has been my

constant Boo. We have learned so much of the other

over this year and I remain so happy that he 

is my boo.

I am interested in where this little story shall take us

but for today,

"Thank you, Boo, for one of the best years I have had

in a long, long time!"

I didn't think a love like this was possible.

I had heard of it but just didn't believe it could be true.

You have showed me another way to love.

Who would have thought I could find a man who

likes junking as much if not more than me,

who had a metal detector and once he found out I 

always wanted one, made sure I got one.

I look forward to the weekends that we share

whether it be at the cottage or your home,

whether we stay in and just hang out or

go junking or detecting, it is always a fun time.

I hope I bring you the calm you sometime need

and thank you for putting up with my eclectic ways,

listening to all my wild ideas,

telling me, "you nailed it" 

every time I sing anything, which is just about always....

I don't know what tomorrow will bring but 

I hope this year is one of many we shall share.

Happy One Year!

2018, DAY TWO...

I've many new years resolutions for 2018,

always do, keep about two throughout the year

but this year, going to make it my year of gratefulness.

Choose a word to be YOUR WORD for the year.

GRATEFULNESS.

Many years from now, perhaps when I am gone,

my grand girls, their babies may search and find this blog

and remember what Mumsie wanted for all but mostly for

them to remember, so here goes:

Today, day two of 2018

"Humble And Kind"

(written by Lori McKenna)

You know there's a light that glows by the front door

Don't forget the key's under the mat

When childhood stars shine,

Always stay humble and kind

Go to church 'cause your mamma says to

Visit grandpa every chance that you can

It won't be wasted time

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb

But always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride

But always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one

Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why:

Bitterness keeps you from flyin'

Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone

And sleeping with someone you love

"I love you" ain't no pick-up line

So always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb

But always stay humble and kind

When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride

But always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle

Shut off the AC and roll the windows down

Let that summer sun shine

Always stay humble and kind

Don't take for granted the love this life gives you

When you get where you're going don't forget turn back around

And help the next one in line

Always stay humble and kind

If you have not heard this song yet, listen to it,

watch the video on YouTube, it will touch a place

in even the coldest of hearts.

It says all I wish my grand girls and all the other young ones

in my life to remember.

...And this above is my personal 2018 Mantra...

Today, I am grateful for my fireplace, new favorite blankie,

given to me by Ms. Barbara, Boo's mom,

internet so I can share this with you all

and a warm cup of coffee..

Yes, I could be upset as my pipes froze,

but I am not even a little upset about it.

This is the year of happiness, each day better than

the last.

Much love to all of you, pick you 2018 word

and build on it daily!

A SIMPLE BUTTERFLY THAT HELD A GIFT TAG...

The two older grand girls came sleep last night.

Baby J was at school, still rather sleep home than anywhere else.

The two big J's came early and just left a few hours ago to

go Bass Pro with their Dad.

As I straighten up from their visit I am remembering

a story Bean told me yesterday.

Each year I buy them a Christmas book to be read

on Christmas Eve. i brought it to their home a few

days before so they would have it for Christmas Eve.

Yesterday I think Jbean wanted to talk about the book

but no, she wanted to talk about the glittery butterfly

that held the gift tag.

"Mumsie, you know that green glitter butterfly that

was on the book?"

I had not remembered but I did when she brought 

it up. 

"My Mommy wanted to throw it away because my

Daddy doesn't like glitter so much, but

I wanted it because it reminds me of you"

I asked what she did,

"I took it and put it in my room

and every day when I miss you, I take it out,

and you know, when I smell it, It smells like

Mumsie and the cottage"

BE STILL MY HEART

So, no, it's not the expensive toys, the books,

but simply the glittery butterfly that added the 

best story to my blog,

what a way to end the year.

Happy New Year to All!

SNOW DAY!!!

There are many days, many that I miss

getting up, dressing in my nursing scrubs and

joining my fellow medical pals for a day of

hard earned work. To come home at the end of the day,

bone tired, back aching but knowing you did a good thing,

you helped a lot of people by getting out there and working,

you helped lots of children in your 8 hours of work.

You would think, being an early retiree, I wouldn't miss it,

but I do.

Then there are these days, days like today,

when you get the first call at 330am from the gypsy baby

saying its snowing. My first thought is,

"Something happened" 

NO, just that it's snowing. I am thinking three flakes 

and tell her I'm too warm to get up and then go back to sleep.

Two hours later the boo is calling....

Now if the Boo is calling at 530am, something is worth waking for.

I go into my front window and OMG

WHITE EVERY WHERE!

I excitedly bundle up, trying to find

snow gear in south Lousiana is a "needle in a haystack"

adventure... But I get it done

(thanks Randy for having me buy wet boots)

and I am like a kid in a toy store!!!!

My neighbors begin to awaken, iPhones in hand,

all doing what I am, capturing the moment.

I call Kd for the girls to awake as I know they have never

seen snow like this before.

Now I am in my living room, shades pulled back with

the view of snow coming down hard once again,

coffee in hand, fireplace lit.

No Tv needed, the entertainment is outside my front window.

Then I think of all my dear ones, 

the Bestie going to work at the bank,

the other at Ochsner with her hubby for md appt.

The Boo who has to sometimes work outside in 

blustery weather such as this,

And I am thankful this morning.

Thankful that I am able to stay warm and bundled here 

on my sofa watching the snow come down hard now,

 Oliver asleep beside me.

Because of early retirement I am able to savor this 

very beautiful snow day in my warmed PJ's 

with no where more important to be but right here, right now.

I will remember this day for a long time coming...

"THE DAY IT SNOWED IN SOUTH LOUISIANA"

HER NAME IS MARIAH..... MARIAH

WORD OF WARNING, THIS WILL NOT BEA NICE, SWEET BLOG BUT ONE THAT I WANT TO WRITE FOR THIS SWEET CHILD.

Horrifying New Details About The Sexual Abuse 3-Year-Old Mariah Woods Allegedly Suffered By Her Mom's Boyfriend Prior To Her Murder

 Sarah Gangraw,YourTango 6 hours ago 

 
 
 
 
 

Mariah was reported missing by her mother around 6 a.m. on November 27. She and her live-in boyfriend Kimrey told law enforcement that Kimrey checked on Mariah at 11 p.m. the night before and when Hunter woke up, she was gone.

Yesterday was Mumsie day....

I picked up the two older grand girls off

the bus, raining, I went to the bus with

my umbrella. It was cold, I made sure

their little heads were covered as I 

strapped them safely in their booster

seats and locked them in.

We then took the small drive to baby

grand girl"s day care, we all got down to get her

and bundled them all up once again then

strapped all three in the car.

When we got to the cottage, each little one

had their slippers that had been warmed by

the fireplace for them, they happily removed

their shoes and socks that had been on their

feet all day to get a rub from Mumsie and nice

toasty slippers. We proceeded to homework

and play. Colored, talked, all in the space of 

just a few hours. Later, their daddy texted

if I had "bae" JoJo's blankie that she does

nothing without. Her Daddy came all the way from their

home to get Bae to ensure that his little girl

would sleep comfortably all night with

her "best friend" in her bed.

I say all this because none of this should be abnormal.

This is how little girls should be treated by those

who love them. 

Then I see these most beautiful pictures of 

the sweetest little girl, only to find out she is no

longer of this world. All because her Mother decided

to let some "boyfriend" into this Angel's world,

watched her and her 10 year old brother be abused

by this drug addicted man's hands and 

she still chose him over them.

The biological Dad was fighting to take this 

baby from her as she for sure did not deserve either

when she chose a man over her babies.

I see those pictures, of a beautiful, sweet little girl,

doing the same things my grand girls do.

Dress up like princesses, feed their baby dolls.

I cringe, a picture does not always tell a thousand words.

This poor baby is gone from this world and sadly,

she probably is glad her hell is over.

The innocence of my grand girls is seen throughout

our visit yesterday. They chose to play with their

dollhouse at Mumsies', to color. I am proud

of their parents who keep them young for 

as long as they can. 

I sum this all up with Death is too good for 

a man who can harm a sweet three year old child

like this beautiful girl and her brother.

To sexually abuse a baby such as this is just

hard for me to absorb. The most harmful thing

is that this Mother, in all her issues, chose to keep a man

around who could hurt her babies.

That their Daddy had to fight the court system to 

try and get his babies away from this.

I think of my bb who drove in the cold rainy night

to pick up Bae so his little girl could sleep in 

the innocence  of her bed with no one bothering 

her sleep. I also know that if either of these three

grand girls awake in the night for any reason,

they will go to their parents bedroom and be 

welcomed in for the comfort those parents can give them.

AND THAT SHOULD BE THE  NORMAL.

God rest this beautiful little princess.

May the man who chose a three year old for

his fantasies rather than an adult woman,

I pray his addiction was so bad that in prison

he is withdrawing with the worst pain imaginable

and that no one gives him any type of comfort.

I pray that this Mother never be allowed to have 

more children and that somehow her ten year

old son can find some peace knowing that his hell is over.

That this Christmas, without his little sister with him,

he can gain some innocent fun when he walks

down to the tree on Christmas morning.

By biggest prayer, is that this sweet, innocent little

girl has found some real love in the presence of

Our Father, God or whatever it is out there after

this life, that all that was done to her,

those memories did not follow her in the next world.

I apologize for such a cold blog so close to this

Christmas, but this little girl... well she deserves so

much more than just a silly blog post.

For my three grand girls, I thank God that their

parents love them so much that they will do all

necessary to keep them happy and innocent for as

long as the world will allow.

And this Mumsie, yes, she will continue to

overcompensate their warmed slippers by the fireplace,

the snacks that await them,

I will sit on the floor and pretend I am a barbie-

voice and all, I will make them "Angel Quesadilla's,

fry them Pepporoni chips, I will light up the 

cottage with four Christmas trees and I will let

them play with all those things that they choose to,

 and I will pray that their little lives

are always, always the main thing on their parents 

hearts, that they continue to do everything possible 

to keep them happy and protected from the crazy 

people in this world.

That only this Christmas season but every day of

their lives they feel protected, with no worries.

That all those who love them, keep those three 

little girls free from the harm of the Monsters that

not lurk under their beds but in the World that surrounds them.

I hope this blog stays in your mind and heart

for some time, not to make any of us sad but

for the very short life of a sweet, innocent little girl,

MARIAH MARIAH MARIAH

TAKING THE TIME TO JUST BE

If you know anything about me, you know 

my mind is always full of thoughts and questions,

R calls it squirrels as sometimes they throw me completely off

the task at hand, yet it is who I am. 

So this blog will be full of "squirrels"

Yesterday before picking up Jemma-Jemma at daycare

to go get her Daddy at airport I took a little time to read

in my FLOW magazine. (highly recommended)

It is a magazine full of deep thoughts and paper lover dreams.

The particular article I was reading was speaking of how

we are just too busy in this world. We just don't take the time

to just be, to do nothing but maybe read a book, journal without

the guilt of not be doing something 24/7.

Then this Morning the bestie, Laurie says that our daily

devotional that us three bestie all have, thanks to Laurie

is a good one. Ironically it is based lots on the one I read yesterday.

"...LIFE IS BUSY, THERE IS ALWAYS EXCUSES

NOT TO SPEND TIME...."

Yes, it is a good reading. I decide today, it will be the way

I begin each day from now on, reading the same devotional

the besties are reading. 

I think of how when we are young, we just can't wait to grow

up, grow out of our parents home,

But never is life more content, more peaceful than when

you are a child and you have no worries.

No bills to pay, no worries as to where the food will come from,

you just know the table will have it there.

No worries about how the lights work, how the home stays warm.

I remember one specific day, and I am not sure why this

one always comes to memory. 

I am about 14 and at my sister Rosie's home.

I am laying down in the grass by my brother in laws boat.

I am watching a lady bug do it lady bug thing.

I am at peace, have no hurry to move,

I watch the clouds, I think of where my life may be going,

I don't know how long I stayed there but I often think

that I wish I could appreciate those days again.

It will be my 2018 resolution, to spend a little more time

just being. Not rushing to get "it all done in record time"

I am fortunate. I am retired, have a comfortable cottage I call my own.

Money, although not rich, I have what I need.

I want to look at my crafting hours as not time playing but

time of importance. I want to have the peace of a child,

where the worries of life are just not something I even 

know I need to worry about.

I am sure I will falter but it will be my goal for 2018,

to just be.

Thanks Bestie, for the reminder of

"a good reading this morning"