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

Sock Decorations Bring Precious Memories

The Christmas tree is decorated. The candles are in the windows. Empty ornament boxes are stashed in closets. Decorative towels and blankets are arranged in their designated spots. Christmas is almost here. As I gaze at the little tree in the playroom/office, I notice an old, familiar item. A brown sock, with holes in the bottom, was an arrangement that our son created. Yes, sock decorations bring precious memories.

Our son, now a grown man, created this ornament when he was a young boy. We’ve shown it to our daughter-in-love and the grandkids. Rowan and Eden both commented, “Dad made that? Was that when he was a little boy in school?”

My answer. “Yes, your Dad created this special decoration for the tree. He used one of Bop’s old socks and added some felt shapes and glitter. He carefully placed each bit of shiny sparkles and felt to make the perfect ornament to add to the tree.”

Rowan and Eden smile every time we talk about the old sock. By sharing the memories, we are handing down a legacy of love and care. The brown, worn-out sock might not be as perfect as the shiny things on the tree. But the feeling of love is evident every year when we open a box and find the sock.

There are many ornaments on this little tree and many on the big tree in the living room. Each one is placed with care. Each one finds a different spot every Christmas. Angels, stars, crosses, birds, cloth ornaments, and many more reminders bring smiles when we share time together. Conversations, giggles, and sometimes a broken item remind us that the things on the tree are important, but they are not forever.

God’s love is forever. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can find peace in reading or hearing Scripture, and sharing the good news of His birth. We can share the story from the Bible. We can think of opportunities to share God’s love with others at this special time of year and always.

The best things on the tree are the ones created with love. Yes, even an old sock can bring precious memories.

What special Christmas ornaments or decorations are found at your home? Do you hang ornaments on the trees outside? Share some of your favorite homemade decorations.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Mysterious Sound

Alan walked into the bedroom laughing. “Guess what just happened?” I had no idea. It was a typical evening: I was preparing for bedtime while he was watching television in the living room. A normal evening at the Henderson house. But something made him laugh—Alan had heard a mysterious sound.

As Alan closed up the house for the night, I went through my usual evening routine. I washed my face, put on pajamas, turned the television station to a lighthearted movie, and turned down the bed covers. The same nightly routine that we’ve done for years.

My dear husband chuckled as he explained what happened to him. He had turned off the TV, closed the window blinds, double checked the back and front door locks, and started to head to the bedroom.

“I kept hearing a low ticking sound. I checked the refrigerator to make sure the ice maker was turned off. I checked the washing machine for leaks on the floor. I looked outside, and nothing was different. Yet, that ticking sound kept going.”

After walking through the house, checking outside, and becoming frustrated, Alan said that he walked by the large wall clock in the dining room. There was a problem. The clock hands were stuck in one spot. This happens when the battery is low. The slight tick, tick, tick was caused by the hands not being able to move any further. Time was standing still, according to the wall clock.

As he told me what had occurred, I laughed and mentioned our family motto. “It’s Always A Story with the Hendersons”. I’m not the only one who encounters silly things. My husband has funny experiences, too.

He decided to change the batteries another day. Actually, we’ll wait for our son Mike to change them. Mike is better at taking the clock off the wall. 

Meanwhile, we couldn’t hear the mysterious sound from the bedroom. All was good for the night.

Perhaps this has happened to us before. Yes, I’ve shared a similar story from the past. That’s okay. The situation brought us laughter again.

Have you ever heard a strange sound in your house? Were you afraid? Did you find the source and resolve the issue?

Life is filled with laughter and love. I hope you have a wonderful, blessed day.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

A Missed Message Can Be the Best Answer

Have you ever considered that a missed message can be the best answer? Last week, Bop went to a local auto shop to check the price of new tires. The friendly salesman took the time to show  the various brands and explain their benefits and prices. An appointment was scheduled for Bop to return and purchase the tires. All was good. That afternoon, the salesman called to say that a better brand of tires was being delivered to the shop. Same price, better tires.

The salesman said he would call when the tires were delivered, and then Bop could go to the shop. The time for delivery was supposed to be around noon. We waited. We took care of chores at the house. Laundry, dusting, feeding the birds, pulling weeds in the flower beds, etc. 

Noon came and went. We figured that maybe the delivery was running late. No worries. We would keep working in the house and yard. As the afternoon passed, the light turned dark. No phone call. Frustration began to set in. We questioned why the salesman had not called to let us know what had happened.

Maybe the delivery was postponed. But, why hadn’t someone called to let us know? Maybe the salesman was sick. Why hadn’t someone else from the company called? Perhaps the tires were not a better fit for our car. Perhaps the salesman forgot about us. Why? Why? Oh, my!

Friday was over. The weekend brought fun times with Rowan, Eden, Mike, and Christine. Laughter, games of “telephone”, blowing bubbles in the front yard, charades, and enjoying a delicious meal from one of our favorite restaurants were some of the activities. Wonderful times.

Monday morning arrived. No phone call or message from the auto shop. Our patience grew thin, and we discussed contacting another place to purchase the tires.

Then, Monday afternoon… Bop checked his phone for work messages and there was a missed call from Friday. What? How could this be? He had looked for missed calls and messages and nothing was there, until that moment. 

Bop immediately contacted the shop. He apologized for not seeing the message.The salesperson assured him there was no need to apologize. A time was scheduled for the next day. New tires, better brand, same price. Thank You Lord.

After the phone call ended, Bop shook his head and said, “That missed call didn’t show up until a little bit ago. Wonder what happened?”

We remembered that God’s timing is best. We may never know why the message didn’t go through. But God knows. Sometimes a missed message can be the best answer. 

Have you missed a call or message and later realized that God had a plan? Share in the comments.

Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate your encouragement.

Have a blessed day!

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

“Do the Stripes on the Sheets Have to Match?”

Recently, I shared about my severe back pain and medical issues. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and compassion. Throughout this experience, I’m learning to let go of some of the simple things in life while I hopefully heal from this condition. I’m realizing that my husband is capable of taking care of household chores. Although his cleaning methods differ from mine, I appreciate his efforts. One important task is changing the sheets on the bed. The question I posed to myself this week is, “Do the stripes on the sheets have to match?”

We have two basic sets of sheets. One set features small, light blue flowers on a white background. Beautiful. The second set has an off-white background and brown accent stripes.. Also, beautiful. The king-sized sheets fit perfectly if they are aligned properly. A tag on one end gives a reference to the best possible positioning of the sheets. I use that tag to make sure the sheets fit properly on the bed. 

However, last week, as Alan changed the sheets, I sat on the couch in the living room. While he worked, I watched a television show about gardening. He completed the task and alerted me to come and see how nice the bed looked.

As I entered the bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the bedspread arranged perfectly. I smiled. Next, I noticed the sheets and laughed out loud. “How in the world did you get the sheets on the bed like that?”

With a surprised look, my dear husband answered. “What do you mean? Isn’t that the way they are supposed to go? It works.”

How could I complain? I’m not sure how he maneuvered those sheets, but they fit and stayed in place until the next time he changed them. Good job!

God is reminding me every day that He is in control. I may have plans for my life, but, right now, God has other plans that He is working through me. Will I ever know why I am experiencing such pain and struggles with my back and spine? Maybe there will be answers. Maybe not. Yet, this struggle is bringing me closer to Him.

I lament, cry, scream, and pray for the pain to cease. I ask “Why?” Then, I pause and thank God for the comfort He has provided already. I thank God for the prayers of many friends and strangers. I thank God for my family who loves me and sends me encouragement every day. I thank God for His love and mercy.

When I calm from the pain, I smile and think about the sheets. No, the stripes on the sheets don’t have to match. That’s okay.

How are things with you today? Are you handling household tasks today? 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi

I Thank God for Grandkids and Hummingbirds

“Wow! We haven’t met our out-of-pocket amount for the year. Usually, by June, we’ve surpassed that cost.” My husband stated as he looked at the insurance benefits statement that had arrived in the mail. I was glad that neither one of us had been ill or needed to visit the hospital ER. 

I smiled and spoke words that would backfire on me in a matter of days.
“That means we are healthy. We haven’t been seriously sick or in pain this year.” 

Saturday mornings are what I call “changing bed sheets morning”. I like to change the sheets early in the day. There is something fresh and renewing about clean bed linens.

On June 14th, I removed the sheets from the bed and prepared to refresh the bed with clean, crisp linens. This time, I would use the set with bright blue flowers and a white background. Beautiful.

Finding the corner area of the fitted sheet, I reached down to tuck the material under the mattress. A sharp, shooting pain like I’ve never experienced spasmed my lower left back. I’ve had many lumbar spasms over the years. This pain was worse than anything I had endured in the past. I screamed. Tears flowed. I yelled for Alan to help me.

He walked into the room and tried to begin comforting me. Alan helped me on to the bed by holding my legs in a position where I could move. This was bad, very bad. Tears continued. Prayers began. 

My thoughts began to wander as I thought of the grandkids. What would happen to all of the fun activities we had planned for them? When would I be able to play again? More tears.

A few hours passed as we waited to see if my body would calm. Pain persisted. Alan suggested a trip to the emergency room. Getting me in the car was difficult, but Alan managed. I’m thankful for the strength God gave my husband during this time.

The ER staff ordered scans and administered pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. Nothing helped. I was sent home with a referral to a neurosurgeon and a reminder to contact my pain doctor. More tears from me.

Over the past two weeks, I have visited the pain doctor, my family doctor, had two MRIs, a CT scan, and we’re still trying to figure out what to do about the pain. 

On a recent morning, I was able to sit at my desk and look outside. There, in the midst of my pain and complaining, God sent hummingbirds. God knows that hummingbirds are my favorite. This time, there were many flying wonders. Not one, not two, but many. God knew what I needed. Hummingbirds make me smile. I thank God for the hummingbirds.

Alan and I miss being with Rowan and Eden and their parents. Alan reminds me that this is temporary and we will be able to play one day soon. I love his positive outlook.

Another blessing is video chat with the grandkids. They understand that Mimi can’t play at this time. Eden has tried to send me some ice packs for my back. Rowan has tried to make me laugh. Precious children.

I will continue to rest, keep my body moving even if it’s slow moving, and I will continue to pray.

I’ll keep watching for the hummingbirds. I’ll praise God every day because I know He is with me.

How are things in your life? Any praises or prayer requests?

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The House Sitting Goose

Honk! Honk! Honk! The sounds of honking geese were alarming. As I listened to the annoying calls of the birds, I wondered if there was a problem. Why were these animals making sounds loud enough to disturb the neighborhood? Did a predator lurk close to a nest? I ventured outside to seek the answer. 

Three geese sat on the roof of our neighbor’s home. The animals honked to each other, one at a time. First, a honk from the one on the left. Next, a honk from the one on the right. Then, the goose in the middle responded. I imagined a crazy conversation between three geese.

The birds usually find spots near the ponds to build their nests. Seems to me that I wouldn’t want a nest near a pond filled with alligators. But, I’m not a goose. Every Spring, we watch as the geese walk down the middle of streets and cause traffic to pause. Cute yellow “fuzzies” arrive and people wait as the parents and babies cross the street. Nests and families are guarded by the adults. They are cute until they begin leaving piles of goose droppings on the sidewalks.

These three geese sat on the roof and continued to talk to each other. I walked to the mailbox and began chatting with a neighbor. 

“Did you see those geese? Isn’t that crazy?” I asked my friend.

Her response caught me by surprise. “Well, did you see a goose on your roof?”

“Oh my! I didn’t notice. I’ll go check.”

I rushed home. Yes, one goose sat on our roof. It wasn’t making a sound. It sat there staring down at me. I ran inside the house to get Alan. Alerting him of the strange sight, he came outside and announced, “We’ve got to make that thing leave before it creates a mess on the rooftop.”

Being the helpful wife that I am, I suggested he spray water from the hose. Perhaps that would make the animal take flight. Alan unrolled the hose, turned on the water, and sprayed toward the top of the house.

Unfortunately, the jet spray didn’t reach the top of the house and the water sprayed back on my sweet husband. Alan stood there with wet shoes, pants, and a wet shirt. I couldn’t stop laughing. He laughed, too.

“Well, that didn’t work.” He responded as the goose continued to stare down at both of us.

“Get me a football or some kind of ball. I don’t want to hurt the goose, I just want to scare it away.”

“We don’t have any footballs here. How about that little green bouncy ball? It’s about the size of  a baseball.” I was trying my best to help.

Deciding that would work, I went inside and found the green ball in the playroom. The face painted on the ball appeared to be laughing at us.

I rushed outside to Alan and handed him the ball. He posed like a professional baseball player, warmed up, and threw the ball. No luck. The throw didn’t reach the top of the roof. After five or six tries, he announced, “I could throw better when I was younger.”

The goose perched on the roof and looked down at the two crazy folks trying their best to get it to move. 

We finally gave up and left for the grocery store. Maybe more ideas would come to us when we returned home. Or hopefully, the goose would be gone.

The grocery shopping was completed, and we headed back home. All of the geese were gone. The roof tops were clean. Alan and I laughed at the experience. Honking geese, wet clothes, toy bouncing balls, and a morning full of laughter.

Yes, it’s always a story with the Henderson’s.

Have you had any experiences with geese? 

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 

Joy Dancing

“Are you dancing?” “What are you humming?” “What’s the name of that song you are singing?’

These are questions I hear from folks almost daily. I am usually singing, humming, or dancing to songs that have special meaning to me. Sometimes, I don’t realize that I am singing aloud or moving to the beat. When asked why I am smiling while listening, singing, or dancing, I answer with a simple statement:. “I have joy in my heart because of God. How can I possibly be still when I’m filled with His love and joy?”

I recently watched our four-year-old granddaughter Eden dance. She was listening to her favorite songs. Eden sang along as she lifted her hands, twirled in circles, and moved her feet to the beat. Her joy was evident in the ways she moved. Watching Eden express her love for music and dance brings me joy.

Seven-year-old grandson Rowan likes to make up songs and sing while riding in the car. Bop and I have listened to songs about dragons, building towers, games, funny characters, and more. Rowan enjoys making us laugh with his rhyming songs.

Music and dance can bring out feelings such as happiness, love, and contentment. Song lyrics and tunes can also make us recall sad times and precious memories. I have favorite songs that are loaded onto my listening devices. Some songs are upbeat while others are slow. From instrumental to words spoken aloud, I enjoy music and dance.

I sing aloud even though my singing voice isn’t perfect. I dance while cleaning the house even though my steps aren’t professional. God listens. He hears. I believe He smiles when His children show His love through singing and dancing.

At a recent vendor event, my table was positioned next to a creek. The above photo shows the oak trees and hanging moss. I imagined the moss dancing in the Lowcountry breeze. I watched the people admiring the large oak trees. Some folks live locally and others are from various spots around the world. People of all ages were fascinated by the sights and sounds of nature.

During the special event, I read my children’s stories aloud. Folks gathered to listen to me read “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. As I read each story, I noticed the tree branches dancing in the background.

Do you sing and/or dance? Is your heart filled with joy when you sing and/or dance? Do you have a favorite song? Share your happiness with others. A song and a smile can bring brightness to the world.

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi