Champagne Sundays

During the 4.13.19 gathering of #734IGLIVE (live on Instagram every Saturday at 7:34 a.m. CT) we talked a lot about words. Not the word we were using to speak with, but the words that define us. What are those words that drive you? That inspire you? That are the pillars supporting you each and every day? I haven't been able to shake this conversation. It's self-reflection and that's hard. I feel like I'm always redefining myself. Or trying to, maybe. I'm quick to be inspired. Be influenced. To emulate. I'm quick to take on the skills of others because I know I can. Their success inspires me and I want it. Dang, that's a terrible thing to say. Isn't it? I started to write my three words based on my life story, as instructed. The first word I wrote was restless . Not a good way to start, huh? I then wrote teacher , social , insecure , emotional , and weak . Well, two pillars out of six isn't bad, is it? Maybe this is why I haven'...

I've been accused of being addicted to many things in my life - big 80’s hair, a good cry for no reason, daytime soaps, any mini series featuring Robert Mitchum or Richard Chamberlain, a good red wine, Prosecco, my son’s laughter - but never in my life have I gotten so defensive over a presumed addiction as when I was accused of being addicted to my cell phone and social media.   I mean really, an addiction? That sounds so extreme! Yet, there I was, sneaking a peek at Twitter when no one was looking, hiding the phone under a pillow when someone would walk into the room, checking Facebook at the first restroom break I could excuse myself to, having hid there just minutes before. But wait, am I addicted? Do my reactions to the accusations render me guilty or simply guilty by association?   Those accusers, who shall remain nameless, seem to think that there was a time and a place when we all simply talked more. My argument is we talk the same now (maybe even more?)...

Change.   It seems to be the word of the week.   Everywhere I turn there’s someone talking about change whether it be in a relationship (you know who you are ... YAY!), in a job status (congrats VR for taking it upon yourself), in waistlines (-50(+) – way to go JS), or even the piggy bank full of change that my son asked to cash in after nearly a year of savings.   Really, I feel right now like everything and everyone is transitioning around me, and I am leading the pack. Someone told me just today how proud they are of me for keeping it all together.   Personally, I don’t think I’ve done a very good job at that, on the inside, but that’s neither here nor there.   As I started to write this, thinking I was going to pour my heart out about personal loss and change for no one to read (a personal blog is a public dear diary entry, right?) I was interrupted by this month’s prayer request email.   Hello reality slap in the face.   Nice to meet you. So ...