Some People Call Me a Space Cowboy...

I left you promising stories to come out of the six things I shared. This is the 1st one.


When I was just a little girl, about 3 years old, I was out on an inner tube with my very pregnant sister, Edna. Her young husband, Howard, was there. And I think Mama was on the shore. Not sure if they were in the Neches River or on Village Creek. Suppose I could call and ask Edna, but it really doesn't matter. Not for my story.


Somehow, we managed to flip over. We were both in the water. Edna so pregnant she could barely swim herself, and I totally ignorant of anything about the water. Most of this has been related to me by my Mama and by Edna at some point, but this I remember clearly: dark murky water all around. My eyes wide open drinking in the sights as I float quietly downward. I remember watching the tiny little air bubbles rising to the top. Fascinated by it. All seemed so calm and serene. I had no idea I was in jeopardy. That I was going to the bottom and fast running out of air. I suppose the fact that I didn't know to panic actually made my breath last longer. Then I remember being jerked by an arm. And that is that. All of my actual memory. It had been a young muscular, James Dean looking Howard who had pulled me from the water.


I was not left with any fear of water...probably again because I had not known I was fast approaching death and had suffered nothing traumatic. One summer when I was around seven or eight, Mama had a friend of my sisters who had a pool in their backyard give me swimming lessons. She did an excellent job. Again, absolutely no fear, only joy in the water. She taught me to float, to swim above the water and below it. To do a simple dive. And to retrieve things from the bottom of the pool.


Soon, I was going to the pool in town every chance I could to swim, slide and dive. The older I got the more summer afternoons I spent there. It was a wonderful place. Fenced in pool area, San Augustine grass all around the pool and the covered pavilion. Hard plastic deck chairs lining the cement around the pool for sunbathing and lounging. Basket lockers and a shower/changing room for each of the sexes. A small snack bar for refreshments.


The pavilion had chairs and picnic tables and pool tables beneath it. Teenage boys in cut off jeans would keep the pool balls clicking and clacking throughout the day. And there was the jukebox. Don't know how many songs it had on it....or how often they were changed out, but overwhelmingly in my memory I hear the echoes of the Steve Miller Band and "The Joker". So much so, that whenever or wherever I hear the familiar strains of that song I immediately smell chlorine, feel the suns warmth and hear the "Thwang" of the diving board.


There was a small slide in the shallows for little ones. There was a huge slide at about 6 foot for everyone else. There were two diving boards on the cavernous 12" deep end. One regular and the other a towering high dive.


When I went to college at Stephen F. Austin and had to select a phys ed course, I happily signed up for swimming. What could be better than being able to swim every single day if one wanted regardless of the whether!


There they picked my form apart and put it back together. If there was a stroke I never learned, I don't know what it could be. I received high marks on them all. For one of the higher swimming classes we had to complete the Red Cross Basic Rescue training. Hear we learned to scissor kick for breaths and hang like jelly fish. For the grand finale we had to enter the pool on the deep end in our jeans and all our clothes. Take our jeans off while treading water, tie the legs together and while holding the waste line in either hand whop them down hard on the water to trap air inside and use them as life preservers.


The actual fact is I'd probably never need in assistance except in the roughest of water. I am a natural floater. I can literally lie on my back in the water, floating on it and reading, sipping a drink through a straw, whatever. I look as though I am laying on an imaginary float! My instructors plainly told me that although I managed to complete the exercises satisfactorily, I would indeed be better off on my back in many situations.


Went on to learn how to drag folks out of the water. Not on a level to qualify for a life guard, just for a real immediate emergency. I'm very happy I have never had to attempt to use any of that training. The only way it has been put to use really, is that I trained Hannah Bug myself to float and to swim.


Coming next in this series is the story of how I earned my canoeing badge.


Hope this finds you all happy and satisfied from a great Thanksgiving Day.


Barbara

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Hey, Barbara, what'd you have for Thanksgiving? Well, since we celebrated at the deer camp, I kept it quite simple. There was a spiral cut ham, corn casserole, green beans chocked full of bacon and pineapple cherry salad. I'm sure the ham bone will find a pot of beans. ;o)

Let them eat cake. (or as long as I don't have to lose my head.)

Whether you liked her or not, hard to say Marie Antoinette wasn't herself. I feel rather humbled and yet very pleased to say that two of my fellow bloggers have chosen me as a recipient of the Marie Antoinette Award. Sweet Jill, over at Fryin' up the Bacon and dear Lynne at Time and Thoughts. Two women whose own blogs I enjoy and who I've had the pleasure of corresponding with and getting to know a little better.

About the Marie Antoinette award - Real Blogs - Real People, that's going around. This is an award for those that write about real things, not necessarily on every entry, but those who share information about themselves or where they live, what is happening in their area or in the world. What a wonderful way to give some recognition and appreciation to those who write and share a bit of their lives with us.This award is for sharing so be sure to pass it on to other people. Here are the rules, (as I received them):1. Please put the logo on your journal - Real Blogs/Real People.2. Place a link from the person, from whom you received the award.3. Nominate as many as you want (2-10, with 7 being ideal).4. Put the links of those on your journal.5. Leave a comment on their journal to let them know.6. Put the award on your sidebar, if you want.

I suppose I do that. I try to do that. Or than again maybe I really don't try to do anything but to be me sharing some of my life and some of my thoughts and beliefs.

Certainly, if I didn't wish to be real I'd never portray myself to be such a hick! LOL

Now comes the hard part. Choosing my own recipients of this award. I don't think I read any make believe blogs or can readily think of anyone who doesn't at least try to be honest and themselves. And I really don't know who all has or hasn't yet been so recognized. But I'll try.

For one, there is Pennie (or Sandra) who's blog is A Pennies Worth. She's not the most frequent poster, but she always shares straight from what's happening in her world. She faces this world with the most buoyant resiliency. She inspires without hiding the hardships.

And second, I think of Helen at My Everyday Life. She's not limited by words, she shares her world and surroundings through some of the most beautiful photography you'll find.

My third nominee is Ora. Her blog Someone who enjoys people, children and pets is an open account of her days. Some simple pleasures in the here and now, mixed with wonderful stories from her and her husbands long marriage.

Fourth, for her Sorting the Pieces, my friend Cynthia. Just as the title conveys, you never know if you'll find her sharing from her experiences, opening her heart or delving into hot topics or matters for reflection.

There you have my list. Congratulations to each of you! I hope you'll receive this award in the spirit it is offered in. I'm sure there are others who deserve it, but I'll leave them to others to name.

God bless my friends,

Barbara

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Barbara, what was for supper? I played it all creative and made up my own hash brown casserole. Though I enjoyed it, we've yet to see what the family thinks. If it is a hit, I'll share the recipe....but I'll be mum if they say it stinks. ;o)

Of Morons and Blasphemy

Last night I found myself sitting down on the couch just to relax and chill a little before getting into bed. You ladies know what I'm talking about! That wonderful time of day when you can go "whew!" and put your feet up knowing what you had to do is done and everyone that might holler "Mama!" is in the bed.

Pete mostly watches the satellite. Movies, western channel, discovery. But he does like to catch Jay Leno. Last night he was tuned into him. His guest was Bill Maher. That political comedian. Well, I was there and listening. I found most of his jokes and commentary to be about grade school level.

And then he proved he was a moron. He mentioned the gay marriage thing. And then went too far. He said Jesus never spoke against homosexuality. He even went on to espouse the heresy that Christ was a homosexual! He eluded that the "law" of the Old Testament was archaic.

This man doesn't know or understand the Bible. This man doesn't care that he doesn't. He's just out looking for applause. Attacking anything and anyone in an absurd manner to cause a stir, get a laugh.

What disturbed me as much as the slander against Christ, was the fact that the audience bought into it. Enough to gawph and slap their legs and elbow each other. The Bible tells us truth shall be known as lies and lies as the truth.

What disappointed me no end was that Jay Leno didn't look shocked or try to play it down or make any other motion to corral this scoundrel. Once upon a time, a host would have ejected a guest over such an insult.

God lay down His law in the Old Testament. He made very clear how He felt on homosexuality. He destroyed a city over the fact they had let it and other sexual sin run rampant. Jesus didn't have sex with a man or with a woman. He was not married. He would have been breaking the Law of God. Had he of done that, he would not have been the spotless Lamb to atone for our sins. If you say Jesus was homo or had a woman on the side you are denying who HE said HE was. You are calling him a liar and a fake. Make no mistake!

As to the Law, Jesus himself said he came not to change the law or do away with the law but to fulfill the law. If you find the words from His mouth that cancels out any, please email me the Chapter and Verse. What Jesus DID do was to make clear that following the law is an act of love and that you can't follow the law if you love not. Love is not what the world tells us today; where you quietly go along with anything a person does and nod and say that's okay. Love sometimes says, "Whoa! You are going too far. You are running wild. You are headed for disaster and ruin." Love doesn't accept low living from others....love says, "Look here, let me lift your eyes up and help you to live fuller, richer, to your best potential." If you want to love me as the world says you should love, do me a favor and don't! I'd rather have an enemy. An enemy would come nearer bringing out the best in me than one who loved me with that sick, crippling, kind of love. I want someone to kick my butt when I need it. To expect something worthwhile from me.

Jesus also condemned in harshest terms those who twisted the Law and the Word of God for their own advancement. He reckoned them to snakes. And he condemned the practice of thinking yourself better than others. Being smug and pious. Like you Bill.

Go ahead America, laugh yourself to death, straight on your way to Hell. May God have mercy on your souls.


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On the lighter side, Barbara, what's for supper? Well folks it's been a nice night, as Bubba brought home KFC for all of us....all right!!! He's a nice boy.

What You Don't Know About Me

Many moons ago, two people tagged me to list six things about me that you don't know. They were Kathy and Jill.

I'm finally getting my Around-To-It. So without further ado, I offer you six things you don't know, but you will when you finish reading.

1. Certifications - I hold several certifications from the American Red Cross. Advanced Swimming, Intermediate Water Rescue, Basic Canoeing and CPR. There's a couple of stories buried in this that I will be posting in the near future.

2. Anger and Fits - As a teenager, I'd get radically angry when I saw someone taking advantage of the underdog. As I got older I began to demonstrate my anger more often over much less lofty circumstances. Before I turned back to Christ I was at the point of taking someone's head off for any and every thing. Screaming, cursing, slamming things, stomping. Pete used to threaten to "sic Barbara on them." The change between then and now is extraordinary! But that doesn't mean that it's not still sometimes a struggle. To holler or use curse words when I'm really angry is still the weakest point in my Christian walk. And unfortunately, my home is the place it is most likely to happen.

3. Car Crazy Cutie - The Beach Boys had a song about a car crazy cutie. That fit me in my younger years. I changed my own oil and spark plugs. Had a subscription to Hot Rod magazine. More about this in an upcoming entry.

4. Breast Fed Both Children - With Bubba, well, he was what they call a sleepy nurser. I was a first time mom. It was a battle! With Hannah Bug everything went smooth as silk. Put it all together and I have much experience. So if anyone out there is trying it and needs some advice, I'm here for you.

5. I Shoot to Kill - Sounds tougher than it is. Actually the only three living things I ever shot at I killed in one shot. They were in this order, a doe one deer season, an armadillo that was digging up our yard, and a water moccasin Bubba saw in the shed by the horse stall.

6. I Never Liked Kids - I was born when both my sisters were about out of school. I grew up in many ways as an only child. So I just couldn't get what everyone goo' d and gaa' d over. Then at 29 I had Bubba. I remember in the hospital thinking he was beautiful and that this precious child needed a mother, not me! LOL Then when he was three, I was cornered to help in VBS by my best friend and prayer partner. I found God calling me to help in Children's Church. I worked in CC for over ten years. I loved it! Always treated my kids as midget adults. But they seemed to respond to that. I still get hugs from ex students every where I go. And I find myself gooing and gaaing over the new little ones that I see coming along. The things God can do in us, and through us!

7. Rum and Capt. Jack - Oh, this is seven. Call it a bonus! lol A part of me would love to be on an island somewhere with Captain Jack and a case of rum. Call it my inner wild child.

That's it. I hope there was something that surprised everyone. It's been so long since this meme started, I haven't a clue who to tag...so if you want to and haven't, consider this your invitation to play along.

Barbara, what's for supper? Pork loin, seasoned up fine, cooked in the rotisserie until it's golden on the outside. Baked potato with all the fixins, garden salad chopped real fine and a nice warm roll to round it out.

The Old Paths

So, this post is not my words...but lines up well with my thoughts. Hope you enjoy.

THE OLD PATHS I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work. Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married BEFORE having children! Crime did not pay; Hard work did; And people knew the difference. Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave. Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; And children were polite. Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants. Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent. People loved the truth, And hated a lie; They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT! Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful; Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere. Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illness; And divorce was unthinkable. The flag was honored; America was beautiful; And God was welcome! We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house To be called an American was worth dying for; To be called a Christian was worth living for; To be called a traitor was a shame! Preachers preached because they had a message; And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY! Preachers preached from the Bible; Singers sang from the heart; And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED! A new birth meant a new life; Salvation meant a changed life; Following Christ led to eternal life. Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God; Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord; Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus; And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you! Laws were based on the Bible; Homes read the Bible; And churches taught the Bible. God was worshiped; Christ was exalted; And the Holy Spirit was respected.. Church was where you found Christians on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden, on the creek bank, on the golf course, Or being entertained somewhere else. I still like the old paths the best!

"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives in Tennessee.

Barbara, what's for supper? Well, today Mama's been lazy and done a few chores so we'll take out the eggplant dressing, butter beans and potatoes that are left over.

What are the Odds?!?!

Good evening all! I suppose I'm in a story mood tonight. Today at work our salesman was teasing his wife about old boyfriends. And that prompted me to share with her a story from the first few months of our marriage.

Prior to meeting and marrying Pete, I had dated a fellow from Beaumont named Rocky for close to a year. He was my last boyfriend before Pete. Then I had met Pete and three months later, we were married. I had a Mustang Cobra unlike any other around these parts and he drove a little red AMX. Two similar sporty cars. I have an old photo of them parked hood to hood and a caption above them that says, "The other couple in love."

But I digress. I don't remember the reason, but one day Pete had to go to Beaumont. Now, being a good country boy, he tries hard not to go to the big city. And to him that is the big city. But for some reason he did need to go and for whatever reason (may have just been to drive something different) he took my Mustang.

Down in Beaumont, Pete was having trouble locating the place he was looking for. Well, he has more common sense than pride, so he pulled in to a tire shop to ask directions. A man was standing outside in the parking lot. Pete parked near him and got out to ask directions. The man was looking the Mustang up and down. Then he was looking Pete up and down. Finally, before answering Pete's question, he asked his own, "I guess you are the guy that married Barbara?" Pete looked at him for a moment and then said, "Yes, I am. And I suppose you are Rocky."

When all was said and done, Rocky told him how to get where he was going. And Pete got a kick out of telling me about this chance meeting. All I can say is "what are the odds?" We aren't talking a tiny one horse town here. And we are talking about a public place....a tire shop. Any way, I knew then and there I'd never get away with anything should I have tried.

I hope you were amused. I love that tale. And our 25th wedding anniversary is getting closer and closer.

Have a great weekend!

Barbara

Another "borrow" from Hee Haw. Remember how I was saluting cities that visited my blog over at AOL? I don't have any sitemeter set up here as of yet. So I thought I'd do another gimmick from that old show. "Grandpa, what's for supper?" Do you remember that one?

Here we go: Barbara, what was for supper? Well, let me tell you I made an eggplant dressing baked up hot in the oven, with some speckled butter beans cooked down with bacon, fresh, hot biscuits and ice cold milk to round it out.

Yeah, I'm Still Around

Just a quick note to let the masses know that I am still around. I've just been swamped by life lately. I hope to be back around writing, reading and putting my two cents in soon.

Until then, God bless and keep you.

Barbara