Crossing the great divide…one HUGE step in the right direction. Part 1.

“Disparate treatment leads to disparate impact.”

“No conversation starts at an argument, it escalates to aggression.”

These are two quotes from a middle aged man I had a great conversation with.  I want you to think about them.  A rather handsome guy, a Christian, smart and much more ‘worldly’ than I. His history goes deep and he was raised in the south.  Memphis, to be exact…in the ghetto!

The idea and experiences that go into the writing of this blog post began many, many years ago; as a young girl…almost 40 years ago now.  I went to school in the NE part of Des Moines, Iowa.  Not the “east side”, which was a couple blocks away (the boundary line).  The two blocks might as well have been 2000 miles, really, in what I was accustomed to; acquainted with.  The differences within the walls, schools, neighborhoods and community.  More color…more culture…more diversity…more racial conflict.  Two blocks away!  And, Des Moines was worlds different than Memphis.

My school boundary lines started, as I stated, two blocks from where I lived, which meant that I did not go to a school within “city” limits.  We lived on the county side of Polk County.  We were predominately a Caucasian school.  I’m trying to think if we even had a person of “color” in elementary, as I write this, I’m reminded of one family of Hispanics.  We didn’t even have a huge difference in economic status.  We were raised in a very naïve, sheltered and culturally deficient environment (IMO)

However, in Jr. High, that changed a bit…a very small bit.  There were a couple more Hispanic families.  And, only a couple, that I recall.  Then, one day, a young black man came to our school.  Then, during black history month, we had a class outing to a Jr. High School in Des Moines. The student body was predominately black.  I realized for the very first time in my 13-14 years what it was like to be a minority.    It was one of the best days of my childhood.  I was intrigued, I was enlightened, I was interested.  That has never left me.  

To this day, I still do NOT have one girlfriend of “color”. I am 53 years old.  I have one that is German, one that is Finnish, one that is Japanese and a couple that are from Australia. How shallow is that!  Even more…how sad is that!  I’m on a mission to change that.  Not to have a ‘token’ black friend or Hispanic, or any other ethnically different friend…but, so I learn and grow and become a better person…for me, my family, and community and beyond.

We have hosted exchange students.  I had a pen-pal from Korea when I was in grade school.  Engaging with those with different backgrounds is very important to me and I love it.  I thrive on it as a matter of fact. 

Okay, are you wondering where I’m going with this?  Let’s fast forward to about a year and a half ago.  I and my husband, Steve, had quit going to our church; for various reasons.  Out of the blue, I sent a message to an “acquaintance”…not really a friend-friend.  I asked her if she was aware of any Bible studies in our area.  She replied, “We are going to start one in September”.  Now, how odd is that?  We started with the Life group that September and a year and a half later, we’re still going and have been a part of their church for a year.  These things, to me, are God things.  I have no other explanation, nor am I interested in looking for another.  That is my Faith in action. 

We knew the church would be different than our Methodist experience.  We knew it would be a bit more vocal, musical and a bit more charismatic.  What we were not anticipating was the diversity. Specifically, the number of black people.  Well, I was instantly intrigued, enlightened and interested. 

Last August, the Sunday after the Ferguson shooting, where a young black man was killed by a white police officer and riots ensued, our pastor said something to the effect of this:  In this church, we have an opportunity to reach out to each other. We are rich in diversity…ethnic, cultural, religious, political and generational.  We should be sitting down with each other having conversations.  Asking the question…how does this affect you?  How are you feeling about what is going on?  Rather than set out with our opinions and feelings and irritations.  That really made me think to myself, how often do I do just that.  I like to think that I’m pretty open minded.  But, I was struggling within myself.  

A few days later, the man I referenced above posted something on Facebook (I had reached out to him and a few others in the church early on through FB).  He was sharing an incidence that had occurred with his son.  His words, ”if this isn’t racial profiling”…made me stop in my thoughts.  I was irritated by this.  Then, the pastor’s words came back to me. I was INSPIRED to do just what was suggested; I needed to reach out and sit down and have a conversation with this man.  Find out where his thoughts and words were coming from. It took us awhile to get it done, but, we did.  I’m so grateful that he was open to doing this.  My first real conversation with a black person in 53 years of living.  

We were comfortable with each other.  My first question to him was, “is it okay to refer to you/black people as ‘blacks’?  Can you believe it?  But, that is how naïve I am.  I didn’t want to offend him.  I also made it clear that I had no intentions to offend, and if I said something wrong or hurtful, it was coming from a place of not knowing.  He assured me that it was fine.  

We talked about several things, but the two quotes at the beginning of this post have stuck with me and I’ve shared them with several people.  The comments started me on my way to crossing the great divide.  To listen, to learn and understand.  I invite you on this journey with me.  I’ll endeavor to explain the meaning behind the two quotes in my next post.

Chili Cookoff...my first EVER!

Trying to live my life to the fullest, taking in new and fun things, I decided to participate in Two Saints Wineries, Chili Cookoff.  I've never done anything like this before, but no I'm a reasonably good cook, so, what the heck!  

Named, Nach"YO" Grandma's Chili...the name was a hit!

 Secondly, I think it's important to support our local businesses. We live in a nice area of Iowa that has several wineries.  So, if you want the "local" biz and a bit of culture close to home, you have to support them...in a variety of ways.

Guess what, I came in third place out of eight entries.  Not too bad, huh?  I was thrilled with that and will participate again next year.  I've already thought about what I could do, what I'd like to try in the next months to prepare.  Well...I'm inspired to develop a new chili.  

To the left is the wine that I used in my recipe.  It's Two Saints VII.  A very dry wine using grapes from a neighboring vineyard.

To the right, I served cheddar cheese and nacho cheese doritos with the chili.  My recipe used chili powder, taco powder and a ranch flavored spice mix.  

A variety of beans and hominy, green chilies and diced tomatoes.  Hearty and good!

I used richly colored linens from my own collection and a primitive box for display.

I entered my first chili cookoff...

I had a chat with my cousin...

I chit chatted for a bit with a younger cousin of mine this morning.  It was a much needed "catching up" chat.  She's younger than me by several years; enough that I used to babysit her.  

She had just gotten done working out with a couple friends.  I had reached out to her, as I've noticed she's really be working on "her" for awhile and I just wanted to catch up and let her know that I had noticed and wanted to encourage her to keep on keeping on.

I think we all get to this stage in our life.  We take a look at ourselves and say, if it's going to be it's up to me.  As she pointed out, and I paraphrase, 'I do what I can and leave the rest up to God"  I liked hearing that.  

We all make mistakes, go sideways, back and then back and forth through life.  We also have many triumphs, happiness and forwards.  That is our journey.  That is what makes us who and what we are.  The main thing is that we come to the point that we recognize our life for what it is.  We make the move to change "us".  No more excuses, No more blame and lots and lots of gratitude for those who have carried the load when we weren't carry any..or at least our share.

We face our failures head on.  We get off the path we were on.  We forgive ourselves and ask those we've hurt to forgive us. We decide once and for all that if it's going to be, it's up to me (Oh, and the guy upstairs)!  And, if we take a step backwards, we recognize it as a step backwards and correct it right away, not make it a life blowing event.  We stay the course.

I told her as much...and, you know what she said to me, "It means a lot to me to hear you say that"  That made me feel great.  It meant that somewhere along the line, I was being watched and that what I did, how I conducted my life; the ups and downs, meant something to someone else and impressed upon them in a way that they found it okay and good.  

It also impresses upon me how important it is to conduct your life in a way that can be uplifting, encouraging, forward thinking and optimistic.  I'm not perfect nor has my life been.  I have chapters in my book of mistakes, offenses, heartache.  However, I do believe that I had my faith, all my life to rely on.  I kept moving forward, striving to do better and live in an optimistic and uplifting way.


Growing up, the song Jesus Loves Me carried me along life's bumps and bruises.  It still does.  Because of this song, I was able to hold my head high, shrug off the disappointments and humiliations that seemed to inhabit my psyche at times.  I had those that I looked up to and wanted to emulate.  Knew I could do, be, have, because of the way they conducted their lives; my Mom, my Grandma Grace, my Aunt Kay.  There are many others, but these three strong, loving, giving women graced my life. And, I saw their failures and missteps for what they were, missteps, not who or what they truly were.  It was in their getting up and having the do-overs that made the difference. 

A chat with a younger cousin today just lifted me higher.  She inspired in me to keep on doing what I do. To live my life a little bit better than I did yesterday.  To reach out to those I love a bit more.  To reach out to those that I don't know when an opportunity arises to lend a hand up.  To extend my resources, my experience, my life to those to inspire them, to be a friend, to hold them accountable, to let them become the best they can be.  

I had a chat with my cousin...thanks, Jenny...I love you!

it's Christmas morning...

We've hit a new 'normal' as far as Christmas goes.  No little ones at home to ready the place for Santa to visit, no one at home now, to celebrate Christmas morning with.  They all have their own homes and little ones.  So, what does this new normal look like? BLAH! How does it feel?  Lonely, at best.

Everything is just 'off'.  We celebrated very early for our family this year. Recognizing that a lot of families do this, but, it was new for us.  Kind of threw me off from the get go.  It was a great time together.  Not dismissing that, but overall, it just threw off the balance.  The BIG hoorah!

Now that our kids are grown and have families of their own, their schedules have multiplied to get everyone in.  They are now doing the crazed, "gotta get to everyone's house" dance.  I'm glad those days are over.  But, it does leave a loneliness that we've never really felt before.  A new normal.

So, our Christmas Eve was spent in the quiet of our home relaxing and watching Christmas movies, while snacking.  No meal, just snacks, and adult ones at that.  Good quality cheeses, pickled asparagus and gourmet olives to name a few.  It was nice relaxing and enjoying the quiet.  But, it was a bit blah!  

So, we did what we wanted and opened our gifts from each other.  It started with new p.j.'s.  Then, we said, oh, let's open a couple more...then, what the heck, let's open all of them.  And we did.  

When my head finally hit the pillow, I laid there thinking of the first Christmas so long ago.  I think I was searching for the 'real' meaning.  Something of substance now that I could really focus on what it's really all about.  So, I laid there and envisioned what it must have been like.  The trudge, the fear, the angst of having a baby born in a barn.  Knowing that you were going to give birth to a king, knowing the way in which you were 'with child', the scorn of the world upon you.  Strange but all-knowing at the same time.

What must it have been like for the Shepherd's?  The Angels?  How did the inn-keepers feel after they found out what they had done? 

So, I fell asleep with visions of Jesus birth.  I awoke with the same.  Then this came across my Facebook page and I thought, this is what I want to share. I was inspired to share it with you.  

I think this will be my new normal... and, it's been here all along. Merry Christmas from me to you.  Beth

I've really missed...

I've been pretty darn lucky to get to do so much of what I enjoy these past few years.  I'm working towards a more simple and less stressful way of living.  The first step was leaving my career in real estate four years ago.  I enjoyed it a lot, but noticed the last two or three years that I was in it, that my interests and ambitions were towards a creative lifestyle.  It was the best decision I made.

It's not been easy and financially, has put a strain on our budget.  But, it's been good.  Really, really good.  I'm okay with living with less.  I'm overjoyed with living a more authentic life. A life that allows me to have more time for family, when needed.  I find I'm writing more.  Sending more notes the old fashion way.  I'm working on enjoying my friends over coffee.  I'm loving my home and decorating again. I'm remember what I've loved all my life and now, I'm getting reacquainted with those things. It's just been good.

One of the things that has happened is I've realized how much I miss what I used to love to do.  Sewing is one of those things.  I used to sew quite a bit. My mom let me take sewing classes and I was always in Home Ec. in school.  My mother-in-law gave me her sewing machine early in my marriage.

I would wake up with the hubs, get him off to work and then sit down at the sewing machine and sew for hours, my baby-to-be's newborn gowns, made from flame retardant flannel.  Sweet little gowns, with ties up the middle. Nothing fancy, but I loved doing it.  I've allowed time for myself to remember.

A couple weeks ago, my granddaughter was over and asked me to make her dolly a skirt.  I actually sat down, while she was there watching and whipped out a hand stitched skirt for her dolly.  Then, she wanted one for her stuffed kitty.  I happily obliged.  It was so nice. She was thrilled and so was I! 

I'm inspired to remember and reacquaint myself with more of what I've really missed and I encourage you to do that too!

Coffee mugs and other musings...

This is the mug I'm drinking from these days.  It's a tall, sturdy mug that feels good in my hand.  Much a like a handbag has to work for me, so goes the mug.

I have mugs from a variety of places.  It seems to be the one souvenir we get on vacation.  It's easy to pack, easy on the budget and truly, the memories one conjures up when sipping from a souvenir mug is priceless. 

This particular mug was painted by moi.  Several years ago...and I do mean several, I purchased mugs for everyone that was going to be at our Christmas gathering at my sis-in-laws.  I also purchased a paint your own mug kit so we could all create our own personalized mug. 

It was fun.  The gals got into it more than the guys and my father-in-law, with a little urging and cajoling, complied, too.
I love my cup and all the memories I have of that day and time.  The kids were all smaller, of course, I loved being at my hub's sister's home, a happy time with family.  It's just a really nice reminder, that otherwise, you might not have, if left to your own "forgetful" devices. 

What inspires memories in you?  A photo, a pillow, a coffee mug...

We had an early Christmas this year.  If all of my family isn't together, it's just not the same.  And, this year, we had a special gift for the grandkids.  I've been "mindful" of a gift request from our then, almost five year old granddaughter, Makenna, last February.  She thought it'd be a great idea if we got her a pony for her upcoming birthday.  Well, I was keen on the idea right away...Grampie, not so much.  I told Makenna that that was a great idea, that it'd take some planning and it'd have to be a gift for the grandkids, not just for her.  She was happy with that and new it wouldn't be any time soon before there would be a pony to come and live at Grammie and Grampies.

This past October, we were heading out of town for the weekend, when I checked my Facebook, and low and behold, someone was selling a pony!  In our price range, close by.  Long story short, we were able to get her.  Spirit is her name.  We've had her at our place since October, anticipating the big reveal.  Keeping her hidden until Christmas.  Talking over and around, spelling and hand signals when the kiddos were around.  (Note to self:  won't be able to use the spelling card much longer as Makenna is learning to read.)

Since the pony was their "big" gift, I made up a small package for each of them.  It had their ornament that I made; a cowboy and cowgirl, a cowboy hat embellished for each, pony books for each, a pony comb and a bag of carrots.  Lincoln, who's 3-1/2 didn't recognize a pattern, but, Makenna was showing some signs of a pattern to the gifts.  The carrots were a crazy gift to get for sure.  So, with a puzzled look on her face, we talked about what each thing was for and if she thought there was some clues.  Then, we got the signal that the pony was in place.  The look on her face was so precious. Like, "am I seeing what I'm seeing". 

Here's the video of the big reveal.  Enjoy! 

There's just something about weekends.

Another weekend full of life...home stuff, family stuff, Christmas shopping and more. It's been a terrific one at that.

This past Saturday was opening day of shotgun deer season.  It's also my son's birthday.  He was born on opening day, just before daybreak.  His daddy was an avid deer hunter.  It was Tanner and I right from the get-go, so to speak, as he was no sooner born and his daddy took off.  How apropos that he grew to be an avid hunter himself.

So, our weekend started off with family.  Our 3 year old grandson spent the

Lincoln mimicking Grandpa Steve...so cute!

night, anticipating our granddaughter's visit early Saturday.  Makenna is 5-1/2 and we're starting to notice that the age difference is playing into their time together. But, there is no denying it...their love for each other is amazing. I was almost giddy with excitement myself.  Funny how the grandkids can evoke such a feeling in you.  

We've noticed that Lincoln mimics our actions allot here lately.  He found a book and some play glasses and saddled right up to Grandpa to do some evening reading.  Love it!
 
It was one of those lazy days.  I had plenty to do, but my time was going to be devoted to the kids.  It was a p.j. relaxing kind of day.  I started chili and vegetable soup in the crockpot.  Coffee was on and at the ready.  

Makenna liked her baby doll's skirt

We had lunch and then it was time for a nap for most everyone in the house.  Everyone except my granddaughter and me.  Lincoln had fallen asleep in my lap, so I laid him down.  Tanner, in for a warm up, had fallen asleep in the easy chair and Abbie, our daughter in law asleep on the couch.  It was the perfect time to make those doll clothes Makenna had asked me to make for her.  A skirt for her kitty and baby doll.

Then, she asked if she could learn to sew so we tried that.  She's a lefty and I'm a righty.  More time and patience is needed with less commotion.  We'll try the lesson again another time.  I love her age right now.  She's so interested in everything and learning is exciting. 

In my studio, I'm designing mixed media canvases...I believe this to be true!


Sunday morning took us to church and then a day of Christmas shopping.  It was lovely!  Funny, when the kids were little, I did all the shopping.  Now that they are out of the house, the hubs comes along.  It's so nice...wish we would have done more shopping together back then...but, then, maybe not.  Now it's kind of relaxing and a bit romantic.  Lunch here, a coffee break there...and, maybe a stop for dinner on the way home.  

There's just something about weekends.


 

Our sunroom...it's a magical place!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with my husband's sister and family and his parents, a brother, and of course, our children and grand-kids.  The weather was perfect, with a light dusting of snow the day before.

We invited my sister-in-law and her husband to stay overnight at our place.  We always have our guests stay in our sunroom.  It's just a magical room, and we have the bed situated so that it faces the east.  The sunrise is most always fabulous and offers a pleasant "wake-up call" as sunrise gives way to full blown daylight.

Returning guests always request the sunroom and we happily oblige.  Sometimes, though, it's hard for us to give up, as we spend most of our winter in the room in the evenings.  A comfy couch and chair take up their spot on the east end, where sunsets can be viewed from the west window.  We have an electric stove that keeps us warm and cozy.  It's just a place of rest and relaxation. 

It's where I'm writing my post from today.  I have the pleasure of working from home most mornings, and this is the best place in the house to do it.  I find the bright sunshine invigorating and the wide sweeping views inspire my thoughts.  It's a safe haven, a place of joy for me.

The birds keep us entertained, as we feed them from this location, which is on the second story of the house.  It feels like we're in a tree house, sharing our space with our feathered friends.  The grand-kids love it!  Hours could be spent watching the birds.

Our sunroom...it's a magical place.  We feel it and so do our guests.

First-timers to our farm

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

It's a super day here in the rolling countryside of Warren County, Iowa.  It's brisk, yet the sunshine is deceiving.  It warms the sunroom, from which I post today.

I had some gal pals over this past Sunday.  They were first timers to our farm, and wanted a tour.  We've been here for eight years.  We've worked on many reno projects, and still have some to do.  I love to show off what we've worked so hard on.  Here's just a few snipets.  Enjoy!

the girly room in the house...for our granddaughter

Fabric~my inspiration piece for the room

a wall in our master bath

lace valances in the master bedroom

vintage wire basket turned light fixture

close up of the fall bounty display. i love the colors in the vintage enamel ware. the gourds were grown in our garden

looking on into the sitting room from the dining room

     small mirrored sconce refreshed with Websters Chalk Paint Powder and black paint i had on hand

more from the girly room

i really love these paintings and colors blend in perfectly with the inspiration chair fabric

close up

close up

the wall art changed out and a new lamp

ceramic birds...i love birds

a plaque in the guest bath...have you discovered your passion?

'Tis the season for merriment and good wishes!  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  We're hosting at our home.  How about you? 

pre-holiday turkey

A traditional meal is planned...my kids want it, so that's what we'll do. I actually enjoy changing it up a bit.  I'd be happy with tacos or pasta.  But, turkey will reign and ham, too.  Potatoes, and gravy and stuffing taboot!  Pumpkin and pecan will be the desserts, we'll be so stuffed, we'll be untucking our shirts.

I made a turkey last week.  I just loved how it browned up. Here's what I did:  Removed the inside packets, washed with cold water, placed in a roaster and covered with olive oil.  I packed the interior with onion, carrots and seasoning mixture. I then sprinkled the seasoning mixture for poultry all over.  Covered with aluminum foil, baked at 350 for two hours, then removed foil, baked another 45 minutes allowing the bird to brown.  The turkey weighed 13 lbs. and took exactly three hours to bake.  Of course, you'd need to alter baking/browning time according to weight.

The thing I really like about baking turkey up, is that it gives us about five meals.  Later in the week I made turkey and noodles.  The rest went into the freezer for later.

Here's wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

My inspired life: Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.

My inspired life: Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.: Wow, with all the great fresh produce coming out of the garden and available at area farmer's markets, this light and delicious pizza ...

Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.

Wow, with all the great fresh produce coming out of the garden and available at area farmer's markets, this light and delicious pizza is so easy to make...

I've been wanting to make a pizza on the grill, so one evening, I just tried it out.  Couldn't be too difficult, I thought to myself, and I was correct.  It was E-Z.

I purchased ready made thin crusts and then added veggies from our garden.  I really, really like pizza Margaretta and had all the makings for one.  I spread thin layer of pizza sauce all over the crust, out to the edge.  Then, I used pear tomatoes and red grape tomatoes, by cutting them into small pieces.  "Pearl" mozzarella was added and fresh basil.  For the basil, I place the leaves one on top of each other, roll them up, then chiffonade them.  Then I spread them out all over, too. 

I had the grill going for about 15 minutes, so it was hot and ready to go.  Just put the pizza on the rack, close the lid and let it cook.  The top will not get bubbly, but the cheese will melt down and spread a bit.  Turn the crust periodically so the bottom does not burn.  Adjust the fire accordingly.  Approx. 30 minutes cooking time.

Vintage linens...they speak to me, you?

Vintage linens just have a way about them that brings me fully into the moment.  Holding, washing, folding, decorating and even using them in my repurposing.  

The photo to the left shows several pieces of linen layered, providing an opaque window treatment. 

They call out to me of an earlier time.  A time when Mondays were wash days, Tuesdays folding and Wednesday ironing.  Some were used for utilitarian purposes, others merely for an elegant splash of sophistication.  From checked, to bright and vivid colors and design. to creamy cotton linen, each have a past and today, a future to those who love them...their look, their pedigree, their provenance.  

I just finished making my bed with fresh bedding for spring.  I went with a neutral palette with hints of cream, yellow, peach and green.  I want a room of rest and freshness, light and airy.  I accomplished what I was after. 

I had all of these items in my collection; used at different times in different combos.  Today they come together for this look.


For vintage linen care, here are my tips for making old look their best and brightest.

To remove stains, pour lemon juice over the stain, sprinkle with salt and let it sit in the sun for several hours.  Rinse through a couple of times then hang on a clothesline or, if possible, lay the linen in the grass, where the chlorophyll in the grass is a natural brightener.  If the stains are really stubborn, soak in luke warm water and mild detergent.  DON'T ever bleach.  Rinse many times.

When the cloth is damp and chilled, press with a very hot iron on the wrong side.  Work at it until they are completely dry.  Creasing the fabric can break fibers; so it is preferred that you don't iron them in.  In addition, folding fabric can weaken at the fold. It is best if you roll them, using cardboard wrapping paper rolls or mailing tubes.  Keep them stored in a well-ventilated place, out of light.

 
To finish my light and airy spring into summer look, I will use these items on my walls.  A vintage picture of sheep grazing, an old, chippy mirror and a vintage paint by number picture.  These items reflect the same colors and hues in the bedding.

Websters Chalk Paint Powder Workshop 101

WEBSTERS Chalk Paint Powder 101

Saturday, May 17th 1:00-4:00

Sunday, May 18th 1:00-4:00

min/max 4 participants

McCoy True Value Hardware~Indianola, Iowa

Howard and Boston

 You'll learn the basics and benefits of using W.C.P.P. for your painting projects. We'll have fun and you'll go home with a finished project. Two times being offered.
 

You must PRE-REGISTER with PAYMENT to Beth Cort-Voltmer @515-238-7720. FEE $40.00

Roosters Call TAG Sale

Rooster's Call TAG and ESTATE Sales

May SALES

508 West Street
New Virginia, Iowa 
Saturday, May 3rd
10:00-3:00
No early sales.
Vintage and new home decor
'project' pieces, junk and more.

Rooster's Call Tag Sale

Saturday, March 29th

10:00-3:00

101 E. Salem Ave.

Indianola, Iowa

Burlap & Roses has closed it's doors on the SE Corner of The Square in Indianola.  Lots of stuff has to go and at reduced prices.  No EARLY SALES!

You can find Burlap & Roses at the Brass Armadillo in Des Moines.  Booth 53-54, ROW Nebraska and at various shows in and around Iowa.  Watch here or to be included in our newsletter, email Beth at vintagegalbeth@gmail.com.

Services offered

The music moved me...I swayed.

A few years ago...quite a few years ago, now that I think about it, I served as the youth leader at the church we attended.  In some way we were introduced to Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and were invited up to a church service during Black History Month...which is February, every year.  The congregation was predominately black.  We were the minority.

We were so excited to go and experience not only a different denomination, but a cultural difference, too.  We.were.blown.away!  The music...the music was tremendous.  Joyful.  We had not heard anything like it.  We had not ever seen anything like it.  They clapped. They swayed. They raised their hands in worship.  It was amazing.  

I've often thought of that church and how they really, really worshiped and did not have any inhibitions in doing so.  They were happy, proud, beautifully in the moment.  

Last week, my husband and I visited a new church after many years of not going to church at all.  We've missed it.  We've missed being part of a church family.  We've been participating in a weekly LIFE group at the home of friends. We were introduced to their church through these weekly group sessions.  

So, we went.  I felt at home immediately!  Greeted in the parking lot with special parking for visitors, greeted at the door, introduced to different areas of the church and handed the bulletin...all while hearing worship music wafting through the doors.  I was eager to go in.

A pretty simple layout; contemporary in design without all the typical emblems and markings of a traditional church.  On the stage was something I was not expecting to see.  Guess what it was?  A mostly black choir.  I don't know what I was expecting or if I had even given it any thought.  I was so happy!  I was so elated.  The music moved me; I felt like I was back at Corinthian Baptist Church where there was an energy and excitement and wholehearted longing to be there and worship and praise His name.  

Now, this is what is so interesting to me.  A difference between the black culture and the white culture that I am accustomed to.  What I know. One not better than the other...but, an observance.  Something I've noticed.  Something I wondered about then, many, many years ago and was reminded of it this past Sunday.  Black people move and express themselves without abandon.  White people seem to hold back.  Why is that?  I have to tell you...I was swaying right along with the best of them.  Back and forth, swaying to the music.  The white people that I saw, stood there, hands clenching the seat back in front of them; no movement.  No joyous abandon.  Why is that?

The music moved me...I swayed...the music moved me!

 

What is your style?

It came across my Facebook page and I couldn't resist.  What's that you're wondering?  Well, it's a little questionnaire; you answer a few questions or, in this case, pick out five photos that "speak to you" and you'll find out, "who you are" "what you like" and in this instance, what my "decorating style is". 

It's quick and was actually "right on".  Have some fun, leave your comment on my blog, and share this with your friends. 

Here's the link:  http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope/

p.s. I'm Classic/Boho. 

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/small-businesses-prepare-for-heavy-traffic-saturday/-/9357080/23221872/-/cxlvlez/-/index.html

This impending wedding thing...how am I feeling?

Mackenzy and her daddy, I wonder what he's feeling?

The countdown is on.  Finally getting a bit of time to think about this impending event.  Our youngest daughter gets married this Saturday.  What am I feeling? 

Firstly, we couldn't be happier with her choice in a lifelong mate.  She and Eric, her fiance, have been great friends all through jr. high and high school.  They have a group of friends that just hung out together.  A few dated, but these two did not.  I remember asking Mackenzy if she thought she'd like to date Eric.  She always said, "no", they were just great friends.  When I asked Eric the same question, he said, "yes, he would have liked to have dated her, but didn't want anything to hurt their friendship".

So, when it happened, over Eric's 21st birthday get together, it came as no surprise to me.  And, it would seem like it was a natural thing for the two of them.  It just took them awhile...or, "good things come to those who wait".

I've been so caught up in the "need to get done", shopping lists, creating and planning, that I have not allowed myself time to really think about how I'm feeling about this whole thing.  My baby girl is getting married. As I sit here and write this, tears come to my eyes.  I don't know why?  But they do.

She's a beautiful girl, daughter.  She loves life and lives it to the fullest.  Loyal, compassionate, loving, kind, respectful...all these things and more.  I'm proud of her.  I'm proud of who she's chosen to love and live her life with.  I anticipate what the future holds for her...them.

The countdown is on, she is my baby girl...a tear comes to my eye.