Watch Out!! Stinky Mimi!!
Warm weather has arrived in the Lowcountry. Hot weather has arrived, too. Spells of warm days turned into spells of hot days followed by cooler evenings. Spring is here. Some days feel like summer already. The weather forecasters try to get the correct prediction. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes not. If we want to know the weather, just open the front door and step outside.
Taking walks in the neighborhood gives Alan and me a chance to enjoy the beautiful flowers our neighbors have planted. From red and white impatiens in hanging pots to bright pink geraniums in planters at doorways to white oleander in yards, the sights are gorgeous.
There is a forest behind our house. A park which, according to county plans, will never be developed. Deer, turkey, geese and ducks are seen almost every morning and evening playing at the edge of the woods.
We decided to purchase a few colorful flowers for our back yard area. Red impatiens hang next to the hummingbird feeder. Red geraniums are seated in a two feet tall planter. Pink and purple small petunias are situated in another planter. Beautiful.
The hummingbirds and lizards love the plants. What a joy to watch the plants grow!
A joy until one recent morning when the next door neighbor alerted me to part of the flowers being eaten away by the deer.
Oh no! Those silly deer crossed into the yard and had a feast on our flowers and our neighbor’s flowers. Something must be done!
Over the years, we’ve dealt with deer eating the flowers at previous homes we’ve lived in. Friends are always eager to share a “treatment” or “idea” to deter the deer.
We know what has worked for us in the past, so we decide to stick with purchasing the “deer repellant”. A bottle of spray that is applied once a week. A tried method that has been successful.
A trip to the local nursery was the plan for the next morning.
Deer repellant purchased. A few replacement flowers were purchased. A few marigolds to add to the mix. Marigolds are a flower that deer are not supposed to like. Tell that to a deer who was seen munching on the yellow marigolds.
I wanted to take care of spraying the flowers. I had used this product in the past. No problem. This would be quick and easy.
Full of too much confidence, I didn’t bother putting on my garden gloves. Taking the spray bottle in one hand, I attempted to open the nozzle to prepare for spraying. This deer spray has an awful smell. The scent goes away after time, but the initial smell can cause a person to gag.
Attempting to turn the nozzle, I realized before I could stop that I had the sprayer turned in my direction, toward my pants and shoes.
Spray! Spray! A spray of the nasty smelling deer repellant didn’t hit the flowers. The spray landed on me.
Quickly as I could move, I dropped the bottle, took off my shoes, ran into the house and started washing my hands. That special kitchen lemon soap would not work. I had to reach for the dishwashing liquid.
After my hands smelled better, a change of clothes was definitely needed. Spraying my shoes with disinfectant and putting the smelly clothes in the washer, I washed my face and hair and began to relax.
Yes, I was a “Stinky Mimi” for a while.
During this time of spraying to repel the deer, I had to laugh out loud. What a sight the neighbors must have seen! Yes, I used my gloves the next time and also, made sure the nozzle was pointed in the correct direction.
Once again, the Lord gave me a reason to laugh at myself. I also wondered about the “stinky” parts of my life. I pray I will “repel” those stinky parts and focus on showing God’s love in all my words and actions.
Have you ever used “deer repellant”? Do you have any “stinky parts” of your life that need to be fixed?
Have a blessed day, Enjoy the flowers, Make sure the spray nozzle is turned the right way,
Mimi
“Mimi…do you see that?
Grandson Rowan and I recently enjoyed a quiet chat on the front porch at his home. He is two years old and has great conversations skills. We had brought toy cars outside and were racing them up and down the railings. “Let’s vroom!” He would shout. “Okay. Let’s vroom!” I answered. He stood behind a chair and asked me to come stand behind the chair, too. “Welcome to our car show!” He announced. I repeated his words.
Approaching the railing on the side of the porch, Rowan asked if I could climb up. I pretended to lift my foot on the bottom of the rail.
Looking at the sky, Rowan pointed and said, “Mimi…do you see that? That’s clouds. That’s rain.” My heart filled with joy as he began listing things for me to see and hear.
“Mimi, do you hear that? Birds singing. They are in the trees. Mimi, do you see those flowers? Mimi, do you see the bushes and the trees?”
The quiet conversation between Rowan and his Mimi. My heart filled with so much joy that tears moistened my eyes. The innocence of a little boy. The excitement of seeing clouds, listening to birds singing, showing me the flowers. What a blessing to be his Mimi!
I couldn’t wait to share with the family about this special time. A conversation I will always remember.
The chat ended with giggles when Rowan looked at the side of the neighbor’s home, grinned and pointed to the water spigot. “Mimi, I can’t play with the hose.”
Trying not to bust out laughing, I understood what he was talking about. Not too long ago, I believe I heard how he liked to point the water hose at his parents and spray them. Or maybe that was my imagination. Either way, he grinned while telling me about not being able to play with the hose.
A special bonding time, lots of giggles and a chance to play “Vroom” with toy cars, pretend to have a car show, listen to birds singing, watch for clouds and rain and best of all, receive hugs from sweet Rowan.
These are simple joys. Times I noted in my journal. Memories I hope to share with Rowan when he is older. I imagine us laughing and sharing more special conversations in the future.
In this time of crisis and stress, I will look for ways to find joy. Sharing time with family is one of the best ways.
Thank you God for giving us ways to find joy.
Can you share some ways you are finding joy? Let us know in the comments.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi
Oops!! Wrong place…at the right time…
Beautiful scenery from the shore to the hills. Redbuds waking from winter sleep. Yellow daffodils standing tall in fields. Blue birds and wrens flying from fence post to tree limb. Mountain views in the distance. Traveling from home to a writers conference filled my eyes with interesting sights along the way. Alan drove and I was in charge of the map, the phone and the printed directions. ( I like to be prepared for any circumstance involving directions).
We left home on Thursday and headed for a writing conference. The hotel had been booked months ago. Suitcases were packed, snack bags filled with pretzels, crackers, trail mix and of course, chocolate. Water and bottled tea were placed in the cool pack. Toiletries packed. Jackets placed on the back seat of the car, just in case the weather was cooler. (Yes, the temperatures were cooler and we were thankful for jackets).
A few stops along the way to stretch our legs and visit the local rest area. The 5 hours trip went very well. The directions were followed and we arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon.
“Ah, there’s the hotel. I’ll be glad to unpack and rest a bit before the conference.”
Alan drove the car to the front door of the hotel. I gathered empty snack bags and prepared to throw them in the hotel trash can outside the main door.
Car turned off, doors opened, we stood and stretched. I threw the trash away.
We walked to the main entrance of the hotel, the sliding glass doors opened and I looked at the next building.
“Oops! We’re at the wrong hotel. Our hotel is the next one.”
We had stayed at the same hotel last year so we should have remembered. Of course, traveling over 300 miles can make any person tired. Mistakes are easily made.
Alan and I laughed and shared how we were glad we didn’t go inside and try to register at the front desk. There would not have been a room in our name.
We went back to the car, drove to the next parking lot and started over.
Interesting conversation with the lady who checked us in at the correct hotel. She grew up in the same neighborhood area where I lived as a young girl. That was in Virginia and now we live in South Carolina. We shared a nice chat. I wondered if God had us arrive at a particular time to share fellowship with this young woman. The odds of meeting someone from the same neighborhood was very small.
We did not share with her how we went to the wrong hotel first. God had a plan for us to meet her and yes, His plan is always best.
The conversation brought joy to us and joy to her, recalling special memories of times gone by.
Can you think of a time when you were in the wrong place at the right time? Share your story.
Have a blessed week,
Mimi
Mailbox Slots…Don’t Do That!
Writing letters to friends and family is a joy. Finding colorful stickers to decorate envelopes and choosing the right card to send for a special occasion can be fun.
Visiting the local craft store provides a chance to bring out the creative side of my brain.
Walking each aisle to search for interesting cards, envelopes, stickers and possibly a small gift to give for a birthday or “thinking of you” occassion.
Bringing the craft items home, I arrange the various items on the dining room table and begin to assemble.
Looking at the calendar, I check for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and any other reason to send a greeting.
Pen in hand, I begin writing a note and signing the cards. Stickers attached, envelope sealed, address written and return address label attached, stamp in the top right corner. I am ready to walk to the mailbox and slide the envelopes in the mail slot.
How exciting to be sending greetings! I enjoy receiving mail and love sending mail.
Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox. All of the boxes are located in one big metal container. Each home has a number and a key. We take the key and open the box to get our mail. The container is so tall that we have a footstool for people like me who can’t quite reach the top mailbox.
This past Monday, I arrived at the mailbox and prepared to place my letters in the slot. One by one, I checked each letter making sure there was a postage stamp affixed, return address and correct address of the person who would receive the letter.
All was well until I decided to stick my fingers a little too far into the mail slot, just to make sure the letters went all the way in the box.
Word of advice…”Don’t do that!” My fingers were almost stuck in the mailbox slot. I could have peeked at the slot. Instead, I chose to place my fingers in the slot.
Immediately, I pulled my fingers out and said, “Thank You Lord.” I was relieved my fingers didn’t stick in the slot. I could just imagine the emergency call.
“What is your emergency?
“Ah, my fingers are stuck in the mail slot.”
I could picture the person on the other end of the line sitting in shock, then saying,
“What did you say?”
Happy to report my fingers are well and I will not be placing those sweet fingers in the mailbox slot again. I will listen for the letters to drop inside the container. I will peek at the slot to make sure the letters are all the way in the box.
Have you ever done something so silly? Have you ever said out loud, “Thank You Lord.”
God is always with us, even when we do things that make no sense. I imagine God had a good laugh with me, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
In the stillness…
My head hurts. A pounding sinus headache. Or is it sinus? Could the pain in my head be coming from another source? Yes, I’ve had a sinus headache for a week. Changes in the barometric pressure always cause problems for my sinuses. There is something else happening in my head. I can feel the difference. A stress headache.
God has been whispering to me for weeks. I realized this morning that I have not been heeding His call.
The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 have been filled with many activities for our family. Most of the events have been fun and filled with laughter. Some events were filled with tears. One of the many busy days was shared with friends in a celebration of life for a dear one who has passed on after a lengthy health struggle.
Looking at my “to do” check list each morning brought reminders of doctor appointments, birthday parties, writers group meetings, an award banquet, radio interview, author events and more. Each morning, I began with a smile and joy in my heart. Each afternoon, I felt the need for a nap.
What was I doing? Why was I feeling so happy and then, so tired? Couldn’t I just continue to enjoy each special event and press on to the next one? I love staying busy. I love sharing time with family and friends. I love volunteering.
I always say, “God taps me on the shoulder a couple of times and then, hits me in the head.” He tries to get my attention. My response is crucial to showing His love to others and to myself.
Another weekend of the most wonderful events. Alan and I enjoyed everything. Laughter, love, the giggles of children, the sharing of meals, the blessings of the life God has given us.
Sunday morning church service arrived. Sunrise Presbyterian Church sits across the street from Breach Inlet. The ocean view beckons as we stand to sing worship and praise songs. Glorious piano sounds played by our talented music director invites everyone to sing along and praise God.
As the time comes for us to sit and listen to the morning message, I glance at the title listed in the bulletin. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Our pastor reminds us to relax into the pews and to “be still”. He suggests we close our eyes and truly take in the message of being still.
The words “Be still” seep into my mind, body and soul. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Those words speak to me as I breathe in and out. My body begins to relax. I remember one important thing I have forgotten during the busyness of life. I have thanked God once or twice, but not nearly enough. In good times and in sad times, when I am busy or when I am resting, I need to thank God.
So there in the stillness of prayer and meditation on God’s Word, my heart is filled with thanksgiving.
“Thank You God. You have provided laughter, love and joy. You have also provided peace and comfort during sorrow. Thank You God, that in the stillness and the busyness, I can reach for You and You are always there.”
How are your days lately? Busy, quiet? Have you paused to give thanks to God?
Have a blessed day and know you are loved,
Mimi
Crossing Into the New Year
Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.
Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.
On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.
The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.
How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.
I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.
On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂
Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.
Blessings,
Mimi
The Hospital Shirt…Finding Comfort
Have you ever paused to think of all the ways God sends comfort? Last week, after a strange reaction to an infusion for osteoporosis, I called the emergency number for the doctor office and was told to go the e.r. immediately. I didn’t have an allergic reaction. I had an “adverse” reaction to the infusion. No itchy throat or trouble breathing. My problems were extreme bone pain, nausea, fever, chills and muscles that kept contracting making my body feel like I had done 100 or more sit ups. Very strange feeling.
The infusion itself went well. The staff who assisted me provided information about the before, during and after components of an infusion. Being an almost 15 years breast cancer survivor and having dealt with chemotherapy and radiation all those years ago, I was a bit nervous. Stressful memories flooded my mind the moment the infusion was scheduled. I prayed and asked God to give me comfort. He answered. He always answers in one way or another. Days after making the appointment, I relaxed into my daily schedule and put the upcoming appointment in the back of my thoughts.
The day of the infusion was normal. No problems. I didn’t have the “reaction” until 1:00 a.m. That was when my body starting showing a dislike for the medicine that had entered my body.
After speaking with the medical staff on call and letting Alan know we needed to get ready and head to the emergency room, I slowly walked to the bedroom closet to find clothes so I could change from my pajamas to “day” clothes. Looking at the shirts hanging on the rack, my eyes quickly went to one shirt. Grabbing the maroon colored short-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, I dressed for the car ride to the hospital.
Alan opened the car door for me, helped me into the car and turned on the seat warmer. I closed my eyes and prayed as we rode through the dark of the night to arrive at the hospital.
On this ride to the e.r., I began thinking of the shirt I picked to wear. Something comfortable and easy to remove if a hospital gown was needed. Short sleeves would be easy for blood pressure cuff.
I started to wonder. “Why do I always pick this same shirt to wear to the emergency room or for stressful medical tests?” I have noticed a pattern in what I choose to wear for those possibly worrisome visits. I always choose the maroon shirt.
A calm came over my body and I remembered.
I prayed and asked God to give me peace and calm. I was afraid. He would be the answer to my fears. He would cover me with peace only He can provide.
Looking down at my maroon t-shirt, I smiled. God gave me comfort through an old shirt. God was reminding me that His love and peace are covering me in all situations. No matter the outcome, He covers me from head to toe. This favorite shirt of mine was one way God was covering me. No need for worry.
The hospital staff provided great care and soon we were on our way back home. I feel much better and have been busy with family and church activities.
Each time I see this old shirt hanging on the rack in my closet, I smile. One of these days, that shirt will wear out and I will find another one to wear to the hospital and doctor appointments.
I am thankful God’s love never gives out. God’s love never changes. He will provide comfort and peace in many ways, even in an old shirt.
How was God provided peace and comfort to you lately? Share with us. Your story may encourage others.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
“Get in there Mimi…Get in there.”
An aroma of warm comfort food filled the home. A delicious dinner of baked ziti, bread and salad was enjoyed by all. Alan and I were visiting with Mike, Christine and Rowan. We provided dinner on Sunday evening. Delightful conversation, laughter filling each room and echoing off the walls. Olive the Boston Terrier racing back and forth from room to room looking for someone to play a game of throw and retrieve. A blessed evening with family.
Dinner finished, dishes readied for the dishwasher and the final chocolate chip cookie eaten for dessert, we slowly walked to the living room. Nice time for conversation and settling down.
Rowan was not ready for rest or quiet. His two years old body was eager to build a tent, play with dinosaurs, sing songs and climb onto the couch and snuggle Bop(Alan) and Mimi(me).
Resting after the meal, Bop positioned himself on the gray couch by leaning over to his side, propping his elbow on top of the couch cushion.
The moment Rowan saw Bop sitting that way, Rowan looked at me and said, “Get in there Mimi…get in there.” I paused and wondered what Rowan was talking about. Then, I could see. Rowan enjoys making tents with blankets and pillows. He wasn’t talking about tents when he made the request.
The way Bop was angled made a small “opening” between the side of his body and the couch. Almost like going into a tent. Rowan was asking me to “Get in there” and snuggle Bop. I was happy to oblige.
Rowan and I both cuddled up to Bop and shared warmth, hugs and love.
This sweet act of snuggling with our grandson made me think about how often God calls us to “Get in there” with Him. Are we listening to the call to share time with Him? Time to pause and feel the warmth of His love.
Have you wanted to “Get in there” with God and enjoy sharing quiet moments and also, sharing laughter with Him? Take a moment and rest in Him.
Blessings, snuggles and laughter,
Mimi
The Day I Apologized to A Dead Worm
Sharing time with grandson Rowan brings joy to Alan and me. Rowan is two years old and full of love and laughter. Everything is a new adventure to him. From running in the backyard to chasing Olive, the Boston Terrier, to giving hugs, Rowan is a precious boy. His interest in everything brings chances for discussion and learning.
On a recent Saturday evening, Rowan’s parents went out for a date night. Bop and Mimi (Alan and Melissa) arrived at their home to play with Rowan while his parents were away for a few hours. After saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, we dumped colorful blocks on the floor, arranged dinosaurs in a row on the table, read books aloud and we all enjoyed playing chase and building forts with blankets and couch cushions. A two years old never slows down until bedtime.
Pointing his finger toward the front door, Rowan stated, “Let’s go outside. Let’s go walk.” Gathering our shoes from the closet, Bop and Mimi and Rowan readied for a short walk in the neighborhood. Fall has arrived and many homes displayed decorations. Rowan knows where all the fun pumpkins and spiders and bats are located. We walked and talked as he pointed to stop signs and cars and dogs barking.
At one point, Rowan stopped in his tracks and asked, “Mimi, do you hear that? It’s the birds.” I smiled and listening to the birds singing as they perched in trees and on telephone pole wires.
Another time, Rowan paused, turned his face upward and asked Bop to hold him. We had walked a long way. Everyone was tired.
Turning to head back home, a burst of energy found this two years old and he was ready to walk again.
We walked with a slower pace this time. He pointed out more interesting sights. Flowers, more dogs, more pumpkins and more birds.
The walk halted quickly and he looked at the sidewalk. I wondered what had happened.
“Mimi, you stepped on the worm. Mimi, say sorry to wormy.” I did not notice the dead worms on the sidewalk. I was busy watching this precious boy and how he enjoyed everything he saw.
After he told me again to tell wormy I was sorry, I did what Mimi’s do. I apologized to the dead worm.
“Wormy, I am so sorry.” Looking at the flattened dead worm that had probably been there all day, I felt the need to follow Rowan’s request and say I was sorry.
Apology over, the walk continued. We arrived home and all was well.
Rowan helped us remember to enjoy simple things in life. Taking a walk in the neighborhood, listening to birds singing, enjoying fall decorations, noticing stop signs and yes, watching for dead worms on the sidewalk.
Thank you Rowan. You make us so happy.
Mimi and Bop love you very much.
Have you paused and enjoyed the sights and sounds around you? What have you noticed lately? Share with us.
Blessings,
Mimi