The Little Tree that Might

“Hey there, neighbor! Did you know there is a maple tree growing in the mulch beside your house?” Bop waved a friendly hello to the friend working in his yard. The man paused, leaned his rake against the car, and walked to the place where Bop pointed. 

“Yes, I saw that. I’m going to dig it up. Do you want it?”

“Yes, I’ll plant it in our yard. I’ll get someone to get the tree and bring it here.” Bop was happy to find a home for the tree.

A local handyman who visits our neighborhood moved the tree from the neighbor’s yard to our yard. He dug a hole, prepared the soil, and planted the maple. Green leaves covered the branches. Bop had big expectations that the tree would live and adorn our yard with colorful leaves in the fall.

I had my doubts. I continue to have doubts. This poor little tree started with beautiful leaves, thriving as the branches grew. Now, standing about 3 feet tall, the once beautiful tree is now a bunch of sticks. It has been watered and fertilized. I don’t think it liked moving from one spot to another.

However, I’ve decided to call it “the little tree that might”. This creation of God might thrive and grow. With proper nutrition, water, and care, the branches might grow. Bop was looking to the future. I was stuck in the present when it came to this planting.

This “little tree that might” reminds me that we make different moves in our lives. We make various decisions. Some choices are better than others. We move forward hoping that what we decide might make a difference.

I’ll keep watching the backyard and this little tree. I’ll provide plant food and hydration. Yes, I will talk to it even though I know it won’t speak back to me. 

This little tree might grow or it might not. I’m choosing to have faith like Bop. This creation of God has a new home and a new lease on life. Bop and I will pray for this bundle of sticks. We know God is listening to our prayers.

God has a plan for every one of His creations. From people to trees, and more, God loves us more than we can comprehend.

Have you replanted anything in your yard? What were the results?

Have a blessed and glorious day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Pillow on the Road

Have you ever seen something strange sitting on the road? Recently, every time Bop and I travel on a local side street, we’ve noticed a decorative pillow stuck in the same spot. This abandoned square pillow probably once adorned a family couch. Perhaps someone threw it away after years of use. Maybe the owner was on the way to the local landfill to dispose of the item and other things. Whatever the reason, a pillow has been on the road for about a week.

The street that leads out of our neighborhood is busy with school traffic in the morning and the afternoon. The adjoining streets lead to a major six-lane highway with businesses on both sides. Restaurants, car washes, banks, churches, and more are next to each other. Parcels of land, grass, and trees are becoming fewer as time goes by. Construction crews and trucks begin work early every morning to tear down the greenery to make way for new buildings.

Bop and I prefer the quiet and peaceful vibes of our neighborhood. Once we venture off of our street, we encounter heavy traffic. We first noticed the lonely pillow on our way to an appointment.

We commented on how that household item might have been a treasure when it was new. Now, it sits alone. The drab gray color and ripped seams make me wonder who owned this old item that has brought conversation and questions. Vehicles pass by without stopping to grab it. Stopping to run onto the oncoming traffic to grab a pillow would not be a good idea. 

Yet, we talk about it being there every day. We laugh at how it hasn’t moved even though heavy rain and wind. Then, we begin to discuss the possibilities of the journey of that pillow on the road.

I picture a young couple purchasing their first couch. I am reminded of when Bop and I were married 47 years ago. Our families gave us handed-down furniture. We were ecstatic and honored to have the pieces of family history. 

As a young couple, we had an odd array of living room furniture. There was a chair that had a broken leg, so we told visitors not to sit on that one. It was for decoration. We had a coffee table that had been in my family since before I was born. A bookcase my Daddy made held our growing collection of reading material.

I can’t remember any throw pillows. I do remember placing a sheet on the couch so our dog wouldn’t tear the material with his nails.

The mystery remains. Where did this pillow come from, and when will it disappear? Bop and I will be on the lookout every time we ride that way because, you know, “It’s always a story with the Hendersons”.

Have you seen odd things on the road?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

P.S. The pillow in the photo is not the one on the road. Haha!

Yellow Flowers and a Couch

Who knew that choosing a new couch would be difficult? Not Bop and Mimi, that’s for sure. After three months of house reconstruction due to two totally unrelated floods, the time has arrived for new rugs, two couches, and fresh paint on the walls. Amidst the worry, decision- making, and paperwork from insurance claims, I found peace in seeing beautiful yellow flowers and a couch.

The past few years have been filled with medical issues, house flooding, and more. Yet, through all those situations, I’ve never lost my faith. Yes, I’ve cried out to God many times and asked: “Why?” Each cry has been answered with comfort and peace. Through my tears and anger, God has given me different ways to be thankful. 

From my home office window, I watch the hummingbirds playing. I hear black-capped chickadees singing as they visit the feeders. I see the beautiful orange flowers in a pot by the sidewalk.

As I pause from my writing, I walk outside and notice beautiful yellow flowers growing taller every day. The tag that names the plant has been blown away by the wind. That’s okay. I don’t need to know the name to enjoy the blossoms’ beauty.

I walk back inside and wait for Bop to say he is ready to go to the furniture store and look for couches. He finishes work on the computer, and we head to the car. From big box stores to specialty sellers, we have a list of places to visit.

Every store has a different atmosphere. In some places, we’re greeted as we enter. Other times, we’re ignored. The employees at each place don’t know us. They don’t know that a big sale could be possible. Perhaps we don’t look like we have money to spend. Perhaps the sales people behind the counter or those sitting in chairs are passing judgment as we enter the store. Who knows? Either way, we plan on purchasing two couches, two large area rugs, two end tables, and two lamps. 

We finally found one rug that will work for our dining room. We paid for the rugs and a delivery date was scheduled. We found a nice couch that might work, but we decided to think about it for a day or two.

The day before the rug was supposed to be delivered, we received a call from an employee at the store. The rug couldn’t be delivered due to logistical issues. To me, that meant the company didn’t have any other deliveries in this area. The new delivery date was scheduled, and a gift card was promised because of the inconvenience.

Today, we are looking forward to the rug being delivered in a few days. Meanwhile, we continue to look for couches, rugs, and other items for the house.

God’s plan is at work. He knows what we need and when we need it. Bop and I will wait and listen for guidance.

Meanwhile, I will continue to look at the beautiful yellow flowers, and I will smile.

Have you shopped for a couch or some other item for your home? Was the process easy or difficult?

Remember… It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons. 🙂

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Fox or Coyote…What A Sight!

Bookbag packed, notes from the writers’ meeting were placed inside my journal, pen put back inside my purse, and conversations continued as attendees of the meeting left the room. The monthly gathering of the ACFW SC Lowcountry chapter had ended. Some members chatted about going to a local restaurant for lunch. Others mentioned having appointments. As I said goodbye and left the building, I didn’t know that I would encounter an interesting sight on the way home. Was it a fox or a coyote? 

The Lowcountry of South Carolina has many ponds. Signs are posted in every neighborhood. “Watch out for alligators and snakes!” “Beware of wildlife!” “Do Not Feed the Animals!” Each sign is posted to ensure safety.

As Bop drove from the library parking lot and headed towards home, I glanced at the first pond we passed. I was looking for an alligator. But, to my surprise, I saw a strange sight standing at the edge of the water. Was it a fox or a coyote?

“Bop, Bop. Turn the car around. We have to go back. I saw an animal standing beside the pond.”

The traffic light we were approaching turned red, so we had to wait. When the light changed to green, Bop made a U-turn at the intersection and headed for the pond. The area has a row of businesses. Restaurants, dental offices, yoga studios, a children’s play area, and more. I couldn’t believe what I thought I saw. A wild animal.

Yes, the neighborhoods are filled with a variety of creatures. Hawks, eagles, herons, egrets, gators, snakes, lizards, and more are natural visitors. Actually, those animals were here before the humans decided to build homes and businesses. I continue to find excitement in seeing each one, except for the snakes. 

Bop slowed the car and turned into the parking lot by the pond. I shouted, “Wow! There it is! Look. Is that a fox or a coyote?” We’ve seen both foxes and coyotes, but I wasn’t sure which one stood beside the pond. I did consider that the animal was in the same spot and hadn’t moved.

Bop parked the car so I could take a photo. When I lifted the phone to take a picture, I realized the animal wasn’t alive. This was a plastic fox or coyote positioned to scare away the geese or other unwanted creatures. Silly Mimi. All that excitement over something that wasn’t alive.

We laughed and joked about how excited I had been at the possible sighting of a fox or coyote. Yes, I often say that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. Thinking I had seen something fascinating and rare made me remember that God gives laughter to us in the ordinary situations in life. 

I’m thankful for the joy God provides. When things are going bad and don’t seem to be getting better as quickly as I want, I remember that God will send joy. I need to be ready to accept the small, everyday moments and find laughter. 

Have you seen anything unexpected lately? Share in the comments.

Have a fun and blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Rainbows and Promises

Over the past couple of years, my husband and I have faced numerous difficult situations. Medical issues that haven’t been solved, the starter on our car quit, a scam that caught us in a strange predicament, two house floods that are totally unrelated, and several other things. Yet, through all of these trials, we have found peace in God’s rainbows and promises.

You might ask, “Why do these awful things keep happening to the Henderson family? We’ve asked that same question. “Why? Lord, why?” We question and wait for answers. Every time something troublesome happens, Alan and I look at each other and say, “Here we go again.”

Our prayers include thanksgiving for answers and for the promises of God. Do we get frustrated and upset? Are there a few tears shed from time to time? Yes. We don’t embrace the bad things with joy. But, we do face each problem knowing that God is with us.

A dear friend heard about some of the troubles. She quickly reminded me that we are facing spiritual warfare. When I heard her say those words, a new perspective covered me. Yes, these troubles are not from God. The evil one is trying to take us away from God. With a loud voice, we proclaim, “Stand back, evil one. You will not have us. We belong to God. We are children of God. The blood of Jesus covers us and our home.”

After the recent rainfall, I looked outside to check the flower pots. Looking outside, I heard the familiar whir of a hummingbird’s wings. I smiled because hummingbirds are my favorite birds. Then, the most beautiful sight appeared. A rainbow. God’s rainbow. His promises covered me with peace.

Tears came as I paused and thanked God for His provisions, protection, comfort and peace. I thanked Him for the rainbows and promises. Stepping back inside, I asked Alan to come outside and see the beautiful sights. We stood there and gazed into the sky. Hummingbirds continued to fly around us. Cardinals, bluebirds, woodpeckers, and wrens chirped to each other. 

I’ve also noticed that our grandchildren enjoy God’s creations. From drawing colorful rainbows to creating pictures with bright sunshine and a blue sky, Rowan and Eden find joy in God’s promises.

Rowan and Eden find delight in the simple things. Watching the worms crawling across the sidewalk, crows answering when we make funny bird sounds, squirting each other with the water toys, laughing when Mimi makes silly mistakes(sometimes on purpose), and much more. These are some of the promises of joy that God promises.

Yes, the troubles will come and the troubles will go. We can rest in the rainbows and promises of God. We’re never alone. So, whatever happens today, God will guide us through each moment.

Answers come in God’s timing. The car starter has been repaired. The reconstruction crew will begin work on repairing the flooded areas of our home. God has given us wonderful doctors who are working on helping us feel better. The scam situation has been fixed. Today is a new day. 

I pause and give thanks to God. His mercies are new every day. 

Have you thanked God for the rainbows?

In His Name,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Geese Chaser

A while back, I wrote about dear Bop trying to make a goose fly away from the roof of our home. That was quite an adventure. My dear sweet husband and I enjoy watching the birds and listening to their distinct sounds. Yet, those pesky geese try to take over roofs, sidewalks, and yards. Recently, those birds have caused more laughter, as Bop has been seen chasing the geese.

On a sunny morning, painters arrived to put a fresh coat of light blue paint on our master bedroom walls. The workers would also power wash the front porch and apply a fresh coat of white paint. The home needed refreshing and this was the perfect day.

I watched as the painters unloaded materials from their work truck. Gallons of paint, rollers, extender poles, dropcloths, plastic bags, and many other materials were placed on the front porch. The guys had a method, and we waited patiently for the work to begin. Bop and I walked outside to check the bird feeders.

As we opened the front door and went outside, there was a gaggle of geese parading on the sidewalk. In a line, walking one behind the other, these geese mocked us as we watched. They honked and pecked the ground for food. The birds were not affected by our shouts of “Go on! Get away! Stop messing on our sidewalk!” 

Bop turned and asked one of the painters if he could borrow an extender pole. With wide eyes and a shocked expression, I wondered what my husband was thinking. He would never hurt an animal. What was his plan?

A chuckle bubbled inside me as I watched Bop walk to the geese. Carrying the pole, I could hear Bop talking to the geese. He took the pole and tried to scoot them along. The animals didn’t care. That pole didn’t scare them. 

My cell phone sounded, and I stepped back inside the house. After completing the call, I went outside to see what was happening. Bop was nowhere in sight. Holding my phone, I called him. “Where are you?” I asked as he answered and said hello.

“I’m at the end of the street. I’m using the pole to walk these crazy geese away from our sidewalk.”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The painters needed their extender pole to start painting. I asked my husband if he was on the way back home. His answer was yes. Those birds had flown away.

Job well done. I wondered if any neighbors had been watching from their windows. What a sight they would have seen! Bop carrying an extender pole and trying to herd the geese like they were sheep.  

Life is always busy here at the Henderson house. We thank God for laughter and joy.

Do you have any funny bird stories?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

I Sent the Wrong Card

Sending and receiving cards via snail mail gives me great joy. Birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, congratulations, and other special occasions are great reasons to mail a card. As a young girl, I loved reaching into the mailbox attached to our front screen door. That was then. Nowadays, most people get their mail from cluster boxes or a box on the edge of their property. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I learned that I sent the wrong card to my sister Carol and brother-in-law Hal. 

Carol sent a text asking if I could chat for a moment. She had a funny story to share. We talk and text throughout the week. Sometimes we recall memories from childhood. Other times, we chat about daily happenings. We have a wonderful sister bond.

I texted back, saying I would call her in a bit. Rowan and Eden were visiting, and the art supplies covered the dining room table. I needed to wait until everything was cleared and the paints, paintbrushes, and paper were put back into the cabinet.

I clicked the button on my cell phone. The ring sounded twice, and Carol answered. She was laughing. I pictured Hal laughing, too. He was sitting close to her.

She began by thanking us for the sweet card that was covered in butterflies. I remembered sending that one. Carol let me know that the inside of the card had words about not wanting to be another year older. Oh my stars! The heat began to rise on my face, even though she couldn’t see me through the phone. 

My dear sweet sister said they liked the butterflies on the front of the card, but when they opened it, they were surprised by the words. No one was celebrating a birthday. Her birthday is in January. Hal’s birthday is in February. The card had been mailed in April.

I’m thankful for their understanding. I laughed at my mistake. The issue was that I was mailing a handful of cards. Our cousin Nancy may have received a “thinking of you” card for her birthday. 

Carol and Hal are the sweetest. They understand that sometimes Mimi makes mistakes. Bop told me that I was trying to do too many tasks at one time. I pray I didn’t send a sympathy card to the wrong person. 

I will try my best to check everything I mail. There might be a few more mistakes. I’m blessed with a family who understands my quirks because, as you know…”It’s Always A Story with The Hendersons”. This time, it was a story with Mimi.

My error in mailing has reminded me to slow down, focus, and not try to accomplish everything in one sitting. 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Shadow Girl and The Author

There is something very special about the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. From the moment Bop and I learned that Mike and Christine were expecting their first child almost nine years ago, life changed in wonderful ways. Rowan was born, and then, a few years later, Eden was born. Bop and I love our grandparent names. We also have several different names for Rowan and Eden. Eden is sometimes called “Shadow Girl,” and Rowan is sometimes called “The Author”.

These unique names come from everyday experiences. From the time Eden started walking, she has been fascinated with following Bop. She walks so close behind him that I worry he won’t see or hear her. So, whenever she follows along behind him, I say, “Shadow, shadow.” Bop knows to be careful and alert that his shadow is with him as he walks from one room to another.

Rowan has become an excellent reader and writer. He knows that I’m an author and he likes to create stories, too. Rowan enjoys technology class at school. At our home, he enjoys using my computer to type out stories and then print them. Bop and I tell him that he is a great author. He’s also wonderful at art. His drawings show a creative side that amazes everyone.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were sitting at the dining room table. Rowan was drawing, and Eden was coloring. They decided to take a break and have a snack. Eden asked Bop to bring her a cupcake. Bop replied that she knew where the cupcakes were stored, and she could get a bowl and a cupcake for herself. 

She smiled that precious smile that melts Bop’s heart. He walked to the kitchen and found a pink bowl and a cupcake for Eden. She sat on the couch.

Eden looked at me and proclaimed, “Bop will do anything for me because I’m his shadow girl.”

Now, how could we resist her request for a treat when she spoke the truth? Precious girl.

Rowan knows where the bowl of candy bars is kept. He is old enough now that he doesn’t ask for a treat. He walks to the cabinet and finds what he wants to eat. Yes, the author needs nourishment even if it’s a chocolate candy bar. We are so proud of him for saying “thank you”.

These sweet grandkids teach us lessons every day. Love each other, share your treats, use your manners, and remember to look out for one another. God is good. Bop and I are blessed.

Thank you for reading and commenting. The winner from the last blog post contest is Katherine Pasour. I’ll be mailing your copy of “Licky the Lizard”.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

We Need A New Night Light..or Do We?

“Hey Mimi, I think we need to buy a new night light. This one isn’t working.” Alan (Bop) called to me from the guest bedroom. “I keep plugging it in, but no light turns on.” The conversation continued as I walked from the living room to where Bop was standing. His frustration at the light not working was evident in his tone. “We need a new night light.”

Walking into the room, I could see Bop putting the light into the socket, taking it out, and trying again. He commented that those things usually last much longer than that one. He began coordinating a trip to the local hardware store. “Is there anything else we need from that place?” I answered that I couldn’t think of anything. 

There wasn’t a rush to get a new night light. We had others, and they would work fine. The hallway is illuminated in the dark by battery-operated decorative candles. No need to rush out to the store. However, I considered that perhaps Bop wanted to go to the hardware store to look for other items.

I finished putting away laundry, answered a few emails, and checked the kitchen cabinet to decide what to add to the grocery list. Meanwhile, Bop continued to work on the light. 

He finally finished working on the project and gathered his car keys and wallet. Ready to make the trip to the hardware store, he asked if I wanted to ride along with him.

I went to check out the light and locate the brand so we could purchase another one or a different brand. I plugged the light into the socket, and it turned on. No problem. Easy peasy. I repeated the action several times. Plug in, take out, plug in, take out. Each time, the room was illuminated with no issues.

Calling Bop, I asked him to come to the room and watch. When he saw what was happening, he began to smile. There wasn’t a problem. The issue was that Bop was trying to get the light to turn on while the overhead light was on.

These night lights only turn on when it’s completely dark. Every time he plugged it in, he also needed to see what he was doing, so he turned on the bedroom light. Silly Bop!

No, we didn’t need to visit the hardware store for that item, but we went there anyway. There’s always something to find in the nuts and bolts section.

Have you experienced difficulty with night lights? Yes, it’s always a story with the Hendersons.

**** Bonus… share this blog post and let me know that you shared. I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a free copy of “Licky the Lizard”. Thank you.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Beachball Mystery

There is a window near my office desk. I often look at the view outside while I’m creating a new story. I’m fascinated by the colorful birds at the feeders, the red berries on the holly bushes, and the brown grass that will soon start to change to green as the temperatures warm. On a recent windy day in the Lowcountry, there were leaves dancing in the air. Imagine my surprise when a single beachball rolled down the street. Yes, a beachball mystery.

I’ve enjoyed a variety of sights while gazing out of the window. The most recent mysterious sight caused me to pause and laugh. A lone beachball bounced down the street, as if someone had kicked the bright and colorful ball. 

I waited and listened for the sounds of laughter or chatter. Nothing. Everything was quiet. The ball continued its journey from the street to the sidewalk. I decided to investigate. Opening my front door and stepping onto the porch, I looked to the left and to the right. Not a sound. Not a person. Nothing. The ball kept rolling. Interesting sight.

Walking back into the house, I considered asking the neighbors if the ball belonged to them. Then, I realized most everyone was at work or school. This mystery wouldn’t be solved yet.

The next day, as I sat at the desk again, another beachball rolled by. The wind carried it from one side of the street to the other. Could that be the same ball? No way. Something strange was happening. Where were these balls coming from, and who was the owner?

A couple of days later, a torrential downpour and wind caused everyone to stay inside. No neighborhood visits outside or games of hide and seek. The sound of the wind moving through the trees and flags flapping against the poles filled the air.

As the rain stopped, I went outside to see if our hummingbird feeder was safe. Then I noticed another strange sight. A large white trash bag full of beach balls. What in the world? Where did that come from? The bag had landed in a neighbor’s yard. 

Waiting to see if the bag was picked up by someone or if I should retrieve it made us laugh. Bop and I checked to see if the bag was there. After a day, it was gone.

Beachballs. I don’t know where you came from or where you’ve gone. I’m thankful for the laughter and the simple act of trying to find the answer to the mystery.

Have you ever seen a mysterious object rolling down the street? Perhaps a beachball?

Have a blessed and fun-filled day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson