Early Morning Walk...

The night lights were still on this morning as I walked through our neighborhood.  I mused about the busy week of travel and fun and sorrow.   We enjoyed a  wonderful Easter visit with our Little Men & Co..  But, lost a most special Aunt on Easter Sunday, too.

After returning home Monday, I traveled to West Texas for her funeral Tuesday and home again yesterday.  There were a lot of miles to think.

Aunt Dot was one of two women who I most wanted "to be like when I grew up".  Miss Ellen, the second of the two, passed away last fall.  Both women were incredibly GRACIOUS.  They extended a warmth that made everyone they met feel special.  Highest of high or lowest of low.  They had a deep, gentle respect for all souls. 

They were smart.  And, wise.

They were STRONG women.  Fiercely loyal.  Fiercely loving.  You would not want to tangle with  either of them, especially over their families or their convictions.  They were spitfires. 

On the other hand, they exuded kindness and compassion.  Both worked as nurses.  Both raised families.  Neither was exempt from hardship, heartache or disappointment; yet, neither allowed those times to define them.  They faced troubles head-on and moved forward.

They were not frivolous or silly women; yet their laughs were easy, their smiles contagious and their eyes danced with love.  Love of life.  Of God.  Of family and friends.

They lived their lives with a strong sense of self and honor and integrity.  They were humble.  Both made you want to be a better person.  Because they were. 

They selflessly gave of themselves to others... always.  Yet, it was not in a martyr-like way or out of sense of obligation or duty... they gave from a place of strength and joy. 

I will never forget the first Thanksgiving morning I felt that joy...

I was the only one up in the dark, early morning hours washing the turkey to stuff and get cooking so that it would be ready at lunch... the house was quiet.  Now, there had been many times before when I would be up alone doing "work" for a day that I would have had a pity-party for myself.  Not this Thanksgiving morning... I felt such a sense of peace and such a flood of love and gratitude... a closeness to God... all pouring into the washing and preparing of that turkey for my family... The blessing was all mine.
I know now that was the way Aunt Dot did it... with love... and with joy.

I'm not always successful in remembering that moment or the way to serve with love; but, I am ever, ever grateful for knowing women who could.... who did... every. single. day.  They had a Gift and they shared it with all of us who were fortunate enough to be blessed by having them in our lives. 

I'm runnin' out of daylight to "be like them when I grow up"... I hope in some way they both know how deeply I admire and respect their strength and their graciousness...   And, how I know I'll never make it, but they still make me want to be better than I am...

Until later, Aunt Dot and Miss Ellen...

As Aunt Dot would say, "Just remember who you are."

blessings ~ tanna

Aged Beauties of Tyler... Day Two

As promised, I am going to continue posting views in my historic neighborhood this week as we count down the days until the Azalea Trails open.

California Girl asked the age of the neighborhood.  There are homes ranging from the late 1800s to present day infill, fortunately we have very few of these.

This would be one of the older ones. 

There are a predominate number built in the late 20s and the 1930s, when Tyler experienced a growth surge due to an oil boom.

Homes built in the 60s are eligible for historic designation now:   a home must be fifty years old to qualify as historic.

This year's Historic Tyler on Tour will feature a couple built in the late 40s, one of them a ranch style Austin Stone with beautiful crown moulding, gleaming hardwoods, and beautiful design, decor and artwork by the homeowner.

I find the variety of age and style to be delightful and interesting.

The property on the right in the above photo is a duplex built right in the midst of the single family homes, probably in the 30s.  This one is not one of ours, but I am sure it was built with the wonderful style that we so love.

This one would be one of the younger girls on the block.

There are several Tudor style homes and I love this style!

The property above was recently bought and restored to its former glory.  Gotta love it!

This concludes today's tour... hope you will come back for more.  The Azalea Trails open tomorrow; our Candlelight Tour and Party are tomorrow; and, the weekend will have the home tour going strong.

One Week Down

One week down on the Mission: THRIVE. All is going fairly well... haven't been as good about writing down the five things that make me feel happy over the course of the day... but, I have been thoughtful about what makes me happy... grateful... content throughout the day. It is a conscious focus on a positive direction... Intention!

Today, I am happy to report I made it out the door to run (in the freezing cold... NOT a fan of the cold). Made it into and out of The Village, my favorite bakery, to pick up treats for rug hooking... didn't touch a bite!! But, my best thing I have to report is an excited phone call from my daughter this morning! I cannot tell you how much it lifts my heart to hear her excited. It has been a difficult year for her. She is normally my best little thriver! I don't know many things harder, in being a mom, than to see, feel, know, sense that one of your children is struggling. I just don't. Her intent to thrive has lead her to make some hard decisions. I applaud her!! I applaud anyone who takes the time to determine what it takes to allow them to thrive and sets the intention to make that goal a reality!! You go, girl!! I'm cheering you all the way!

Just FYI, from an article in REAL SIMPLE magazine January 2010 issue by Lesley Alderman:

"Nine Secrets of Motivated People

'Tis the season for setting new goals. Want to actually - gasp- accomplish them this year? Here are some real-life strategies that really work.

1. When you make a plan, anticipate bumps.
2. Channel the Little Engine that Could.
3. Don't let your goals run wild ... but, work on them every day.
4. Go public with it.
5. Lean on a support crew when you are struggling.
6. Make yourself a priority.
7. Challenge yourself -- and change things up.
8. Keep on learning.
9. Remember the deeper meaning."

I've been asked why I chose no/low carb. I read this book. What can I say? My metabolism feels different. I'm looking to shake it up. I can manage eight weeks. ;) Then, I'll be adding the carbs back slowly... just not to the point they take over again! I'll let you know how it goes. So far, so good.

Would love to hear from you others who are taking the challenge! Solar, how do you do this low carb stuff more? Tammy, how is your focus on LIVING LIFE to the fullest going? Amanda, I know some things are going to change in your plan. Onward, ho!

Cold Morning Walk

To a Southern Gal, the thirty-something tempertature of my morning walk was bitter! I love warm weather! But, it was crisp and clear and the air danced with the smell of bread baking. We have a bakery near downtown. Walking along as darkness becomes dawn infuses me with hope and promise. I am always amazed. Every winter I witness the camelias, the pansies and the violas bloom in the bitter cold (of course, for us the bitter only lasts a couple of days at a time... soon, it will be in the seventies again. =) Oh, wonder of wonders!).

Spring waits just around the corner... Tyler ablaze with azaleas, tulips, snapdragons, dogwoods, redbuds. The Azalea Trails 10K. The Historic Tyler on Tour. Lots to look forward to!