CULTIVATING GRATITUDE - "A Day Spent with Mom"

   It doesn't happen often, but I'm so grateful Mom and I got to spend some time together yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday. I knew our time was a bit limited, and so we crammed in a lot of stopping here and there. It was fun reminiscing along the way as we'd pass old familiar places in Auburn. Of course, we found ourselves talking about Ang a lot. Our first stop, sadly, was the monument place. Mom helped me pick out the granite to be used to make Ang a memorial bench. I'm looking forward to a place to sit and remember her. We both agreed Sis would have liked what we decided on. I'll let you all know when it is finished and placed.

   Next, I wanted Mom to see the Free Little Libraries I had told her about. We visited two that were close by and enjoyed sorting through the many books. Mom even found a couple I hope she'll take time to relax and read. 

 I also remembered something else I wanted Mom to see. I know she doesn't get out very often and this was extra special. A trip up North Main Street led us straight to Jesus :)

   We pulled in the parking lot at the Trinity Lutheran Church. There is a beautiful sculpture of "The Last Supper," by Timothy Schmalz. Twelve seats around the long table with Jesus in the middle breaking the bread. Wow! It is amazing, go check it out! Mom and I seated ourselves on each side of Jesus and found ourselves talking about what Heaven will be like someday. Although it was so warm out, there was a gentle breeze that seemed to blow across the church yard and I thought I smelled the fragrance of Heaven. 

 

If you know my Mom, you know she loves plants and flowers, and so, I could not stop her from "borrowing" seeds from the many flowers we saw while we were out. She asked if I thought she might get thrown in the pokey for theft and we laughed so hard. I can see the headline in the paper now. So I guess I was an "accessory to the crime." To make it easier for her, I found a bag in my van so she could maximize her seed collecting. 

*** Flower Seed Thievery! ***

The air conditioning in the van was a relief each time we would get back in. "Just two more stops, Mom, and then I can drop you off at home." My van can be a little tricky to step up into and so I found myself wanting to ensure she got in and out okay. I'd quickly run around to the other side and help guide her up/down. I remember Mom making sure Ang and I were always safe and secure throughout our childhood. Now, I had the privilege to do the same. I clearly remember THE MOM STOP-ARM that would automatically fly up to protect Sis and I if we were riding in the front seat of the GTX or the Fury III and she had to brake abruptly. 

A short trip to the beautiful outdoor fountain at Eckhart Library gave us a relaxing break on a bench.

We watched as two squirrels played and chased each other. I admit, more flower seed thievery occurred. I held the "loot bag" as I assisted Mom back into the van to head to the famous Dairy Freeze, another Auburn Landmark. Mom and JR would have cheeseburgers, fries, and delicious shakes for dinner. I gave Mom a big hug before leaving. We never know what tomorrow will bring, but today it brought me a heart full of Gratitude for the Memory we made.

God Bless ❤

 

CULTIVATING GRATITUDE - "A Family Tradition I am Grateful For"

     I am grateful for my Little Family (husband Andy and sweet daughter Hannah) and love that we have created some special traditions over the years. I'll mention just one, now, that I think we all three can agree we enjoy very much! It actually happens in November, typically the same week as Thanksgiving. It can be a little challenging hosting a Thanksgiving dinner the same week and packing our van with all the things medically necessary to travel with Hannah, but we continue to do it every year. We've made so many good memories in doing this. And what is it you ask? We go to Auburn's Downtown Christmas Parade! Yay!!!! 🎄

     Hannah will be donned in a Christmas-themed sweater or sweatshirt, warm fleece pants, and some sort of festive socks for the occasion. She and I also enjoy picking out knit hats to wear from our special collection. I personally like the "Cat Hat" that has a thing you squeeze and a cat tail flies up in the back. Cracks me up every time! Oh, by-the-way, Hannah's favorite caterpillar plushie, known as WORMY, also gets to wear a hat! 

 

     In preparation before leaving, Hannah and I put on a crockpot full of sweet and creamy hot chocolate that will simmer on low to enjoy when we get back home. On this night, we also drop off hats, gloves, and scarves at our local library for their Giving Tree. Another fun part of heading out on this special evening is that our friend, Clara, will have all her lights and Christmas decorations out and we get a special Sneak Peek before the Holiday is even here. And, like Hannah, she loves chocolate and will enjoy the pint of homemade hot chocolate we take her!

     Hannah helps me pick out Christmas storybooks to take along to read in the van while we wait for the parade to start. Andy will find our usual spot on Main Street and position the van so Hannah can see out the large side windows. He'll also tune in some Christmas music for our listening pleasure. 

     Besides the floats, horse-drawn wagons, dance groups, firetrucks, cars, choirs and bands, we all wait expectantly for the white bearded man in red and his wife, Mrs. Claus at the very end of the parade. Immediately following the parade and to wrap up the night, all of the community meets for "The Lighting of Frosty" in Courtyard Park. It is a 40'x30' display mounted on a building downtown. It's fun to hear everyone shout out, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.........ONE! 

     I'm sure you can see why this is s beloved Family tradition and holds a special place in our hearts. ❤

Season's Greetings and many Blessings to you All!

Cultivating Gratitude "A Place I visit that Inspires me"

I pondered this question for about two seconds. Without a doubt, one of my favorite places that inspires me is in my hometown. The Eckhart Public Library ❤  The cornerstone was laid in 1910, with the building completed and dedicated in 1911. The landmark is a charming Bungalow/American Craftsman design, gable roof, round arched windows, and a raised basement faced with Indiana Bedford limestone.

My favorite feature is located on the west side of the property donated by Charles Eckhart. A beautiful fountain that was added in 1918. So many visits over the years that started when I was just a child. I'm thankful my Mom took my sister, Ang, and me. The library was close to both the elementary schools Sis and I attended, so sometimes our teachers would take the entire classroom for a visit. The library definitely sparked my interest in reading and now, many years later, in writing. I have been known to refer to the library, fountain, and beautiful park as an "Old Friend."

Photo credit - Me:)..... August 2025

It's a place you can rest your weary bones on one of the metal benches encircling the outdoor fountain and delight in the beauty of the native plants and flowers, watch the variety of birds and butterflies they attract, and the occasional curious squirrel. The sound of the water fountain is peaceful and calming.

Photo credit - Me :) ..... taken 2014

I can call to mind the familiar smell of the books from back in the day and hear the librarian as she would stamp the due date on a card in the back of each book. Everything now modernized, I still could look up a book in the card catalog if I had to (wink.) Beautiful woodwork, a fireplace, and stained glass windows. Not to mention, all of the stunning artwork on display.

This historic library holds a special place in my heart. ❤

* a watercolor I recently did of my favorite place 

Cultivating Gratitude - Special Friendships

Grateful for my wonderful friend and neighbor (and sweet Clyde) 🐾

It had seemed like a long day, yet it was only 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. Online church was over and I had moved Hannah to her medical stroller and was heading to the living room. I looked south across the field of corn sprouting up. Perfect rows being grown in just the right soil type. I hadn't given much thought to what our Indiana soil was made of and couldn't answer when my Alabama uncle asked recently. With a little Google search, however, I now know it's a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay. We only needed to be patient and wait on the rain. It's neat to ponder how God provides, even in nature, exactly what is needed at the perfect time.

With Andy in the house with Hannah, I step out to water the plants on the deck. I fill the birdbaths and wind the hose back up. What next? I looked at the little red hotrod golf cart in our driveway and the freshly mowed path that led to my sweet neighbor's house. It was just what I needed. I stepped back in the house, "Hey, keep an eye on Hannah, I'm going over to Pat's for a quick visit." Giving them each a kiss, I couldn't help but smile as I hopped on the cart and pushed the pedal. I had my phone with me so I could be reached if they needed me. It literally took a minute to get there.

A surprised, but welcome smile, greeted me when I arrived. I always enjoy whenever I get to visit. Besides hugs and good conversation, I get to see their sweet Boxer named Clyde. He seemed especially happy to see me and gave me a warm welcome along with canine kisses. Pat showed me her garden and her beautiful flowers in her yard before going inside. I love their farmhouse and feeling right at home. It was nice to sit on the sunny front porch and watch the variety of birds at her feeders. I could also see the new neighbor's horses, just across the road, playing in the pasture. 

We catch up with how our families are doing (i.e. work, play and Life) and our conversations always lead us to talking about our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and Heaven. We both agree how wonderful that day will be when we take our last breath here and step into Paradise for eternity with our Creator. I feel my four-legged friend has settled down by my feet under the table and is softly snoring. I feel so grateful for the fact that God brought me and this sweet neighbor together so many years ago, now.

I think how very blessed to be Hannah's Mom, but honestly, there are sometimes I pray for someone to show that they care and step into our life, even for just a moment. Day-to-day struggles can wear you down, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many times over the years, God has worked through Pat. Out of the blue, but on God's cue, she pops in to say hello, or calls or texts a message.

As I left on the golf cart that sunny Sunday afternoon, heading back down our special "Path to Friendship," I realized how much God continues to put good things in our lives at just the right moment. I love our simple life here in the Corn Rows and feel very blessed for my neighbor. I have learned you don't have to look far to find Joy.

A piece of advice you received that changed your life for the better.

Dad's advice changed my Life!

Without a doubt my Dad, Rex, was instrumental in the direction my life took. It started with a heart-to-heart conversation he had with me when I was seventeen. "Jen, I have to tell you how much I regret not graduating from high school." Dad was a precision machinist and never had a problem finding work, and work he did every day! I never remember him missing because he didn't feel well, etc. He got up and showed up. Dependable and a hard worker. I loved watching him lace his black steel-toed boots before heading out. I was privileged to pack his lunch each day in his black lunchbox.

Even without saying a word, my Dad was a good example. He was also a good provider, and you'd never hear him complain. Except, about imports. "Always buy American, Jen. It takes away Americans' jobs when we buy that imported stuff." I was with him when he walked out of a Sears store in the mall when he realized where the Craftsman tools were being manufactured. The salesmen stood, awkwardly bewildered when Dad told him he could keep his Made in China tools, and we walked away.

Dad was always successful at anything he set his mind to. Although he didn't have a diploma, he enrolled at the community and technical college in Hazard. He enjoyed learning about electronics and loved doing repairs on anything. He was a tinkerer, like my husband Andy, and it just seemed to come naturally. Dad's common sense, determination, and work ethic took him far. Dad encouraged me to go back and finish school. Taking an honest look at the choices I was making at the time, it was that decision of going back and earning my diploma that impacted my life in a big way.

Luckily, I didn't get held back for missing more than half of the previous school year. I was somehow allowed to continue on as a Junior and take the required Sophomore classes I'd missed out on. It was embarrassing sitting with my underclassmen, but I pushed through. I didn't take study halls, instead taking as many credit courses as I could. I used my summer break to take the required government and economics classes. I squeaked through at the end with a half a credit extra! Sister Ang helped adjust my cap that day at my graduation and wiped away a tear from her cheek. She told me she was proud of what I had accomplished.

After graduation, I applied for a job as a typesetter in a local print company. That job was also instrumental in teaching me so many things that continue to help me today with my the challenge of being a Special Needs Mom. Truly blessed for a loving earthly Father that gave me the best advice ever. I miss your wisdom Dad. Grateful you set me on a path I wouldn't have found on my own. Dad is also who taught me about Jesus!

Thanks Dad!

Loved and missed and forever grateful!