Claiborne County

Today my husband and I went on a day trip to nearby Claiborne County. We both spent some of our growing up years down there, so it tends to be like going "home."

My husband and I are opposites. He is shy, where I am outgoing. He likes to watch the History Channel, while I can stay glued to "America's Got Talent" for hours. He likes to hike and camp. My idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without room service.

We do tend to have some difficulty coming up with things that we can do together. But today, we came up with a perfect activity. Bill took me on a tour of some of his favorite places in Claiborne County and I took pictures to serve as fodder for future watercolor projects. We took in everything from graveyards to the old Grand Gulf jailhouse. Bill knows so much of the area history in such detail that he makes a wonderful "tour guide."

We did pop into Jefferson County long enough to eat at the Old Country Store. Arthur Davis and his "so good it makes you want to slap your mama" fried chicken were featured in Alton Brown's "Feasting on Asphalt" series. The chicken was truly divine, as were the sweet potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Mr. Davis says that he cooks like he is cooking for himself. He just happens to share it with a few friends. I was mighty glad to be his friend today!

Lunch at the Old Country Store: $20.00 for two including tip.

Gas for the van: $35.00.

A great time with my husband of almost 26 years?

Priceless

Today's Sermon

This morning, our new pastor began his sermon with a story about a man named Jack. Jack is a youth minister in the Central Mississippi area.

Well, my ears immediately perked up. I happen to KNOW a Jack who is a youth minister in the Central Mississippi area. My pastor went on with the story about Jack and how Jack feared his father for the first part of his life. This fit in with what I know about Jack, but I still could not be totally certain that this Jack was the one I know.

The story went on that Jack's mother, during an after dinner walk, revealed to Jack that the man he so feared was his stepfather, not his biological father. More pieces fell into place, but I was still not sure.

Then the preacher mentioned the words helicopter, shot down, and Vietnam and I knew, without a doubt, that this was the Jack I know. The youngest brother of my best friend in life, Teresa. Tears streamed down my face as our preacher continued his sermon about God the Father's love for us.

Instead of becoming a bitter and angry man, Jack took the knowledge of the kind of man his real father was to become a faithful husband, father, youth minister, and teacher. He is a living example of God's healing power.

Amen.

First Sale

Today I sold my very first watercolor picture. Granted, the money did not go to me, but to the Senior Center to buy more supplies for their arts and crafts program. It was even purchased by someone who was not a friend or relative.

When I got to the show this morning, my painting was still there. Ten other paintings, mostly oils, had already sold. I was afraid that I would be one of the only ones bringing my painting home, unwanted.

About 30 minutes later, THREE people all decided they wanted my painting at once. Mabel, who was a judge in this city for many years, got to it first and snatched it up.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Sold!

No More Words

I have a friend who will sometimes say that she "does not want any more words thrown at her." I actually very seldom feel that way, but today was one of those days.

Because I am a counselor, many people assume that I have a totally unlimited capacity to listen for hours on end with no affect on my own mood and spirits. While I may have pretty large capacity for listening, my ability to bear the burdens of others does have some limits. I have to recharge MY batteries as well. The physical exhaustion that my medical conditions bring also seem to have an effect on my mental endurance as well.

Almost everyone has a friend or acquaintance who has so few people to share with that he or she wears out those who still come around. Everyone needs to feel "heard." I understand that. But I can't do all the "hearing!"

Another person lectured me for almost an hour on how things are DONE at a place where I have volunteered to do some art activities. These were things I needed to know, but hearing them ONCE was plenty! And she left me so discouraged that I am dreading next Tuesday. Fortunately, I only signed on for two sessions.

I can tell that I am going to have to set tighter boundaries in both these situations.

But, for tonight, no more words!

Good Day

Today was a lovely day. One of the first nice things that happened was a phone call from my 92 years young friend, Louise. I love talking to Louise. She always asks how I am doing and really wants to know the answer.

The second lovely thing was going "tax-free" lingerie shopping at our local outlet mall with DH's blessing. Nothing fancy, but I do love new nighties!

And last, but not least, lunch at one of my favorite eateries Cafe Anchuca with two of my favorite people from Montgomery, Alabama. They were in Vicksburg for the weekend bringing their son to his Americorps assignment. Above is the "Cafe Burger" featuring pimento cheese and bacon. Yummy!

I must admit, after a week of constant requests and demands, a day like today is a tonic.

And I don't even need gin with it.