Permanent Optimism

One of the definitions of "optimism" is an "inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome." So based on this definition I asked myself if Papa-God is an optimist? 

Now, I could take each word of this particular definition and reconstruct and analyze and extract and subtract and all the mess that would go into producing the final results of what my exorbitant, over-thinking mind would think the answer would be to this burning question, but I won't do that. It would take to long to say what is a fact... OF COURSE PAPA IS AN OPTIMIST!!! HE INVENTED OPTIMISM! 

I mean really!!! Jesus is the greatest outcome of Abba's greatest optimism, DUH!!!!! SHEESH!!! 

Y'all thought I was gonna go all deep and stuff, didn't you?!!? Naw, not on a day when it actually might snow in the south!!! NO WAY! HA!!!

From the greatest blogger in the world and beyond,

Auntie M

The Betty White Void

Okay, so what's up with this void in my life!?!? I knew Betty wasn't gonna live forever, but what in the wide, wide world of sports?!?! 99 years was not enough for us mere humans. 

Yesterday as I was reading and watching this woman's life flash before my eyes I thought, "Now here is a soul that no one could find fault with." I am pondering this as I write... why her? Why Miss Betty? I mean, what did she do in her life that was so appreciated, so valued, that it left a void? A VOID Y'ALL!!

But then I thought about 2021 and all of its ridiculousness... mystery solved. Why not? Just why not? There were so many voids left in so many lives last year. So many holes and wounds in this world... again, why not Betty White passing through the veil be anything special? 

I tell you why, because she demonstrated a life of gratitude, regardless. She could joke, she was talented, she was graceful and grateful. Yeah, I know she could be a bit crude but that was the mystery of Ms. White. You knew she was going to be, but she was going to do it with a genuine smile on her face. I loved that about her. She was real broad and seemed to be proud of it. Good! 

So Papa ended my year by allowing another void to rip my heart to pieces... or did he? Hmmm... 2021 was a cruel year! It was hostile to EVERYONE. It didn't matter who you were or what you thought. That devil of a year HATED EVERYBODY! The divisions it caused alone would make me say nasty, filthy things out of my mouth! It was awful. And one of the most painful facts about 2021 is that I allowed it to let me say those nasty filthy things out of my mouth!

Will 2022 be any better... read my last post. The SAGA continues...

From the Greatest Blogger in the ENTIRE World,

Auntie M

Open Continually

Even though the imperfections of mankind will still be strongly exhibited and continue well into 2022 (and beyond), one aspect that I am so, so, SO  looking forward to is watching how Abba-PAPA will open my eyes, my heart, my EVERYTHING to see how HE will overcome the flaws and deformities of the folk of this world. 

Every time I got tore out of my frame about something that was going on in this world or something that was going on in my personal life, whatever it was, Papa would say to me in that small still sweet, yet powerful voice, "watch what I do." And every single time He would show me something that would help me to gaze with or at Him and His Love for me instead of this worldly mess. I was such a "Peter" walking on the water, LOL!! And I know this will continue for the rest of my life.

But, yeah, I'm looking forward to Papa continuing His wonderful relationship building skills in my life. Not that MY blemishes will all of a sudden disappear in the coming year... nope - I don't mind being a work in progress. That's not a bad thing... I mean, there's ALWAYS gonna be something to tweak, to change or whatever in me (and I'm looking forward to searching and living that out). But, l'm just thinking about this one of many aspects of His Love. 

I'm going to endeavor not to look to much at what this world and it's crazy systems, shenanigans, and, as my zany but cherished sister-in-law, Tanisha, says, "the foolery," of it all. I will strive to be living within Father's realm of Love, and Grace, and Mercy, and Tenderness....His Everything. 

It's just an observation I've been pondering since I woke up this morning. 

From the Greatest Blogger in the Entire World,

Auntie M

2021 I’m Getting INTO My Comfort Zone

That “get out of your comfort zone” business is soooooooo over rated.  Why? Why in the wide, wide, world of sports do you have to get out of you “comfort” zone? The world is already uncomfortable as it is!  Well, I won’t do it. I absolutely refuse to be uncomfortable another moment in my life!!

2021 is the year I begin to get INTO my comfort zone! Yeah!! From this moment on, I am going to endeavor to find comfort in EVERY aspect of my life. I have had it! Let’s do it! Let’s get INTO our comfort zone!!!!

I will try to let you know how it works out.

Love Auntie M

Best Blogger in the World - Skip a Whole ENTIRE Year!!

 

I read this today- 

"I want to age like sea glass. Smoothed by tides, but not broken. I want my hard edges to soften. I want to ride the waves and go with the flow. I want to catch a wave and let it carry me to where I belong. I want to be picked up and held gently by those who delight in my well earned patina and appreciate the changes I went through to achieve that beauty. I want to enjoy the journey and always remember that if you give the ocean something breakable it will turn it into something beautiful. I want to age like sea glass." 

Again, I Am the Best Blogger in the Universe!!

The last several years have been sooooooo traumatic and draining.... thus, for the last couple of years I have only posted a few times. I believe that might have to change.  As this is the ONLY social media I choose to be a part of, I think I might try to do a bit more writing for 2019.  But as always, I make no promises.  Besides, who will be reading my great and wonderful musings?!?!?!?

Auntie M

Brand New Year... Quiet Loudly Please.!.!.!.

How can something be quiet and loud at the same time? There is only One Being that I know of that can easily accomplish this feat and He is GOD.

So, this is a brand new year (looking around as I type).  Not sure what to make of it.  That is a good thing. The quiet and the loud... ready, set, GOD.

Holla atcha,

Auntie M

My Mom

My Mom... I will miss you so much Mom.

Broken Plates

I cancelled my mom's telephone service with Windstream today.  I was talking to a wonderful customer service representative named Mark. I had been trying to keep my emotions under control but it became so difficult.  He was so nice and I just began to cry.  

He asked me if I were okay and I said my mom can't have a phone in her room because it is to disturbing for her...she can't rest... she can't stay peaceful (I didn't tell him this but the telemarketers kept calling and it's just too much for her). I began to cry and he said, "It's gonna be okay.  You just cry." 

He asked me what my favorite memory of my mom was. I told him that I had soooo many. I told him my mom was very kind and very sweet and she loved her kids.  He said those sound like wonderful memories.  

He then told me about his great grandma who raised him. All of her children and grandchildren had died and Mark was the only one left in her family.  She had gotten sick and he took her to the hospital the day before his 30th birthday (his b'day was on October 5, 2008).  He said "Grandma, you can't leave me on my birthday." He said she didn't pass away until October 21, 2008.  He believes she did that so that he would not have the sadness of her leaving on his birthday.

Mark then began to tell me about what an extraordinary woman she was.  She used to shop at a lot of thrift stores. She loved to by their plates.  She would purchase a lot of them...they were only ten cents a piece... that was a deal!

But she had another reason for buying a lot of plates.  Whenever she became angry with anything she would go to the back of her house where a back porch or something like that was and she would take a bunch of plates with her.  She would then proceed to break as many plates as it took to get over her "anger"!  Talk about anger management...  She left a broom and dustbin in the area. She would clean up her "anger" mess and throw it away.

Well, I just started laughing and crying at the same time. That was just the most perfect thing for him to say and for me to hear. Mark was so awesome; so caring; so "there" for me.  Thank the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for Mark the customer service representative at Windstream!!! 

He said some other kind words like, She is going to be so much better and will always be looking down to cheer her kids on. He said, "My grandma got a new job after she passed... she is still looking after me!!"  He said sometimes he finds hints of her in various places and that will happen to me too.  Nice way to put it.  Encouraging perspective. So much more was said...

Anyway, I have to thank You Father for letting the perfect person end another chapter regarding my mom.

m

Yesterday at 11:39 AM...

Summer began! Yep, June 21, 2015 was the first day of what I believe is going to be a very hot summer.  Don't get me wrong, I love every day the LORD has made and I do my best to rejoice in them all but, WHEW, it's hot outside. 


I've got an idea...let's go to the beach....






Holla atcha,

auntie m

Happy Mama's Day!

My mom and me...ain't she just
gorgeous!

My mom is the best mom in the whole wide world.  She has had a lot of obstacles to overcome these past several months, but our Father has been there the whole step of the way.  In her every living moment God has blessed, regenerated and rejuvenated her entire created being.

She is smart, funny and giving. But most of all she is a follower of Yeshua, Glory be to GOD!

Thank you, mama, for all you do and have done for us kids.  I speak for all of your children in saying you are cherished and adored!  Happy Mama's Day!!!

A GOD Thought...

The moment you stop thinking and depending on this world and its world system is the moment you will be healed and set free from this world and this world's system.  "For in Him we live, and move and have our being;..." Act 17:28.

Later all,

m

To Post or Not to Post...That Is the Question, I Think...

I don't know how many times I have wanted to try to write something profound; something that would inspire and even reward those who have the nerve to try to understand me.  Then I start thinking and thinking and thinking...what would enlighten a person who has the heart of a true renaissance woman or man?  Heck if I know. 

Holla atcha,

Auntie M

My Itty Bitty Random Self...

A really dear friend of mine gave me this itty bitty figurine of a bunny in tiny boat rowing somewhere.

Ain't she cute.

When she first gave it to me it always reminded me of her. She is a petite woman in size but a mighty woman of GOD! 

Well, lately I have been identifying with this little rabbit.  Though I maybe small on this earth I am the apple of the Lord's Eye! 

So I thought about putting the rowing rabbit in some other, um, situations:

Now I am going in
the right direction.
Go towards the sun!!

I have to get away
from it all, for real!

I love the beach...any beach...really...I need to go to the beach... 

Just to let you know, "I" aka the rowing rabbit am on my Tropical Island mouse pad, LOL!!!  Can you tell I love the beach? 

This particular post is really random but I just felt the need...  Spring time does that to me.

Holla atcha,

Auntie m

What A Peaceful Day

Today is the first day of March.  Spring is coming in about three more weeks.  We have already had a pretty good snow storm.  I personally believe we will have at least one more good snow challenge before March 21st.

Cool as a cucumber, squash and
tomatoes too.  Vegetables are a
pretty cool food.  Peaceful too.

Folks in my neck of the woods tend to trip and freak out about the potential of snow...even the threat of the cold events can cause people to run and get their eggs, bread, milk and toilet paper.  In times past I have been
in that category. Maybe it's because I'm older, but this last time I did not fall into that trap.

Lately, I just want the peace and quiet of my spirit, mind, soul and body at rest.  A person can get tired of living a panicky life.  You feel like you're living life on the edge.  I for one am tired of the edge. Yeah, let me back up and see life from a safer point of view.

So if we do have another snow challenge and I do have to go to the store I am going in perfect peace...and purchasing cucumbers - in addition to the eggs, bread, milk and toilet paper.  Why cucumbers you may ask? Because I want to be as cool as one. HA!!!!

Holla atcha,

Auntie M.

From Bottom to Top - I Like What the Lord Has Made. Rejoice!

So, at this time in my travels of life and learning (kinda poetic ain't it), blogging is as close to social media writings like "myface" or "spacebook" (HA) that I'm gonna get!  Let me explain my weird self...

In the Name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!
of course I am a peculiar person...
I Like IT!!!

After being on the computer for several minutes this morning I saw my blog bookmark and was about to post to it when  I felt a strong urge to read it from the very beginning.  

Wow... it was like reading someone else's life; and the WEIRD thing about it was I really liked this person.  It was me...it was really me.

I started at the bottom of the blog, which my Father usually has me do in learning His lessons (apparently, that's the best way for me to get complete understanding) and re-read all the way to the top, or most current post.  

I enjoyed it so much.  Not trying to get the big head or nothin' but it made me smile, think, laugh out loud and even tear up.  Through it all, the Lord (as I witnessed it) has intertwined Himself all in and around this life...my life.  Thank You Father.  Thank You for everything!  

So if you are reading this - and I mean all five of my followers - start at the bottom of this blog and go up.  Hopefully, this will help reinforce the weirdness/peculiar-ness that my Heavenly Father has placed in me.

Okay, now next time I am gonna get back to naming the Renaissance Folks, Issues, Ideas, etc., that have come into my life.  After all that is what this blog is all about.  

Of course, I am still the greatest blogger in the world especially since I have posted TWICE in a month, HA!  What in the wide world of sports????

Holla atcha,

Auntie m

I Love When the Month of February Begins on a Sunday.

The last time the month of February started on a Sunday was in 2009.

Definitely going somewhere.

 --- Side Bar --February seems to be more of my "new year" beginning than January.  Really, November has also been another "new year" month too.

Okay, back to February 2009... that was a year of great change for me.  Lots of personal stuff happened that year... Overall, it was not a very uplifting year.  Don't get me wrong; I was grateful to the Lord for my life but it was tough...really tough.

So six years later, I'm not sure what is going to happen.  But one thing that has NOT change is my love, commitment and faith in and to my Heavenly Father.  Wow. What a realization of that constant Person and Way in my life.  Hmmm, I am surprised that I just now realized that.  Thank You Lord.

Holla atcha,

Autie m

A New Year of Joy, Grace, Mercy and Happiness.

I am so glad that 2015 is here.  And it was well worth the wait.  I am not saying that this new year exploded into my life but it was the first time I have felt calm in a very long time.  Yes, beloved, I truly have high expectations of what the Ancient of Days, my Heavenly Father, is going to do in the lives of His children.

Okay then...

Holla atcha,

Auntie m

It Was a Really Busy 2014 (For Real Though)!!

Okay, Here's some of the stuff that happened:

Sonya and me at the
Tomlinson Family
Reunion!

- So I started a new club called the 50+ club, Keep Calm.  It all started with me and my wonderful sister-in-law, Sonya turning 50 back in 2012.  We shared some true challenges of turning this milestone age.  But we still wanted to embrace our new status as wonderful, God-filled, Jesus-following sisters but we just turned 50 and it was tough and easy at the same time.  Go figure.

I even changed my hair back to...well... I will post new pictures of me soon...my kind of soon...that could be anytime from now and six months from now... (you can tell this was almost a post but just hang with a sistah..)

That's Jon in the background!

- Lydia married Jon  and became a Rich woman.

Mom with my brother
at Thanksgiving event
at Meadowview.

- My mom had a tough time adjusting to life after an unfortunate mishap.  She is now residing at Meadowview Nursing Center in Pell City, Alabama.  She is doing pretty well... better then she cares to admit.  But all in all, Momma is ah-ight!!

She's gonna be a Stah-ra!!

- Phoebe now lives in New York.  She has been featured in an independent movie.

Adorable Amani

That's Me, Lauren

and cutie-pah-tutee

Katana.

- Latoya and Darius have a brand new itty bitty baby girl named Amani.  My younger brother David and his wife, Bonnie, are doing well after being grandparents for the second time (Amani)!  First one was the cutie-pahtutee Katana.  She is the daughter of Cheeko and Lauren.










Last but not least, I did something that is pretty major of me...yup, I cut my hair off and I am happy about it, WHOOO HOOO!!!

Loving it, for REAL!!!

So that's it in a nutshell.  There was a lot of traumatic and life changing events that happened this year in my family.  But my Heavenly Father was there for me and my folks through it all.  I am so very thankful to Him.  I could NOT have survived it but for the Lord's Mighty Hand on my life.

Tracy and I on our
15th wedding anniversary
(and before the haircut!!).

My GOD sent me the most loving, patient and understanding husband in the world.  Tracy is the love of my life on my Father's earth.  I cannot thank Him enough for placing Tracy in my world...he is so awesome.









Though I am so very grateful for my Lord's Loving Kindness and Tender Mercies throughout this eventful year I am ready for a new adventure.

Remember that saying that basically says you keep doing the same thing but you want a different result?  This kind indicates to me there may be some craziness going on in the old gray matter (your mind, brain...)?  Well, it is time to stop all of that nonsense.  It's about time to begin branching out...hmmm.... Branching Out...  that sounds interesting.  Thought gathering time!!!!!

Holla atcha in 2015!

2013 Is Gonna Be AWESOME!!!!

In other words, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

Okay, as all of my followers (and regular secret lurkers) know I am the absolute Greatest Blogger in the All the WORLD!!  Yeah, I am!!! Because when I blog people know it and they come a-running to find out what is happening in the "Renaissance Folks" world!  It is just the way it is...really.

I made it...I finally made it!!!

So I guess you are probably wondering where all the ego is coming from...well on November 24, 2012 I celebrated my 50th birthday.  I have to tell you, I am too excited to be 50.  I just didn't know how great this "new" age was gonna be...especially now that I qualify for my AARP CLUB MEMBERSHIP!!  The fact that I do qualify for membership is too awesome for words so my friend captured it in a picture

Why you ask?  I don't know.

Now that 2012 is over and done (thank YOU LORD) I can talk about the stuff that happened; kind of catch you all up on things. Here we go!

How and where do I begin...so much has happened...  Did I tell you that I turned 50 last year?  Yep... sure did... *drums fingers on keyboard*

Well, maybe I can just stop for now; I mean, I don't want to overwhelm my peoples with all the "catching up" that needs to be done.  After all I am the Greatest Blogger in All the WORLD!!  

This is just the beginning of a great blogging year.  I can hardly hold control myself...really; I can just barely contain it all.

Allow me to end this session on a more serious note; One of my prayer for 2013 is that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY may BLESS us with HIS LOVE, PEACE, GRACE and MERCY.  That we who are HIS may do HIS complete and perfect WILL and that HE dominates our lives and grants us the understanding heart that we need to hear HIS PRECIOUS VOICE.   

There is so much more I want to say but, hey, I have the rest of the year to let you know about it; after all, I am the Greatest Blogger in All the WORLD!!

That's all for now,

Auntie M

Happy Summertime . . . and 4th of July

Taken during our flight home from N.C.

I am not really big on Summer.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy all GOD has created but my favorite seasons are Spring and Fall.  Of course, I am very grateful for all HE has given me and how the LORD has BLESSED me despite my decisions.

With all of that said, I just wanted to say "hi" to all of the five people that read this great big blog of mine.  Truly I appreciate the attention.   My plan is to do better by you five folk.  I would hate to lose your confidence in me.  I don't want to give up my title as the best blogger in the world.  That would be a crime!!!!!  

Okay, then.  Have a great Renaissance Summer and be BLESSED.

Auntie M

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Happy New Year to ALL!!  Thank YOU LORD for not only a new day but a new year to be eternally grateful for!

Ain't he handsome!  I love you Sweet T!!

Tracy, you are wonderful.  I love and adore you.  Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your life.  I PRAISE the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for you being in mine.

My mom and me (before my 'fro)

Those who know me will know the ultimate reason I am rejoicing on the last day of 2011 and the first day of 2012 . . . Thank you LORD for my Mom's recovery!!!  Thank YOU LORD for bringing wonderful PRAYER WARRIORS into my life . . . through their FAITH and HOPE and STEADFASTNESS . . . well I hope they know that I am truly grateful for their love and support!!!


Again I am so thankful, so very thankful!!  There are just no words to express the appreciation I have for all I have in my life.  Thank YOU FATHER!!!  Thanks FAMILY!!!!  THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU!!!

That's all for now,

Auntie M

So Here's What You Missed . . .

Cradled in the Hands of Love

On January 17, 2011 Katana Marie (my great niece) came in to our world and just made it wonderful.

Here is Katana at almost seven months.  Ain't she a cutie patooty!!!

She is an aspiring actress 

My beautiful niece, Phoebe, was in a play at the University of Alabama; ROLL TIDE!  She did an awesome job.  Didn't even know the child could sing!!!

Prayer works!!!!

Lydia went to the prom:

Such Proud Parents!!!!!

AND THEN graduated from Pell City High School (She was the last one of my mom's grand kids to graduate. . . Thank YOU JESUS!!!).







Last and least, I have discovered this really wonderful "mob" dance video that I love and would love to get a group of my friends together and mob dance (I love the show Glee and this is one of my favorite songs from the show).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4CqTV9eEkI

That's all for now and yes I am still the GREATEST BLOGGER IN THE WORLD!!!!!

Auntie M

I Am the Greatest Blogger in the WORLD!

Cool picture from Orange Beach

Yeah, right!!!  Okay, I am obviously full  of great sarcasm today.   By the way, that picture over there on the side has not one thing to do with this topic, but that's how great a blogger I am, LOLOLOL!!!! But really this blog is just something for me to do and if anyone decides to read it . . . well, I hope they enjoy it.  Renaissance folks are still of great interest to me.  But one thing that I have noticed is that it takes a lot of work to discover where the "non-known" renaissance folks are.

Hey, maybe that is a way to do this blog.  Maybe I can interview some folks who I consider renaissance-est!!! Hmmm . . . let's see what we can do about this (or if I do anything about this).

That's all for now,

Auntie M

Happy New Year . . . Late!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!  What a year it has been so far.  Snow, ice, snow, ice and snow.  I mean really exciting.  Did I mention snow?!?! Haven't posted in a while . . . been busy with the snow and the ice and all. I hope all is well with you. Here are some pictures of snow and well, ice.  How very renaissance of the southern part of the U. S.

Traveling to the Raliegh/Durham Airport,12/26/10.

Arriving home from Atlanta Airport,12/26/10.  Thank YOU JESUS!

So, yeah, they are last years pictures but as soon as I download this years snow and ice pictures . . . well then they will be on my blog!  Okay then,

Take care and really, Happy New Year!

That's all for now,

Auntie M