Don't Panic It Is Just Friends Coming For A Visit!

That is what I was telling myself as I cooked a huge pot of chili, cleaned the house and baked brownies. There was 8-12 women coming to my house in just a few hours. I would like everything to be perfect....it could not be....it never is.....I am not either...never was. I take deep breaths and remind myself that I know these women, they are my friends. I have been to their homes. They do not look for dust or cob webs. I am thankful it is night and they can not see my dirty windows. I light candles, prepare the buffet with dishes and silverware. Put sour cream, chopped onions, oyster crackers in pretty bowls. Put pretty quilts over the dining tables. Breath. Remind myself that more than what I look like or what the house looks like, they will remember how I treated them. I want them to feel loved, appreciated, welcome because they are. Pray, deep breaths, open the door. Open the arms.

Walking To The Antique Mall....

I had quite an experience a couple weeks ago when my husband and I were walking down the street from a restaurant to the antique mall. First I should tell you that I am 62 years old, overweight and long past being noticed or complemented by strangers so that you can appreciate all my emotions when this happened:) There was a shop owner standing out in front of her store. We had seen her before but don't know her name or anything about her. The most we have ever spoken would be a "hi" coming from both sides or maybe if I'm feeling southern a "hey". She spoke this day to my husband and said, "Your wife is so pretty and always looks good. You must be very proud of her!" He replied, "I am, I am" which was quick thinking on his part. I said, "Oh, thank you so much, you made my day!" And she did. I call this a "God" thing simply because God knew I needed a boost, a "hug" that day and He found a soul that was willing to provide it. What a blessing. Simple words. I wonder if as humans we hesitate to give each other complements like we should and I wonder even more as woman to woman we do it enough? It costs us nothing and it can make our world a better place....let's just do it!!