Favorite Summer Traditions

 

I was asked what my favorite summer traditions are. I don't really have any. But it did get me to thinking My mind drifted back to childhood memories of traveling to my Aunt Gussie and Uncle Roy's in Tifton, GA. They planted a large garden, maybe an acre or two. Everything looks bigger when you're in the 4th grade. Nonetheless, we would help, somewhat and reluctantly, with the harvesting. I use that word loosely. We, my sisters and I, would pick a few butterbeans and complain the whole time.

We drove home, loaded down, (did we take two vehicles?), with beans, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, peanuts, cucumbers, corn...it was endless. Truly though, it was much appreciated. The work did not stop there. Canning and preserving started when we arrived home. It continued until every ear or corn was shucked and frozen, every tomato canned, and every cucumber pickled. Wow. So. There you have it. Memories.

Father's Day

 

Clarence Warren Carter and his Girls

Where do I start?

It's days like these that I really miss my daddy. 

I miss that he was always there.

I miss that he held us all to a high standard of moral conduct of right and wrong. 

I miss the scent of his pipe.

I miss that after a long day, he would let us remove his socks and shoes for a dime.

I miss seeing him watch the Dean Martin Show, which now seems interesting to me.

I miss the way he would tease Mama and chase her around the kitchen table.  She’d giggle and then let him catch her.  And then, we'd all giggle.

I miss the work ethic he always presented every day.

I miss the way he made others feel special.

Today, I think I miss most of all, was that incredible, mischievous glint in his eye and the smile that lit up my world and everyone else who had the privilege to catch a glimpse.

Miss you, Daddy!

Holiday Hangover

 I was recently speaking with a friend about getting back into the routine of things since the holidays.  I can't take credit for "Holiday Hangover", but I nodded my head and said, "That's exactly what it is."

If you are like me, you love the holidays.  It's magical, exciting, full of adventure and the unknown.  Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas.  Next thing you know, you're eating black eyed peas for luck and greens for prosperity.  If you're from Georgia, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  

So how do we create a "magical, exciting, full of adventure and the unknown", to use my own words, to shake off the Holiday Hangover and propel you into the new year?

1.  Verbally express your gratitude for what came before, whether good, bad or indifferent.  Granted, it's easy to be thankful for what you recognize as blessing in your life.  It's more difficult to believe that there may be anything positive in what you see has negative.  Maybe you can, if you try.

2.  Take some time and think about what you really want to see materialize in your life in 2024.  You'll need some alone time for this, but it's important that you know exactly what you want.  Declare it.  Write it down.  Find pictures and make a vision board.

3.  This is really important if you expect #2 to come to fruition.  Visualize everything.  Don't stop there.  See everything in motion.  Not static.  See it as a moving picture.  Create in your mind's eye what you want your life to be like.  For example, if you want a convertible, see and feel yourself behind the wheel, top down, and screaming, "Wooo hooo" as you speed down the road.

4.  Now.  Follow #3 up with EXPECTATION.  Expect that you will receive it.  If you think back on your life and remember any accomplishments you have made, you expected to receive it.  You know it's true.

5.  Live your life as if you already have it.  See yourself being that person, driving that car, travelling around the world, having dinner with friends.  No matter what "it" is, see yourself as that person.

6.  Be thankful and verbally give your gratitude for what you are receiving.

One other thing I would add.  Eliminate negative connotations altogether from your speech and thought process.  This is crucial.  What you verbalize will materialize.  It's true.

7.  Enough about you.  Champion other people.  See their beauty.  Express the good and positive things you see in them.  Everyone needs encouragement.  Be that person for someone else.

Whether you've done so already, pop open a bottle of Champagne and celebrate!  You are off to a great year!  I'm proud of you!

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