SmilingEyes

In The Still Of The Night......

2011-10-17T04:19:00.005-05:00

I can not sleep tonight. I am not sure why, but I just can not sleep. It has been almost 9 months since my last post. Why? I really don't know.....

Much has happened during this time, in our Photography business, our family life and in our personal relationship.

We continue to work hard in the Photography business as we have found a new dynamic lab to work with for our school division, In addition to that, every day brings new and challenging options for us to implement for our photography clients.

Our family is still trying to adapt to the sudden deaths of John and Jim at the end of last year, I am not looking forward to the first anniversary of their deaths. Our hearts ache so very much and they are both missed daily. I am amazed at the strength Nancy appears to have in dealing with her loss. She is a loving Mother in Law and I am blessed. Just wish we were closer to her. We have spent much time together in the past 9 months but still being able to just "drop in" would be great. Wish we lived in the age of the "Jetsons" it would make life so convenient when distance is a concern.

We just returned from a great 5 days with my family, celebrating my Mothers 77th birthday. It was great to see my Mother smile, laugh and enjoy her children and grandchildren. Family times are so nice.

Our personal life has been great, we discover and remember so many wonderful things daily. Our love continues to grow each minute. Yes there are trying times, but you know, our love for each other seems to diminish the trying times. I want to say I an so very blessed, but I will say WE are so very blessed. We will celebrate 25 years in April 2012. Where has the time gone, it seems like yesterday when we took off to Gatlinburg to "secretly" get married on April 1st. Mikes boys knew but thought it was great to be able to keep our "April Fool's Day" wedding a secret. And when our family and friends received the announcement on April 1st they were surprised, but were happy for us..."No Foolin" ! Yes 25 years; my we have grown, loved and lived and I hope for at least 25 more!

So in the Still of This Night, I can not sleep, but I can relax and reflect. And I thank God for all my blessings.

Good Night, Sweet Dreams!

It Is In The Eyes & The Soul.......

2011-01-31T08:51:00.013-06:00

I call my blog SMILING EYES for many reasons. When I was a child, one of my friends Mother told me I had a great smile with high cheek bones and I even shared this smile with my eyes. I remember that my Grandpa Ward would set us on his lap or next to him and challenge us to remain sober and not smile. Then he would stare us down and we would forever break out with a smile and giggles as we failed his challenge, Grandpa stared at us with a twinkle and a grand smile in his eyes that we could not resist responding to.
On a side note.....I love to tease people but can not get away with it too much because of my eyes, I must have inherited this from Grandpa.

There is a saying that goes something like......Smile and they will wonder what you have been up to. Hmmm I believe this is true.

When we were in trouble at home as children, we did not want to fess up, a smile most generally gave us away, unfortunately we could not win our Mom over with the smile so a punishment was inevitable.

This past weekend we had a SNOW BALL for our Service Unit's Girl Scouts who range in age from Kindergarten through Juniors in high school. There were many girls there with oh so many smiles, one little girl told a leader "this is the Best Night of my life!" Wow what a way to make an adult smile, when a child smiles.

As a parent I am sure there is a joy when their infant smiles for the first time. As a photographer, it is an accomplishment to make a child smile to make a parent happy. Somehow I feel this is related. I am not a parent so my joy does come from making a child smile for their school picture as each year passes. I have been a school photographer for 30 years now and have photographed many children during this time span. I have realized that I have to smile as I take each and every picture. Oh my, I sure am glad that it takes less muscles to smile than to frown or I would have so many more crinkles in my face.

The past two months have been full of emotions for us. We have lost loved ones, shared a wonderful surprise at Christmas and are now learning to accept the loss of our loved ones. There have been smiles through pain, joy and even sorrow. Smiles of thanks and most especially smiles of love. God knew what he was doing when he allowed us a smile as an expression to be shared.

When my Nana died the priest spoke about Jesus laughing and how it was rare to see images of him laughing in the bible or other art work portraying Him. After we left the cemetery we stopped at a Religious store to look for a book. My Mother remained in the car and as Mike and I went through the store we came across a framed picture of Jesus laughing. How fitting to come across this at this particular time, we purchased one for us and one for my Mother. We went out to the car and I saw the sadness my Mother was experiencing, I handed her the picture and she smiled and we all knew God had reached out to give us this smile to help our heavy hearts.

And in this picture Jesus is smiling even with his eyes!

My wish today is that with your mouth or with your eyes, share a smile today!

We Will Get Through It, Because Of HIM

2010-12-20T06:47:00.009-06:00

He will hold our hand or carry us as we move through the next two weeks of this nightmare. Yes it is a nightmare, my husband stated this the other evening and I agree.

The Christmas Season is to be a season of celebration with family, of the Birth Of Christ. Our family is devastated this Christmas season with the loss of a Brother and Father all within two weeks. Both deaths unexpected and crushing our spirits. Yet I have a firm belief that these two fine men are with our Lord and will be helping him to get us through the holiday.

My Mother in law believes that Jim and John were meant to be together and I believe this was God's will. It is comforting to know that a son was awaiting his father as he passed into the next life. OR that this father went to be with his son who had passed into the next life. This next life is with our Lord.

We wondered about John's religious strength and when his apartment was cleaned out, my husband was comforted to find bibles and religious books that John had. Yes, he believed. When it comes to thoughts of religion and Jim my father in law, there is no doubt that he believed. Last spring when my husband had some meetings with the Bishop in Katy Texas my Father in law went with Mike. I believe he was very proud of my husbands journey with Christ. Jim wanted to be a part of it, even in this small way. And when he took Mike to the airport and embraced him, Jim told Mike he was proud of him. This was the final time Mike was with his Dad in person, how wonderful it is, that this memory will be with Mike forever, thanks to God.

We carry on a photography business that was started in 1921 by Mike's Grandfather and passed on to us by Mike's Dad in 1982, we have worked diligently to continue this tradition and it was a given that we just do it, no need to be proud of that. But to watch as your son became a Deacon and very involved in the church, yes that made Jim proud.

As Jim attempted to deal with his son John's death he turned to his minister Harold and more than likely turned within, to our Lord for comfort. Jim called me and told me he had talked with Harold because he wanted to help Nancy, even at this time he reached out to God through Harold to help his wife of 58 years, get through the funeral for John.

Alas it was not meant for Jim to be with Nancy at their sons funeral, but it was his desire to help her through it. I hope she knows that.

Jim and John will be present in our hearts at the funeral but I would rather think of it as a Celebration of their lives both separate and together. We will get through it, it will be tough, but how fitting that it will occur during the season of Christ's birth. Christ who was sent to us as our Savior. It gives me much comfort to know that John and Jim are with our Savior and as the Christmas season passes they will be with us in our hearts.

Yes, HE will hold our hand or carry us as we move through the next two weeks and I am glad HE is here for us. And I know PEACE will come.

If God Had A Wallet, Your Picture Would Be In It!

2010-12-11T07:02:00.005-06:00

The room was dark except for a light over the table at the back. He welcomed me and asked me to have a seat, thus the interview that would change my life forever began.

It was 1978 and I was a recently divorced woman without any focus for my future. I was working at a hospital as a darkroom tech in the X Ray department, I had worked at a photography studio briefly before this job and for another photography company before that. I knew I wanted to be a photographer so when the Studio job was listed in the paper I applied.

Little did I know what was in store, but I believe God did.

I got the job and became an employee of Spieth Inc. Mr. Jim Spieth became my boss, now back to the interview, this man was a quiet, somber gentleman. He hardly spoke and asked me very few questions, gave me a test and told me I had a job.....possibly, he had one more interview and would call. Once again may I say this was a very different type of job interview. But I did like meeting this quiet gentleman.

I waited to hear if I got the job and on the day he called to tell me yes, I had also received a call from another photography company I had interviewed for offering me a position with them. I told Mr. Spieth this and we did a bit of negotiating about hours and pay and I told him that I would accept the position. And again as I remember this, I do believe God sent me on this road for a reason.

I enjoyed my job at the Studio Photique located in the mall in Mattoon. I rarely saw my new employer as he was in Olney some 80 miles south. As time passed and I got more photography skills under my belt and also moved up to managing the studio I felt content. Then one day I received a call from Mr. Spieth and he told me that since the Studio was not doing exactly what he wanted in addition to my job as manager, I would begin taking pictures in schools for Spieth Inc.

Wow, this became something I really enjoyed. Children are gifts from God and being able to capture their youth in my pictures as they grew, was wonderful. As in a previous blog I call this Memory Insurance.

As time passed and the business structure changed Mr. Spieth, now Jim became my dear friend and his son became my boss. We began a new venture called SPIETH PHOTOGRAPHY and I moved to Olney.

Eventually Jim became my father in law, when God blessed me once again with my marriage to his son Mike.

So boss, friend, father in law who would ever know this would happen, but I am sure God did.

Yesterday God brought Jim home to him, we are numb as we have not even had the funeral for John, his son. But I am sure God has a plan and it is a blessing that Jim is with him and not here in a permanent injured state from his tragic accident.

Perhaps God needed a new photographer to help him take the pictures that God Keeps In His Wallet.

I will miss you my dear father in law, friend and boss. I Love You, God's Peace Always and THANK YOU so very much for bringing me into your life. You were a gift in my life.

And one more favor, would you please make sure that God has my picture is in His Wallet?

Just From My Heart

2010-12-05T08:25:00.007-06:00

God created man and woman, in addition, he created all of our pieces and parts. Thus this enables us to have a place in our hearts for memories! Every day we are able to tuck away memories and then we can go to this place and take out a memory to help us or cheer us or just because.

In our business we state we create "memory insurance" through our photography and yes I believe we do, however it is what is in our hearts that is the essence of our memories. Our senses enable these memories with seeing a photograph or video, smelling a fragrance or even hearing a song, a verse or scripture that trigger the memories we have.

Bob Hope was famous for his song "Thanks For The Memories" and if you really listen to this song it is what it is all about.

I also think that if you ever have to be with a person that has Alzheimer's it is amazing that they still have their memories that they do refer to daily.

Recently my dear brother in law passed away and to help us, my husband and I have been retrieving memories from our hearts, of John. We can enjoy these with laughter, with tears and with much love. The loss is impossible to measure but the memories we have retrieved, cushion this loss.

Yes, I believe we should thank God, that he has allowed us to have a place in our hearts for our memories. Think about it and take out a heartfelt memory today.

May GOD BLESS You John, You Will Be Missed, But ALWAYS REMEMBERED, We Love You Dearly.

God's Paintings

2010-10-14T06:52:00.010-05:00

Each morning as the dawn breaks, I am able to sit on my couch and watch as the sun hits the trees. This is the time of year that enforces to me that GOD is here, all around. I love the fall and the colors of fall. Many years ago I was having lunch with a friend at a State park near Charleston Illinois. After my friend left I remained and drank in all the color that surrounded me and felt very blessed that God shares this beauty with us. It amazes me that as each day breaks during the dark of the night God is busy adding more color to the trees across the lake from me. I have even observed several days, a young doe getting a drink from the lake amongst the color of the trees. Last week there was a mist over the lake and the doe appeared from the trees, now as a photographer why did I not have my camera handy? I suppose God wanted me to keep this lovely picture in my heart and I have!

Daily I await the dawn to break to see the new colors that have been added in the night. Today I was up quite early and my little Rico needed to go out, so we headed out the front door and oh my the beauty of the night hit me, a brilliant dark sky with millions of stars all around, yet another painting from God. As in a previous post I want a "simple life" but with beautiful paintings from God, would it be a simple life? I think not, I believe it would be a simply beautiful life! Look all around you and enjoy God's gift of his paintings for us. We are blessed indeed!

Around & Around

2010-09-26T07:10:00.011-05:00

Life for me lately (Last 3 Months) has been like a revolving door and I am staying in it and just going around and around! Have you ever had that happen? I am dizzy! And I want to get out of it now. My goal is to live the SIMPLE LIFE!

But not with all the hustle bustle of hurry up and get it done yesterday! We live in a "fast food" world, do people these days really know what it is to take time to "stop and smell the roses"? What a shame not to smell the beauty of a rose.

The fragrance is soft, gentle and pure. The rose itself is the same. My Father loved roses and had many over the years in his garden. I recall when Dad would bring in a freshly cut rose and share it with all of us. There were several special vases for the roses he brought in the house. After a hard rain Dad would venture out into the gardens and rescue the roses that were damaged and bring them in and let the blooms float in vases of water, and when they opened, they were beautiful. And oh, so simple. Alas, after he passed away, the roses disappeared from the gardens.

This makes me realize that my Dad lived a simple life. He had six children from a marriage of 50 plus years, he had a job working for the city and worked a variety of shifts. Many of the holidays we had growing up were spent without Dad as he worked at the water department and the department was open 24/7. We would get his dinner ready and take it to him and jest that he was having dinner at "The Pump Room". We lived in a suburb of Chicago and "The Pump Room" was a fancy downtown restaurant. Once again, I believe Dad preferred this simple "Pump Room" over the fancy downtown establishment. It was just how he wanted it.

While growing up we had one and I mean one Family vacation, we went to a good family friend's cabin in Wisconsin and had a blast, however it was a very simple laid back vacation, just what Dad wanted.

I want this way of life, I want roses in my garden, I want a simple vacation, I want out of the revolving door!

Yes, soon I hope to stop and smell the roses and realize that their simple beauty is a loving gift from God and I am thankful.

Memories

2010-06-30T21:13:00.011-05:00

Well it has been awhile but I am back and ready to share some more.

I was walking through the house very early this morning about 3:45 AM, yes very early! And I was thinking about my life, remembering and recalling the good, the bad, and the ugly! It is mostly good and I think I was in this frame of mind because of several things that have happened recently.

A dear friend of mine and I are involved currently with an event that is going to take place next week and she asked me yesterday just how long I have been a part of it, I thought about it and realized it had been 24 years! Golly gee, it should make me feel old but honestly it seems like just yesterday that I got involved.

This triggered my thought process as to my family, my marriage and our business through the years. My how the years have flown by.

My husband is now a Grandpa and I get to enjoy his fantastic grandsons, two really neat sons and one super daughter in law with him. I am blessed to have my Mom and Mike's parents still a part of my life and I have many great nieces and nephews. My siblings (four sisters and one brother) continue to amaze me through their work ethic, great parenting skills and the ability to survive many challenges which have been related to health, business and even horrendous family issues. I think that is a hat's off to my Mom and Dad. And daily I continue to remember my wonderful Dad who is now in Heaven, he is missed greatly by all.

My marriage is now in its 23rd year, it seems like we just went to Gatlinburg to make our vows and yes as my Dad has said marriage is like driving through the mountains; many ups and downs, some straight and some curvy roads and eventually you come out on top to a road that leads you to the future with your spouse. I think about this and find it neat that we drove through the mountains to get married. And yes we have driven these marital roads and continue through the mountains, ours is a unique marriage because we are together almost 24/7 through our love, business and our most valued involvement with God. Mike is studying and is currently a Deacon in the REC Anglican Church, with the goal of becoming a Priest eventually and serve the children of God. I am blessed and proud to be a part of this (and don't think this portion of the road has not had its curves and ups and downs).

We continue on with our Photography studio and it too is full of memories and we continue to preserve memories by capturing images that will last a lifetime! It is an ever changing business with the introduction of digital imaging and the influx of many self made photographers, it is my hope that the art of photography will not be lost because of this.

We brought to life in the past year a new entity THE McCLURE GUESTHOUSE, and it is also full of memories and will continue to make memories for the guests that stay. In the past year there has been a couple that got engaged, numerous senior and wedding portraits photographed, wedding nights for newlyweds and family gatherings. There have also been dinners, bridal & baby showers some meetings and a wonderful grand opening event. The home was built in 1872 and we restored it to share a bit of history with the community. I loved the home the minute we viewed it back in the late 90's and purchased it within 30 minutes of viewing it. After moving out we determined it deserved to be renovated for the future. And for people to enjoy and make memories.

I guess you can see why I was up and had this going through my mind,and yes there are so many more thing I could write about but it would be a book. I am looking forward to a great 4th weekend coming up, our SPIETH daughters are coming home for the annual 4th gathering, we have been getting together for about 12 years and we love it and them and all of their families which includes spouses, children and main squeezes! Yes all around us through many challenges in the past, present and future ( I am sure) you can see there are memories and yes they most generally are blessings! I challenge you to think of your memories and relish them, and have a great day!

It Is Sad I Am Not A Mom But.........

2010-05-09T21:50:00.006-05:00

Every year on Mother's day I get a lump in my throat and wish for what isn't. As a child it was my ultimate dream to be a Mommy. Alas that dream never became a reality for me. For some reason the Lord never blessed me with my own children but I often imagine what it would be like if there had been a Beth Lynn or an Amy or even a Johnny in my life and the kind of Mommy I would have been. There would have been lots of hugs, kisses, laughter and then of course I am sure there would have been sadness, disappointment and even anger however I am certain the positive would have dominated any negative.

I am lucky to be an aunt, godmother, surrogate mom, a step mom and step grand mom but still to have been able to hold and love oh so much my own flesh and blood would have been wonderful!

It would have been great to adopt but for very personal reasons that too was not in "the cards". A dear person in my life said we are all dealt certain cards and these were just the cards I was dealt in my life.

So that being said I have to remember I have many children in my life with my family and with Mike's family and I love them all very much! In addition I have had many girls in my life with my Girl Scout troops and I hold them all very dear to me.

This past week Mike and I have been working with portrait orders of some of the beautiful children of the girls that worked for us. It is a new generation of love evolving. Today one of our "surrogate daughters" had a Graduation party and her "BFF" (another of our surrogates) was there with her son and it melted my heart to watch him with Mike. Children love Mike and he is blessed to be a Dad to two wonderful boys and the best Grandpa to two little boys. All of my nieces and nephews really love Uncle Mike and I am so glad! He is the best and it is great that he was "dealt this set of cards" for being a great Dad.

Perhaps the love we both have for children is why for the past 30 (yes 30!) years we have enjoyed being photographers mainly of children and this may just be my way of leaving a part of myself when I am gone. The smiles of many (100's of thousands I am sure) children for their parents to treasure forever.

SO..... yes it is sad that I am not a Mom, but thankfully I have had many children in my life and I can be content. I called my sister today to wish her a Happy Mother's Day and she said "I am not your Mom" and I replied "but you are my sister who is a Mom". I want to tell all my friends and family who are Mom's I wish you all a Happy Mother's Day and yes, you are not my Mom, but you are so very blessed to be a Mom!

April Showers.......

2010-04-26T06:25:00.009-05:00

Rain, rain go away, come again another day........ I have said that a few times this month but it is April and April showers do bring May flowers so.....

Earlier this month I was in Florida with my Mom and it did rain a few days, what a bummer when you go to Florida for the sunshine! When you stay at a resort where the focus is outdoor activities it is much more of a bummer. Of course there is TV and books and if you are like me I did take work. It is amazing just what you can do via the Internet in my line of work.

This past weekend we photographed our Little League 32 teams and the rain was once again very near. A few sprinkles in the AM and then around 2 the skies opened. We were under cover at the Fair Ground Hog Barns and we were able to photograph with the green outdoors, but rain did appear on some of the children's jerseys, thank goodness for Photoshop!

The area is so green and lush thanks to the great weather earlier this month, today it is once again cloudy and rain is in the air. My day off but I have to tend to The McClure Guesthouse after a week of guests and a dinner there tonight as well as a mini open house on Wednesday. I had hoped to plant some flowers, but in the past it has been advised to wait until Mother's Day so.......... I will!!

It is amazing how much the weather can control our life. We have to stay in when it rains, we can be stuck inside too with abundant snowfall, and have to dress for the cold or hot. Winds can be pushy and tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and extreme heat and cold are all in charge when prevalent.

I often wonder how the birds, insects and other critters of nature can just go with the flow of weather. Where do they go when the winds are strong, the rain is falling in torrents, the snow is deep, the hail pounds all around, the heat is oppressive and the cold is sub zero. How do they do it? I guess it just goes to show that GOD is around and protects his creatures large and small in his own way.

And remember, a sunrise is His reminder and a sunset is His gift that the day is good and tomorrow will be even better! And yes a rainbow is His seal that all is well in our world!

Have a very blessed day be it sunny, rainy, cold, hot or just right for you!

Just Another Day?

2010-03-14T18:37:00.015-05:00

Yesterday was my hubby's birthday. I won't tell his age but he is experienced with celebrating. His day began with a loud Happy Birthday greeting from me, followed by the suggestion that he get up since it was going on 8 and there were photography sessions beginning at 9:30. Yes, this year he did have to work

:(, but only till noon.

We then came home and got ready to head to Evansville for church at Trinity Anglican, our new church home. Before leaving he did watch a bit of the Big 10 Tournament Illinois/Ohio State game, he tore himself away from watching and tuned into the radio during the drive. Alas Illinois lost, but there is "always next year"!

We arrived at our new church Trinity Anglican and went in. Mike was greeted by numerous "Happy Birthdays". Mind you we have only been attending this church since February but this most certainly is now our church family and the wishes were genuine! And they even brought out a beautiful birthday cake made by one of the parishoners during fellowship, what a neat surprise!

Our Church life has been in a state of upheaval since the middle of November, when the Stringtown Rd. church took yet another path of alignment, this time to Greek Orthodoxy, and we did not opt for a new path this time. It has been a very sad three and a half months for us, with this turn of events, and no real warning from the clergy & vestry, they just did it. We felt abandoned and it has hurt deeply, especially since we supported the Priest down many paths, searching for his ideal religious preference. Don't get me wrong, he is a great and gifted human being, but he has not found just where he wants to be yet, I wish him and his wonderful family much happiness. And for all the others that either followed or set out on a different path, we will miss them and are so thankful they were a part of our life for a while.

Our new church family is made up of really nice, new friends and some friends from the Stringtown Rd. church who had left at another time. We are happy to be with them again. The Holy Spirit is with them all and they are a loving church family group, wanting to share the Love of Christ with everyone.

Church is on Saturday evenings at this time and we really feel at home here. Father David is a wonderful, caring, giving priest; this church is blessed. They have opened their arms and hearts to us.

Mike is going to meet with two Bishops in a couple of weeks and we hope he is received as a Deacon in the Reformed Episcopal Church. Mike then can serve as a Deacon, assist Father David and Bishop Wes, to help the church grow and a goal is to establish new churches in the area.

So as Mike begins another year in his life, he is on a new path that God has guided him to and it is good. What a wonderful way to start this next year! We are so excited and no, this birthday was not "just another day", I believe it was a great birthday.

Happy Birthday Mike! It is going to be a grand year filled with the love of God and our new church family!

They Call Them Grands, Because.....

2010-02-11T08:10:00.010-06:00

......I have been thinking about this for awhile, there are many reasons they call them grands: silly, busy, true, happy, sad, curious, sassy, sneaky, pensive, rowdy, secretive, joyful but most of all loving.

Grands can be all of these and bring such joy to our lives. Our two grandsons Emery & Lynden are all of the above and so much more, we are blessed. A few weeks ago we were going to take them to Church with us and Emery was actually excited to go, however the weather in Evansville deemed a cancelled service Soooo we played hide and seek in the studio and of course took their pictures (a surprise for Mom and Dad, I thought till their "Grand"pa Mike posted them on Facebook),

Such fun we had, then a trek to get ice cream, alas our local DQ is closed due to a fire in January, so we headed to Lawrenceville to the Dairy Dee, when we got there it too was closed, so we headed to Vincennes to Lics. After a quick stop at the Christian book store it was on to get ice cream. Emery wanted a chocolate cone and a Chocolate chip shake and Lynden got a dish of vanilla and a gummy worm. He loved the gummy but did not want the ice cream, can you believe it? Too cold I guess.

Back at home they got out the few toys we keep and they always love, (as I recall my childhood, toys at my Nana's were few but oh so special! And we fought to open the small cupboard they were kept in and retrieve them for playtime at Nanny's.)

Then it was time for supper, I opted to fix ham and Belgian waffles and when served, I was told that you don't eat breakfast for supper...well excuse me! Needless to say they did eat it and then horror of all horrors we made them watch the Miss America Pageant (Mike wanted to watch, only because Rush was a judge.)

Then time for jam-mies and an attempt for them

to get to sleep. Emery crashed but Lyndy cuddled with Grandpa Mike and fell asleep. Grandpa Mike liked it so much that it was there Mommy & Daddy found Lyndy when they came to pick them up. The look on Grandpa Mike's face as he held his "grand"son was great.

I recall growing up and being a "grand" and loving all my grandparents so very much. They shared with me so many things....scrambled eggs with ketchup, how to iron, real egg shampoos, how to set a table for a formal dinner, candy corn, coconut cake, how to have a large family gathering in a small space filled with an enormous amount of love, snuff, smiles, hugs, teasing, games, walks, the love and true belief in God, yes I was a "grand" because of them.

And you know Grandparents are 'Grands" too and with our "Grand"children it really is GRAND!!!! I can't wait to share and learn and Love because of them!

Competition Can Be "Real Goods", Right?

2010-01-12T21:09:00.010-06:00

It is that time again. Yes time to head to Springfield and watch the State Fair Queen Pageant. I have been attending since 2002. It has been an interesting and fun experience through the years.

Lots of pressure and not always a lot of fun for the contestants. But why can't it be just the opposite? Lots of fun and not much pressure. I would think seeing a young woman in a more natural state, competing this way, would be the right way to select the winner. Ah yes, the argument of how well could she handle herself in different situations, some with pressure and difficult people and others totally out of her control. Well I really believe if she is at this point of the competition her '"real goods" got her there.

There are some "real goods" that are important: great communication skills, good personal appearance, the ability to get along and be flexible. But generally speaking these things are important for everyone, everyday, everywhere.

Wow, we all could be and should be winners, right?

What a difference life would be with positive attitudes everywhere, smiles, hugs, happiness and peace. What a life, a very good, simple, natural, joyful life!

SO, not gonna happen right? Competition the "devil's advocate" the way the world REALLY is, what a shame!

Perhaps with God's help someday soon we will be able to see a change and competition would include fellowship and helping each other to strive to be their very best every day, simply, joyfully, naturally and thankfully. We would win the competition for ourselves, others and our Lord.

Oh yes GOOD LUCK Malory! You have already won by being all the above. Let's hope the judges are not blind and see it. I am privileged to have you in my life! This blog is for you! As was my first blog:)

In The Darkness Can You See?

2010-01-05T21:49:00.004-06:00

As I was driving home this evening I found myself feeling sad. Since November many homes along the way shared the lights of Christmas cheer. They were welcoming lights for the season [that seems to get longer each year].

What strikes me though, that is in anticipation for Christmas we light up our homes inside and out, but once it is here within a matter of days the lights are "snuffed out". This makes me sad and it is really hard to see as it is dark and dreary.

Do you think this is what God wanted? Shouldn't we be turning the lights on everywhere because of God's gift of his son Jesus for us, he is the light, yet we turn out our lights once he is here.

Can you imagine if once Jesus was born that that was it, nothing more just his birth. We are so blessed that God did not let that happen and gave us the bright light of his son Jesus, to lead us and teach all about love, peace, hope and truth. These are the lights that should be leading us to make our lives alive and bright always, not for just a season.

Yet the lights are out, it is over, perhaps that is also why these days our life is dark and dreary, we have turned out the light. Maybe just maybe, if we were to turn the light back on we would see better and maybe we could begin to get back what is ours and not let others take over (as they seem to have) in the dark and change our lives. Yes, it is my hope we turn on the lights and return to living as God wanted us to, with Love, Peace, Truth and Hope.

May God Bless Us All.

And yes please turn your lights back on!

A Wonderful Ending and A Great Beginning!

2010-01-03T13:29:00.019-06:00

Wow what a year 2009 was. CHANGE was the word our President used and CHANGE is what I have lived this past year!

We became a true "family" business with no external employees. A good thing I think considering all that we had been through in 2008.

We are now proprietors at last, of The McClure Guesthouse after 30 months of restoration and three months of shopping! That definitely has made it so I don't go out of my way to "shop till I drop" and my husband was a peach through all the shopping, God Bless him! He knows just about everything when it comes to purchases for a Victorian home. We also now get to be the "housekeepers" and it is fun. Mike has learned to even make square corners when making a bed. It has taken him a long time but he can do it! We are still revising and revamping to get things just right. We get to go and take down the Christmas decor and clean up after we had guests during the holidays. We look forward to sharing the house this year. It is a dream that has come true and I am glad we have preserved a bit of history for Olney.

We are looking to a new venture in our church life. For four years we went to church in Evansville, Mike was ordained there in 2006 as an Anglican Deacon and we made many wonderful friends. In late November this Anglican Church ceased to exist and now we are pondering just what to do. I am certain that God has a plan for us and it will come together as we start this new decade. We were fortunate last Sunday to be at my Mothers and we attended a lovely Anglican Church in Woodstock Illinois. It was a 90 minute drive, but then that is what it was to St. Andrew's in Evansville. However it was a lovely drive as the snow was everywhere and oh so beautiful, truly a Gift from God to us. It was great to commune with God in church and in nature!

Christmas this year was such fun!

Christmas Eve lunch with Brad, Jeff, Reagan, Emery and Lynden was great and we were Snuggified!

Then we did a bit of Christmas eve shopping here in Olney. Christmas Eve evening we watched the Mass from Rome with Pope Benedict and then headed to bed.

We set out Christmas morning for my sister Betsey's home in Naperville. Our "Garmen Lady" directed our travel on a new route which took us very close to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where my Dad is laid to rest. We visited his grave and then went on to Betsey's where we arrived an hour early, I hope they were not mad, but that allowed us some personal time with just their family before the other 15 arrived. All in all there were 24 of us together for a glorious family holiday. It was a new beautiful venue this year at Betsey's home but quite spacious and my Mother loved it! No stress for her this year. As we left that night to head to Mom's the snow was falling and made for a perfect ending to a great Christmas!

On Saturday afternoon we headed to Chicago with my sister Patti and her family up from Florida. We went to the Water Tower area and walked around enjoying the stores and it was snowing. We had hot chocolate from the Hershey store and then all 6 of us piled in a horse driven carriage for a ride around the city. Quite magical if you ask me, not only for the sights but also since the horse was able to take us all on. We laughed so much and as we always have, enjoyed each others company! Although many miles separate us the love we have binds us together.

When we got back from church on Sunday, Frank was helping determine that Mom's computer had a virus and needed the "Geek Squad". My sister Maureen was there the whole time we were and being with her is always a joy. She has some health issues but thanks to Kathy yet another sister of mine, Maureen will see the Dr. and Physical Therapist this new year to get her back on track!

Sunday evening found 16 of us at Hackney's a Wenger/Ward family favorite through the years. As always we had their great onion loaf and most of us had Hackney burgers. Again we laughed and had great family time and believe it or not I was the chauffeur for Mom, Mike and Maureen. They actually trusted me to drive in the city!

Monday was our annual family meeting for Mom and children only, so the spouses got to go shopping without us. After the meeting, I ended up going to our favorite shopping mall Old Orchard with Patti and family, we found Mike and had lunch at Noodles, so good! I went over to see my sister Kathy's beautifully redecorated house while the others went to see 2012, and then that evening we went out for yet another fine dining experience with 10 of us. It was great and a fitting end to our last night with the family.

We headed home Tuesday and arrived in time for Lynden's second birthday celebration. Yet another houseful with Scherer's, Spieth's and Wilson's.

Back to work Wednesday and Thursday morning and then our New Year's Eve festivities with our two wonderful Grandsons. What a great way to end the year and begin the New year with these sweeties.

Yesterday Mike and I did our annual after Christmas trek, this year we went to St. Louis and shopped. Not to the stores we always shop at but we went to The Bose Store, The Art of Shaving, Teavana, Trader Joe's and World Bazaar all unique shops that got a bit of our money. We start the New Year with some neat things. I am so lucky to sit hear as I write this and listen to our new Bose Wave Machine give us great music. {Thanks Mom!}

We are blessed in so many ways! Yes this year our Christmas/New Years Celebrations were what it is all about GOD, family and friends.

May yours be too!

Have a Happy Blessed New Year!

Thanks For The Memories

2009-11-26T05:53:00.010-06:00

It is another Thanksgiving, a time to reflect and realize all the blessings and memories which surround me. First I am so very thankful and blessed that the Lord is in my life day in and day out! Without Him I would not be able to accept all that has happened this past year!

I am so very blessed to have a wonderful husband he is the best even at his worst! Does that make sense? To me yes, to you perhaps not. He is my life, really, we live together, love together, worship together, work together, laugh together, share together, squabble together and survive together. He is my REAL BETTER HALF, without him I wonder if I would be. God placed him in my life at the right time.

This year has brought about many changes. We had changes in our Photography business, mainly with employees, but it has been a good change. There was a time when we needed people to work that really did their job so well, they had a great work ethic and to this day I miss them dearly and then there were those that took what they could without any work ethic, they just put in their time and took their paycheck.

We finally opened The McClure Guesthouse and it has been an experience. I am so thankful for the craftsmanship put in to the restoration and then for the help from family and dear friends in the decor and set up of each room. And once again I thank Mike for letting this dream of mine come true. And of course without my Mom and sister Kathy in dealing with the finances it really would not be. I appreciate all who helped!

A major change has been our church life. Sadly we have lost our St. Andrew's church family, but I can only hope the Lord has a much better plan for us. There is an empty church here in Olney and I believe there is a reason it has remained empty, we shall see and I shall pray and perhaps next year I will be thankful that we were able to open the church once again. It is in the Lords hands though.

I am thankful for the many friends I have in my life both near and far. Many friendships have been renewed and born this year, thanks to the Internet. And many friendships continue on, even though the friends have moved away, this too because of the Internet.

Finally, I am so very thankful for my family which includes Wards and Spieths. Parents, siblings, children and grandchildren they are all wonderful blessings and help create grand memories!

So as I look back, yes I am thankful for the memories of the past year and I am thankful for what will come in the future.

Have a wonderful, Blessed Thanksgiving!

A New Beginning With Old Time Charm

2009-11-05T07:07:00.011-06:00

Last Saturday we had our first wedding couple spend their first night as newlyweds at The McClure Guesthouse. We were so excited for them. We also were privileged to photograph their wedding. After we finished the wedding pictures we went back to the studio and printed a couple of pictures for them, put them in frames and then went to the Guesthouse to place them around for them, along with some other little surprises. We then "pretended" to be the couple as they walked in for the first time to see if they would notice these little surprises. You may think we are crazy but it was fun to do this. On Sunday they were having a brunch and opening their gifts, with their families. Around 1 PM we received a call from the groom's sister asking if the couple could stay another night, they loved the house and since they were not leaving until Monday for their Honeymoon, they wanted one more night at the house (instead of at their parents, perhaps). This was great to hear and of course they could stay. Last evening the Groom's Mother stopped by and said that her son told her he never had appreciated "old houses" but this Home really made him realize old homes could be appreciated and enjoyed. Yeah, mission accomplished I think.

Last Friday a young man and his girlfriend were being photographed for "Christmas gifts" at the house, at the very end of the session, he asked Mike to take a picture from up on the staircase down on them leaving and Mike said sure. He took the picture and then the young man knelt down and asked the young lady to marry him! (Mike was in on this loving surprise) All of this was captured for them, keeping the memory forever. The pictures capture the love these two young people have for each other.

We look forward to sharing this Guesthouse with many in the future. Families will be staying during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. So of course there is love to be shared then. In the spring there are reservations for weddings and family parties. And there will be so many more I am sure as the word gets out.

In my June 30Th blog my vision for this home was "A Gift Of Love" from these two experiences I think it is happening! I am so glad and so excited for the Love that will come in the future. So check back as I divulge the many bits of Love as a result of The McClure Guesthouse.

If you wish to take a peak at the Guesthouse, click on the picture of Mike and I and it will take you to our web page.

THE GIFT OF FAMIILY

2009-10-13T04:49:00.004-05:00

I am so blessed! This past weekend we celebrated my Mom's 75th birthday. It was a surprise party and we did succeed in surprising her. Of course the fibs to get to her to the venue were so involved and looking back are so funny. The expression on Mom's face when she realized that we were at a party for her is unforgettable. The love in the room as she entered was everywhere! And the family and friends in attendance was wonderful. I think the most touching moment was when she saw her sister there. And as she looked around and saw everyone else I am sure she was pleased.

As in previous posts I have discussed my great nieces and nephews, they come from great stock.

My sisters and brother are the best! Being the oldest has it's advantages and a few disadvantages.

I was most generally in charge, being the boss was fun. I never got to seek advice on how my siblings did things. I got blamed for many things. I was always the one who "should have known better"! I was able to do things first, "that is not fair" was heard often.

I have a sister who is just 10 and a half months younger than me and oh how we fought! But oh how I love and appreciate her. She is creative, generous and very loving. She is the one who is in charge now of helping Mom and a younger sister while she is experiencing medical issues. In addition she has 5 of my great nieces and nephews. Her husband is a police officer and I am sure she worries often. My next sister is 28 months younger and she is a great woman, she is truly a survivor having dealt with breast cancer. She has a wonderful husband and together they have two awesome children. She lives in Florida and how I wish she was close by. However we speak often and analyze much! Next comes my brother he is not quite 5 years younger than me but he is so much wiser in age then me. We made him suffer much when he was younger and I do not know how he can be so great to all of his sisters now. He is a great Dad and hubby and also one of my dearest friends! Nine years is between my next sister and me, she is so special to me! After high school she came and was my roomie for about 4 years. We had so many great times and I was lucky to have her with me, she, like me has never been blessed with children but she too loves her nieces and nephews. She has a neat boyfriend and unfortunately also has experienced cancer but is dealing with some changes in her life, but she too is a survivor and she surprises me often with how she reaches out. Her toast at Mom's party was wonderful! Then there is my baby sister, I was already out of the home when she was born and I often teased my Mom by saying she missed me so much, she had to replace me. This lady is so special and I am so lucky that we are close. She has 3 great kids and one angel baby in heaven watching over her. Her husband is a worker and also has two more children that live with them. Oh my what a busy house! My sister is a planner and attempts to get it done, but her daughter is the red head who is almost 4 going on 16! I wish her luck!

They all are blessings to me as is my Mother. We have our ups and downs as most families do, however in good times and bad times we are always there for each other. It might not be in person but always in spirit and love. Yes my Gift of Family is a great blessing!

SHHHH It's A Surprise....

2009-10-09T05:53:00.004-05:00

.....Yes it is. This weekend we will be celebrating my Mom's 75th birthday. And we are having a surprise party for her at Margiano's a great Italian restaurant. Can we pull it off? I hope so, my sister and her family arrive tonight from Florida and Louisiana, my brother and his family will come in from Indiana and we are "visiting" Mom this weekend because "the McClure Guesthouse is not rented and we need to get away." Or so Mom thinks.

Coordinating this event has been an event in itself! The original plan was to have a catered party at my sisters new home in Naperville, but due to some personal events happening and our love for our sister we opted for a restaurant venue. Invitations went out and the replies came back and we will be having many of Mom's friends and family attending. Unfortunately her brother could not make it in, but her sister and sister in law will be there. And sadly my Dad's siblings can not make it because my Dad's sister passed away last week and they have gone to her funeral and to be with her children. I am certain though that along with my Dad, Mom's parents and her brother and nephew and in laws many in heaven will be in attendance there own way.

It is my responsibility to get Mom to the venue on time and without seeing anyone who may arrive late. We are having a luncheon and Mom is not a morning person; motivating her will be tough! We have given hints all week to her and if she was listening it should work. I am going to have to tell her where we are going and that we have reservations so that may help. So she does not notice familiar cars we will valet park and proceed in to the restaurant. We have to go to the party room which is on the lower level right by the elevator.

Fifteen years ago we had a surprise 130th birthday party which was the total of Mom and Dad's years, I think Mom was surprised, but Dad said he had his suspicions. It was a success, my only wish is that this could have been a surprise 160th birthday party, but Dad celebrates in Heaven now.

It will be great that we will be together for this time in Mom's life. I just hope she is surprised! Wish us luck and much fun!

Miracles and Love

2009-09-30T05:36:00.008-05:00

Monday evening a wonderful couple received two beautiful miracles. They were blessed as I never have been blessed. Am I jealous? No I am thrilled for them! Their little girls will bless their lives and will be a part of mine through the very special relationship we have.

I have not been blessed with the miracle of God's gift of children, however I am blessed with those that share their children, my husband, sisters and brother and friends.

My dearest friend shared her three children from the beginning, our then spouses were in a band and gone all the time, so we were the "family". We went everywhere, I changed many diapers, rocked many hours, fed many bottles, read many stories and dried many tears, I was "Minnie Roo". These children are adults now and live far away, but I am aware of their achievements through their Mom. They are wonderful young adults.

I have 5 great nephews and 7 lovely nieces. They are such unique individuals. My oldest nephew Michael, is very creative, can experience life to the fullest and excels in everything! The next oldest nephew Bill, is also my Godson, he is a college graduate and served his country in Afghanistan and Iraq and now is a Captain in the US Army, a neat brother and a fine young man, I am so proud of him! Joe is the next nephew, he is my gentle giant, he is a college graduate, working on his masters. Joe is a great young man always caring and having fun. When his smile is hidden, his eyes sparkle with the smile within, yes I am blessed to have him as my nephew. Eric is a great young man, he is a Marine and served our country in Iraq. He is a Dad with a beautiful daughter and he is an achiever! I am so lucky to have him in my life. And I am proud to be his aunt. Matthew my youngest nephew is a joy, I enjoy every minute I can be with him and talk with him on the phone. He was lucky enough to begin his life living with his mom and my parents. Dad was a definite influence on Matthew and I see so much of the good Dad instilled in the values Matthew has.

Now my nieces; the oldest Samantha has been on the go since she was born, her life is so full of everything, she wants to experience it all and touches many hearts, Maggie is our Free Spirit, watch out 'cause she is going to open every door she can, I always want to grab her and hug her just to get a bit of her energy. Katie my next beautiful niece is in college with an athletic scholarship for softball, her friends and family will tell you she loves life and living! Kerri is a lovely young lady, she is going to go places and if you ever need a great friend she personifies it! Christina is a joy, a real beauty, she is Mike's Godchild, she is the youngest in her family and is also a great friend to all. I am sure her folks will watch her closely because she also will open every door and experience and achieve much. Molly oh my watch out, she is 4 going on 16 and she is a red head, need I say any more except that she too is a real sweetie! McKenna is our Ward family's baby & she is two, and with my knowledge so far of her, I find it hard to believe that there will be a "terrible two" stage but with Molly leading the way I don't know. She is a real doll though!

As I have mentioned I have shared my husbands two sons for 22 plus years. They are fine young men. Brad a college graduate, is helping in our business. I think he is a kind, smart and loving young man. He is a great asset to our business because as a family member he can nudge us into changes that outside employees almost never could, they say the Lord moves in mysterious ways and I believe this as it related to our business in the past 8 months, Brad joined us, during this time. Jeff is everything I wish I could be kind, generous, happy, loving and one great Dad and husband [well I don't want to be a Dad or husband, so I should say parent & spouse]. His sons, our grandsons are being raised right, Jeff is a hands on Dad for sure!

Now that I have written out this blog I realize that I too have Miracles and Love in my life. I must mention too Jamie & Mandy my "surrogate" daughters they are joys in my life! They too were able to nudge us in the business and ended up in our hearts. This blog began because of Jamie and her two new miracles. Clara and Anna who now join Bo and their parents, yes I am thrilled for them all!

God blesses us in so many ways, don't you agree?

In GOD We Trust.....

2009-09-25T07:23:00.003-05:00

It is on our money, in our churches and it was at one time solidly in my heart. Yes I did say "at one time", however this changed a bit, in the past few months. Someone I trusted with my entire being and had good feelings about, broke me. They took advantage of me, my husband tells me I am an open book and easy to read, which allowed this to happen. My feelings at first were to "get even", then I decided to "just let it go" and now all I feel is much pity for them.

Trust is such a solid feeling and when it crumbles, oh my there is much debris all around!!! It is difficult to sweep it all away, to leave no reminders.

So I guess my husband is correct, however now instead of a paperback book I will become a very heavy hardcover book and not remain too open.

And yes in my heart I will always know In GOD We Trust. I thank GOD daily for helping me to renew this feeling and hope that they who tried to break me may be helped by GOD, to become who HE wants them to really be. They really do not have to watch their back because GOD is, they just need to turn around and greet and accept HIM back in to there lives, and I really hope they do!

This Is Why......

2009-09-17T05:47:00.009-05:00

SIMPLY PUT....

.....This is one of the many reasons why I Love him.

I know I was blessed 22 years ago and there are many

affirmations daily. It amazes me just how wonderful

his nature and spirit are. As always I don't need the bit

of reminder sent my way, but I am grateful. When you

can be with someone 24/7 most generally and get along

famously you are so lucky and so blessed. I thank GOD

so very much that I am married to such a wonderful man

and I just wanted to share, he has a wonderful way of reaching

out and bringing God to me a little more every day.

Go ahead and look at his blog, my hope is it can touch you

as it does me. And you will see "This is Why..."

His Blog can be found at:

http://contendingforthefaithoncegiven.blogspot.com/

I hope you too are touched.

Thanks Mike and

Thank you so much God, I am truly blessed!

Always Keep Going!

2009-09-03T22:42:00.009-05:00

I live on the lake with my husband, 2 labs, one chihuahua and 3 cats and lots of bugs and spiders.

There is one particularly special spider and I have named her Ms. Persistent. I meet up with her every day and I do not understand why she returns each day in the same place recreating the web that has to blow away each day that I get in my car and drive to work. When I get to work the web is gone and I imagine Ms. P is hidden away in the mirror on the driver side of my car to rest until the evening when she works really hard to start weaving her web again.

Many people do not like spiders, but thanks to one of my favorite childhood books which is "Charlotte's Web", spiders are not something that terrorize me.

Yes there are many scary looking and dangerous spiders but most are generally not a danger and they even help out by taking care of mosquitoes and perhaps other varmints that are pesty. Thankfully I learned to appreciate the good things they do when as a young girl I attended camp and lived with many spiders.

So I do not find it necessary to get rid of Ms.P, today for lunch I went to a drive up to pick up the food and low and behold she had started to spin a new web, well the gal at the drive up panicked as she handed me my drink and noted the web, I assured her it was okay as she practically threw the order at me. Obviously she did NOT LIKE spiders.

The point of this blog is that I have been thinking how I should pay attention to Ms.P's determination to continue to weave her web on my car and note that she does not give up! There are many things I want but always they seem to get blown or brushed or even swept away. Perhaps what I need to do, is to be persistent and not give up and perhaps my web will remain and if not, I'll start over once again. It is said, that if at first you do not succeed than try, try again! I guess I will and maybe I will weave a permanent web and achieve all that I want to.

I shall be Ms. P. and succeed!

Shrivels

2009-08-14T20:50:00.009-05:00

The heat is on and the flowers and grass are shriveling. It has been a pretty good summer weather wise. But now it is heating up and the pretty flowers and lush lawns need our assistance. We can water them and this will give them a boost and we can continue to enjoy the beauty of GOD'S gift of nature for us.

Now as I get older, I wish just a drink of water could revitalize one from shriveling and withering. I know we are told to drink water to keep us going, but what I mean is that will it make us straighter and bring back the beauty we had when we were younger? Wouldn't that be grand!

Shrivels is an odd word, don't you agree? But it is very descriptive! The main thing about shriveling is eventually death comes. It is important that we keep watered, it can be by actually water or other sustenance. Most importantly is the nourishment we can get from God, it can be from THE WORD, our actions with others and giving our very best in all that we do.

These things that I mention will make us revitalized and slow down the withering and shriveling. I know I will stand tall and continue on if I do read THE WORD, love my fellow man and attempt to do my best in everything. I have started to shrivel lately and I now realize it is time to continue on as GOD wants me too. I will be nourished with GOD'S Word, reaching out to others and doing my best! Try it, you too may like it!

You Are Invited!

2009-08-05T23:08:00.003-05:00

See us on the web at:

www.mcclureguesthouse.com

WHAT HAPPENED?

2009-07-31T21:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes do you look in the mirror and think, oh my, what happened? Or sometimes do you think about something very sad and think, oh my, what happened? Sometimes do you get really, really mad and then when it is all said and done, feelings are hurt, friendships damaged or even families ripped apart do you turn around and think, oh my, what happened? Sometimes do things go on in your life that can change your whole reason for living and you think, oh my, what happened?

The saying "Think before you act" should hold true in most of these instances. I guess I am really going to put that statement into action and then I will be able to say I am so glad that happened!

So to all my friends and family I will say "Try it, you may just like it" and you know I believe our lives will improve!

Moving On

2009-07-22T07:16:00.005-05:00

Our "Surrogate Spieth Daughter" is moving on from Olney this week. And we will sorely miss her. She has been an important part of our lives for the last 11 years. My how time flies! She entered our lives as a candidate for the RC Fair Queen the summer before her Senior year in high school. Then she had us take her Senior pictures and Mike had an instant liking, especially when she "talked" about her passion for President Regan and the Republican Party. Then we asked her to work for us and she came to work for us through the work study program at school. I had to grade her and always gave her the best grade. She tolerated coming into a business where we actually had adult "mean girls" that tried to get her out, and it did not work, the three of us were able to blow them off. Jealousy is an AWFUL emotion for sure! And very difficult for a teen to have to deal with, when there was no real reason. She continued to work for us weekends when she went to college...thank goodness and also introduced us to her great friend who also became a wonderful employee thus the "SPIETH DAUGHTERS" were born! Her birthday appropriately is on the Fourth Of July as she is a little firecracker! And since the summer of 1999 we have celebrated with her. Last year was an exception as we had to photograph the wedding of another "daughter" in Pennsylvania. [She tried to come, but found it to be difficult with an 8 month old son.]

The summer of 2001 she tried for the RC Fair Queen again and got First Runner Up this was enough ammo to try a third time and thus in 2002 she became Queen. Mind you Mike made any girl that has worked for us and tried for the crown walk many miles in their pageant shoes in our studio, so he likes to think he helped. And she took herself and her speech the "third times the charm" and competed at state and became MISS ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR 2003. We were so proud, many people at state thought Mike was the "proud papa" just taking many pictures and you know he was, in a certain way.

At the end of her reign she was busy planning her wedding to her Knight in Shining Armor, and he is a gem. On Valentines day 2004 she became his bride in a lovely wedding at Starved Rock State Park. As their life together evolved she taught at her Alma Mater from 2003 through the first semester of the the 2009 year. They blessed their families and friends in 2007 with a wonderful son named Bo. And he is a joy!

But now their life is heading up the road on a new path. They are having twin girls in September and this week they are leaving Olney and moving to a town near where they were married. I will be selfish and say how sad I am to see them go. We have had many wonderful visits with Bo this past year and he is comfortable visitung the studio. And even though I did not see or talk with Jamie every day, I was able to drive by her home and send her my thoughts and prayers and love daily as I looked at her house knowing she most generally was tucked inside.

Moving on is a part of life and I did it back in 1972 when I came south to Mattoon and as the years passed continued south to now be in Olney. Jamie has said it is not that far away but it is, she won't be just down the road, she will be WAY UP THE ROAD. Miles between are difficult, but thru the internet and phone calls we can be in touch. I will really miss knowing she is not near, I guess she is more than a surrogate daughter.

I will miss you so very much, but I am sure you will always be a part of our life. So I won't say good bye, I will say See You Soon! And also, thanks so much for being a very important part of my life! All these memories and many others with you will be treasured forever! And I am certain there will be more.

WE ARE OPEN!

2009-07-16T23:17:00.008-05:00

At last The McClure Guesthouse is open! We have completed the decorating and have shown it to a few potential Guests. We hosted a dinner on July 5th for The Richland County Fair Queen Contestants, their Mothers and the Pageant Committee. It went well and the ladies were happy to take the tour. As an added comment, this years contestants were a great bunch of girls and did a super job at the Pageant! And I want to Congratulate the new

Miss Richland County Fair 2009 - Malory Steber!

We will be having our Grand Opening on Sunday August 9th. The OLNEY ARTS COUNCIL will be assisting with tours of The McClure Guesthouse and an Ice Cream Social will be held on the lawn. All proceeds from the Grand Opening will benefit the Olney Arts Council. And as a Special Touch the Council Members giving the tours will be dressed in Victorian Clothing from the late 1800 era (which was when the Guesthouse was built). It will be a Step Back In Time For Sure.

The Restoration makes my dream come true, my hope is that for all that will lease this Guesthouse will feel as I did when I first stepped foot in the home, Safe, Secure and "At Home". I invite you all to come, see and feel the beauty of this "home away from home"!

Oh yes, be sure to click on the picture of the Guesthouse to go to our Website, for a few more sneak peeks of the interior.

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words

2009-07-01T06:27:00.006-05:00

A GIFT OF LOVE

2009-06-30T07:46:00.016-05:00

My Mother and Father in law went home yesterday after a three week visit. Now I know that many will think OMG, THREE WEEKS, but you know I am not thinking that at all, everyday was worth it.

We had a wonderful visit and I wish it could have been longer. They had to get back home to take care of business and health appointments. As it was, we got them to stay an extra week. Many days were spent getting The McClure Guesthouse ready to open. I am soooo glad they were here to help, who would ever be able to think of everything?? In a previous blog I talked about the shopping excursion that is a memory I will always treasure. Now I feel I need to call Nancy often for her thoughts and input and I will!

The McClure Guesthouse became A GIFT OF LOVE about 3 years ago when my husband agreed that we could restore the home and have this Guesthouse. When we purchased the home in 1990 it took us 20 minutes to decide, yes! It felt like the home I always wanted and I have lived in many since I left my home in Evanston for my freshman year in college, and that has been 14 homes to be exact!

When we left our 215 home (the McClure Home) in 2003 to live in our current Cypress home I was sad, so much so that I never really moved out totally. I just could not let go. There were a few people interested in "seeing" the house and thankfully that was all, they just "saw" it nothing else. I am sure it was overwhelming to think about restoring it. But it is now a beautifully restored home.

Once again I must mention Kuenstler Construction who did the renovation with such detail and I am sure now they must have a bit of love for this old gem.

I LOVE IT! And those that have had an early peek, say the love it too.

The McClure Guesthouse will be a home full of love for all who stay here and I think it is because everyone that has been involved (even just a little bit) in the restoration, Mike, my Mom, Mike's Parents, Kathy (my sister), Brad, Jeff, Reagan, Emery & Lynden, Bobbie, Judi Lippert, Jean, Laura & John, the Kuenstler's, Jon Racklin and of course even me, put a bit of love into it, to make it what it is today.

So, welcome to all who want a unique place to stay.

This home is a Gift Of Love! And I am so glad that we can share it! We are so blessed!

An Grand Opening will be held August 9th, and we will share this Love with all who attend!

The Angels Must Be Having A Bowling Tournament

2009-06-23T05:00:00.009-05:00

When I was small and the thunderstorms rolled in I tended to be anxious and frightened. My Dad would sooth me by stating that "God's Angels are bowling". Well this would calm me down and pay attention to the Angels game, rather than fear the storm. I assume I accepted this statement as Dad was an avid bowler. He bowled on Monday evenings and then often Mom and Dad bowled on Saturday evenings. And he loved it! So much so that as I recall, he bowled up to when he became ill with cancer. Since he "knew" about and loved bowling I just took it for granted that he "knew" the Angels were bowling.

Now that I am older I seem to have forgotten about the Angels bowling and get very nervous and once again, I do not like thunderstorms. Lately we have had way too many thunderstorms, just the other evening one was occurring and Mike, his Parents and I along with our 4.8 lb. chihuahua Rico, were sitting in the living room in the early evening as one took over. We were noting just how nervous Rico was and a loud clap came and I jumped out of the chair, everyone laughed and Rico trembled! Then they blamed me for his fear. However since the earthquake last year Rico has been very nervous at rumblings, so it really was not me that made him tremble.

As I sit here jotting this down and waiting for dawn, it is once again thundering and Rico is on my lap trembling at each "strike the Angels are making". I guess the Angels must be having one huge, lengthy bowling tournament during these past couple of weeks.

I bet, my Dad is either rooting for, no "strike" that, I bet, that he is on a team. You know, thinking this way makes me realize that, yes, the Angels are bowling and in one heck of a tournament!

You go Dad and thanks for the reminder that yes, ........................... God's Angels are bowling and You are on their team!

SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP?????

2009-06-17T21:51:00.011-05:00

Shopping, is the great American pastime and it is what keeps this country ticking. Although at times lately, the ticking is slow, it continues and perhaps as the batteries are replaced or recharged shopping will get back on track.

For me lately, I think I am helping to recharge the batteries. Furniture, curtains, linens, bedding, dishes, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery and so much more! Whew, I can not wait to stop! Sure wish when you opened a venue such as ours, we could have had a housewarming shower, I think opening gifts would be so much more fun than shopping day in and day out. I can not believe I feel this way, but I am ready for the Guesthouse to be complete, yet I keep thinking "oh, we need this or oh, we need that".

We have tried our best to shop locally to help our community's economy, but sometimes it just is not here, thus we have made trips to many antique stores throughout the area, looking for just the right piece for this room or just the perfect picture for that room.

This evening we took a quick trip to Vincennes, for fabric for some cushions Mike's Mother, Nancy is going to help with. Mike and Jim (his Father) went with and as we walked through the store the cashier commented that our "menfolk" looked as if they were tired of shopping and yes they were!

Last Saturday Nancy and I went shopping for bedding, linens, and kitchen things. We had a blast, however Nancy did comment that spending money was getting to her, tell me about it. We laughed, when we took our carts up to the front of the store and the clerks eyes about popped out, when we asked if we could leave the full carts up front and take additional carts to fill. They asked if were we opening up a hotel and we told them "uh, yes sort of". As we continued shopping I overheard one clerk say "well, I have made my quota for the day". So glad to help!!

I am so happy that Nancy & Jim have come up from Dallas, but two weeks is not enough time. They have some pretty good ideas for bits and pieces to add to the house. And Nancy knows her antiques! They will head back home on Monday. Sunday is Father's Day and we will have the first dinner at the McClure Guesthouse. I can not wait and it will be, just one more lovely memory we have in this very special home of ours. And soon, we will share this home with many, so they too can have good memories.

The McClure Guesthouse is almost complete, we will have our Grand Opening in July. The OLNEY ARTS COUNCIL is going to help us as we host an Ice Cream Social on the Lawn along with tours and a bit of the history of the 1872 McClure Home, given by Arts Council Members. Watch for the announcement and come and make your own special step back in time, memory!

FAMILY

2009-06-09T20:47:00.008-05:00

Family is an essential part of my life. I am blessed to have 5 great siblings. Tim is my favorite brother and KathyPattiMaureenBetsey is (are) my favorite sister(s). [How would you really choose just one to be your favorite, when they all are really special and unique to me]

I have also been blessed in my life to have 21 great aunts and uncles and 30 pretty neat cousins. Then there are 12 really wonderful nieces and nephews. And of course 4 wonderful grandparents and then my own very special parents. And in heaven now are, all of my grandparents, eight of my aunts and/or uncles, two of my cousins and my very special heavenly angel, my Dad. They reside there and watch out for all of us still here on earth. And I have no doubt that they all are in heaven!

Now to my Spieth side, besides my wonderful husband, there are two step sons,one step daughter in law, two step grandsons, two brother in laws, one sister in law and one nephew. Along with my great mother in law and father in law. The men on this side rule as you can tell! And all of these Spieth's are blessings and still here on earth.

So as you can tell Family is an essential part of my life.

But you must never (and I don't) take them for granted, because in the blink of an eye they may be gone from this earth never to be an earthly being in my life. To me it is important to reach out and touch base with them to let them know how much they mean to you! It only takes a minute and in this day and age with land lines, cell phones and Internet my family is just a "touch pad" away.

So as was a saying when I was young be sure to "reach out, just reach out and touch someone" special [a Family member, perhaps] to you today. After all Family is what you are blessed with no matter how large or small it is. And I am so very thankful for my family! I just may reach out and touch them today!

You Gotta Have FAITH!

2009-06-03T23:52:00.012-05:00

It rained today and got chilly. I suppose that would have been okay, but this was our final day of GIRL SCOUT It's Your Planet-Save It, Day Camp. Our plans included fire safety and fire building. In addition we had an outdoor Ecology exercise planned, as well as many other outdoor activities; including a cookout.

My phone rang early this AM around 7-7:30ish and the voice said "Do you think we should cancel or postpone the event?" I had put RAIN or SHINE on the permission slip, so this was not an option.

The Girl Scouts here in Richland County have been fortunate, our city has allowed us to utilize the Musgrove property for many Scouting programs. It has a house that we use for meetings and activities, so the Day Camp was moved indoors, sort of. We were learning about Ecology today, had a craft project, songs and then the fire building/safety activity which we had out in the garage, out of the rain and wind. Around noon it became chilly and many of the girls were not prepared with coats and they were cold! So again being indoors helped. Our cookout became an indoor meal prepared by the leaders and we were lucky to have a cooker and microwave.....clearly not camping gear but if you can't pass you gotta punt! The girls were able to eat in the garage area (it is more of an attached carport) and be "outdoors" and then we began the ecology lessons and crafts.

You never know what will happen with such a big change in plans, but you "gotta have faith" that it will work out. Youngsters are very adaptable and being inside, having to take off your shoes and sit in a circle to "learn" about ecology and not being outside, experiencing the lesson did work. Playing Little Sally Walker was one game they really wanted to play, but alas it really is not an indoor game because it is so loud and needs much room. Yet they had fun, of course songs always help, and we had such fun with them, I was able to recall many songs that I had learned at camp. I was able to share them and it did not matter if I had the greatest voice, we had fun and sang loud!!

One of our leaders passed away this year and in her memory we gave the Poison Ivy Spirit Memorial Award, to a girl in each age group that really followed the Girl Scout Laws in all that we did this week; it was interesting to see how the girls worked for this, it was hard to decide just who deserved it, but we chose two good girls.

We also had a "time out" room, just in case any girl needed to get back in control and although some did have to be reigned in, not one girl sat in the time out room. My husband thought this was quite liberal of me....NOT!

Many of my friends and family are surprised I am so involved in Girl Scouts since I have no children. I love it and I love all that it means. In this day children need the "basics" that Girl Scouts can bring to them. I also want to get past the "it is not cool to be a Girl Scout" once you get in Middle School, I "Gotta Have Faith" that perhaps what I am doing may bring girls with me in Scouts through Middle & High School, some of my former "girls" have followed me and even those that have not, do still keep in touch and seem to live the Girl Scout way that has been instilled in them. Perhaps with the way things are in the world today, being a Girl Scout will help them to better the world tomorrow. And yes, I do "HAVE FAITH" that they will.

Think about this; the children today will be at the helm tomorrow and if we get involved with them in positive ways now, our world will be a better place tomorrow!

Remember "YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH"!

EXTREME MAKEOVER

2009-05-27T04:39:00.013-05:00

Do you watch Extreme Makeover? If you do or even if you don't, the start of the new beginning is when the contractor hands over the keys and Ty yells "People let's move the furniture in" or something like that.

WELL..... yesterday that happened for us! After 30 long months of renovation with much capital invested..... YES, we can begin "icing this cake".

I can not tell you how pleased we are with the quality of the work done by Kuenstler Construction, they researched and created as much as possible a restored, beautiful, "new" 1872 Italianate Victorian home. They should be very proud of what they have done!

It is now our responsibility to furnish and decorate this home as much as possible to that era in time. Of course there are modern updates, we will have a 50 gallon hot water heater, not a 5 gallon one; there will be electric lights, not gas, (although during the renovation the gas lines were located), there will be air conditioning and gas heat. Water pressure will be the best the city of Olney can provide, there are modern appliances in the kitchen and there are two full baths, TV and the Internet.

I believe we have created a home that you will be able to step back in time and enjoy, with modern day conveniences. We hope that our community will be glad we have preserved a bit of history and utilize it for overnight guests, and for functions. It is our pleasure to share it and open it to the public.

Oh my, it sure has been something to search these past few months for the many "old" furnishings we will put into the home. Yes, some will be authentic and some replicas but we are wanting to create a home that will be quite a bit as it was in the late 19Th Century.

Sometime soon we will reintroduce this home to Olney with a Victorian Tea Party, tours of the home and a power point of the renovation will be available at this function. In the future it is our intention, that we will have special events for the public such as tea parties and old time Ice cream socials as well as additional events for the community to enjoy.

We are excited with our EXTREME MAKEOVER and hope the community of Olney is too! Come and "Step back in time" when you did not have to live a constant "hustle bustle" life, where you could sit on the porch, enjoy a glass of lemonade, watch the world around you and enjoy all the gifts and blessings that you have been given. We are blessed and want to share these blessings!

Just Listen and Watch.....

2009-05-16T07:03:00.011-05:00

I love to wake up early and just listen and watch as the day begins. The hush of night comes alive as the light breaks. We live on the lake and it is wonderful to begin my day here. Our living room is situated with windows on the east and the sun porch on the west. The lake is open on the west and through the fence row on the east. First, the hush is broken by frogs and other creature noises, then as the dawn breaks, oh my, the many beautiful songs of the birds begin. Robins, cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, red winged blackbirds, finches and many other types sing with joy as the day begins. Even woodpeckers break the silence. We have two woodpeckers close by and this year they have moved from the east side to the west side. And of course there are the geese and ducks sometimes quite noisy but as the spring turns to summer they are not as prominent, probably many have headed north.

As the sun rises the beauty of God's creation is revealed, the ripples on the lake, the dew drops on the leaves and grass, the beauty as the sun touches the tree tops, how can you have a bad day with such a lovely beginning? Even on cloudy mornings there is much beauty, in the spring, it is lush here and full of life with so much to appreciate. Yes, I thank God every day for this gift, just how can I have a bad day?

The McClure Guesthouse is about to be complete, as we walked through Thursday evening I looked at Mike and asked if he would move back in to our beautiful Victorian and he shook his head yes. But today as I sit here; I think that I do really love starting my days here in the natural beauty God created for us. So, I will share our beautiful vintage Victorian as a Guesthouse, with those who wish to step back in time for a moment.

I recommend that if you ever get the chance, don't sleep in, start your day with God's early morning gift, the beauty and sounds of nature.

SMILEY-GRUMPY-DOPEY

2009-05-11T06:48:00.005-05:00

Words, descriptions, characters the above are all of these. Today they describe me and perhaps always are akin to me.

Smiles are essential in my line of business, in my attitude to the world, in my answer to unhappiness and "just because" I don't want too many wisdom lines (my name for wrinkles).

I hate to be Grumpy, but as many know, I can be and so can you, we all have "bad" moments and then it makes us this way, but experience a Smile during this time and voila being Grumpy can disappear!

Oh yes, I can feel really Dopey at times. And I am sure this is a way many of us have felt, however as a result of this I can feel Grumpy or I can Smile and it makes my Dopiness seem more acceptable.

I love the 7 Dwarfs and relate to them daily, as I am sure many of us do.

So don't be Bashful just ask Doc as you are being Sneezy, why you feel Grumpy and Dopey, perhaps he will advise that this is why you are Sleepy but take a nap and then you will be Happy.

Oh yes, and by the way SMILEY is my private dwarf, an essential part of my life. After all note my blog title. Hope this makes you Smile!!

It really is a SMALL WORLD!

2009-05-05T07:24:00.008-05:00

When I was young, Europe, Africa and even Alaska were so very far away from my place in the "burbs" of Chicago. We learned about the "Wide World" from bits and pieces on the news at night or in the newspapers. Encyclopedias were important as well as the library to seek out countries in South America, info about the Arctic and even about New York or Washington DC. Now at the flick of a button we can really experience all of these pieces of the world via the Internet. I wonder now how it is for school children to really learn about the mysteries of these countries and places when it is so "easy" to "check it out". No more mystery and excitement of discovery, "just Google" it and there it is. Can you imagine what our world would have been like if Christopher Columbus "just Googled" our continent. Or the Pilgrims "just googled" the new world and decided "not for us". Part of the experience of learning for me, was always the search for the right information for the project I was working on, and I learned so much more with this way of searching versus "googling", because along the way different paths of information were there for my learning and discovery. Now children "google" and find ONLY the info they need, how sad.....and now yes, I do believe that it will be for them "a small world" because with the Internet, exact information is stored right there, and it can be limited to just what you want to know, no extra avenues or paths to experience and learn about [unless you "google" more], how sad for students these days and so very easy and small. Yes it is a "small world" don't you agree?

LOOK AROUND

2009-04-30T06:05:00.014-05:00

Look around and what do you see? Today on the way to work I counted the different colors of nature that were all around me and I counted [in the long three mile drive], 26 different colors in flowers, leaves and ground cover. It was so nice to be able to look around and appreciate these colors, especially since it was such a dreary day. I love spring and I love fall and you know I am sure it is because of the colors of each season.

I believe when God created the world he must have had one huge art pallet with oodles of color choices.

Now we have so many things in our lives which require choosing color: paint for your home or business, cars, hair, clothing, nail polish, jewelry, make up and even food.

Do you recall in the Wizard Of Oz when Dorothy stepped out of her home into OZ, what a difference it made that the movie was then in color? That to me was a great way to let us really appreciate color.

This weekend we are photographing a Prom and the Prom Committee made a request that we offer regular color photographs and the choice of Black and White with "Color Wash" only in the background flowers, it should be interesting to tally up the choices. It will be their choice and it will be unique, but I wonder how many will make the "Color Wash" photograph choice over the traditional color photograph. Especially with all the choices of colors for the beautiful prom gowns.

Don't get me wrong when done right there is nothing like the rich, classic Black and White portrait, but then God gave us color too and we can have beautiful color portraits.

Take a moment and look around, how many colors in nature do you see?

Be sure to Thank God, I did :-)

LOVE The Natural Thing!

2009-04-19T06:48:00.008-05:00

Yesterday as with many Saturdays, we photographed a wedding. The day was beautiful. This was good as the venue for the Wedding was outdoors.

Friday evening we went to the rehearsal and I am thankful that we did because this was a totally new type of wedding ceremony for us. The couple was from the state of Washington, they found us via the Internet and with a recommendation from Chris' (the Groom) Grandmother. The wedding was taking place at Chris' Grandmother's farm. A home place where Chris had many wonderful memories and wanted to add one more I am sure. The wedding took place by a very old and beautiful, sturdy oak tree. There were numerous rituals that were part of the ceremony, it proved to be something quite interesting to experience.

Yes, I am glad that we attended the rehearsal on Friday evening along with the intimate gathering of family and friends that were very special to the couple. We learned just how the ceremony would unveil. It was vitally important to the couple that through our photography, this wonderful day would be preserved for them.

Just as with any different type of experience, we had a difficult time accepting such a unique wedding ceremony. Communing with Mother Nature, Father Sky and the Mighty Oak as the altar, seemed hard to grasp as a true wedding venue.

However as the hours have passed since the wedding, I find myself respecting this couples true love of nature and most certainly of each other. I truly feel ignorant and small when I realize I found myself initially amused at this couples choice of Ceremony celebration.

It was beautiful and so much THEIR OWN, how lovely that they were able to have exactly what they wanted, utilizing the gifts we have all been given. It was not necessary to rent a hall for the reception, and God's gift to all of us is the beauty of nature, so why not have your ceremony and celebration in his beautiful setting.

Yes, I was apprehensive about an outdoor wedding in April, but GOD blessed them with a beautiful day. Culture seems to insist a wedding in a church is essential, but you know GOD gave us nature and it's beauty, not buildings.

And remember....... Man & Woman did begin in the Garden of Eden.

REMEMBER WHY

2009-04-09T19:48:00.012-05:00

A Star in the sky, Shepherds, Wise Men, you and me.

Just about 3 and half months ago we celebrated Christmas, the birth of Christ what a joyous time of the year and not because of Santa's gifts but because of GOD'S Gift to us.

We are now about to celebrate the joy of Easter.

But today through Saturday is a time for reflection of what happened to GOD'S gift to us. The back stabbing, the lies, the torture and finally the death of Jesus Christ.

My, my it sounds a lot like the world we live in today, doesn't it?

This Sunday Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, ALLELUIA!

When do you suppose we will celebrate the Resurrection of our World, and return to the Peace, Love and Joy that GOD wanted us to have in our world?

The star in the sky is still there; those of us who attend Church or Synagogue, know our Shepherds; perhaps there are still Wise Men about; and yes there still is you, me and GOD.

This Sunday when you are in church celebrating Easter and all it's meaning or even during Passover when you are in Synagogue take time to think and Celebrate with Hope, for a future full of love, peace and joy with our Lord. I will be doing just that.

Thank you GOD for being there with us and for us, always.

CAPTURED

2009-03-31T07:20:00.008-05:00

I suppose you think I am going to write about something, someone or myself being captured. Perhaps that is right. My way of capture is with one of my cameras. I have been fortunate in the past 31 years (oh my that sounds so long!) to capture thousands of people, numerous animals and a multitude of nature and scenic photographs. I think that calling this a "job" is unfortunate, because I enjoy this aspect of my "job" immensely. Of course all of the nitty gritty details to accomplish the delivery of the product we create is tedious, however the end of it results in such satisfaction.

The art of Capture is such fun and very thought provoking. Creating the image can and usually does take planning, the best part is the actual capture and end result, a photograph which creates a memory, that can touch your heart. At least that is my intent.

When a disaster takes place (tornado, hurricane, flood, fire) and you may see on the TV the people affected, many say they were able to save their photographs or perhaps they lost their photographs. For me this shows that these images they saved or lost were so very important, a preservation of a memory .

In this day of Digital photography capture is so much easier, however it is making people comfortable. It is essential to get a hard copy of the image because......

......a camera can break, be lost or stolen. A memory card can fail and because of the newness of digital imagery saving to a hard drive, CD or DVD may not be permanent. Please make sure to get a picture you can hold in your hand, frame or put in an album. It will then become a permanent memory for you to share with the future. Please do not wait, because any of the above can happen at any time!

OK enough lecturing. It is such a joy to see peoples faces when I present their photographs to them. My husband is very gifted as a photographer I suppose you could say it is in his blood, being third generation and all. I am so lucky to have learned most of what I know from him. We are fortunate to be able to Capture Memories for others, in our Studio literature we call it "Memory Insurance" and I really believe it is.

We connect with many people at the time of the loss of a loved one. They need a picture of their loved one for the funeral or for themselves. I am sorry for people at this time in their life. However, I am thankful we can give them this memory we have created. To be able to see a little glimmer of comfort when I give them their photograph lets me hope that they will be able to get through this very sad time, a bit easier with this picture of their loved one. And because of the photograph, the memory will be with them always.

I have many photographs of my Dad at work and at home, often I look at them for comfort, encouragement and even advice. The picture is a piece of my Dad and I am so happy Mike captured him for me, such a treasured gift!

I am sure you all are thankful for the pictures you have, to keep memories, yours forever.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-03-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

Turn Around and Where Has It Gone?

2009-03-22T07:29:00.017-05:00

"TIME FLIES", yes it does. In 10 days I will have been blessed to have been the wife of Mike for 22 years! It seems like it was just last week that we headed out with our secret. We were going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to "tie the knot"; no one except Mike's sons and my sister Patti, knew we were doing this. We had our announcements to send out and our clothing, rings and video camera to capture the ceremony. I had just returned home from 7 days in Florida with my sister Patti and my 2 month old nephew Joey, his Dad was away so I had helped out and threw everyone off from our secret.

Mike and I left on Sunday and arrived on Monday at the courthouse in Sievereville to get our marriage license and send out our announcements, so they would arrive on April Fool's day.....our wedding day. I joke that we got married on April Fool's day 'cause "only fools fall in love" but you know, I do not feel foolish at all!

Now back to "time flies" ....that 2 month old nephew is now a handsome, charming 22 year old, we are grandparents, have 2 great sons, 14 additional nieces and nephews and one great niece. Four Surrogate daughters, a great church family and many great friends. Last year was our 25th year of being owners of our photography business, and we are about to begin a new business, the McClure Guesthouse. Of course there have been sad/bad times...loss of family members and dear friends, illness, business problems, but the good times far outweigh the bad and we are lucky.

Over the past three weeks Mike and I have been apart quite a bit. It is amazing just how slow that time flew. We are back on track now, together almost 24/7, many people find it hard to believe we can be together so much and have such a great marriage, but I can honestly say it does work.

I do turn around and wonder where the time has gone, but then I realize that "time flies", and it is such a beautiful flight! I am truly blessed with my husband, family, friends and business and I thank God every day.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-03-18T06:02:00.004-05:00

Little Guy From Florida........

Gonna Be Back In The Saddle Again.....

2009-03-11T21:35:00.010-05:00

Tomorrow I head back to Olney, I am sad to leave this great place and to leave my time with Mom. My sister Patti will be getting her "Mom" time. It is great to have this time with Mom.

When I get back home it will be to continue the work I have been working on here. But there is a bit of a glitch, on Friday Mike has to have urgent oral surgery and needs me to come with to be the "designated Driver" for him post surgery. Such a great way to spend his birthday.

Then I have a sports job to photograph in the afternoon. Saturday: 3 wedding consultations and a portrait session for a family from Chicago. So I will be 'Back in the saddle" again.

Vacations are great but there is always everything going on at home, when you get back. So I will fly home tomorrow and be very thankful I have a great husband who kept the fires burning at home, work and at the McClure House while I came to Florida for 11 days and I am thankful for my Mom who treats her daughters to "special" Florida vacations with her, yearly. Memories that will last forever!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-03-10T10:00:00.007-05:00

Blessings, Missing You and Appreciation For Where I Am.

2009-03-08T09:58:00.013-05:00

I miss my hubby very much right now, but I am very happy to be here with my Mom too.

Last night (saturday) my Mom, my sister Patti and I went out on the town, well actually for a spin around this part of town, deciding where to have dinner. We ended up at Umbertos and enjoyed great Italian food. Mom and Patti, played it safe with chicken parm and spaghetti, I decided to try something different and hard to pronounce - Gnocchi it was great! I even have leftovers to enjoy for lunch. We had a great time laughing, enjoying past memories and joking around.

Today Mom and I went to Mass at 8 AM, we were on time even with the time change. We then came back to the resort and had breakfast. This afternoon Patti arrived with gifts, Amaretto [not because I need it, but because I like it] for me and 3 different wigs for Mom. Mom has very thin hair and mentioned she was thinking about getting a wig, Patti had some and brought them. We tried them on Mom, such fun we had and then took some pictures and sent them to our siblings for a vote, so far C is winning. We then went out into the sun and enjoyed the beautiful day and being together.

Around 4 I touched base with Mike, I just needed to hear his voice 'cause I do miss him! And as always it made my day, just to hear him, even though we did not talk too long. This time being apart really makes me appreciate and love him so much more, 1-because I really do miss him and 2-because he let me come down here to be with my Mom for such a long time, actually he did not "let" me, he encouraged me to come. Thanks love!

Tonight we had dinner with Patti & Frank and Frank's sister and husband, Barbara & George. It was a dinner filled with so much laughter and fun. Thank you all, Mom had a great time and I did too.

I will be here until Thursday and I am sure we will have more memories to remember and to make. I have such appreciation for where I am too at this time, with my Mom and loving her so very much, loving my siblings and enjoying our love for one another, thanks to my Mom and Dad, we (siblings) get along pretty good and we are lucky that we stay in touch. I am also lucky to have Mike in my life. God has richly blessed me, don't you agree?

Always & Forever

2009-03-03T08:17:00.010-06:00

I am in Pompano Beach, Florida right now. At a resort on the beach and it is 48 degrees at 8:19 AM. This should be a bummer, but not yet. It is supposed to warm up and the sun will be there for me to enjoy. However, the past two days have been great! I am vacationing with my Mom. Her health is not the best, but coming down to this place is something she looks forward to. My Dad and her spent many years here and she has her memories. This year we are in the villa which was the one that she and Dad shared on their last vacation together. That was Moms first comment as we walked by the pool to where Patti (my sister) and her family waited with all of our "stuff". I am glad we are staying here, Mom has shared some feelings, thoughts and concerns, she has had about the end of my Dad's life. These memories are a part of her Always & Forever.

Unfortunately Mom has gotten a cough and cold, I am certain it came from the plane as there were so many people sharing their colds throughout the plane, in such close quarters.

Yesterday was spent having breakfast in the hotel restaurant and catching up on the hotel gossip. Since Mom left last year the owner has died and his children are now in charge and things are different. We have already noticed some changes. After breakfast the concierge called for a rental car for us and we were picked up to go get the car. A new hurdle for my Mom was getting up into the van, there was no running board and with the state of her legs, this was terrible!! She hates to ask for assistance, 1) I am sure it is demeaning and 2) She knows how to ascend or descend her way so there is not too much pain. But we now have a car and our next mission was to the grocery store for groceries. We got to the store and I saw they provided the electric carts, I asked Mom if she wanted to use it. Well there was a bit of anxiety in her eyes as she contemplated it and then decided not to use it, and the man who takes out the groceries told her it would be easy. So Mom sat down and drove into the store on her shopping cart. It was fun, she took a moment to understand just how it would work and then took off down the aisle that had all the bottles of wine, well I was right behind her hoping she had control of the machine and she did! It made the task of shopping quite interesting! A few times the cart did not follow her directions, she only came close to running into one person and did "bump" into a display of water, pretty good for a first timer, I wonder if I would do as well. She did have to back up and hated the loud beep that the machine gave out, but she managed to back up quite nicely.

As I said it is quite chilly here, [who brings warm clothing to southern Florida when they leave Chicago]! Last night we went out for dinner to Stingers it is a local bar that has great food. Well guess what, we wanted to eat quickly to get back to watch the Bachelor finale and the only place to sit was in the outdoor booths, we went as far back and away from the outdoors as possible, we were a bit chilly and had our dinner, went to the Walgreen's to get some cough medicine and Vicks and came back to our Villa. We watched the crazy ending and then I went to bed. Now I sit here writing this, waiting for Mom to get up and plan our day, I am sure it will just be staying here until tonight and we will go out for dinner.

This is the fifth year I have come down to vacation with my Mom. I am so glad I get to spend this time with her. We share memories and create some new ones. I can not imagine life without my Mom. I do live 5 hours away from her but I talk to her about every day. She is a very kind, generous person and I have come to realize she loves her 6 children a lot. Just as all of us do, she does have her particular ways, but that is what makes her Mom. It is hard to see her becoming dependant on her children, because we have always depended on her. Sure it seems she has her "favorite child", but that is our problem not hers. We all are different and in our own way we each are her favorite, I am quite sure. Just as with my Dad, I want my Mom in my life Always & Forever, these vacations will be a part of that and I am so glad that God has blessed me with this time with her. And I am thankful that Mike lets me get away from work, he is a gem!

Please if you read this, do take time to touch base with your parents often, while they are here, so you will have them ALWAYS & FOREVER!

I LOVE YOU

2009-02-20T07:18:00.016-06:00

Three words that can mean so much!

However they can be very easy to say. Or, maybe not.

Growing up those three words were rarely said around my home and when I asked Mike he said they were not mentioned too much either at his house. I suppose it was the generation our parents came from, what with war and the economic times. But then when I think about my childhood I felt content and safe, is that not a result of Love?

All around me these days I hear people end conversations on their cell phones with "love you" so very easily said, do they really mean it? And WHY is the "I" not said? Does it make it easier? Should it be easier????

Now yes I do tell my nieces and nephews that I Love them during conversations with them, but I say it sincerely and I most generally get a return I love you and I am pretty certain they mean it! I have said it to my Mom and I think she has been surprised, but I hope she liked hearing it. To be honest I can not remember more than 2-3 times where my Mom told me she loved me, but I know she loves me, without her saying it.

When we come home from being away from our pets we are greeted with such overwhelming, how do I say it....hugs and kisses (jumps and licks) from our Chihuahua, Rico and our Labs, Abby & Lucy and we know they love us, it is obvious, especially when I am dozing on the couch and I open up my eyes and there sits Lucy just looking at me, waiting for a little stroke on her nose and appreciating it so very much. Our cats, well who knows, they may or may not love us. It is my opinion they love us especially when we feed them, but at night when we are sitting around and they come and snuggle by and start purring I really "feel the love".

Mike and I will be married 22 years on April 1st, we have a great marriage after all we are together almost 24/7 and that is the true test for me. Yes there are moments and some tiffs but it is part of the relationship. I used to think it was important to get a present on our anniversary and Valentines day from Mike to "prove his love" for me. I am not sure when I stopped feeling it was necessary, I know he loves me and being with him every day is a gift, yes we have a great love for one another. It reminds me of the scene from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF where Tevye asks Golde if she loves him and she answers by reviewing their life together. And yes I have washed his clothes, cooked his meals, cleaned his house, and shared his bed. No, we do not have children together, our babies are our business' Spieth Photography and The McClure Guesthouse. And if this is not love what is?

Oh yes and The Most Important Part of our Life together is our Love for the Lord, we share our deep faith and we are blessed with a great marriage and life together. I thank God for this every day!

Mike and I do say "I love you" daily but not out loud, after all actions do speak louder than words and by the way this year for Valentines day, Mike surprised me with RED KEDS!

Deadlines

2009-02-17T22:44:00.010-06:00

Ahh yes, deadlines are everywhere, don't you think? I do not like them at all. Deadlines are interferences in ones life. I must get the project done, I must get the gift bought, I must cook the dessert I promised to bring, I will lose weight by that certain date, I have a paper which is due, etc.etc.......

Can you imagine the stress less life we would lead if we did not have deadlines? Being spontaneous is a luxury but if there were no deadlines would this be a luxury or an asset?

We are getting closer to being retired from, rather than starting our photography business [it is so very hard to believe it has been 27 years since we started SPIETH PHOTOGRAPHY] and now, we are beginning The McClure Guesthouse, are we crazy? Actually no, this is our dream which is coming true! Last night we were checking over web sites and info from different Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts to complete our information brochures and web page. And yes, we have a deadline to complete our info brochures and it is ASAP, as we are hoping to Open May 1st.

In between now and then we have yearbooks to complete, wedding albums to design, Eighth Grade Graduation portraits and the BOF (Best Of Friends) 6 day photo shoot which is the Olnean's yearly fundraiser [yes, with a deadline!]

On top of that I am accompanying my Mom to Florida for twelve days. Now yes, a trip with my Mom will be great, it has been each time I have gone with her in the last 3 years, this time is a bit longer. I think I will be taking the computer with me this time, because I can work in the mornings as I sit on the beach, now that sounds pretty cushy, don't you think! But I will be working towards these deadlines!

Life has been pretty involved lately with the Studio, The Guesthouse prep and I have just found out that a dear friends Mother has cancer and may not be here with her and her family too much longer. (I hope it does not happen while I am gone.) And now I have added the deadline of getting everything ready: home, packing, work completed, all before I leave for Florida, next week!

I guess though this shows that I am alive and not sitting around in front of the TV just zoning out, I have a purpose and I WILL MEET THESE DEADLINES without a doubt. I have to, after all I am committed to the deadlines and yes...... I say stress?.......what stress?.........

Our Lord Works In Mysterious Ways.

2009-02-12T07:16:00.011-06:00

Now I am not so blessed to know and experience our Lord the way my husband and others have been blessed. But I do experience how he works in my life. There is a book out called GOD WINKS and many of the stories are great and remind me that I have had many God Winks in my life.

Close calls where I say "Whew!", a phone call from someone I have been thinking about, new people coming into our business life just when we think "now what are we going to do?" A beautiful bird flying overhead when I am staring outside because I am so disappointed in things that have happened and the bird reminds me there is hope for beautiful things to come. Holding the most handsome baby boy and looking up to see the pride and love in his grandpa's eyes. Speaking out loud about the exact same thing at the exact same time as my husband. Hearing a sermon from Father Robert that answers the questions and hopes and concerns I have been having. A little Chihuahua climbing into my lap to snuggle when I am sad. Many years ago standing outside a grocery store with ONLY one dollar to buy something for supper for my ex-husband and I and his Mum coming up out of the blue, seeing my fear and giving me some money to buy some food. A touch on my shoulder from my friend, not for any reason but it is just what I needed! A smile from a child that I thought might not smile.

Yes there have been so very many God Winks in my life. I DO NOT doubt there is a GOD and that he works and is in my life 24/7! I have had one lady, who taught a class I took tell me that I have a deep faith. And I am in agreement and so very glad. Now I just want you to watch for the God Winks in your life. You will be glad.

CHOICES

2009-02-08T06:18:00.008-06:00

When did we first learn to make choices? More than likely when we were very young. I can not remember that far back, can you? Sometimes we make the right choice and sometimes we don't. Hopefully we learn from this either way we choose.

I can honestly say in my life I have made many wrong choices! Wrong friends, answers, clothing, business decisions, ways to tell someone about something ( a lie perhaps?), ex-marital partner and then there are my many wrong personal choices which only God and I know about. Then of course I have made many right choices. Right husband, friends, religion, business actions, answers, clothing, pets, being totally honest, and of course there are right personal choices which only God and I have experienced.

Lately Mike and I have been busy making many choices about: treadmills, business upgrades and upheavals, furniture rearranging, and today we begin The McClure House furnishing choices.

WOW this includes: furniture, drapes, dishes, towels, sheets, lighting, rugs, wall decor, light switch and plug in covers, appliances, sinks, faucets and who knows what else. WHEW!

If I were a shopaholic I would be ecstatic, but I am not. However we want this business entity to be just right so we have to make the RIGHT CHOICES.

Thankfully before we begin our shopping venture today, we will attend church, I hope it is a right choice to ask God to make sure to help Mike and I work together to make the right choices. However, I did say I made the right choice of Husband and I am sure God had a hand in that, so perhaps just a bit of reinforcement for working together will be my request at church, don't you think?

Oh and by the way, my wish for you today is for you to make the right choice!

RED KEDS

2009-02-02T21:15:00.011-06:00

As a small girl I really wanted to wear Keds and red ones at that!

Being the oldest I usually got the clothing and "new" shoes that were eventually passed on down. Kathy, the next in line got bypassed with the shoes since she had a much wider foot. So I think Patti more than likely got the hand me down shoes. We lived in a time when you had to pass clothing and shoes on, especially in a family of 4 kids. In the end there were 6 kids but during the tighter financial time there were only 4 of us. And you know we did not get "the best" [Red Keds] but our lives were full and we were happy.

I don't remember having a "tude" like kids today do, however I am sure we too were tough to our parents, BUT we had respect for our parents, teachers and for ourselves. I have to look real hard these days to find that in the children around me.

When we were young you were noticed if you were a problem child and disrespectful. Isn't it something that today a child gets noticed for being good and respectful? What is wrong with this picture? But then who am I to judge. I have not been blessed with children, but perhaps that just is the blessing......

I suppose I can judge because I work with children as a photographer, as a Girl Scout Leader, as an aunt, as a step mom and step granny. I just hope I have somehow instilled in these young people a bit of good and respect. Only time will tell. I am lucky to have great nieces and nephews as well as through the years all of my Girl Scouts are really great girls. Oh and yes most certainly the majority of the kids that have worked for me know what respect is. Of course there are a few who have had "tudes", but still they are great kids.

Now back to the Red Keds. Yesterday at church one of the girls had Red Keds on and she most certainly does not have a "tude". I began to think about all of this and then I thought, aha maybe I had a "tude" and that is why I never got my Red Keds.

On your mark, Get ready, Get set and GOGOGOGO!!!!

2009-01-31T12:46:00.012-06:00

Okay, here goes, I'm on my way.....I hope! There is more than 12 inches of cold, iced snow on the ground and I am starting the "new me", "trophy, trophy wife" body improvement routine.

I WILL lose weight, I WILL walk, I WILL succeed!

About 5 1/2 years ago, I did succeed and became a "trophy wife" for about 2 1/2 years, then I had some serious health issues [pancreatitis and gall bladder] and my doctor said to back off for a while with the "body beautiful" plan. And for once I followed his advice and now a while [2 1/2 years] is up. And I am starting it all over again! This time my incentive is not only to get healthy but, with what lies ahead in starting The McClure Guesthouse and with Spieth Photography's new look and business plan, I will need to be healthy to keep up with everything.

And to help achieve this goal we introduced a NordikTrack treadmill into our lives this past week. It is not something to be ignored, as it sits right in the middle of our dining room/kitchen. I suppose that is incentive enough to not eat as we have to walk by it every time we head for the kitchen. I guess Mike was pretty clever in establishing this placement! I even see it the first thing as I enter from our bedroom in the morning, so my goal is that I will walk before I open up my computer! However I have noticed that you can purchase some type of attachment to affix your laptop, hmmmmmmm. I usually surf about an hour each morning, an interesting thought: how many can surf and walk at the same time? And for an hour, time does seem to fly when surfing, this could be very good for walking! Of course it would be awhile before I could achieve this because I still have to hold on, don't have my bearings just yet.

Another bit of incentive is my annual trip to Florida with my Mom. Not that looking cute in a bathing suit is imperative, being comfortable is. We stay at a resort on the beach near Fort Lauderdale, but the age norm is 65-75 and many couples and widows like my Mom. It is truly a relaxing time. Mom has her daughters come with for about 10 days, ever since Dad died. I think she likes the warm fuzzies she gets there, since they had always vacationed there towards the end of their time together.

So with a bit of luck and a lot of perseverance, I am on my way to being my husband's Trophy, Trophy wife. Then, when we are retired like my parents were, we can go on a vacation in Florida and look good and be healthy.....Please wish me luck!

Oh and by the way Mike is "a walkin" too!!

Critter People

2009-01-27T21:34:00.025-06:00

Cute, cuddly, comfy, crazy, curious, consoling, creepy, the Critters in our life are all of these. Cute...Rico a 4.8 lb., 2.5 year old Chihuahua who came into our lives to fill the void we would feel when our poodles went to the Rainbow Bridge. He has done exactly that and so much more.

Cuddly....Tommy my 7 year old marmalade cat, he is aloof but very cuddly, if Rico allows him to be. Comfy......Callie our adopted 12+ year old fluffy kitty, who came into our life from our dear friend Armie. We took her in to make it easier and comfy for Armie, but she has really made us comfy, when she looks at us we fondly remember our friend Armie because we "share" Callie, at night when she curls up at the foot of our bed we again are comfy. Crazy.....Tigger my orange 5.5 year old kitty, he was named after the Winnie the Pooh character because he jumps around as Tigger does and you never know what he will do from head butts, to sharing yogurt, to soft touches, to mad races throughout the house, to sneaking around to try to make friends (I think) with Callie. Curious.....Abby, no she is not a cat, she is Mike's 78 lb, 7 year old (today, Happy birthday!) yellow lab and she is most certainly curious, always checking out the neighborhood, our house and her pet siblings. She never stops! As a matter of fact she is now outside in this 8 inch snowfall checking things out, but please Abby stay out of the neighbors trash! Consoling.....Lucy our 58 lb., 4.5 year old yellow lab, (one of Abby's puppies) she was supposed to be my dog but her main squeeze is Mike, she is the dearest most consoling lab, quiet, gentle and loving quite different from her Mom. But she does adore her Mom!

Finally, Creepy....the mouse who continues to creep around not inside any longer but in the garage, we will catch you!

The lab's have kennels in the basement and prior to seeing Marley and Me spent much time down there, they are now spending more time upstairs with us. However the Alpha Critter in our home is Rico, the labs and cats never cross him, I guess he is the Male who rules, in this house! Hmmmmmm. (Please ignore this Mike:).

Except for the Creepy critter (although I am sure Mike LOVES laughing at me when the creepy critter comes around me and I react as I do) we love them all, through our years together Mike and I have been blessed with many loving critters: 10 are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge and I am sure there will be more critters in our lives, after all we are "Critter people" and we consider them blessings from God!

CHANGE

2009-01-23T07:38:00.013-06:00

Aah the operative word these days. Yes there has been a "change" in our government, but everyday there is change everywhere. Much change is personal, such as marriage, birth, new home, new car, new job, death, divorce, foreclosure, job loss, job change.

For me change these days is the beginning of the end on the renovation of The McClure Guesthouse and now we are "changing" the look at Spieth Photography. And we are also renewing the operation of Spieth Photography. It is funny when you have so many elements in your life, how one can lead you to another and then even another. I think I am even going to "change" me!

We are so lucky to have an employee that has nudged us into the changes at work, we had been "talking" about doing them for such a long time and now we are changing because of her. Our other employee is in shock, I think, I have been told, she thought we would NEVER EVER do it!

Mike even says that I get stuck in a rut and never want to change and yes, he is right.

My hope is that with the changes at work and the introduction of the "changed", renewed McClure Guesthouse, I will evolve into a "changed" person and my life will be busy, but better than ever, no more ruts, a refreshed Photography business and a new business in The McClure Guesthouse.

Watch Out here comes the "changed me"! And Thanks to the "nudgers", Mike and Brittany.

Oh, and by the way..... Is there "change" in your life?

Is it fear of the unknown?

2009-01-20T21:29:00.009-06:00

I have been very anxious for the past week. I was so worried something would go terribly wrong today. Well the day is almost over and everything has gone okay.

I am not sure why I have felt this way, perhaps it was because I really did not want to see this day come. But it is here and now we have to accept and continue on.

I do not like to say "I told you so" and maybe I won't have to but.....

....time will tell, just exactly what promises this new President will really be able to keep.

It is not that I do not like the new president, it is the misinterpretation I am seeing by many Americans. The President is simply a human being, ELECTED by the masses. He is not a god or savior that many are holding up this man to be by their actions and words. In my opinion and others, He is a man, who has only achieved who he is today, through knowing the "right people" .

My hope and prayers are that we will be safe and survive this man's tenure as president. It is a shame he is going to have to "learn" during this tenure.

And believe me when I say, I see this new president as an American, his skin color is transparent to me. My major concern is his, "lack of experience".

For once I hope I won't get to say "I told you so".

But may I say,

Good Luck and God Speed Mr President.

Mondays

2009-01-12T08:29:00.012-06:00

Do you like Mondays? I hear from people who hate Mondays, all the time. For me Mondays are bright and cheery, because my work week most generally starts on Tuesdays! Photography studios are closed most often on Mondays since most weddings and special events are on Saturdays.

One great thing about my work week starting on Tuesdays is that people are in a much better state of mind since their week has already started. And I have had a very pleasant Monday, so the rest of my week goes well! [I hope]. People tend to tolerate "things" once Monday is past and that is good!

Another great thing about Mondays is I can get everything back in order at home to start the week off right...well I do try. One thing about the second and fourth Monday's is that I have my Girl Scout meeting. And not having to work prior to the 3 PM meeting enables me to prepare. And that is important, since there are 19 girls in our troop from 5 to 15 in age. It is a multi level troop and keeps Patty [my co leader] and I on our toes. The girls energy is unbelievable! I can't imagine any of them having a bad Monday. Oh to be young again.

I guess I could blog about "having to work Saturdays" and what a drag it is, but ending many of my weeks with a celebration makes it worth it. And then I get to really enjoy my Mondays. Why not let me know how you feel..Mondays or Tuesdays. And no matter what, Have a good one! Monday or Tuesday that is.

An Interpretation, perhaps.

2009-01-07T12:50:00.010-06:00

Sometimes when you express yourself do you get misinterpreted? I find more and more that is happening all around me. Perhaps I do not communicate right, or people just are not paying attention, because they have so much on their minds. I find that it seems like we are really living in an instant, ready while you wait world these days. You have to make sure to know your exact place, before you can be receptive to anyone or anything else.

Financial worries in the headlines, lost jobs, lost income, lost people. Perhaps it really is time that I stop, look and listen for the betterment of others, not just for me.

I want to take a step back to the simple life, where you can take time to "smell the roses" and enjoy all of your life just as it is. No worries, no deadlines, no attitudes. Oh, listen to me, this is not the real world for sure! And I am sure I will be misinterpreted. But perhaps if we all did take a bit of me time, our worries may fade a bit and we could enjoy the beauty all around us, the gifts from God. I wonder, if we all did take this bit of me time, if God just might then bless us all a bit more, because he knows we are appreciating all that he has blessed us with. Please, take a moment and do realize you do deserve me time. Try it, you just might like it! I think I will.

The New Year Is Here!

2009-01-01T20:46:00.005-06:00

So it is now 2009,

it's going to be really fine!

A new business is almost here,

what a way to start the new year!

A step back in time it will be,

We really hope all will agree.

A time that was probably tough,

but all did survive it without fluff.

Just imagine how it could be,

to get back to a life that is free,

from stress, anger and fear,

full of love and good cheer.

We hope that is how you will feel,

and get nice feelings that are real.

Check out our old place that is new,

we've created it all just for you!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-27T21:15:00.006-06:00

It is that time of the year to decide on my New Years resolutions. Yes, every year I make them. Do I Keep them? Mostly NOT, but this year I hope to. Of course there is the Lose weight, organize my home, read that book, clean my closets, lose weight, make to do lists etc....

However this year my resolution list will instead say "get healthy", allow time for me, "enjoy my home", "git er dun" at work and really enjoy all the blessings God has given me.

Maybe with this reevaluated resolution list, I will keep most of my resolutions this year. Oh well I hope so!

Hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR Filled With Many Blessings!

Simple Words

2008-12-24T14:14:00.004-06:00

Very Simply Put.......

Have A Very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

And A Very

BLESSED NEW YEAR

With Love To You All!

Mary Lou

A very busy day!

2008-12-21T22:41:00.007-06:00

Have you ever really felt you were honestly nuts? I think I did today.

As I attempted to complete my Christmas shopping on the final Sunday before the big day, I really felt that I must be nuts! People everywhere!

I do not like crowds and rudeness, much of what I ran into today. However people watching was a blast, thankfully. There was one man ( I think) who seemed to be in every store I was, he was very interesting looking. Then we were at another store and Hubby said to catch the lady in the next aisle, well I am so glad he was not around as I took a peak at her, I think she took the wrong flight, with her attire she should live in Sweden or some Nordic country. She was dressed head to toe for very cold weather and we were inside too! If I had met hubby's eyes as I observed her, I would have become one of the rude people due to my uncontrollable laughter.

The young people were fun to watch, at least I did not feel I had to run after them and help pull up their britches this year. :) But of course observing their DRAMA was fun.

But still whatever happened to pride in your appearance? We are most certainly a dress DOWN society now. Perhaps that is why the world is so down, I don't know, just a thought. I have to say I did not finish my shopping but there is still time. I hope. Tis the season, fa la la la la la la!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

2008-12-19T06:29:00.010-06:00

Do You prefer white or colored Christmas lights? My preference is colored, after all aren't there many colors in Christmas? However many prefer white. To me the white lights make a simple statement.

Pristine and calm, yes, as the light that the first Christmas had from the star, it was white and guiding the Shepherds and Wise men to the Baby Jesus.

Yet, don't you imagine the multitudes of Angels and humans on earth celebrating the birth of our Lord would have preferred color? That Glorious time of celebration was very colorful I am sure.

So simply put, do you prefer white, pristine lights or do you prefer colorful, festive celebration lights?

No matter, the lights of Christmas are all very beautiful, just as the Birth of Our Lord was on the First Christmas.

SEEING The Light At The End Of The Tunnel!

2008-12-16T17:05:00.014-06:00

It is dim, but yes I can see it....it's the light at the end of the tunnel. What tunnel you ask?

Well for over two very long years we have been in the process of renovating our 1872 Italianate Victorian Home. Of course we are the providers of the home and we pay the bills but we have a wonderful contractor who may seem slow but he is very involved in making this renovation as close to original as possible. I have put two pictures on this blog of the house and it's beautiful outside.

Now comes the detail interior work. The woodwork is all stripped, the floors are sanded and the drywall is being primed. Colors for each of the rooms have been selected, stain is established for the now beautiful walnut woodwork upstairs and the tile for the bathrooms is on the agenda. We are lucky that the woodwork downstairs is in great condition. After being talked into a complete kitchen renovation and having the cabinets ordered and at the lumber yard in storage I am ready to "git er dun". However furniture has to be acquired, window treatments selected and light fixtures ordered. And then all the linens, towels and dishes have to be purchased.

Did I say I can see the light at the end of the tunnel? Yes, but it is dim. Our Victorian Guest House will be everything I have ever dreamed of and I can not wait to share it with our town.

Perhaps a step back in time is what we all will need to get through the unforeseeable future. I can not wait to step back in time, how about you?

We will introduce The McClure Guesthouse to our community with a VICTORIAN TEA in the springtime. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

RESTORATION

2008-12-07T16:54:00.006-06:00

A little peak, for a look back in time.......

Built in 1872, revitalized early 1900's, remodeled late 1970's and now 2006-2009 restored to almost its beginning, with some upgrades, after all it is 135 years old, doesn't it deserve it?

Yes I am referring to what I once thought was the never ending renovation of the Dr. Samuel B. McClure home, the Mrs. N.E. Orton residence & boarding facility, the Carl Goedeke Home, the Frank Goedeke home and finally the Michael & Mary Lou Spieth home.

In 2009 it will become The McClure Guesthouse, your home away from home.

See Photograph On This Blog Page and watch for more to come.

COUNTDOWN

2008-12-04T06:43:00.007-06:00

10,9,8,7,6...... you know what it is like.

Time in, time out, in time, out of time. Wouldn't it be great if we were able to control time? Just imagine it, everything could be done in due time and would be on time! What a stress reliever for all! Never to be late. But also nothing would be finished just in the nick of time, what a relief!

Perhaps it would end moodiness, depression and impatience!

I want to live in this world!!!

And now it is countdown to Christmas time, talk about pressure. Perhaps we all should "take time to smell the roses or gingerbread or pine trees" ....aah wouldn't that make Christmas for sure the most wonderful time of the year?

Oh well, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

BEST FRIENDS, Someone To Be Thankful For!

2008-11-26T07:14:00.013-06:00

Just what is a best friend?

Someone who tolerates the best of you and the worst? Someone who helps you out in good times and in bad times? Someone who is there even if not physically? Someone who is just as they are with you, no phoniness, just them? YES, YES, YES, YES!

My best friend is all of this plus so much more that I can not even put it in words. She is someone I admire, respect, laugh at and laugh with, and yes all of the things above. And believe it or not I have not seen her in a couple of years. She is in pharmacy school and leads a very involved life what with school, her family including grand kids and a beautiful home with a fantastic garden. She is away at school Monday - Thursday and most generally is home on the weekends.

She pushes herself to be the very best at any and every thing. In our lifetime together this has included macrame, kids, cooking, kids, house renovation, kids, exercise, Pharmacy tech, finances, stained glass, gardening, landscaping, interior design, law, college, pharmacy school and most of all being my best friend.

She is very gifted artistically and intellectually I really envy her. Through everything though she always had time for me no matter what. And yes we did have a period [due to a lie from someone else] that we did not speak at all. I believe that I really mourned during that time the loss of her friendship, then a simple car breakdown and a call to her ( I could not reach anyone else) and she was there. We reconciled and went on like nothing ever happened. NOW THAT IS A FRIEND!

The Thanksgiving Holiday always reminds me of a special thanksgiving we spent together and

we cooked dinner. We were in our 20s and new at this holiday cooking. I did my thing and she did hers including oyster dressing, HOWEVER she used her food processor to prepare the oysters, the oysters were pureed and needless to say we did not partake of the dish, once we tasted it. To this day we laugh at the memory and I am so thankful for the memory, just as I am thankful that she is in my life!

Do you have a "best friend" you are thankful for? Tell them!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Heartbreak

2008-11-22T15:36:00.006-06:00

It is really hard when you have your heart broken isn't it?

In my life I can remember times that I have suffered from this.

Having my parents disappointed with me, a break up, not getting hired, getting

fired, death of my grandparents, a poor test grade I really did study hard for,

a friend no longer being my friend, miscarriage, divorce, loss of a pet, death of a pet, death of my other grandparents, death of my father. So you see I have had many heartbreaks.

But at this moment my heart is breaking for my husband as he is a part in the end of his dear friends life. I don't know what to say or do. I am walking around quietly, listening and trying to be there for him. His heart is breaking, knowing that his friend will no longer be there. He will miss the companionship, the jokes, the brotherhood of clergy, the deep sharing of Love for Our Lord. I can not imagine how this void in his life will be filled, I only hope that my husband knows that I am here to help if at all possible.

And oh yes, in addition my heart will break when this dear friend of ours is gone. But oh the joy I will feel knowing he is no longer suffering and is able to fully share his Love with Our Lord one to one. I know my husband will experience this joy too.

And I hope this joy will help to heal our broken hearts. But there will always be a little bit broken in our hearts, when our friend has left this earth and gone to be with Our Lord.

SURROUNDED

2008-11-19T22:34:00.012-06:00

Do you ever feel "surrounded"?

As I sit here tonight I do. To my left is Tigger, to my right under the cover is Rico, on the floor is Callie, on the back of the couch by my neck is Tommy, barking from the basement is Abby and Lucy is whining a bit. So you think I am surrounded by all of them, but no, they are my protectors because I feel "surrounded" by the mouse that is sneaking around, avoiding the mouse trap. At times Tigger and Callie seem aware there is the mouse lurking about, as I see them focusing on the floor beneath the cabinets. Why is it that a teeny tiny mouse can make a person feel surrounded? Is it that it is sneaky and may be peering at me as I walk about?

I know the mouse is a bit peeved because I have put all food away in the refrigerator, in the microwave or in sealed containers. There are absolutely no morsels around for him, except for the peanut butter in the trap. Eventually the mouse has to get hungry, don't you think?

This is the third mouse this fall....or maybe the second because maybe the mouse just returned. Back in mid October MOUSE #1 came in and I noticed Tigger was staring out the window at a bird or so I thought. I walked to the window and moved the curtain and MOUSE #1 jumped out at me and ran into Mikes office. Tigger ran after it and I thought he was my hero, but no MOUSE #1 got into some boxes and hid. I called out for my hero hubby to help. MOUSE #1 ran out from the box and my hero hubby then shooed him with a broom and that little critter came right at me! Mike was laughing as I screamed, ran into the bedroom and SLAMMED the door! As I stuck my head back out I told Mike to get the Labs and he did and Abby caught MOUSE #1 and she took it outside where he died. Mouse #2 ended up falling into the empty kitchen garbage can and I heard it attempting to escape. I got my hero hubby up and he checked out the garbage can and found Mouse #2. I insisted that my hero hubby take Mouse #2 over to the field and let him run free. So Mouse #2 may have returned or his cousin is here surrounding me.

And yes I do feel surrounded! I am going to bed and leaving my cats to watch for the mouse and hopefully the mouse will get hungry for a taste of peanut butter and the trap will surround him.

GOOD NIGHT:) ML

Beauty Is...

2008-11-17T19:37:00.010-06:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

recently a young lady I know was telling me about her

new main interest. And she said that her newbie

was not very cute, but oh so nice and fun!

I told my friend that to me that meant cute.

I have many beautiful friends, one is very talented,

one is very smart, one is kind, one is funny, one is serious,

one is shy, one is hilarious and one can be pretty sour, but is still

a beauty just because.

The most beautiful friend I have is my husband and even

though I have seen him at his worst he still is a beaut! And believe me he has seen me at my worst and in the profile of his blog he states I am beautiful, after I read that I went to the mirror looked at myself and then even checked to

make sure his glasses were the new ones and not the old.

So I can honestly say; beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

And real beauty does come from within to be seen with our heart.