Blogs that inspire

One of the things I love about blogs and blogging is that they inspire, thank you Katie for reminding me how beautiful the south remains to be.

Have you ever tasted something and felt like you were being hugged by your Grandmomma

or listened to a song and found proof that someone has been right where you're standing

or smelled something so familiar it took you right back to the Mrs. Gentry's first grade class

or witnessed something so beautiful your heart lept right out of your chest

These are the things that the south, but no... not just the south, but that Georgia has given to me.

Not just memories, but moments in my life when everything stopped and I was being taught to take life in and take it day by day.

For some reason, I like Katie, have been thinking about it.

Tim and I used to walk down to the river every Sunday and put our feet in and talk about what we wanted our future to look like.

Grandma and I would go to the grocery store and she would tell me whatever I wanted to know about everyone and at the end tell Tim and I that we needed to go to church more (she gets wiser everyday).

I would climb in my car and go have lunch at school with Keelie at a school I dreamed of teaching at.

We would stand out in the Crews backyard and watch one of the most amazing sunsets I've ever seen (the night sky in the country is something to be seen).

Dusti and I would leave everything behind and head off to Twila Faye's for tea and sandwiches and the best cheese straws you ever put in your mouth.

I would gather every holiday with my Momma's family of over fifty and love on everyone.

I can go on for days.

Mmmmmm...

There is something so sweet about that place.

Patty Porcupine

This is Patty the Porcupine. Mae Mae (aka Sister aka Maaree aka my Momma's best friend and sister) bought this for my birthday when I was about mmmm...9 or so. When I first got Patty, her hair stood on the ends and she had a pink bow in her hair. I wish now that I had a picture of her back in day to compare with her now much loved body. Patty has slept with me since I was 9 and still does. She went with me to college, spend the night parties, overseas in the Navy and she still shares a bed with Tim and I (he doesn't mind). It is strange because Loretta has never dared to chew on Patty. I think she knows our relationship and realizes that she is a Crews now. When I am sick, I pull her along with a pillow and blanket and watch cartoons on the couch as though I were 9 years old again. When Mae Mae found out that I choose this doll to have as my best friend...she felt honored, as though I had chosen her along with Patty. In a way, I did. I love you, Mae Mae! So much that my heart hurts being away from you, but Patty keeps me company for the time being and reminds me of you.

Freedom

Freedom is one of the most beautiful assets in life; yet, very few people actually get to enjoy this gift. And it is a gift. Whether you attain that yourself or it is granted by another...it is passed over with unfathomable care and consideration. I myself have been on a road to freedom lately. It has been hard, but I still work the road. I try to never look back, but I can't help giving a glance every now and then. When I do turn back, my heart begins to hurt and I realize I must stay the path that is ahead of me. For on this road I am treading, there is hope, so much that I can feel the warmth of sun beaming down on my pale face. This road has a future. I know not what that future is, but only tomorrow is and the day will begin for me and that in itself is glorious. Just getting on this road is freedom enough for me. To be working towards a better tomorrow, well if I do that, then the next day encourages a better next and so forth. To know that one has hope and a future is freeing enough, but to carry on in that manner is freedom.

Les Claypool

I had an extremely busy weekend, but didn't forget to take time out for some fun. Tim and I headed down to the Filmore on Saturday to witness a Les Claypool show. Wow! Now, I know why exactly I've wanted to see him for so long. The music was absolutely beautiful and the show itself was amazing. Definitely carnivale. There was an underlying darkness to the event, an old French carnival freak show if you will. There were dancers and magic acts and costumes. Quite the affair. Now, I'm looking forward to...Neil Young.

The little people at Warren Village

Every Wednesday, I rush home and change into some comfy clothes and head over to Warren Village to spend some much needed time with my peeps...my little ones. There was a time when I was tired after work and didn't want to really help out anyone, but myself. Three weeks ago, this completely changed for me. I love going now. I look forward to it. There was an issue a few weeks ago with a little girl who had severe separation anxiety. I've never really witnessed anything like it and I played mainly with her the entire time and helped ease her pain. It was crazy that night also. So many kids, a mess everywhere and crying. And I, somehow in the middle of all the mayhem, found peace that I have never known before. People that really know me, know I love children and believe that they are our main resource. Resource for joy, a brighter future and getting back to a simpler way of seeing things and living life. They are real. OK, back to my story. I love all children, but the toddlers have my heart. I sit on the floor and play with them. Give a little discipline when needed and talk to them as I would one of my friends. I now know their names and personalities. I wish I could post names or pictures on here, but due to Warren Village's policy that is not allowed. They have really creative names and beautiful faces, just know that. I leave every night feeling full and happy. It is a time when I can shut off the crazy world around me and just be for a little while. True. There is noise, but it is a different noise. Much gentler to the ears. I recently shared with the day care coordinator, that they were the reason I choose to teach again. Everyday I spend with them just reconfirms the love I have for children and guiding them in a positive direction. And I can't wait to spend more of my days with them, but for now the toddler room at Warren Village is filling my heart with something that is unimaginable to me. Last night was beautiful. When the mother's came to pick up two little girls, they cried because they didn't want to leave. Thank you two for making me feel that special, it really made my night. And I know you're not reading this, but if you were, I just want you to know that I didn't want you to leave either. I just couldn't cry about it in front of your mom, it wouldn't look very responsible.

A hike

This weekend was the First for two things:

1. First hike of the season

2. First Flat Iron I've ever climbed.

These are the things that I loooovvveee about Colorado. Tim and I drove a short way to Boulder and then climbed and climbed and climbed. Everyone was out too! When it is nice out, you better believe that everyone and their momma (or their dog) are out taking in the atmosphere. Colorado has a very active population and I can appreciate that. The weather was beautiful and so were the surroundings. When we reached the top, the view was beautiful. The strange thing for me are the boulders, I will have to get used to them. Biscuit and Loretta enjoyed some much deserved Puperoni treats at the top. When we climbed back down, we devoured the lunch we prepared as B-lo stared on. I can't wait for our next hike and all the wonderful things that this spring and summer hold for Crews Control.