Reunion

The McClendon family reunion was last Saturday.  The weather cooperated big time.  We gathered at Patsy and Gary Wayne’s house this year.  They had an in ground pool, plenty of concrete for the kids to draw on, ride on and generally play on and a zip line.  They also had shuffleboard and billiards for the grownups.  How cool is that?  

The last two years have been at Don and Dana’s place.  I did miss the river and being able to walk to the pond.  If we could somehow mash them up together, we would have the perfect spot. 

Of course, the food was great as always.  We did well this time.  There was plenty of meat left but the side dishes were pretty much gone by the time everyone headed out.  Usually, we have a lot left over.  Brenda made a coconut pie because she and I both like it so if she had to bring it home, it wouldn’t go to waste.  Right.  It was gone shortly after she set it out.  People were eating it before they ate supper.  She probably should have made two.

It was good to hear the children; a little sobering to realize we are our parents now.  Still, these are the times that stay with you.  

Good looking bunch

Bucket List 2

I had this ready and forgot to post:  please excuse my crazy weekend.

In Flightsof Fancy, I talked about flying through the stars like Superman, swimming with the sharks and walking the Marianas Trench.  I have often talked about the things I wanted to do after I have an immortal body.  Carole pointed out that technically, that’s not really a bucket list since these are not things I want to do before I die.  Couldn't argue with that. 

It started me thinking about things I used to want to do but had slowly let go of because they seemed impossible.  Things like; hang-gliding, getting a pilot’s license and walking (at least part) of the Appalachian Trail.

I can now say that I've marked an item off that old list.  I spent this Tuesday afternoon in Studio 333 at K.E. Bushman’sCelebration Center laying piano and organ tracks for Cody’s new song ‘Train Wreck’ (to be released Sept. 30).  It was (roughly) exactly what I expected.  Hurry up and wait.  I took a book to read for the waiting part and my serenity (uh, who? Me?) for the ‘do it again’ part.  Michael Hersh (engineer) was very patient with me.  He called me Auntie Barbara and said “no, really, you’re doing great”.  He’s good…  I didn't detect one note of sarcasm in his voice. 

Besides, the experience of recording, I got to spend some time with my nephew.  With his schedule, I rarely see him.  I know that’s a good thing because he’s busy making his dream come true.  I asked a gazillion (slight exaggeration) questions about the band and how things were going.  Told him he needed to work on his diction.  You know, the Aunt thing. 

I got there about 2:40 pm and left about 8:00 p.m.  They were happy with the results.  I’am happy with the experience.  That’s what matters.

Regret 2

Last December I blogged about how living in regret had colored my whole life.  I decided it was time for an update. 

I can say that I have come a long way in the last nine months.  I can sing the old songs now without going into a blue funk over my past.  In last week’s blog, I said the Holy Spirit has been repeatedly tapping me on the shoulder lately.  There is a difference this time and I know it’s because my attitude (there’s that word) is different.  I don’t automatically start beating myself up because I've failed yet again. 

Beating myself up put me in a place where the Spirit couldn't help me because I would make it all about me.  You know; I’m not good enough, I don’t do enough, I don’t know enough, I’m such a sorry human being . 

The litany could go on but I don’t live there anymore.  How do I know?  Last Monday I took myself to see a movie.  I briefly looked it up online but about half-way in, I realized I should have dug a little deeper.  Sigh…  Not because I am beating myself up over the mistake, I repented.  I was forgiven.  No, the sigh was because I could have used my money to see something else.  It was only last night as I was reading in Psalms that it came back into my mind.  Total surprise.  I had actually let it go; put it behind me and moved forward.  I hadn't let it become a constant reminder of my failure like I would have in the past.

I call that progress.  I call that freedom.