Smashed Pumpkin Face
A strong breeze scattered leaves from yard to yard. Decorative flags danced in the air. Temperatures lowered to the upper 40’s last night. Autumn has arrived in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Will this cool weather stay or is this only a tease of what is to come?
One of our favorite family activities in October is carving pumpkins. In Virginia, those orange delights could be carved as early as September. Not in South Carolina. Warm weather stays longer in the south, so pumpkins need to be carved later in October so they will last.
When grandson Rowan asks to work on a pumpkin, that’s what we do, even if carving time should be put off for a few weeks. With the outside of the heavy orange pumpkin washed and dried, the time had come to create a jack o’lantern. This one will wear a scary face. Mimi and Rowan clean out the inside of the pumpkin. The guts are yucky and a decision is made for Mimi to finish that project. Once everything was clean, Bop drew the eyebrows, eyes, nose, and pointy teeth. Next, Bop went to work making small cuts in the pumpkin while paying special attention to the details.
When the jack o’lantern was completed, Bop carried the heavy creation outside to display in the flower bed. Yellow mums would highlight the fall decorations. Beautiful!
All was well for a few days. I put a battery operated tealight into the pumpkin each night. Rowan was happy with the jack o’lantern. Alan and I were pleased with how well the decoration looked in the front flower bed.
Then…it happened. Evening arrived and before nightfall, I went to put the tea light in the pumpkin. Lifting the stem of the lid, I was shocked at the yucky sight before me. Our nice creation had begun to mold and shrink. The once large, firm orange pumpkin was starting to deteriorate into a piece of mush. Looking at the front of the pumpkin, I noticed a smashed pumpkin face. Yikes!!!!
The beautiful carved decoration was shrinking and turning into a soft blob. Oh no!!!!
There was only one thing to do. That orange smashed pumpkin face had to be taken out of the flower bed and disposed of.
I wondered how Rowan would take the news. The next day, when he arrived, he asked “Where is my pumpkin?” I explained what happened. He didn’t get upset. He said, “That’s okay Mimi. We can get another one. This time we can draw a happy face on it for you.” Sweet boy.
When I asked God to help me find a lesson in this experience, He reminded me that there is a time for everything, even pumpkin carving. Even if we had to dispose of that pumpkin, the time shared with Rowan was priceless. Bop and I are looking forward to carving a pumpkin with Rowan and his baby sister Eden.
Do you decorate for autumn? What is your favorite fall activity?
FYI…the picture above shows our new pumpkin without a face. 🙂
Have a blessed day and put on a sweater if it’s chilly in your neck of the woods,
Mimi aka Melissa
Beach Buddies and Mermaids
“What is your name? How old are you? I’m six.”
“I’m six, too. I go to school. What grade are you in? My Mama says I can’t go too far in the water.”
“Did you know I am a mermaid?”
I stood at the edge of the ocean. Waves rolled water in and out bringing warmth and sand to my feet. The back of my sun hat slapped against my neck as strong breezes rolled across the ocean. A string kept the hat from escaping and flying across the beach and into the ocean.
Some of our family had decided to have an afternoon at a local beach. Time to let the children run and play in the sand and splash in the water. The adults stood laser focused on each child while watching for rushing water and any need for help. Sometimes sand or water gets in the eyes and the young ones need assistance in cleaning their face.
On this particular afternoon the children in our family played, giggled, hid their feet under the sand, looked for sea shells, and watched for dolphins. As the fun continued, I noticed a young girl moving closer and closer to our family.
This girl watched us and began smiling. After running back to the blanket where her parents were sitting, she rushed back to begin talking with us.
The questions and comments came pouring out of her mouth. She was six. Her Mama said it was okay to talk to us. Her Mama was on the blanket “up there” and she pointed to her family. She told the children in our family her name, age, and asked if they knew she was a mermaid.
Giggles, jumping waves, and sharing beach toys quickly became fun activities.
As I stood and watched the children, I noticed their ease of chatting, laughing and sharing toys. The conversation went from one topic to another. No fussing. No arguing. Just good summertime fun with new friends.
The warmth of sunshine and the ease of new friendships brought a smile to my face. I began thinking of how often we take for granted the simple things in life. Times are stressful and become more busy with each passing moment.
Yet, here on this Sunday afternoon, children who had never met and may never see each other again, began playing and chatting like they were best friends.
They shared toys, giggles, and stories. Some stories were true and some were “made up”.
I hope that I will always be open and ready to enjoy time with new and not so new friends. These children reminded me of the love God has for each of His children.
These young ones had a major impact on me that day.
I’m still smiling thinking about the joy of being with the group and watching them enjoy the wonders of life. The children became “beach buddies” for the day.
Have you played in the sand lately? Have you visited the beach recently? What makes you smile?
Blessings, sand, and giggles,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Fried Eggs and Melting Ice Cubes
“Mimi, what projects do we have today?” This is one of the first questions four years old Rowan asks when he walks into our home. Rowan and I enjoy working on things together. From filling a bowl with ingredients to make cupcakes to planting marigold seeds to checking on the one tomato on the vine, there is always excitement in the air.
Last week, the lowcountry of South Carolina was hit with heat index warnings and calls for everyone to be alert of the air quality. The neighborhood was quiet as no one wanted to be outside to play.
After considering what type of fun project we could have for the day, I settled on experimenting with eggs on a hot sidewalk. All outside fun would have to be done before the heat arrived.
What a fun time! Rowan and I gathered two eggs from the refrigerator. We carried a small bowl and a fork outside to the front sidewalk. Placing the bowl on the sidewalk, Rowan then asked if he could break the eggs open with the fork. Yes, yes.
He was super excited to watch the yolk come out of the eggs. Next, came the fun part of pouring the eggs onto the sidewalk. Rowan and I laughed as the gooey mess wiggled out of the bowl and sat still on the walkway. The heat had already warmed the area enough to fry eggs.
After watching the eggs solidify, we returned inside the house to have a drink of water.
Cool and ready for another adventure, we opened the freezer and filled a cup with ice cubes. The cold squares stuck to our fingers. Heading back to the sidewalk, we emptied the cold cubes on the sidewalk, side by side. This experiment was to see which ice cube would melt the fastest. Cheering for the melting ice, we called out, “Go, buddy, go. Melt. Melt.”
Laughter, learning, and a bit of sticky stuff on the sidewalk. These are the kind of messes that bring smiles. The rain will wash away any residue from the eggs. The ice cubes have melted and the sidewalk is dry.
Another fun day with Rowan. The Lord reminded me that big fancy projects are not needed every day. Sometimes the simplest of activities brings the most joy.
I thank God for showing me how to be a child at heart. Wonder what projects we will have this week?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Weed Walk and Planting Seeds
Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. Flowers and vegetables can bring smiles and joy to every moment. I find happiness in filling a container with dirt, adding fertilizer to the soil, adjusting a plant in the pot, and providing enough moisture to quench the thirst of the plant. Other times, preparing soil in the ground, adding seeds or plants, and then covering the dirt with water, gives a great opportunity to watch sprouts pop out and the growing cycle begin.
Recently, a neighbor shared a bag of marigold seeds. Grandson Rowan and I decided a good project would be to find a pot, fill it with dirt, poke holes in that dirt, and plant the seeds. Of course, we did not use any system for spacing. We giggled while we stuck our fingers into the dirt. Then, we decided to place many seeds in each hole. When teaching a four year old about gardening, allow for the creativity to flow. 🙂
Rowan and I planted seeds on a Tuesday and a few days later, the photo above shows what we have grown. How exciting to know that we prepared the soil, planted the seeds, and now, we have marigolds growing in a pot on the back porch.
Bop(Alan) has been teaching Rowan to do the “weed walk”. They walk in the front yard and the back yard and check for weeds in the flower beds. A fun time for grandson and Bop, as they share special conversations while looking for weeds. I’m very impressed that Rowan knows which things need to be picked and which ones need to be left alone.
A big smile appears on my face when I hear Rowan say, “Mimi, I found a weed. I better pick it for Bop.” One day, baby sister Eden will be doing the “weed walk”, too.
God’s creations are amazing. Two days ago, an Eastern Hercules Beetle decided to live in the back flower bed. What an interesting sight!
Whether planting, watering, or looking for weeds, I am reminded how our faith starts at one point and then, has to be nurtured. Our faith can grow by reading Scripture, praying and sharing conversation with the Lord, sharing God’s Word with others, attending worship services, volunteering, listening, and many other ways.
Every moment is an opportunity to learn and to teach. No matter our age, there continue to be new adventures and fun to explore.
Have you been on a “weed walk” lately?
Blessings and giggles,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
Friend of a friend…
A deep breath in…and then, a quick jump backwards with a shout of “Wow! Oh my goodness! What are you doing there?” That was what happened on a recent morning at our home in the low country of South Carolina. My usual morning activities were completed and I wanted to sit in the rocking chair on the front porch. I looked forward to enjoying the beauty and quiet part of the day.
The sun had risen and the temperatures were forecasted to climb into the 90’s later in the afternoon. A nice time of relaxation before taking care of more things on my “to do” list would start the day in a positive way. Prayer time and listening to the birds singing. What a glorious morning!
As I walked to the white rocking chair, I reached my hand to adjust the location of the chair so I could see the beautiful hydrangea and plumbago. At the same time that I held out my hand, a bright green lizard appeared from under the red cushion that had been placed on the seat for decoration. Imagine my shock and surprise! I’m thankful that I didn’t sit on the lizard. I’m glad the lizard didn’t come crawling up on my neck. Yikes!!
I started laughing when I considered that this bright green lizard was a friend of a friend. Yes, this green creature must be a friend of the lizard in my book for children, “Licky the Lizard”. Remembering my first encounter with a lizard on the porch at another house, I continued laughing.
Yes, this was a friend of a friend.
“Hello, little lizard. You sit on the other chair while I sit on this one, okay?” The conversation with a lizard was nothing out of the ordinary for me. I talk to everybody, even lizards. His color changed to brown as he tried to secure his place on the rocker. Thankfully, he finally moved along to another spot on the porch.
When the coast was clear and the lizard had left my chair, I sat and relaxed. I thanked God for His creations and how He brings joy and laughter to my life every day. God reminded me of the importance of taking time to share conversation with Him. That little lizard could have distracted me from my morning time with the Lord. But, I persisted in getting that lizard to move off of my chair. Then, I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of His creations.
Have you been distracted lately and made a decision to put off sharing time with God? Pause right now, even if you have a lizard in your chair, and share your praises, joys, concerns, and thoughts with God. He is listening.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Beeping Along…
That sound! That annoying sound! Again…and again… Yes, I am talking about the smoke alarm beep that seems to follow me wherever I go. Alan and I usually change the smoke alarm batteries twice a year. The time change that moves us forward one hour or back one hour is always a good reminder to change the batteries. Yet, for some strange reason, this time, I decided we should change the batteries ahead of schedule. No problem.
Alan, and our son Mike, gathered the new batteries and a bag to put the old ones into, so as not to confuse the new from the old. Smart thinking.
Daughter-in-love Christine, and grandchildren Rowan and Eden, and I, sat outside on the back porch, while Alan and Mike changed the batteries. All was well until Mike shared that one of the alarms in a hallway wasn’t working properly. Interesting. Usually, when one alarm isn’t working, the others start beeping. Luckily, the green lights were showing all the other alarms. The one that wasn’t working didn’t cause the others to beep.
Alan decided to purchase a new alarm for that hallway. Locating the code on the back of the device, he drove to the local home improvement store and purchased a new alarm. With the new alarm installed, the beeps were gone. I was so happy not to hear those beeps. Although, I am thankful for the alerts if there ever was a fire.
I put the sound of the beep out of mind. A few days later, our local writers group met for the monthly meeting at our church. When we arrived, two nice gentlemen were already in the fellowship hall. They explained that they were there to work on the smoke alarms and assured us that any beeps we heard were just a test.
My first thought, “Oh, my goodness. Can I ever get away from the beeps?” Then, I thanked the men for working on the alarms. They explained how the pastor knew the situation. They would have to return and work underneath the building to correct any unnecessary beeping. Something about wiring, etc.
The writers group began the meeting. All was quiet for a while. I thought how wonderful that no beeps had started. Then…it happened, Our guest speaker began her presentation and… you guessed it. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I left the group at the table, went to make sure there was no fire. Everything was fine. Just the beeping that the gentlemen had informed me might happen.
Our dear presenter gave her presentation while the smoke alarms continued to sound. Luckily, the beep was in a closet and not extremely loud.
After the meeting, the group discussed the annoying beep. We were glad to be able to get through our meeting without having to leave the building.
With the church doors locked, several people in the group decided to meet at a local restaurant for lunch. Vehicles were filled with writers, and off we went to the local eatery.
The vehicle I was riding in was filled with laughter and joy. We took a couple of wrong turns, but ended up right where we needed to be. As we scouted for a parking spot, a familiar sound was heard inside the vehicle. A beep, beep, beep. Much lower than the smoke alarm beep, but, still a beep.
We all laughed and asked what was making the sound. Our sweet driver shared that the beeping sound was alerting her that she was running out of gas. More laughter as we recalled the beeps we had heard all morning, and now here was another beep.
I looked for the message God was sending. I love how he sends us messages about the simplest things in life, even beeps. Every time I think about the different beeps I’ve heard lately, I laugh out loud.
I believe God was reminding me to always be alert for His messages. Pause, slow down, and rest in Him. Smoke alarms, car alarms, and other alarms give us the opportunity to pause and be aware of our surroundings. I pray I will be ready to listen and follow His guidance.
How about you? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries? Is God trying to get your attention?
Have a blessed day,
Melissa aka Mimi
Sleeve Surprise
On a cool summer morning, I chose my outfit for the day. Cream colored jeans, white pullover shirt, and a lime green button up shirt to complete my look. Heart necklace around neck, step counter fastened on my wrist, socks and shoes on. I was ready to participate in a virtual writers conference and then, attend a neighborhood ladies luncheon.
All was going well. There was a bit of time before the events began, so I decided to complete some chores. Wash a few dishes, put away some clean laundry, and answer emails.
Yes, this day was going great. I was ready to face the world virtually and physically.
Until…a few hours into the morning, I noticed a strange lump on my left wrist area. What in the world?
You may have guessed this, as many people have experienced similar situations.
As I reached into my sleeve, I pulled out a ball of material. Yikes! A pair of underpants! How could this have happened?
I had been wearing this outfit all morning and never felt anything unusual.
Then… I paused and remembered.
The past few days had been stressful. A good kind of stress. Lots of writing and speaking opportunities. Decisions had to be made about each opportunity. My mind had become focused on the worry of the moment. Should I write this article? Should I work on my novel? Perhaps I should stop writing for a week. Maybe I need to make a list of things to do before attempting any of those things.
Pausing, breathing slower and slower, I looked at the strange sight that came out of my sleeve. I laughed out loud. A good hearty laugh. The kind of laugh that makes your belly shake.
Then…I thanked the Lord.
With all my worrying about tomorrow and my to-do lists, I had forgotten to go to Him for comfort.
The Lord has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends me the silliest messages. Sometimes those messages are found through a surprise in my sleeve.
I’m thankful that I didn’t find the “surprise” while I was at the ladies luncheon.
That discovery could have made for interesting conversation.
Thank You Lord, for constantly reminding me of Your love and glory. Thank You Lord for giving me the giggles.
Have you found any surprises in your sleeves lately? Or surprises in other places?
Blessings, giggles, joy, and prayers,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Yellow Pollen Cloud
Spring has sprung here in the Lowcountry. A few weeks back, the days were filled with warmer temperatures and the budding of blossoms. The heat rose like a fire pit waiting for hot dogs and marshmallows. Residents wondered if summer had arrived earlier than usual.
Days later, cooler evenings and mornings returned. Blankets that had been stored away in the closet were brought out and returned to the edge of the bed.
Sweaters and jackets were worn again. Breezes turned to wind and Spring announced it was here to stay for a bit. Summer would have to wait its turn.
Watching the azaleas, camelias, and roses shiver in the cool wind was a sight to behold. Some people covered the new buds with sheets. Morning sun provided enough warmth to remove the sheets.
This week, the weather is back to normal for the coast of South Carolina. Most trees and flowers have burst forth with bright colors to enjoy. Tulips, jonquils, hyacinth, and more plants are creating a beautiful landscape in the neighborhood.
I love flowers and all their beauty. Our hummingbird feeder is placed near my office window so I can see the fast moving birds.
Yet, there is a problem with warm temperatures coming too quickly.
Pollen.
The dreaded yellow pollen cloud that accompanies new growth of flowers, trees, and plants.
Standing outside on the sidewalk, I looked to the end of the street. Saying out loud, “What in the world is that? Is that smoke?”
No, not smoke. The yearly yellow pollen cloud had arrived and was here to stay for weeks.
Porch furniture turned yellow. Sidewalks were covered with the pollen so thick that you could see footprints when a neighbor walked to the mailbox.
Sneezes could be heard from yard to yard. “Bless you.” was said over and over.
Now, a few weeks later, the pollen continues to cover the porch furniture, sidewalk, and yards. Thankfully, the amount of the yucky stuff is lessening. Thank You Lord.
When I think about the process that brings the pollen, I remember the journey of growing in faith. Just like the blossoms and buds who try to reach for the sunshine, we grow in faith as we reach for the Son. Our faith grows. The plants and trees grow.
God created the people. God created the plants. Our call is to love God and love each other. Taking care of nature shows God our love for Him, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Cracker Crumbs and Little Friend
When you first read the title of this message, you might think I’m referring to finding a mouse or some other little creature eating cracker crumbs. No, not this time.
This past weekend, Alan decided to vacuum the floor in the living room. He’s a sweetheart! He takes care of the vacuuming and yes, I appreciate him very much.
As I was in our home office writing articles, blog posts, and taking care of other things on the computer, I heard the laundry room closet door open and close. I could hear Alan moving the vacuum across the floor and unwrapping the cord. A slap sounded when the cord hit the floor.
The loud sounds of my hard working husband and the hard working vacuum cleaner began. I kept writing. Best if I stayed out of the way. Alan was on a mission. I could hear Alan grunting as he moved the heavy vacuum cleaner back and forth across thick carpet and then, on to the hardwood floor.
Ten minutes passed. Machine turned off and all was quiet. The only sounds I could hear were the ice maker in the refrigerator and the sweet laughter of children playing outdoors.
Footsteps…
Alan entered the office. Stretching out his right arm, he opened his palm to display a tiny toy figure.
“What’s this? Where did this come from? I found this toy stuck between the sides of the cushion of the brown chair in the living room. I also found a lot of cracker crumbs under the chair.”
“Oh, my goodness! That is Rowan’s little friend,” I remembered. Rowan had brought “little friend” with him when he came to play last week. Certain toys are very important to three years old boys. I hoped Rowan was not missing this special toy.
We placed “little friend” on the kitchen counter in plain sight, so as not to lose him again. As for the cracker crumbs, they have found a new home in the vacuum cleaner canister. When I empty the can, their new home will be the trash.
I asked the Lord to show me the lesson to be learned from cracker crumbs and “little friend”. The Lord answered. He reminded me that we are never lost when we have Jesus in our heart. He reminded me that even cracker crumbs have a purpose. If Alan had not been vacuuming up the cracker crumbs, he would not have found Rowan’s special toy.
Have you looked under your chairs or couch lately? Are there cracker crumbs or toys waiting to be found? Each moment is precious. Take time to thank God for the small things in life. There’s always something to be learned. Share your crackers. Share your toys. Share His love.
Blessings and laughter,
Mimi aka Melissa
The Missing Pieces
A small pair of binoculars sits in my desk drawer.The dark green color on the binoculars has faded over the years to a greenish brown tone. I take them out of the drawer from time to time and look for wildlife. Eagles, hawks, egrets, herons and of course, hummingbirds. A thick black strap is attached to each side, making ease of wearing them around my neck.
The strap shows signs of age as frayed pieces of fabric escape to the floor when I touch the binoculars. Tiny strands that were once strong now are soft and fall apart easily. As the torn pieces escape in the air, they remind me of dust floating aimlessly.
I wonder if now is the time to replace the binoculars with a new pair.
Deciding to hold on to them for a while longer, I attempt once more to place the worn holder around my neck. OOPS! The string releases from the side. I quickly grasp the binoculars preventing a crash on the hardwood floor.
The once strong holder is now at the weakest point and cannot bear the load any longer.
Perhaps there can be a repair. Surely, that would cost less than a brand new pair of binoculars. I begin to closely study the place where the tear happened. Pieces are missing. Little pieces that will need a magnifying glass to find. On hands and knees, I search the floor. A flashlight, a magnifying glass, and determination to find the three tiny missing links.
Frustration sets in. Nothing is found. Well…only a piece of cracker that somehow made it’s way to the floor. Wait, when did I eat a cracker? Moving on.
Alan searches for the missing pieces, too. Nothing else is found. We give up.
No repair. We’ll have to buy a new pair online.
Time comes to vacuum. If those pieces are on the floor, the vacuum will find them. No. Nothing is recovered. The missing links have completely disappeared.
We say we’ll never know what happened and why we can’t find three little items on the floor.
Life goes on. We walk on the floor every day.
Then…it happened. Grandson Rowan visits. He walks across the carpet and says, “Mimi, what’s on my foot?”
Yes, there on the bottom of his foot are the missing pieces. How did this happen? We are thankful there were no sharp pieces and no injury. They stuck to his foot like stickers.
Three little pieces to a binocular strap and they were found by a three year old boy.
We laugh. We thank Rowan. Alan finds his special tools for small things and begins a repair process. All is well.
I look for God’s message in this situation. I remember God wants us to go to Him for all things. Big pieces and little pieces of our lives. Did I remember to pray and ask for help in finding the missing pieces? No. I tried to solve the problem on my own and it didn’t work. God allowed Rowan to find the lost items. An innocent child to remind me of what is important in life.
Don’t worry. Take our “missing pieces” and worries to God. He will guide us through every moment. Something like a small pair of binoculars and their torn strap can bring a lesson of faith and patience and joy.
Thank You God, for bringing joy to life.
Do you have any “missing pieces” in your life? Have you taken your worries to Him?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa