Feb 7, 2012
We all have those moments in life that seem so benign at the time, but leave a very lasting impression. This is the story of such a moment.
Remember Berry Sunshine’s Cat Antics from a while ago? Here’s one from many years ago.
We were living in our small apartment and I had hosted dinner for a few friends. Because the dinner table only seated four and there were five of us altogether, I allowed my daughter to eat at her snack table while watching television.
The meal was great: meatloaf and scalloped potatoes. I served up my daughter’s plate then called her back into the kitchen to pray with the rest of us. She resisted; she didn’t want to leave her table. But I insisted. When she went back to table a minute later, I heard her cry out: her meatloaf was missing!
Berry had decided she wanted to be part of the dinner party, and absconded with the entire meatloaf slice from Dot’s plate! I comforted her (her being Dot, not Berry), told her not to worry, we had plenty. And we carried on just fine.
Two days later my slipper had wedged itself under the sofa so I bent down to retrieve it… only to find half the meatloaf. Can you say “ewww!”??
It was a few years later in the same apartment when we decided to have a Mommy-Daughter Movie Night. I don’t remember what we served for dinner, but I do know that my daughter wanted to eat by TV light.
She got her drink. Then she brought in her napkin. Then she brought in her snack plate. We were both ready. But then the cats started to cry for attention. And food. On one side was Berry. On the other side was Fluffy. Wherever Dot turned, there was a dark whiskered face. And since the lights were out, she couldn’t quite see if they were trying to eat her plate, or her toes.
Finally in frustration, she stood up and hollered, “I just want to eat my stinkin’ food!”
The cats scurried. We started the movie.
And everyone lived happily ever after…
yeah, right.
To this day, when we’re really hungry, or when there are tons of distraction from any task at hand, you’ll hear us shouting that line.
Dot tells this story much better than me. I’m pretty sure I got a lot of it wrong. But she’s trying to get some sleep right now so I can’t verify facts. And I just want to write my stinkin’ story.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 6, 2012 |
A few days ago I mentioned that I rejected a freelance writing opportunity.
While I know it was the right thing to do, I was disappointed. Disappointed with the lack of finances (and my need for more!), disappointed with a failed opportunity, disappointed with so much.
While endeavoring to be a paid writer I’ve also been trying to find a day job to pay the bills. That hasn’t offered much hope either.
So. I admit that God and I had a bit of a talk. Actually, it was more of a child kicking and screaming to get attention from the adult. Without actually throwing a temper tantrum, I admit that my heart really wanted to. I prattled off all my worries and concerns and the reasons I’m not sleeping as well as I used to and don’t forget the recurring knee injury and what is up with this cold weather and wind and by the way do you think just once I could win the lottery? Or at least a few decent writing assignments? Is that really too much to ask?
I learned a few things that day.
*First: It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be sad and discouraged. It is not okay to wallow or lose hope. But it’s totally okay be tired and cry it out.
*Second: Crying can be good. Admitting your disappointments out loud can be cathartic. Telling your worries to your mother over a tear-stained coffee cup can even lead to some unintentionally humorous conversations.
*Third: God loves me and will take care of me no matter what. Even when He doesn’t give me what I want, He gives me what I need and protects me from what I deserve. What I think I need is not what I really need. And that thought terrifies me because I don’t like the unknown. But if all I know is God will take care of me, and my family, then that’s what I have to go on.
*Fourth: Proverbs 22:1 (NIV): “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I could sell my writings almost anywhere. I could write the kind of stories that would sell big, but in doing so I would compromise my style, my faith, and my name. I could write for people who don’t care about quality. I could write, and get paid. But I’d rather keep my Good Name. Because in doing so, I’m trusting God for the rest. (See Bullet Three above).
I kept praying for direction answers my will to be accomplished. Until I realized this is the first of many rejection notices I’ll receive. I just happen to be the one doing the rejection this time. And I’m okay with that.
I’m a firm believer that when God closes one door, He opens another.
The same day I rejected this freelance opportunity, another one came my way. One that will be mutually beneficial to myself and the business I’m writing for. One that leaves me no doubt that God had this lined up before I even thought of rejecting the first one.
And then of course I felt pretty foolish for having stomped my feet and threw my fists in the air (no, not literally!). But it’s a good thing to know that God loves me know matter what. It’s an even better thing to know He knows what’s really in my heart.
Psalm 50:15 (NIV): ” and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me.”
Yeah. I’m keeping my Good Name. Because it comes from My Father. And after all, Father Knows Best.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 5, 2012
It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?
Be honest.
You thought you’d seen the last of my food posts, didncha?
Puh-leeeze. Like that could happen! I wouldn’t forget something as important as food!
Today’s the Big Day. The day when the Commercials are (almost) more important than the Show (certainly some will be more controversial!). The day when some people will love the Half-Time Show while others loathe it.
Today is Football.
And while my favorite team won’t be playing this year [I’m a Cheesehead!], my favorite foods will be on the table.
To start things off, I admit I’m going the semi-homemade route. Since I knew I wouldn’t have time to prepare all the snackage that I wanted to enjoy, I bought two appetizers from Schwans: their breaded Mozarrella sticks and their Cheddar and bacon stuffed potato skins. I really enjoy the ease of Schwans’ foods; straight from freezer to oven. And super delicious tastes! So it was a no-brainer to let them “cater” part of the Big Meal.
To add my own touch, I’m making a hearty amount of my Slow Cooker Turkey Chili to eat by itself and to also use as a topping for my Crescent Dogs.
Throw in some chips, dips, and maybe a few sliced and diced raw veggies, and it’s a par-tay!
There will be brownie bites and cookies for dessert, and the typical beverage options of water, juice, coffee, tea, and maybe a soda pop or two.
Will you be at a Super Bowl party? What’s on your menu?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
