~Maple Poplar~: ~beach time~

Finally, after much technical glitches.....I'm finally back in business. Whew. I hope all is well and fall has greeted you with its cool breezes and color......peak should arrive about next week 'round these parts......the schedule is 'full up' as my grandpa would say, that is for October.

As I was on my run/walk....this morning....these words- somewhat fuel to our souls- crossed my thoughts: I am Me because of the women before Me. Yes, not only our past establishes who we are, but I think a powerful voice inside us is the past women and their stories. Sometimes I look at mine....and think how strong they are/were. What they have endured.....gone against......and proven. These talks are important to slip in with our kids....understanding our past gives us the strengths and base to build upon understanding of the world and our place within it.

My mother: an unfolding story.........

My grandmother: 4th grade education, babies at age 14, bus driver, cosmetologist, strong business woman, and powerfully successful in many areas of her life.....

My great grandmother: Homemaker, farmer & gardener, mother of 12 children, peaceful, loving.

We did get a chance to feel the Gulf of Mexico at our toes and the warm breeze on Destin's Emerald Coast....so beautiful....even Vandy enjoyed himself....he becomes a crabbing dog when we take him at nightfall to the beach. What we saw? A fisherman caught a shark while we were there....the kids liked that. We ate at Surf's Up (a new spot) very beautiful and good! Overall, it was a nice get-a-way with a new scenery and different feel for a change...one we all needed!

I think Olive wants to go too....her name is changing less, I think Olive may stick....

After Fort Walton...or Air base tour...the boys wanted WWII stuff and military supply place.....well, I found a flea market and antique store...sorry, hey, but at least they had helmets!