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

How Do Birds Handle Change?

Bird watching has always fascinated me and brought hours of enjoyment. As a young girl, my parents pointed out different kinds of birds and shared interesting information about the creatures. From the little Carolina Wren to the large Bald Eagle, each bird has its own way of handling life. What happens when the temperatures drop or rise? How do birds handle change?

I remember making homemade bird feeders in elementary school. A pinecone covered in peanut butter and seeds, with a string attached to the top, was one of my favorite projects. Those unique treats hung from trees in the neighborhood. The kids would watch to see which one had the most visitors. Nowadays, Bop and I create the same feeders with our grandkids. Collecting pinecones in the neighborhood and making crafts from them brings fun and laughter, but there is always a mess on the floor.

Recently, I bought a new tray feeder for the tree in the front yard. The old one had worked well for a long time. Now, I wanted a different one. The bird store offers a variety to choose from, making the decision difficult. 

Over the years, I’ve learned some interesting facts about birds. Some birds don’t mind change. They will fly right next to me as I pour seed. Others wait and sit on branches watching until I go back inside the house. I wonder why some creatures are shy, and others are bold.

Another unique quality about birds is that they seem to know when a dramatic change in the weather is approaching. The weather forecasters in the Lowcountry are predicting a sharp drop in temperatures tonight.

I looked outside and saw birds of all sizes and shapes flying back and forth to the new tray. I sense that they know change is on the way. Watching from inside the house, I smiled and thanked God for these birds that make me happy.

Birds handle change by preparing for what may be coming. Other animals handle change in their own ways. What about people? How do we handle change?

Rowan and Eden adapt well to changes in their schedule. Rowan likes to have a calendar with events posted on the refrigerator. Eden goes with the flow. Both grandkids have unique ways to handle change.

I keep several calendars with dates posted. There are calendars on the wall, in my purse, on the computer, and on my phone. I adjust when change happens. Life brings many changes, and how we handle those changes can help us thrive.

We can learn valuable lessons from the birds. We can prepare and stay aware of our surroundings. I have often said, “God taps me on the shoulder three times when He is trying to get my attention. If I don’t listen, He hits me in the head.” Haha!

How do you handle change? With a smile, grumbles, or contentment?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Hearts of Love

Pink construction paper, bright-colored markers, and a place to sit. Four-year-old granddaughter Eden asked for these simple things. “Mimi, don’t look. I’m making something for you.” Her words were spoken in a soft voice accompanied by a big smile. My answer was, “I won’t look. I’ll sit on the other side of the table and color.” I didn’t know Eden was creating hearts of love.

I often comment about the craft cabinet in our living room. Grandchildren Rowan and Eden are always ready for a craft when they enter our home. “What are we doing today? What craft can we make? Mimi, can we make something? Can we do a science experiment?” All of those comments and more begin our time together. Whether the kids are at our house for a sleepover or a few hours, we enjoy making things and using our imaginations.

Eden continued to work on her project while Rowan drew pictures of mountains, buildings, people, and animals. I like to use colorful markers to draw balloons floating in the air. Those two grandkids can draw anything. I’m not a great artist like Rowan and Eden. My stick figures bring laughter and funny comments. That’s okay. At least I try.

A little time later, Eden folded her pink paper like a card. She walked to where I was sitting and handed me the card. “Mimi, this is for you because I love you.” Eden grinned as I accepted the gift.

The front cover of the card displayed beautiful purple hearts. As I opened the gift and looked inside, I tried not to cry tears of joy. This sweet granddaughter had taken her time to make the most beautiful hearts of many colors. “Hearts mean love, Mimi,” Eden spoke as I saw her artwork.

When I received this special present, my heart was full of love and joy. I told Eden that I would keep the card forever, and I will. Bop and I have folders and boxes of artwork from Rowan and Eden. Those heartfelt creations bring special memories.

Rowan made a green construction paper Christmas tree a few years ago. He asked me to keep it forever, and I told him that I would. That tree is displayed on the dining room hutch all year.

These moments of love and joy remind me of the love that God pours out on us. We can feel and see His love in every moment. From the sunrise to the sunset, the laughter of children and adults, the quiet moments of watching snowflakes float in the air, and many more ways, God shows His love. 

God shows us His hearts of love. How have you experienced His love?

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV)

Have a blessed day and know you are loved,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson 

The Rock Gift

Gifts are given for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and celebrations. Some of the best presents are ones given “just because” with no special reason or occasion. Gifts may make us laugh while others may bring tears. I received a rock that touched my heart and brought happy tears.

Grandson Rowan and Granddaughter Eden enjoy making crafts. They often enter the house and say, “What are we doing today? Can we make something?” There is a cabinet in our living room which holds the craft supplies. Crayons, markers, paint, construction paper, glue sticks, popsicle sticks, play dough, wire cleaners, straws, pom poms of various sizes, googly eyes, and much more. Sometimes we follow a pattern for making a craft. Other times, we use our imaginations and create interesting projects.

A few months ago, Rowan and Eden painted rocks. We set up a workstation on a table on the back porch. Paper towels, wet wipes for cleaning hands and the occasional paint splatter that landed on the porch couch cushions, paint, rocks that had been rinsed to remove the dirt, paintbrushes, and stickers were arranged on the table. Rowan, Eden, and Mimi were ready to paint beautiful designs on rocks of different sizes.

We worked intently until giggles broke out when the paint went somewhere other than the rocks. Making sure we wore our “paint clothes” was a must during this project. We love to dip the brushes in the paint and mix the colors. Then, we rinse the brushes and watch the water swirl in the cup.

After the rocks have been painted and placed on a paper towel to dry, we clean the area and find another activity until the rocks are ready to be placed into our flower garden. When every rock is dry, we place them in selected spots. Then, we walk to the sidewalk and look back to the garden. We want to make sure everyone can see the beautiful shapes and colors as they walk by.

Recently, Rowan and Eden entered the house for a visit. Laughter filled the home while everyone talked at the same time and shared about their day. As we headed to the playroom/office to find a game or activity to play, Rowan asked for wrapping paper. Rowan is very creative and I figured he was probably going to create something with the paper.

After finding some wrapping paper, Rowan left the room. Eden and I began to play with the dolls. A few minutes passed and Rowan returned.

“Mimi, close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
“Okay, what are we doing?” I asked.

“You’ll see. Mimi, I have a surprise for you.”

I closed my eyes, held out my hands, and felt his sweet hands place something in my wrinkled hands.

“Open your eyes, Mimi. It’s for you.”

My eyes opened and I was holding a wrapped gift from Rowan. I opened the paper and there was one of the rocks. I thanked him for the beautiful rock.

Rowan wanted to give me something special and one of his favorite rocks was the gift. A precious memory flooded my thoughts. When I was a young girl about Rowan’s age, I forgot my Mama’s birthday. When I remembered, I immediately went to my room and found my favorite doll. I wrapped it in a paper towel and gave it to my Mama. She loved it.

Rowan showed love and kindness to me. I showed love and kindness to my Mama.

God gave us the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus. We are loved and cherished by God.

Do you have a special gift story? Share your story in the comments.

Blessings and love,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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How a Famous Author (and friend) Save the Day

A road trip to see a famous author, who is a sweet friend, brought laughter and joy to a special event. We never know what will happen with the Henderson family. God always gives us something to bring happiness and joy. Today’s blog is about how a famous author (and friend) saved the day.

Alan and I enjoy attending book signings and author events. Sometimes we know the person and other times we learn about new writers. Often, lunch is served and everyone has an opportunity to fellowship with other readers.

Recently, we were blessed to attend a presentation and book signing by author Nancy Naigle. She’s written many great stories and some of her work has been turned into movies. Alan and I met Nancy years ago when we went to see her speak at an event in South Carolina.

We became friends and now, every time Nancy visits the area, we make sure to attend her events. Nancy enjoys laughter and we often share giggles about the simplest things in life. The first time we met Nancy, a person was giving away Vidalia onions after the presentation.

Although we never found the Vidalia onion person and didn’t get any of those special offerings, the three of us joked about how we met on that onion day.

At the latest event, a delicious lunch of garden greens with a hunk of chicken salad on top was served. Yummy warm bread accompanied the main course. Slices of decadent chocolate cake were served for dessert.

There were eight people at our table, including Nancy’s mother Bettie. During lunch, we chatted, shared which stories were our favorites, and enjoyed getting to know each other. A delightful time.

After a few bites of food, Nancy reached over and touched my arm. “Melissa, just want you to know a spider hanging from the chandelier and it’s getting ready to fall into Alan’s salad.”
I immediately glanced over to try and see the culprit. The light hit the tiny spider at just the right moment. The spider held tightly to a thin translucent string of web as it inched down towards Alan’s salad.

Everyone at the table became alert when I shared, “Alan, there’s a spider about to go into your salad.” I thought Alan would discreetly dispose of it with a napkin. But, of course, nothing goes quietly around us.

Before speaking a word, Alan clapped his hands together with a “SLAP”, and the spider was gone. The sound was loud enough to cause everyone at our table, and probably in the room, to pause to see what was happening.

Alan had acted before thinking the spider might have landed in his lunch. Oh, well… After getting rid of the spider, Alan decided he wasn’t hungry anymore.

There were giggles and remarks about how the salad now had more protein because the spider was in it. My salad was fine so I continued eating. Alan did enjoy some of the warm bread.

Thank you to our author friend, Nancy Naigle, who saved Alan from eating a spider. 😁

Nancy’s new story, “And Then There Was You” is available at retailers. Visit her website at www.nancynaigle.com

Have a blessed day! Watch out for spiders in your food.
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Popsicles and Pickles

A variety of flavors can be found during each season. Strawberries in summer, pumpkins in autumn, and the delightful scent of cinnamon during the colder months. Each person has their favorites and sometimes those favorites change from day to day. Do you like popsicles? Do you like pickles? What about having popsicles and pickles together?

Lunch with grandchildren Rowan and Eden usually involves them choosing chicken, noodles, or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rowan is a bit more picky when deciding what to eat. He knows what he likes and doesn’t stray far from his choices.

Eden will try almost any food. She often asks everyone at the table, “What are you having?” When the answer is given, she often wants to try whatever is on the plate of someone else. She likes to have strawberries or peaches as her fruit choice.

Along with the main course, Rowan likes to have mandarin oranges for the fruit portion. After eating his meal, he politely asks for dessert. Rowan likes ice cream in a bowl or an ice cream sandwich.

Eden finishes her meal and walks to the freezer. She asks for a “popsicle”. Any color is fine. She prefers to have a bowl to put the popsicle in and a napkin ready to wash her “cheekies” and hands when she’s finished eating.

During a recent lunchtime, I sat at the table with my plate of food and was ready for conversation during the meal. My choice for lunch was a turkey sandwich, chips, and a few bread and butter pickles.

As I sat and began eating, Eden inquired, “What are you having? What’s that?” She pointed to my pickles.
I answered, “These are bread and butter pickles. Maybe you can try them when you’re not eating a grape popsicle.” I thought the combination would not be tasty and could cause an upset tummy.

However, Eden thought differently. “I want some pickles.” Her sweet two years old voice could not be denied.
“Eden, maybe another time when you are not having a grape popsicle, you can try pickles.” Of course, that answer didn’t work.

“I want pickles. I want pickles. I want pickles!” She exclaimed.

If you have ever been around a two years old child while they are eating, you know how important their food choices are to them. So, I gave in.

I placed 3 pieces of bread and butter pickles in a bowl. I watched Eden and tried not to laugh. She was determined to try the pickles while she crunched on her grape popsicle.

My thinking was that when she took the first bite, she would not want any more of the pickles. I was wrong. Eden took a bite of pickle and then, a bite of popsicle.

Smiling, she looked at me and said, “I like pickles. I like it.” Her eyes watered a bit and her mouth puckered. But, she continued. “Can I have some more pickles?”

Shocked, I relented. “Yes, I’ll get more pickles.”

Eden ate the popsicle and the pickles. Rowan laughed and commented. “That’s bad. I don’t want to eat those two things together.” I agreed with him.

Days later, Eden visited and asked for a popsicle. She also asked for pickles. However, this time, she took a bite of a pickle and stated, “I don’t like pickles today.”

Yes, the mind of a two-year-old. Changing and learning her likes and dislikes.
Tomorrow may bring a desire for pickles and popsicles again. Today, Eden is satisfied with another grape popsicle.

What unique food choices have you eaten lately? Were you happy with your selections?

Have a blessed and fun day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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“Come Back, Honey!”

Laughter and conversations can be heard in our neighborhood every day. In the morning, children and parents gather to wait for the yellow buses to arrive. After school has ended for the day and everyone is home, the time for fun begins. Happy children bring out bicycles, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more.

When Rowan and Eden visit, there are belly-holding giggles, surprises in conversation and actions, amazing stories of what happened at school, and yes, even some quiet time. All of these things provide wonderful opportunities for bonding and sharing the love of God.

Temperatures have warmed in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and outside play is a wonderful way to burn off energy and have fun. One of my favorite activities is playing with bubbles. Sometimes, I bring out the mixture and wands and enjoy the bubbles by myself. However, most of the time, neighborhood kids are playing, too.

Recently, two years old Eden and I were preparing to take the needed supplies outside. She carried wands of various sizes and shapes. I carried the large pink bottle of solution to pour into the circular pans. 

With everything in place on two little plastic tables lined up on the sidewalk, we were ready to create fun shapes. Eden doesn’t like for “bugs” to get in the pans, so I have to be on the lookout to remove any creatures before she notices. Sticky fingers don’t bother me.

On that particular day and since then, every time I place my wand into the pan and cover it with the solution, Eden begins to laugh. As I raise my arm, the bubbles appear and dance in the air. She throws down her wand and runs to catch the different shapes flowing toward the sky.

Her energy is limitless, just like her brother Rowan. Her breathing is rapid and her eyes are opened wide as she laughs and jumps in the air to catch the clear circles. The excitement she shows over the simple act of running and chasing something flying through the air is truly contagious.

Along with running, she calls to the bubbles. I’m not sure where she learned this or why she talks to them, but she calls out, “Come back, honey. Come back, honey.”

Her sweet voice brings happy tears and tons of giggles to me as she tries to catch each one.

I’ve never called bubbles “honey” and I’ve never asked them to “Come back.” But, Eden has a plan and for some unknown reason, those bubbles are “honey”.

Bop and I are thankful we live close to Mike, Christine, Rowan, Eden, and doggy Olive. God has blessed us with many joys from this move. Five years in South Carolina and we continue to treasure each moment.

Have you played with bubbles lately? Or perhaps another fun outside activity with kids?

Be alert and listen. You might hear someone calling “Come back, honey.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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The Blanket Flashlight

A while back, I was startled by a toy lizard that our grandson Rowan had left under a couch cushion. That experience gave me laugh-out-loud, tummy-rolling giggles. Yesterday, I found something that granddaughter Eden had left as a surprise.

There are many wonderful ways to use our imagination. I love how the minds of children work and how joy can be found in the simplest things in life. Ideas are endless and creations can come from anything.

Filling the bathroom sink with water and adding toy sharks so we can pretend to be shark hunters, wrapping baby dolls in blankets and singing sweet songs so the babies can sleep, or pretending to be clowns, there is always something exciting happening at Mimi’s and Bop’s house.

Recently, Eden and I found flashlights, turned off all the lights in the hallway, and started making shadows on the walls. We created butterflies, birds, dinosaurs, and bunny ears. Giggles filled the air each time we shaped something new in the shadows.

Two years old Eden has definite opinions about things. After making shadows, she led me to the living room couch and said, “Sit, Mimi. Sit.” Of course, I listened and sat on the couch.
Eden held her flashlight and looked under the couch, behind the couch, and shined the light on the ceiling.

Then, as children often do, Eden found something else that sparked her interest. “Outside. Outside.” She was ready for a walk through the neighborhood. We would look for birds, ant hills, airplanes, friends, and more.

For our walk on that day, we each carried a baby doll. Eden said, “Shoulders.” That meant I was to put my baby doll on my shoulders. I complied and placed the doll in the right spot and we continued with our journey.

After the time outside, Eden and I went back to the house and found our drink cups and a snack. Putting our dolls on their blankets and kissing them on the cheek, we left them in the playroom and went to the living room.

The afternoon had arrived and a time of rest would be good for Mimi and Eden. We snuggled on the couch and watched a “show”. All was quiet. We didn’t take a nap, but we did have quiet time.

Later that evening, Eden left to go home and be with Daddy, Mommy, and Rowan. I decided to clean the house the next day.

After a good night of sleep, my energy returned. Thinking about all the items that Eden and I had used for play, I noticed one of the flashlights was missing. I searched in the playroom, the bedrooms, the dining room, and the kitchen. No flashlight.

I noticed a blanket on the couch that needed folding. Walking closer I caught a glimpse of a light shining from under the blanket.

Yes! The flashlight that Eden had been using had been left under the blanket. The light was still shining bright. The mystery had been solved. Sometimes we make tents out of quilts, towels, and blankets. We always need a flashlight inside the tent. This one was shining through the darkness and had been shining all night.

Flashlights remind me of the ways we can shine the light of Christ and help lead others to know Him. We need to replenish the batteries from time to time. God doesn’t need batteries. His light shines forever.

When the night seems long and darkness comes, trust in God.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Leaping Lizard Under the Cushion

Yes. Leaping lizard under the cushion. How could this happen? A normal evening of household chores turned into a momentary frightful experience.

Being a Mimi to Rowan and Eden brings many unexpected surprises and joys. Those two sweet children sometimes ask to take toys from our house to play with at their home. Bop and I always say “Yes, if it’s okay with Mommy and Daddy. Be sure to bring the toys back.”
Sometimes a teddy bear stays at their home and other times, a bear or doll baby will make the return trip in the car to the home of Mimi and Bop.

Having fun items to play with and make unique creations is fun. From modeling clay to blocks to bubbles and more, there is always something special to do at our home. Bop and I enjoy playing as much as the kids love to play.

After Rowan and Eden have left to return home, clean up time begins. Glancing in each room, I often notice paper, crayons, markers, stickers and other things we have used for making pictures. Another room sometimes has toy cars, plastic dishes for playing restaurant, baby dolls and a toy stroller so Eden can be the Mommy, and plenty of dinosaurs and sharks for Rowan to be a paleontologist and a scuba diver. Yes, the imaginations of children are inspiring.

On a recent evening, the house was quiet as the children had left for home with Daddy and Mommy. Bop was taking the trash bag outside. I noticed the couch cushions were crooked. Deciding to lift them and arrange the cushions and pillows so everything would look nice, I reached down, pulled up a cushion and…

I screamed. “Yikes!!!” My high pitched scream and what I saw caused me to jump back. There, sitting under the cushion was a lizard. The thing looked real and actually wiggled when I moved the cushion. Then, I realized the creature was yellow and not a real lizard.

Sweet Rowan had hidden a squishy toy lizard under the cushion. I’m not sure when he hid the lizard, but the thought of how long the toy had been hiding under the cushion made me think. When was the last time I had looked under the cushions?

After I calmed my breathing and knew the lizard was not real, I began laughing. Bop had no idea that I had been scared by a toy lizard. The evening continued and I shared the story with Bop.
We both laughed and shared how happy we are to live near our grandchildren.

I’m thankful that the lizard in the photo above was not the one under the couch cushion.

God gives us the gift of laughter and the ability to find joy in everyday moments. Have you laughed lately? Share your story in the comments.

Have a blessed and laughter filled day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Maw Maw or Mimi?

Granddaughter Eden will be two years old in a few months. She has a personality that makes our family break out into laughter every day. Eden is learning many things from big brother Rowan. She watches his every move and truly believes she can accomplish anything Rowan attempts.

The young ones in our family have called me “Mimi” for many years. Peyton, our great-niece who is sixteen years old now, was the first one to give me that special name. When she was beginning to speak, she chose to call me “Mimi”. My heart melted every time Peyton called for her “Mimi”. Then, Paige, who is now fourteen years old, was born. She also calls me by that precious name. Next, was Ryder, who is eight years old. I am “Mimi” to him, too.
Every time they say, “Mimi”, my smile gets bigger and my heart fills with joy.
Ashley and Daniel, who are Momma and Daddy to Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, call me by that special name, too.

Fast forward and Rowan was born to our son Mike and daughter-in-love Christine. Rowan began calling me “Mimi” as soon as he could talk.
He is now five years old and I continue to be his “Mimi”.

Eden has listened to Rowan say my name. “Mimi, watch me. Mimi, look at this. Mimi, can you play?” As Eden has heard Rowan and others call for me, she has created her own way of getting my attention.
“Maw Maw”. Yes, a new name. I’ve tried several times to show her how to say “Mimi”. But, I have been “Maw Maw” for a while now. I love her reaction as she calls for “Maw Maw” and then giggles.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were here for a visit. Eden said, “Maw Maw.” Rowan quickly told her that I am “Mimi”.
Eden looked at me and gave a huge grin. “Mimi. Mimi.”

Eden knows how to say “Mimi”. She has been using her own way of calling me and that is fine.
If Eden continues to call me “Maw Maw”, I will answer. Or if she changes to “Mimi”, I will answer.

Special names are ways of showing love. God knows each name of His children. He calls us by name. My most special name is “child of God”.

Do you have a special name? Do you know the meaning of your name? Melissa means “honeybee”.

Whatever name the children give me, I will always answer. I will always be ready to play and to listen. My arms are always ready for hugs and snuggles. My lap is always ready for resting.
God has blessed Alan and me with a wonderful family. By the way, Alan is called “Uncy” and “Bop”. Rowan gave Alan the name Bop. Of course, Eden changed the name to “Bop Bop”.

Alan and I are happy to be called by various names. We will always answer.

Father, thank You for calling us by name. Thank You for loving Your children. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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