Each Day Is New- All Things Connected

Out of the abundance of the heart my mouth speaks.  I feel a deep need to express myself in words that will relieve the grinding within me and loose the threads that binds so tight.  All things within me seem to be connected.

All the things we see, hear, feel and even smell translate into a physical emotion that brings sorrow or joy to us.  The smell of a new born babies neck and the touch of his tiny toes always brings a deep breath and a big smile to my face.  This sight and touch puts my memory in reverse and immediately I think of cuddling my own children and the joy they brought.

A beautiful morning can be crushed before it has time to continue by erratic words that enter your ears.  The sounds seem to quickly go past the ear and into your gut and them explode out to your nervous system.  How it is possible?  How can three and four letter words effect our emotions?

When our heart is breaking there is a longing to just cry.  How is my heart connected to my eyes?  My tears seem to be a great release and maybe it is the place where all the tension can be released back into the air.  I remember a verse of a song…”He washed my eyes with tears that I might see.”  Don’t let anyone convince you that only wimps cry.  All great people find a time and place to cry…so they can go on with life.  All things are connected.

A beautiful rose may wonder …”what is my purpose?”  Then someone walks through the garden and bends down and strokes the roses’ petal.  Then the person comes closer and smells the fragrance of the rose and says “oh, this smells so good.”  This one little roses’ smell may have brought peace to someone very sad or a recalled a memory of roses in the past.  All things are connected.

Within me is the power to pray very privately to God and express all my thanks for His bountiful blessings or I can empty my ugly thoughts and deepest needs.  All things within me are connected to Him.  I don’t have to be afraid to tell Him my needs (actually He already knows my thoughts).  Asking forgiveness and expressing praise opens up new opportunities to see out of different eyes and realize He is in control.  All things are connected.

Lord, the things that have passed through our sight this morning can touch us and make a sad day better.  You have provided beauty through the smell and color of a garden of flowers.  Help us take time to stop to smell the flowers along our path.  Bless those that share their words and encouragement.  In His Name-AMEN

Each Day Is New- Do Birds Really Love?

I put a beautiful grapevine wreath with a floral arrangement on my deck this spring.  In a few days a robin had discovered a beautiful place to start her nest.  I really think I watched love in motion with every twig that she carried to the wreath.  Many flights and pieces of straw later, she had a safe place to lay her eggs.

Three little eggs soon appeared and you could see the connection of a mother bird to be.  Diligently she stayed with the eggs and didn’t hesitate to give chase to the blue jays or anything else that came near her eggs.  She already loved what would soon be her babies.

Two eggs hatched and hungry babies soon were peeping and wanting food.  We have watched her fly from the nest to gather worms and come back with two hungry mouths open.  Many flights throughout the day and many feeding later to care for the babies.  I can see the love in what she does.

We kept seeing the mother bird come to the nest and pick up a white pearl sized ball.  I did a little research and found this is a fecal sac that comes out of babies for a while.  The mother loves the babies so much she picks it up and removes it from the nest.  Call it what you may….I call this love.

Yesterday she had really been quite busy hunting for food.  I watched as she decided to take a break for herself.  She perched on the back of a patio chair and ruffled all her feathers and started grooming herself.  All the while, she never took her eyes off the nest.  She flew back to the nest for a brief time…just to look at the babies and see if they were okay.  I know she loves these babies.

We were eating our 4th of July lunch when the first baby quickly flew from the nest and only one bird was in the nest.  I am sure the mother robin is now pulled in two directions.  She loves both babies and wants to care for the one learning to fly and have time to care for the one still in the nest.  A mother’s love goes beyond bounds…even with birds.

My heart became very humble as I observed and compared my own motherly instincts with this little robin.  This little bird cared for her babies far better than some humans.  She prepared for the birth, cared for the babies night and day and taught them how to fly.  The whole time I had my two children in the “nest” was a time to care and teach them to fly on their own.

My children are now grown and have a family of their own, but the mother in me remains the same.  I want what is best for my children and I never want to see someone hurt them or make them suffer.  I hope I taught them how to fly and how to avoid the beast of prey.  God, this mother prays a deep prayer of concern and ask you to protect them now. 

The robin and I have a lot in common.  We can see inspiration all around us, if we only look and open our hearts.

Each Day Is New- WV..My Home Sweet Home

I can’t compare living in WV to another state.  I was born in WV and I have lived here all my life.  My ancestors before me chose rural Lincoln County and my legacy began.

My mother’s maiden name was McClure and our ancestors originated from Ireland.  The first McClure in our line was Richard McClure and he arrived in Culpeper, VA in 1700.  Other McClure’s in the clan soon arrived in Culpeper and headed out to claim their own farms.  These people were wild, brave and adventuresome.

It just blows my mind to realize that the McClure clan traveled by wagon (there were no car’s and few roads) from Culpeper to Yawkey, WV.  This is a long trip, even by car. 

Over a hundred or more years later their legacy lives on in the families that still lives, works and plays in WV.  We have kept our roots in a state of which we are proud.  Yes, we are unique.  We talk different than someone from Illinois, but we shouldn’t apologize.  Our speech is who we are and from where we live.  As West Virginian’s, we have built our homes here, spent our lives in the workforce, established our places of worship and voted for the political figures that lead the state. 

Stand up and be counted as a proud West Virginian.  Pass on your heritage and the great stories of our ancestors to your children and grandchildren.  Pull out those old family pictures and tell the children how their ancestors arrived in West Virginia and how they survived hard times. 

My Home Sweet Home

Each Day Is New- Grandpa McClure Was a Little Boy

      I have a little history on our family. Ireland and Scotland seems to be our origin. Richard McClure born about 1700 in Raphoe, Ulster County, Ireland Died 1774 Culpeper, Virginia is our earliest family in the USA.

     The picture above is the family of William and Emily McClure and their children.  My grandpa, Arch is the little boy on the left in the back row.  This is the first picture of ever saw of grandpa as a child and I have been so excited.

     My mom, Deloris McClure Woodrum and I stayed with grandpa McClure while my dad, Donald was in World War II.  Grandpa was the only dad I knew during those times of war and dearly loved me.  I have nothing but fond memories and loving thoughts of this man…who I forgot was a little boy at one time.

     I just received this picture of week ago and I have gone bonkers looking at it and wondering about the people.  William and Emily McClure had 13 children and as a little girl I can remember most of them. We had McClure Reunions during the summer and most everyone attended.   Of course, the red hair (from Ireland) was scattered through the family.

     From Ireland, to Virginia and then to a rural WV farmland.  It all seems so complex.  They settled in Yawkey, WV and it is 25 miles from Charleston, WV.  Why did they choose such a remote place?  Did they know where they were going when they traveled to the Yawkey, WV area?  Why did they choose a home-site that was a mile up a road and hill?  I would love to be able to have a glimpse or an image of that time and era.  However, all I can do is imagine.

     I noticed the children on the front row are holding a toy or a doll.  I am sure they didn’t have a toy box full and this was probably their only toy.  I wonder if Great Grandma Emily made the dolls?  There were very few stores and they lived about a mile up a hollow in Yawkey, WV. 

     Grandpa William McClure had acres and acres of farmland and with 13 children to feed, everyone had to help with the crops.  The farm was eventually divided and Albert, Arch and Luther either bought or were given many acres for their own farmland.  Grandpa Arch’s farm is now owned by his son James.

     I wonder where all these people slept?  Years ago my mom and I walked up the the old McClure home place and the old house was rather small.  I am so privileged to have had the opportunity to walk through their house years after anyone lived in it.  Mother showed me the room where Grandma Emily died and you could almost feel a presence there.  Mother said Grandma Emily kept her gold coins in a jar in the corner of her bedroom.  The wallpaper had been pretty, but was stained with time and wear.

     Mother told me a story while we were walking through the old farmhouse and it is supposed to be true.  After Grandma Emily died and was buried, some of her grandchildren came to the house and were stealing gold coins, pictures and other belongings.  Well…..they heard something strange and so they say, a ghost appeared.  Those involved in the stealing actually told the story and they were so scared they ask for forgiveness and started going to church.

     My mom had a tall glass fruit compote that belonged to Grandma Emily and before mother died, she gave it to me.  It has a special place in my home.  I hope the ghost of the past doesn’t come looking for it.

     I never personally knew Grandpa William and Emily, but they sure produced a wonderful Grandpa Arch McClure. 

Each Day Is New-

 We have been going through an old trunk and sorting out some family pictures.  The old trunk is full of pictures of those we loved and adored.  Basil and I would pull out some pictures and remember the event or laugh at the fashions. 

I found this picture of my husbands family.  This is the Clinton D. Hudson and Eufa Hudson family of South Charleston, WV.  (left to right children) David, Paul, Ester, Naomi on dad’s lap, Basil on mom’s lap, Annabelle standing and Carter.  A few years later Rachel and Sharon would be added to this family.

This family lived on the Middle Fork of Davis Creek most of their lives.  Paw-Paw Hudson worked at Carbide Chemicals and spent long hours to provide for his family.  Of course, Maw-maw was a stay at home mom until later in her life. 

I wonder how people were able to take care of laundry for such big families.  Most everyone at that time washed clothes by hand or by a wringer washer.   Many country people even had to carry their wash water…..and we think we have it hard.  Can you imagine feeding nine children?

The Hudson family in general were always noted for their musical and singing abilities.  Even to this day, many of these children are play the piano, lead the church choir and sing solo and in groups. 

I married Basil 48 years ago and I became a member of a wonderful family.  I am glad that his parents were Christian examples and taught him to love God. 

I wonder if anyone will find an old picture of us in 30 years and laugh at our silly fashions?  Will our current mode of living not be understood by our grandchildren?  Oh no, what if all our pictures are on a disk and so outdated that non of the new tech can open them?  I had better go to CVS tomorrow and have all the pictures on the disks printed.

Each Day Is New-I Have Been Eating The Frogs

As many of you know, I found a long lost playmate that I knew back in the late 40’s and 50’s.  I had written about “Life In The Coal Camp” and we made a connectionafter almost 60 years.  Well, I didn’t realize Karen was still reading my blog until today.  Karen has been disappointed that I haven’t been keeping up a daily post.  Karen, I dedicate my ramblings today to you.

I am happy to say I am improving on some of my procrastinating.  Yes, I am eating the frog again and taking on those things that get put on the back burner.  I scheduled a check-up with the doctor and had a lot of blood test completed.  I got the results and everything looks good.  Now, why did I procrastinate and wait for months to do this? 

I am really proud of myself….I I made an appointment for a haircut….helped at VBS tonight……making plans for a trip…..getting ready for guest to arrive the end of June…….planning a family picnic.  I still need to procrastinate a little on cleaning out the refrigerator. 

I would write more, but I will tomorrow. )

Each Day Is New-Some Days Are Plain Yucky

I am usually a pretty happy-go-lucky person and enjoy my daily blessings.  However, I have just figured out that God is still working on me and some days are plain yucky.  Don’t give me any of that…”you should be thankful and count your blessings”.  I do count my blessings, but the last few days could have been better.

The simple things in life are usually what lights up my life.  Things like white drifting clouds, a fresh cut flower, a sleeping baby or an unexpected note from a friend.  This is the things money can’t buy and they usually make me happy.

Did you ever feel an invisible force  that seems to be draining you of the joy in your life?  This pull makes me become unmotivated to take care of responsibilities at times.  I have procrastinated in making a doctor’s appointment, in getting my mammogram, scheduling a dental appointment, and making vacation reservations. 

I don’t like to feel unmotivated and unattached.  This is just not me.  I am the only one that can work on this situation and I plan to work on it.

1.  I am taking time to stop and thank God for my family.  We are not perfect, but it is our family. (This sound like a Jon and Kate quote)

2.  I need to look around me at all the people who lost their jobs and be thankful for my job.  I need to find a way to help those less fortunate.

3.  I want to look at myself as a work in progress.  Our emotions can be up and they can be down, but God still loves us.  Tomorrow is a new day.

4.  I would like to do something special for someone and not let them know I did it. 

5.  I will be patient with myself during the days that are yucky. 

6.  Semi-retirement is a new direction.  I will find joy and happiness in yet undiscovered ways. 

You know, I already feel better by just stating my feelings.  I am listening to the rain and smelling the sweetness of the wind in my face.  God is good.

Each Day Is New-MOTHER Training

I  became a mother at the young age of 21 years old and knew very little about the position.  No one gave me a job description, I didn’t know the position would be 24/7 and it was truly on the job training.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am not complaining.

The older women in my family gave me wonderful examples of being a good MOTHER.  I had grandparents, aunts and my own mother from which I learned.  My mother made sure her children were taught manners, our clothes were always clean, brushing your teeth was important and that God is to be first in your life.

All through my children’s childhood I did the best job possible and prayed to God that it was right.  I read in the Bible if I trained up my children in the way they should go that they would not depart.  My faith was in God and His promises.

Parents make many sacrifices to see the needs of their children are met.  I can remember not buying shoes or clothes for myself in order to buy for my children.  I don’t regret it and would do it again. 

Tomorrow my adult children will visit and I think they have turned out exceptionally well.  The most important thing in their life is their faith and acceptance of God.  I am sure they have new ideas on parenting, but the basis of it all is your love for God and family. 

Sometimes I wish I could have a few days and my children would be little again.  Well, that is not going to happen.  The next best thing is having grandchildren.  I can sort of spoil them and then give them back to their parents. 

My mother and grandparents have passed, but they left me something money can not buy.  Thanks, mom.

Each Day Is New-Finding the Beauty in Spring

The sun peaked through the bedroom early this morning and seemed to be calling to me.  I wanted this Saturday to one of those days when I can say, “Ah, Ha” when it is over and know it was good.  I want to find beauty in the things I see, the people I meet and in everything around me.

Well, I had better get this adventure under way.  Basil was still asleep and I had to gently convince him that we were going to go to yard sales.  We got dressed and didn’t even make the bed.(making the bed is usually a must)  We are going to look for yard sales and beauty and the unmade bed will be there when we get back.

We didn’t want to take time to eat breakfast at home so we headed to Tudor’s Biscuit in Teays Valley.  While Basil was ordering I got a booth and it was close to six older men sitting at a round table.  My ear tuned in to their amusing conversations.  They discussed Mexicans being in the US, World War II submarines, standing and sitting in a Catholic church and what they used to do on their jobs.  I didn’t have to pay a dime for this entertainment and there was beauty in listening. 

Breakfast is over and the yard sale search begins.  We looked for the signs and followed the arrows to several sales in Bentree.  I soon ran into a friend that I haven’t seen for a long time.  We took time to chat and then ran into each other at four other sales.  This was nice.

We drove through several subdivisions and admired the trees and flowers that were blooming in full color.  Many hosta plants were peeking their heads through the soil.  The geese from the lake were strutting right in the middle of the road and were reluctant to move for anyone.  After all, they are looking for the beauty in Spring too.  They have been sitting in cold water all winter.

I have a floral wreath on my front door to brighten the entry.  Right in the middle of the flowers on the bottom is a ” new bird nest” that has just been built.  There is one little blue egg that the mother has laid.  I am glad she chose my wreath and my door for her home.  This is a beautiful sight.

I also looked at my husband and I smiled.  On April 21st we will have been married 48 years and I love him more now than the day I married him.  We have had our “up’s and down’s”, but we have worked on situations to keep together the family that God had in His plans.  There is joy and beauty in growing older together and still enjoying the simple things of life.

The best things in life are free.

Each Day Is New-County Supper

No, I didn’t say dinner.  We had a country supper this evening and it was yummy.  When I lived in Lincoln county it was always called supper during the week and dinner on Sunday.    So much for that!!

I didn’t have a clue what I was cooking this evening, but it all just fell together.  I needed something fast and easy.  Here goes….  I made salmon cakes, sweet peas, mashed potatoes and homemade cornbread.  Simple and tasty. 

This is how I make my salmon cakes.

1 can of pink salmon

1 egg

bread crumbs (I buy a can of seasoned bread crumbs)

Open the can of salmon and drain the liquid.  The salmon has been cooked and packed in the can.  Empty the whole can in a bowl.  You don’t have to remove the bones and skin.  Just take a wooden spoon and mash the salmon until all broken apart.  Add the egg and stir well.  Add enough of the bread crumbs to make the salmon stick together so you can make it into patties.  You can usually get about seven patties from one can.

Add corn oil to your skillet and let it get hot.  Add the salmon patties to the pan and brown well on each side. 

Cornbread:

Sometimes I buy Teays Valley Cornbread Mix or Martha White Self Rising Cornbread Mix.  The secret to any good cornbread is using buttermilk instead of regular milk.  And of course, you have to bake it in an iron skillet. 

You may not be one bit interested in what I had for “supper”, but I enjoyed telling you about it.

What is your favorite county meal?