Happy 13th Birthday Isaac!!!!!

Thirteen years ago today, I gave birth to a strapping 8 lb. 14 oz. baby boy! What an exciting day for our family. It had taken a long six and one-half years from the birth of my first son to bring another baby into this world. We were more than ready for this new little guy and welcomed him warmly. What a tremendous blessing he is to us and what entertainment he brings to our lives.

Aaah – the memories of that day...if I could bottle that feeling, I could make a million.

3:00 a.m. September 30, 1996…I am dreaming and in my dream, there is a lot of pain. Suddenly, I wake up and there is still a lot of pain. I am not dreaming; I am in labor!

No need to panic, it took me three days to get my firstborn into this world. I will not wake MDH up until I think I should go to the hospital. I will time my contractions for a bit. I go into the den and turn on Turner Classic Movies.

Contraction. Breathe.

I find the 1957 version of Peyton Place just coming on. I have never seen this movie, maybe I will watch for a bit.

Contraction. Breathe.

The movie is good and I wonder why the 1950’s are traditionally considered a chaste decade. Lana Turner is beautiful. Why do they not make bras like that anymore?

Contraction. Breathe.

I am hungry. Maybe I should eat something. NO! The last time I gave birth, I ate something and vomited during a hard contraction. Never mind, I will just finish this movie.

Contraction. Breathe.

Gee, four minutes apart. These things are coming fast. Maybe I should put on my makeup and shave my legs. I looked terrible the last time I gave birth. I want my makeup on this time. Off to the bathroom.

Contraction. Breathe.

Thirty minutes and four contractions later I look somewhat better. Let’s see what Lana is up to now, the tramp.

Contraction. Breathe. Contraction. Breathe.

Maybe I should wake MDH up. Naaaaah!
I want to see the end of this movie.
Only, about thirty more minutes.

Contraction. Contraction. Contraction. Pant. Pant. Pant.

I crawl to the bedroom.

WAKE UP!!!!!

Get your clothes on and take me to the hospital because I am in labor!!!

How long have you been in labor?

About four hours.

How far apart are the contractions?

About a minute.

Contraction. Pant.

Why didn’t you wake me sooner?

I was watching the 1957 version of Peyton Place. I have never seen it before and I wanted to see what happened to trampy Lana Turner.

Contraction. Pant. Pant.

We find ourselves speeding to the hospital. After I am checked in and situated in my room, I am attached to fifteen different monitors. By this time, I am almost dilated to six.

Where is my epidural!

Please bring that large needle and shove it into my spine!

Aaah – that feels much better. No more pain. I actually fall asleep for a bit.

It is time to push!

I hate this part!

Push! Push!

3:55 p.m. September 30, 1996…I push twice and am handed a gorgeous baby boy!

Easy as pie!

Can anyone tell me what happened on Peyton Place?

Just kidding, I read the book.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

King's Crown Cranberry Glassware

So I found myself in Rural Retreat, Virginia, a few weeks ago in an antique store. A random stop on a day trip for pure personal enjoyment. I rarely purchase anything in an antique mall. I enjoy looking, but most of the time items are simply priced too high for the loose change I carry in my pocket. This particular day was no exception. I enjoyed looking, touching and gasping at the prices but made no purchases. One item did catch my eye that I had not seen before and I immediately desired to own it, until of course, I checked the price. $12.00 for one 6 oz. King's Crown Cranberry Sherbet Glass. I had never seen the King's Crown pattern in the cranberry (red/white) design before and it really caught my eye as I am a lover of red and white. And every one knows, "Virginia is for Lovers". Needless to say, I coveted the set. As in "thou shalt not covet" coveting. The Biblical kind of coveting. The "wakes you up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat" kind of coveting. I wanted that set! I needed that set! I shalt have me that set! Alas....I could not afford that set; I let it go. I never verbalized to anyone the burning passion of that day when I first saw and touched the glassware. No one knew the smoldering embers that lay beneath my poised surface. It was my secret and burden to bear. Three weeks came and went. I put the thought of the glassware out of my mind because I could not eat, sleep, or concentrate on anything. Those glasses had possessed my very being and I had to rid myself for sanity sake of the curse known as "King's Crown Cranberry."

Thursday, August 27, was a day like most any other day; school, guitar lesson, a stop by the post office to pick up mail. In my PO box lay a yellow postcard marked "package pickup". An item too large for the PO box had been shipped to my address. What the heck? I had not ordered anything! The postmaster brought out a gargantuan box and set it on the counter. The return address showed it had been sent from Illinois. My Yankee Aunt was up to her shenanigans again. What tiny little thing had she packaged in this monstrosity of a box. I could visualize her filling it with Styrofoam packaging peanuts (bad, for the environment, BTW) and chuckling with an evil grin as she addressed the box. Yankees are always playing jokes on Southerns thinking they are so clever! I was way ahead of her this time.

"That is a very big box," said Delores, "can you get it to your car?"

I tested the weight. It was not heavy.

Yep, filled with Styrofoam, I thought to myself.

"No prob," I winked and smiled.

"Have a good day!" and I carted the object home.

I love "real" mail! Especially large boxes; even if they are filled with environmentally bad junk. I took my trusty kitchen knife and sliced across the packaging tape. I slowly opened the lid, slightly wary, yet excited. Sure enough, packaging peanuts! Would this Yankee never learn? I slipped my hand below the surface and felt bubble wrap. I admit I really like bubble wrap. Tell me, who would not like popping those bubbles? Slowly, I pulled out the small, fragile object. Hummmm. A dish of some sort? I proceed to take off the bubble wrap.

Have you ever heard an angel chorus sing? Really, just at random? They sang that Thursday in my kitchen!!! Several times I put my hand in that box and pulled out an object and every time I unveiled a new piece, the angel chorus grew louder. By the time the box was empty and Styrofoam peanuts were blowing all over my kitchen, I was down on my hands and knees weeping from the pure miracle of it all. Inside that box were four goblets and seven sherbet cups of the King's Crown Cranberry Glassware!!!! Holy mother of all things vintage how had she known that I coveted them? I had told no one of my secret desire from that day in Rural Retreat and here in my kitchen floor sat I with these beauties among bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts and a chorus of angels. Let me just say, "Miracles Happen!"

Apparently my prayers were heard and God caused some Yankee to put these in a yard sale for $1.00 each. Then He whispered into my Aunt's ear to purchase them and ship them to me. God bless my Aunt Deb and anyone else who had a hand in this purchase. It was truly inspired! When I tell you that "things" find their way to me, I am NOT lying!

For more stories of vintage miracles visit Vintage Thingies Thursday at Colorado Lady. Suzanne who hosts the site, has experienced many vintage miracles too!

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Tore Down a la Rimbaud

I am trying to find my voice. Seriously, it seems to have vanished. It’s been a tough summer. First, a tragic ATV accident caused the death of Carter’s friend and then the sudden, unexpected death of a dear high school friend of mine through me for a loop. A life change preparing Carter to move out plus preparing for my fifth year of home schooling Isaac, and the recent sad news my dad received regarding the spread of cancer to his brain has been too much for my mind to process. While it is usually therapeutic to write my thoughts down and share it on this crazy venue, my quick typing fingers can not keep up with the emotions. What can I say? My soul has been whisked away. I’m trying fervently to find my soul and words again, so hang with me.

I relate many of my emotions to music and the most appropriate song I can find to express myself right now is “Tore Down a la Rimbaud” by Van Morrison, of who I am a huge fan. The title of the song derives from French poet Arthur Rimbaud who became famous for his poetry at the age of fifteen in 1869 and who quit writing six years later. Ironically, this inspired Morrison to write again. He had begun writing this song in 1975 during what turned out to be a three year professionally inactive time period. After eight years, all the words finally came together. Amazing! Eight years!!!!!!

Anyway, the words to this song ring true with me in many ways. Some emotions are so personal that I could never find the words to express them. I am thankful for those who express it clearly enough for me to relate.

Tore Down a la Rimbaud
Showed me pictures in the gallery
Showed me novels on the shelf
Put my hands across the table
Gave me knowledge of myself.
Showed me visions, showed me nightmares
Gave me dreams that never end
Showed me light out of the tunnel
When there was darkness all around instead.

I was just Tore down a la Rimbaud
And I wish my message would come
Tore down a la Rimbaud; you know it's hard some time
You know it's hard some time.

Showed me ways and means and motions
Showed me what it's like to be
Gave me days of deep devotions
Showed me things that I cannot see.

When I was Tore down a la Rimbaud
And I wish my purpose would come
Tore down a la Rimbaud; you know it's hard some time.
You know it's hard some time.

Showed me different shapes and colors
Showed me many different roads
Gave me very clear instructions
When I was in the dark night of the soul.

When I was Tore down a la Rimbaud
And I wish my writing would come
Tore down a la Rimbaud; you know it's hard some time.
you know it's hard some time.

Truly, it is hard some time. Thanks for reading, Rosie.

1980's Crochet Afghans

I promised you more vintage afghans and like it or not, more vintage afghans is what you get for Vintage Thingies Thursday this week! A promise is a promise even in the blogosphere. And Rosie keeps her promises.....well, most of them....oops!

You'll also want to visit Vintage Thingies Thursday at the host-site Colorado Lady. She keeps her promise to deliver very vintage thingies every Thursday. She has risked her life to keep vintage thingie fans fascinated with her phenomenal finds. Fantastic!

I truly have no thought as to why I am typing in tongue twisters. Terribly troublesome to type like this though.

Behold the giant black, grey and white granny square. Granny squares must be practiced. What better way to practice than to keep going and going and going until the granny square is large enough to cover a king size bed. Good gosh what was I thinking in 1981? Oddly enough, large geometric prints are now in vogue. What can I say, I was ahead of my time.....or just WEIRD!

Here is a Chevron (Zig-Zag) Afghan Pattern my mother made for me many years ago. She kept perfect count because her edges are even. Carter has claimed this one for his college apartment.

Okay you may need to squint or wear some shades to view this baby and ironically it is not a baby afghan. This is a basic Shell Pattern Afghan also made by my mother in the 1980's for my.....ummmm....eccentric taste. Yes, I picked the colors and the pattern. I see this in my future beach shack to cozy up with on cool evenings. Picture it in context. Don't judge me.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

1980's Crochet Afghan

Happy VTT Day! I've missed posting for a couple of weeks and am glad to be among my VTT buddies once again. I can't wait to view all your beautiful vintage things later this evening. Whether you are an oldie or newbie to VTT, be sure to visit Colorado Lady. She will set you on the path to Vintage Thingies Thursday. Thank you Suzanne for your gracious hospitality. (BTW, I received my first Family Circle magazine. Thanks again.)

Also, I received some pictures from Ruby at Neither Brilliant Nor Beautiful But A Real Gem of her boys wearing the Faux Pearl necklace she won from my last giveaway. You'll definitely want to take a peek at this. Too funny!

In 1980, I was fifteen years old and a junior in Mrs. Casto's home economics class. I loved Mrs. Casto! She taught me lots of things, but especially how to crochet. A basic granny square is always a good pattern for beginners and so I ran with the design long enough to create this lovely afghan. I arranged the design on graph paper and set to work. One-hundred and twenty granny squares later, I crocheted them together and added the border. I've kept it in storage for the past 29 years and recently pulled it out to use over my living room sofa. I look at it now and can not believe I was only 15 years old when I made this. Carter and Isaac have already argued over who gets it in the end. Little do they know, I have another one tucked away. I'll show it to you next week along with two others that my mother made for me.

Crocheted folkart pieces are becoming more rare as the younger generation tends not make throws. If you have one of these beauties, hang on to it.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

An Abnormal Thing Happened While I Was At The Greenhouse

A few weeks ago I took my mother to the local greenhouse to purchase some annuals for Mother's Day. It is the gift I always give to her. It is something she likes and can enjoy all summer. I also set all the flowers out for her. I spend the day at this task enjoying my Mother and Mother Nature. It makes for a lovely day. On this particular trip to the greenhouse, we ran into a friend who we had not seen in quite sometime. She asked me how my children were doing and wanted to know if Carter had graduated yet.

"Last year," I said.

"From where did he graduate, I don't remember?" she asked.

"CV Christian School", I replied.

"Are you still homeschooling your youngest?"

"Isaac. Yes, we just finished our fourth year of homeschooling. We love it. It allows us freedom to pursue more specific interest in certain subjects." I said intelligently.

"Really? How do your boys deal with normal people?" she asked sincerely.

I should say at this point, I was standing with my mouth agape, completely speechless. I glanced at my Mother to see if she had heard this question. As usual, she was not listening. I work in a library and get asked lots of questions. Sometimes people will say, "I know this is a stupid question but...." My response is "there are no stupid questions." Well, I have encountered one now!

How do my boys deal with "normal" people? First of all, show me a "normal" person. It was clearly not her and God knows I am not normal!

I really wanted to respond with something like this....

"Well the doctor's say there is not much chance they will ever fit in with normal people. Their reading, spelling, math and socialization genes were damaged at birth. As a parent, I can only do so much to help them become normal and medically speaking most research money goes to Cancer and Aids. The government does not seem to spend a lot of money in the "Normal" department. I understand that it is a little scary at first to talk to them since they use large words in correct context, shake your hand, look you in the eye and say excuse me, please and thank you; but after you are around them for a while, these defects become less intimidating. I am sorry that you are not able to see their underwear hanging out of their jeans and that you can see their eyes because their hair does not hang in their face like a sheep dog. I know it is disconcerting for the "normals" but please try and look passed their "abnormalities" and love them anyway. The world really needs more love and acceptance for these poor children."

But, being the "abnormal" person I am, I smiled and said, "they do fine with "normal" people. No problems in that department."

I really had to bite my tongue. I was furious and growled for three days.

Anyway, I bought some normal red geraniums and hung them on my front porch. I do not have a green thumb. As a matter of fact, my family laughs when I buy hanging baskets or flowers of any sort. They feel sorry for the poor plants knowing that have officially arrived at "plant hell" where they die a horrible thirst seeking death in the flaming heat of summer.

They usually end up not being watered because of this....

The day I hang flowers the birds get excited! Finally the woman has given us a place to nest! A pair of red house finch immediately set to work and who am I to mess with nature's perfection. I allow them build.

And then this happens! You can't pour water on this! What kind of a monster does the world think I am?

This is partially how I teach science to my abnormal children. Yes, I realize it is not the standard curriculum mandated by the State, but some days it is the best we can do.

Please excuse me now, I have an abnormal child who is cleaning and vacuuming his room. I need to keep an eye on him. He might practice his guitar for an hour without being told.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Guest Blog Book Review - Do Hard Things

I realize it has been nearly three weeks since I have posted, but since Memorial Day weekend, I've been busy, busy, busy. I have not forgotten you and I have some funny things to share regarding my last give away (Ruby, I got the pictures), and general life topics (I've been told my children are abnormal) happening around me. Please hang with me and I promise to be back on some type of schedule next week.

Sometimes a book comes across my path that impacts me in a huge way. The book Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris is one. Because I feel so strongly regarding the topic this books covers and because I did not think I could do it justice, I invited a friend to guest blog for me. Actually, we have a common interest in this particular book and he wrote a post on his blog regarding it. I begged him to please allow me to use his post and give him all the credit. He graciously said yes. I've copied and pasted it, but you will also want to visit his blog at: http://tonyctoday.blogspot.com/

Monday, June 8, 2009
The world might make it after all...

From time to time, I do a little teenager bashing on here. Much of it can be easily justified by something stup...excuse me...ridiculous my own teenager has said or done (I can no longer use the stupid word by decree of Mrs. Tony C). Having a teenage girl coupled with an approaching terrible two's toddler gives me greater understanding of the plight of Job. As a matter of fact, there are days I'd rather sit around and scrape scabs to open wounds than listen to one more lame excuse trying to justify the funky smell emitting from a certain person's room or the lack of appropriate attire that coincides with current weather patterns. UGGGHHHH!But that's not my direction today...as a matter of fact, I'm going a completely different way...hopefully for good.

While on vacation last week, I managed to get in some long overdue casual reading. Oh, I read a lot daily, but keeping up with the world today requires reading or watching or listening to a plethora of daily scoop....so casual/leisure reading often takes a back seat...or would toilet seat be more accurate. I digress...One of the books I was determined to work through was Do Hard Things by Alex and Brent Harris. I had heard and read good reviews about the book and the premise that teenagers are tired of the low expectation placed on them as a group from society. Interesting....but I needed more information. Wow! Starting with the Forward by none other than Chuck Norris, this book grabbed and convicted me. The book is not complex, yet it challenges the core belief in most adults today that teenagers are a lazy bunch looking for the path of least resistance in life. You find yourself quickly on the battlefields of WW II where the fate of the world often was in the hands of 17 or 18 years old on both sides of the fight. There are examples from Biblical times up to present day of teenagers making major impact in the world. Also, Do Hard Things is a book on faith. The authors proudly testify about the impact Christ has made in their own lives. The book won't keep your teenagers out of trouble. Instead, it challenges both them and you to put God at the center and strive to achieve your fullest potential by...well...doing hard things.

I've got to admit, the book has had a profound impact on the way I view and deal with my own teenager. Even though I hold her to high expectations (or so I thought), I still place limits on her ability to make a major impact for God and for herself in the world....and it's not just her. Working with youth at church can often be frustrating and painful, but now I see that I create a lot of the negative feelings I have because my own actions and words project low expectations from the get-go. Read this book. If you have children, work with youth or if you've ever been a teenager...read this book! I'm very glad it was suggested to me (thanks Rosie), and I did. Be warned that your toes might get stepped on like mine did...but in the end...it's well worth the self-reflection and renewed faith that everything will be okay when the kids of today get their chance to run things. We should expect that from them.

Giveaway Winners and Vintage Thingies Thursday - Glassware

I have three winners folks! Sorry it took me so long. Lots going on in my little world and I will update on that soon. First, let me say thank you to all who entered my one year blogoversary and for all the sweet comments regarding my blog and of course my baby Oscar. He seems to be the hit of the show! Drum roll please.........................................................................

Winner of the Vintage Ruby Red Stone Necklace: Busy Bee @

MY OWN BLOG SPACE

Winner of Vintage Black Beads: Paige @

PAWPAWS FOR THE MASSES

Winner of Vintage Faux Pearls: Ruby @

NEITHER BRILLIANT NOR BEAUTIFUL BUT A REAL GEM

Ladies, I'll be sending you an e-mail!

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Vintage Thingies Thursday is my favorite meme. I love vintage thingies and the folks that treasure them. Suzanne at Colorado Lady is truly great at finding and displaying Vintage Thingies so be sure to visit her and see Part 2 of her Forgotten Mountain Treasures.

I have a few glassware pieces to share this week. I wish I had an interesting story to go with them. Something like "I found these buried in Uncle Elwood's backyard" or "I was at the river and a glint a sunshine on something shiny in the water caught my eye," but alas, they came from Klepto Aunt Audrey's house. They probably belonged to Colorado Lady's grandmother. Too Bad!

I do not know anything about the pattern of these pieces so if anyone recognizes them, I would be eternally grateful to hear the information.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

One Year Blogging Anniversary and Giveaway

FOR MY VTT PALS: I AM HAVING A VINTAGE JEWELRY GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK. BE SURE TO READ THIS POST AND ENTER. TO CONNECT BACK WITH COLORADO LADY AND VTT PLEASE CLICK HERE.

One year ago today, I wrote and published my first blog post. Actually, that is not completely true. I set up a Blogger account six months prior. I wrote and deleted several posts. I puzzled over gadgets, widgets, fonts, headers, titles, columns, html codes and then bought the book "Blogging For Dummies". Don't waste your money. I tried TypePad and WordPress and then came back to Blogger. I finally chose a basic template and decided to teach myself. I must say it really ticked me off whenever I viewed cute blogs and wondered how the heck it was created. Then I started figuring out most bloggers do not create the graphics themselves; there are more than enough web-sites with free downloads. But being the "home-school-learn-it-on-your-own-kind-of-girl" that I am, I wanted to do it myself. I read more, experimented a lot, got headaches, threw things, caught myself swearing OUTLOUD, forgot to fix dinner, clean house or bathe, and although I know more about this venue than I did a year ago, I still have tons to learn. Anyway, here I am, none the more wealthy for my efforts like the "A Lister's" (you know who they are), but satisfied with my small accomplishment. Along the way, I challenged myself, reconnected with old friends, made new friends, and PO'd a few others. I hope in the process I have caused you to laugh and enjoy life a bit more. If you suffer from anxiety and depression as I do, I pray I have helped you see you are not alone and humor can be found even in "crazy." If you home school, I hope you have found you do not need to be perfect to teach your children. Truly, if I can do it, anyone can. Furthermore, do not let the government make you believe that the public school system is the only hope for America (no offense meant toward public school teachers or parents who choose public schooling.) I hope you have read a book that I suggested and that you grew personally from the experience. If I could recommend just one book to read, "Same Kind of Different As Me" would be the one. You will never think the same (not that I have ever thought the same as most.) I hope you have enjoyed the pictures of Oscar. What a dog! My boys and MDH have allowed my free spirit to rampage this year, unfortunately that may have been a mistake. My Father, who loves me more than anyone ever will, gives me the freedom to be myself yet is always wooing me to Him. It is Christ I have chosen to follow, not the religious community. He is what gives my life purpose. I have many more things to share and feel that I am just getting started.....so hang on with me.....it could get bumpy.

To celebrate my one-year blog anniversary, I want to give stuff away. I love giving stuff away. I am always giving someone something. It is how I show friendship. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than to give away stuff. Here we go......

Item #1: Vintage necklace with two sets of clip earrings. The earrings actually have the little "screw" type clips, so they will not pinch delicate earlobes. This is in beautiful condition and the "ruby" glass stones are lovely. Perfect for that Christmas cocktail party.

Oscar feels like a royal prince when he wears this collar.

Item #2: Triple strand of long black beads. Depending on your height, these could drop to your waistline. They can be worn many different ways. They are old, the beads are plastic, and they still smell like your grandmother's talcum powder.

Oscar prefers the choker version. It makes him feel sexy or sleepy. However you see this photo.

Item #3: Faux pearl triple strand necklace. A Barbara Bush classic. These beauties go with anything. Every time I wear my pearls, even with jeans, I get compliments. You can never go wrong with pearls. They make you feel beautiful.

Oscar says no matter who you are, you will feel elegant wearing them. If he just had breasts, I think he would look like one of those reclining nude portraits.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post and tell me which item number you prefer. Or send me an e-mail at RosieReads@gmail.com You can enter for all three, but you can only win one. I will close the giveaway on Tuesday, May 26th, draw three names and hopefully post the winners that evening.

One more matter of business: I have a high school friend who is relatively new to the blogosphere. He is smart, witty and makes me grin every time I read anything he writes. He also pens beautiful poems that make women weep. He is a little shy about putting himself "out there" but I personally think he has real potential. His blog site is a "work in progress". As a favor to me, or not, stop by his site and peruse some of his posts. Leave him a word of encouragement, tell him Rosie sent you, or tell him he stinks. Whatever!!! Here is the link: http://tracyisjustsayn.wordpress.com/

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Berat Ware

Happy Vintage Thingies Thursday! First let me give Colorado Lady a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for hosting VTT but also for this cute charm she snail-mailed me! I entered her "Name That Photo" contest and she chose my entry. I won a subscription to Family Circle magazine but she also sent me the charm and I just got to say, I Love It! I have a perfect chain for it and I have worn it every day since receiving this cutie. Suzanne, you are great. Thanks so much. Peeps, you will want to visit her site and check out what she is growing in her garden. He! He!

I went antiquing last Saturday. That is just my fancy way of saying "looking for junk." Around these parts, the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure," rings true. People see beauty in different things. One person may discard something old and outdated while another person may see it as something for which they have always been looking. Odd isn't it? Anyway, Saturday found me at an Antique Barn in Sevier County, Tennessee, full of what "some" might call junk. True, there was a lot of junk, but from the piles of junk, I found this treasure......a piece of Baret Ware Art Grace Design #119 Made in England.

This tin probably held tea biscuits at some point. I love the colors, art work, and the oriental flair. What I like most.... it is a "sister piece" to this tin....
I have owned this tin for years and keep buttons in it. This is Baret Ware Art Grace Design #121 Made in England. Here are my babies together and you can see how they match. Aren't they sweet?????

On a more personal note, today is my 23rd anniversary! Twenty-three years ago on a Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m., MDH and I "jumped the broomstick." It was a very quiet, private ceremony. No, I was not pregnant; just a practical girl. I still am. Wedded domesticated bliss for 23 years, hard to believe.

You cannot read the paper, but this is our Marriage License. We thought this was funny for reasons I can't seem to explain now.


Guess where we went on our honeymoon? Kiawah Island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. I was a Southern Belle. Here are the dress, straw hat w/silk scarf, sunglasses, seashell purse w/matching belt and high heels to prove it. Talk about vintage! Just give me jeans and a tank top now, thank you very much!

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Charleston - Part 3

Homes Along The Battery

One Of The Many Old Cemeteries

MDH Standing in the Charleston Park Fountain

Antique White Roses Growing Along A Courtyard Fence

…Thursday evening, after walking no less than ten miles throughout Historic Charleston because every wrought iron surrounded courtyard at every ten-million-dollar home and every old grave marker had to be looked upon and respected, we made it back to Folly Beach. My encounter on the elevator Thursday evening was with a tattooed, eyebrow pierced young man who wanted to know if I had “seen the crabs.”

Excuse me? I question.

Have you seen the crabs?

What crabs?

On the beach.

Where?

Where the tide meets the shore in the driftwood.

Well, no I have not yet been down on the beach after dark.

You need to go down and look, it is amazing.

How big are they?

Some are the size of a quarter, some the size of my hand.

No way!

Awesome, go look.

So where you from man?

Chicago.

Really! Chicago? Great city!

Well, not really Chicago, I just give that as a general marker, I am about one-and-a-half hour away, but nobody would recognize the name of the obscure little town from where I hail. I had to laugh at this because it cannot possibly be anymore obscure than from where I reside. I thank him for the crab info and exit the elevator.

I turn to MDH and ask, “Did you bring a flashlight?” To which he replies, “You are not seriously going to look for crabs this late on the advice of a guy from Chicago are you?” To which I tartly say, “You heard him, he was not exactly from Chicago and if there are crabs on this beach, I am not leaving until I catch one!” Which does not sound nice at all shouted loudly in the hotel hallway late in the evening. Turns out MDH brought his trusty Maglite. What a man!

After a quick wardrobe change more appropriate for night crab viewing, we trek down to the beach shining the light along the driftwood. We walk for several yards, no crabs, we walk several more yards, no crabs. Then suddenly, from the distant edge of the circle of light I see movement! There among the driftwood, broken shells, and cigarette butts are crabs zigzagging hither and thus. When the spotlight hit them, they would pause and burrow slightly in the sand. This was just too much excitement for me so I find a sturdy piece of driftwood and a large piece of broken shell and go to huntin’ as we say in East Tennessee. I did a lot of crab poking but those darn little critters are fast! I never did catch one, even more reason to return to Folly! In addition, I can honestly say, “I did not catch crabs on Folly Beach.”

Friday evening found us on a three-hour dinner cruise around Charleston Harbor. We left the dock at 7:00 pm, went under the Cooper River Bridge (an engineering work of art), passed through the shipping docks, and saw the Battery from a distance before and after sunset. Truly beautiful! Our meal was wonderful but the Jazz band, High Tide, was freaking great. Anyone who has read my blog with their speakers on should know I really like Jazz music, so this little band was a delight. The lead singer sounded like Van Morrison something I was compelled to tell him. He took this as a great compliment and played “Bright Side of the Road” for me. Whew! Made my skirt fly up! The bass player had a 1957 Fender Jazz guitar that looked brand new! The thing had to be worth a fortune. He wiped his hands before he touched it and wiped the baby off whenever he set it down. Sweet thang!

I could tell you a few other stories, but I think you get the point. I love people! To sum up this whole adventure and to explain why I share these particular encounters, let me say that being a Christ Follower is all about people. When Christ was physically on Earth, His ministry was about relationships. His ministry is still about relationships. We are now the physical tool He uses to establish relationships and introduce others to Him. The people I encounter while I am traveling will never have more than a quick surface relationship with me, but I want to make that quick encounter memorable enough so that when they recall that nice person they met, they will wonder why I was different. The world is full of hurt, sour and angry people. If I can heal a heart, sweeten a life, or bring happiness to someone, if only for a moment, I have reflected Christ. That is my purpose.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Something that I found oddly out-of-place in Historic Charleston but somewhat artistic....

colorful gum stuck to a light pole. I am always looking for beauty in the odd.

Charleston - Part 2

I spent most of the day on the beach Wednesday. The beach at Folly is wide with plenty of room for sunbathing, biking, volley balling, and jogging to name only a few of the activities I noticed. The other activities I cannot mention in the presence of minors.

This is also a dog friendly beach. Dogs! Dogs! Dogs! Everywhere! It is fabulously funny to see folks enjoying their vacation with their furry pals. I can safely say I have seen every AKC dog breed! Chihuahua, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Dalmatian, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel…….on and on. Dogs are allowed anywhere their human can go. They must be on a lead, well behaved, and potty proper. Oscar would be banned.

Surfing is also popular on this stretch of East Coast Beaches. The waves break high and surfer dudes are everywhere. They are very interesting to watch. It amazes me the sports people have thought up over the years. How did the first surfer dude decide that standing on a board in the waves would be fun? I often ponder odd things.

MDH managed to get the top of his feet badly sunburned. He is the only person I know that SPF 75 Sunblock Lotion has no effect on whatsoever. Lobster feet! It is not pretty.

There are many good eats around here. I have eaten calamari, crab, tomato pie and fried green tomatoes (yummy), Carolina grits and shrimp, and medallion sized scallops. Sushi bars are everywhere! Good sushi seemed like an oxymoron to me, but upon the recommendation from a good friend, I decide to take the risk, live on the edge, and rock my conservative palate. I am a new woman and now live in the “Sushi is Good” world. My Korean sister-in-love makes her own sushi and she will be giving me sushi-making lessons upon my return to reality.

On Thursday, I ventured into Historic Charleston. God, when I die, could you make my little peace of paradise look like historic Church Street in Charleston, SC? Really, had I dropped dead on the sidewalk, know that I would have died a happy girl. I spent time at the open market watching many cool things made by locals. I talked to some great people, ate lunch at Hyman’s Seafood, rated number one in Southern Living Magazine for best seafood, walked the entire length and width of the historic district, ate blackberry Gelato (please somebody put a Gelato establishment in Kingsport). If you do not know what Gelato is, go here. I also had one of those divine encounters that seem to follow me around. Things like this happen to be all the time!

I am walking down South Market Street window shopping, soaking in the atmosphere, minding my own business. I just happen to glance up and this young woman is smiling at me.

Hi! she says.

Hi! yourself, I say.

Where are you from? She asked.

East Tennessee, I say.

Really, anywhere near Kingsport? She asked.

I live in CH.

You are kidding me, she squeals. I graduated from DB High School and went to college at ETSU.

No kidding, I say.

Yeah, man the only thing I miss about Kingsport is Pals. I would give anything for a sauce burger and sweet tea on most any given day.

We laugh and agree that Pals sweet tea is the best anywhere.

So how did you end up in Charleston? I asked

I graduated from college, my parents moved away from the area, I had no ties to keep me in the area; I like the beach, so here I am. Where are you staying, she asked me.

On Folly Beach, I reply.

OMG that is where I am living now. You chose a great place. That is a local hippy beach. Are you staying at the new Holiday Inn?

Yes, I am.

Girl they just remodeled that place. It is fabulous!

Indeed it is! I love it and never want to leave. I laugh.

Oh, you have to eat at Flapper Jack’s and The Crab Shack while you are there.

We’ve already tried them both. Very good eats!

Have you tried Linda’s sushi?

Not yet, but it is on the menu for later this evening.

Great, tell them Chelsea Fly sent you. Linda is a popular Sushi chef downtown, but works some evenings on Folly for the locals to enjoy.

I’ll look her up. (I did and she is great).

Somehow the fact that she had been a cheerleader at DB cropped up. DB’s cheerleading squad won the National Competition the year she graduated. So I ask, you must know Suzanne Ress and Brittney Tiller.

Loud squeal! OMG YES!

Did you go to Brittney’s half-million dollar wedding?

No, I couldn’t make it.

You missed an unbelievable event!

When you talk to Brit again tell her Chelsea Fly says hello.

I am actually friends with her on Facebook. I’ll let her know I ran into you.

That would be great.

Come in my office I want to do something for you.

Okay I say.

Look, I work for a travel marketing company. If you will go over and listen to their thirty-minute presentation, I will cut you a check for $100.00. No gimmicks, nothing. Just listen to the guy, say you are not interested, go down stairs, pick up your check and have dinner on me.

Sounds great!

This is exactly what I did. I listened to a very short presentation, I said I was not interested, no pressure was given, I was handed a check for $100.00 plus a beautiful print of Ashley Street by a local artist, I went to Bank of American across the street and cashed the check, and am now $100.00 to the good for smiling and taking the time to make conversation with girl on the street.

Thousands of people in the area and I bump into a local girl who gives me $100.00. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Divine? Absolutely.

Listen to the still, small voice that whispers in your ear. It will never mislead and often takes you places that only HE could lead. Sweet!

More later……

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Aristocat!