~ Summer Shadows ~

This evening there was a pink sky sinking while Hillary and I rocked with Ms. Skelton. She's living different now that her husband has passed, and I am left thinking....how can our visits help her in her new situation. Life that is. These curve balls come at all angles...and it's how our reaction to life around us helps us make sense and respond. How will we fill these blank pages? Today, I feel positive. There's a positive energy filling up........(We invited her for supper......:)

In addition to Ms. Skelton, Hillary and I spent some time visiting with neighbors....the Grandpa and son on the golf cart, the Capps' kids (talked about Bob Whites and Volleyball and High School; I had taught these twins several years ago....such sweet kids.....growing up) the Ms. McLanahan  with dog on leash. 

A couple of night's ago Hillary, Ava, Giles, Gary, and I went owling.....and yes, it was one of those nights ....the Barred Owls called back. Quite suiting for our bonfire and summer night. The stars were bright as we walked and we had talks about the night sky....Venus, The Big Dipper, and others.......As we walked we made dog shadows, big and little, from the flashlight and I narrated a dialogue of big dog, little dog scenario...it was funny and provided some laughs on our night trip in the woods. 

Hillary got an extra special package today from, Ms. Sheeren. (For those of you who don't know who she is.....she was our sweet neighbor in Vermont.....we visited her when we could on our hill in Vermont. I'm so glad our paths met.....she was a welcome to us so far from home.) It was a package of special books for Hillary. It made her day. 

My mama got Hilly and Coop signed up for school (2nd & 6th) and Brock began two-a-days. Oh, did I mention Hillary will be playing football (flag) this fall....well, that is her plan. Cooper will play for the middle school. Brock will play for high school (Nashville Christian). Moreover, school officially started back for me today.......

We spent a nice morning in the park (Bowie Park) Saturday....Gary and Joe on a walk....and I was behind with the kids......pictures as of late to follow:

Hilly and Ava ....at Ava's new home....

At Aunt Sherill's ...they thought her house was a castle....lol. cute.

This made me sad and happy......it was from 3 years ago to date......We had the best July-Creek Hike.......2012....it's even on youtube.....Hillary playing the harmonica........creekside.

Nice thoughts....

Hilly riding her new bike from Papa....across the field to Nana and Papa's

That kitten....and that name of hers changes ....each week......the struggle is real, people ;)

From my front porch looking down the road.......

~ red sailor's delight ~

Sometimes I'm without the camera....and words will just have to capture the images......Yesterday spent the day with my parents....kids.....and we all enjoyed a nice breeze as we shucked 100 ears of corn. My mama made fried corn, homemade biscuits and butter, and sliced garden tomatoes.....Cooper loved it. He had never had it before today. When I was growing up, Memo made it as a special supper during summer when the corn was coming in along with the tomatoes. It was stormy yesterday.....very stormy. Tornadoes around in many areas...but just mostly a severe storm for here. Those clouds, lightning, and the energy I feel from a Tennessee thunderstorm is different from any other. No, not super hero....Green Lantern, here I come....lol. Just an energy, like smelling and feeling a rush of air/wind streak through your body as the humidity breaks....f-i-n-a-l-l-y. 

I tried my best to remember the children's book I had written when Hillary was three. Why remember? Well, I have conveniently lost it during my moves over the course of the year and can't seem to locate it. It was my next goal (to publish said book) along with (cough, side smirk) run a full marathon by the time I was 40. Shit. I didn't make that one....but, I'm modifying it......as long as I am 40 when I am running it. Yeah. I think that'll work. Just don't tell my alter-ego. She hates it when I try to fit things like this to make it work.....that alter-ego is my Grandmother's voice, I think. Crazy...how all these women live in me. Ever given much thought who makes up all your voices? I also have one that tells me not to care too much about all that housework....and to enjoy the outdoors and your kids are only little once. To hell with all that housework. Yeah. That would be my mama and my grandpa. 

Tonight was Wednesday night dinner at Mama's. Boy, Papa made the best ribs tonight....you all are missing out! It was so good! After dinner, some long lost cousins came by to visit....Landon and his wife with baby. Sweet visit. Hillary rode me on the 4-wheeler several times.....Coop had a friend over (Andrew). This afternoon's sunset was worth just standing there and admiring. Though I didn't get a picture, it was hot pink over the green fields and rolling hills. I must say, it was quite breathtaking. 

Today was also fun-filled getting back registered and ready for school to start. Today, my work day hours were spent at Centerville listening to protocol for updating paperwork and license. It was some beneficial things discussed....so not all was wasted. Met a sweet little lady at Subway today, Mrs. King....and her daddy was once superintendent of schools (Mr. McClearon). She was 89....and in great shape and mind for her age. She brought a little sunshine my way. It's always there....:)

Here's to a restful night and happy tomorrow. 

Somethin' bout that Southern sky.........https://youtu.be/zsM8GD2Q4nU

Hilly's selfies on my phone...

See....Morgan sent me this pic of Paul in the town of Springfield, Vermont today....she wanted to make sure I don't miss him. Now, who will keep this up when she moves? I ask who? LOL

~Summertime Passion ~

For a little treat.....copy and paste this into your browser. :)

https://youtu.be/K6SyQ4XvBxg

Seasons....I've often, as many, compared it to the stages of life. Spring being the birth...youth of life, Summer the time spent during life raising kids and leaving the roost- grandkids, Fall....an aging life......and Winter......the bare branches, bleak, coldness of death. Today is Summer. It has been a warm, beautiful day here. I enjoyed two walks down the road and one with my mama. She hadn't walked it since I left, so we took some selfies as we sweat down the road......ha ha. I'm not joking....the humidity was turnt up.
These images and descriptions sum up the experience of the trail of  red, chert dirt that leads from my house to a mile away to pavement. The sound of Eastern Tow-hees, rustling ground, Brown Thrasher, Flycatchers, King Birds, Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Grosbeak, occasional sparrow on fence, scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, distant cicadas (not as many as recent years), sun beat down, dirt, rocks, blue sky, fluffy white in the distant, lightening bugs, heat lightening, robin chirps, dusk whippoorwill, quail (Bob Whites), katydids, wild cherry trees, oaks, pines, blackberries, deer (snort), turkeys crossing, Big Dipper, Venus, and that bull that looks at me every early morning I rise in early morning sky....these are the descriptions of a morning, night, or day walk on Luther Lane. (~Depending on the season of course~)

Ever done much reading up on Rachel Carson? I've revisited her lately. Pretty amazing things she accomplished with her passions. I ask, what is yours? Wayne Dyer, another great speaker and psychologist stated, "Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in my way. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. This feeling is so good that it cannot be ignored. I'm going to follow my bliss and act upon this glorious sensation of joy.” What an idea. I hope today you feel passion.....do something by giving to some purpose or thing that moves you. 

Rachel Carson:



Lastly, a quote from one of my favorite authors, Terry Tempest Williams.....
"When we don't listen to our intuition, we abandon our souls. And we abandon our souls because we are afraid if we don't, others will abandon us.” 
― Terry Tempest Williams, When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

Brock and Z ....one of his best friends here.....we missed Z!

Fishing at the ponds this afternoon....

Sunset with the barn in distance....

We have the kids' friends here all the time....Khristian is in this pic enjoying some fishing this evening.....

Our walk, my mama's first since on Luther Lane since I left last year....:(

Cooper and Andrew....but my flash didn't work on this one...sorry, Andrew! lol

~Tennessee Dirt, Welcome~

Well, on Tennessee dirt....and just as I turned in to our road Vandy is up in the dashboard......whining...and this song comes on  

https://youtu.be/42uphHWxmFU

Yeah, back at my roots.......the same road all my ancestors walked before me......and today I will walk. Things are the same, but different. Time changes, everything continues...and it reminds me of that song Turn, Turn, Turn.........so true. Life goes on....famous words of many, but also one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost.....Life does go on. After we are all gone, life will continue and go on. I'm depressing this morning, huh? Okay, well on to life....you know, it's for the living....truly.

 Here's to ours. Below are some good times had by our family friends ......The Browns. Did I tell ya....they are moving to Tennessee (at least for a year lol- sound familiar?) They are gonna try it.....they landed such great jobs in wonderful school districts. Morgan will be a secondary English teacher (what her degree is actually in) and Joe will be a PE teacher in this high end Franklin school district. I guess they are all that........:) :) :) Cheers and I hope it is everything you thought it would be and more! 

Been extremely busy lately with painting this house and friends and family........haven't had much time for conversing with this blog....oh yeah, and school starts back here in a couple of weeks.....can we say, SHORT SUMMER? Oh, well, Today I will trim the goats and sheep's hooves, go for a run, and complete many errands. I think the kids have more coming over today....alas, busy days ahead. 

Oh, yeah....I turned 40 Sunday and my mama, along with my family, had a wonderful dinner and surprise birthday party for me!!!!! It was so thoughtful and such a wonderful evening with family and friends. XOXO 

xo, S

Papa, with Giles and Charlie- His first time on a horse.....

I

Made a blackberry cobbler today!

Took Joe and Morgan out on the town to Nashville or Nashvegas....lol - They loved the Piano Bar- Bang This....(that's the name of the bar, just so you know)

Hilly and Ava out about dusk and caught a frog....posing

Wiffle Ball game about dusk - behind the barn.

This was part of the crazy guys at our 4th of July celebration......lol....

Hilly and Ava on a walk

Toughening those soft feet up a bit :)

zipline at Jayla's

Some fires from Canada had caused the sun to look this way in the sky. Cooper was worried....and called for me to come look "Quick"

Went to my Grandma's old house to visit......Nothing quit speaks home like this place

Moving in.....

First night home at Mama's. Hillary dressed me an Nana up with her stickers.....yes, we look like we might be a little intolerant of some cultures here....but Hillary seemed to think it looked great....

Driving up to house.....

Vandy knew.....

Kids' picture while in Gatlinburg with grandparents...

My riding partner for 1,100 miles........

That was New York over there....and I was struck in traffic

The day we left Springfield...Vermont.....

Tennessee's state wildflower....there-a-blooming right now.....all in the fields...Passionflower

Our last Harpoon night.......wonderful summer evening.....

Saw this singer right before I left Vermont......Yellow Throat....such a harmonic singer!

Donated a lot of stuff here while in Springfield.....I just loved what this place stood for.......too bad we don't have more of these in Tennessee for families.

I saw this and wanted to save these questions.....I tried interviewing my grandmother and pa before died.....I think this is important....so this blog may be a good spot for keeping them to refer back to.