Barbie meets Pete

I decided to post some of "our" stories here on Life & Faith. In part, because I love sharing them, telling them. But largely motivated to save these stories for my children. So please come along with me as we go back to Dec. 31, 1983:

This December was on of the coldest I can remember. It was 17 degrees for a high on Christmas day! Very unusual for us. And I was 23 years old. I had lost my mom less than a year before and was still living in the our home with my stepfather, Polk, as we both tried to chart out what came next. Between work and my running the roads I was actually seldom there.

On New Year's Eve of 1983 I was fed up with men. You find one treats you right, and seemed "the right feeling" never developed. Find one with the right feeling and sooner or later they let you down. Coming out of a nearly year long relationship that had gone south for no explainable reason, I had made up my mind to simply do what I pleased, go out with whomever I wanted to just for their company. New rules to play by: don't phone them, don't go to them, don't meet them, don't spend a dime of my money on them. They could do it all or nothing. I wouldn't be used, played, toyed with any more.

So on this particular evening I was at home getting dressed up to go out dancing for New Year's Eve. My best friend (who was already married), Mary Lou, phoned me up to say "come out here with us for New Year's. Glen and Connie are playing." "No, I think I'm going somewhere else." "Oh, come on" she insisted ~she was very good at insisting ;o)~"Paul is gonna be there with his fiance and Ronnie says you have to be there." "Okay, I'll come out there, but I'm not promising I'll stay there."

So I finished dressing, pulled on my cowboy boots and got a good coat and left the house. I walked into the club to find the others already there. I ordered a drink and sat down with them. It wasn't extremely pleasant for me; hearing and seeing Glen and Connie brought back nostalgic memories of the past year. I half hoped, half dreaded Rocky might walk in the door. I wanted to bolt and run. Go somewhere else, anywhere else. But each time I was about to make my excuses and cut out, someone would ask me to dance or engage me in conversation and I'd end up staying on.

It wasn't long before us girls had to excuse ourselves to the ladies room. Being single, my eyes were perusing the men I saw along the way. Sloppy, ugly, obviously taken, drunk, old so and so....then I spy a tall, slender frame bent from the waist over the pool table. His hair looked like spun gold, shining under the Bud light hanging above the table. His jeans fit his rear just right. I nudged Mary Lou in the side and said, "Oh, look at that one! The only good looking guy in here." Mary Lou said, "What? Where?" Oh, hell, she was too married to notice. Coming back by the pool table upon exit of the ladies room, I tried to catch his eye, but seemed to fail. Oh, well, back into the dark recesses of our table.

Later on, a song started, Percy Sledge I think, and Mary Lou was obviously going to be mad at Ronnie if he didn't make it back to dance with her. So I went to warn him to high tail it to the dance floor. I walked up to find him talking to the handsome young man I had noticed over the pool table. Forever full of himself, Ronnie made some crack. And then the handsome young stranger leaned in between us, tapped the side of his cheek with a long slender finger and said, "give me a little kiss, right here." I pulled back a little and took in his face. It was kind, cheerful and full of mischief. His right brow was slightly cocked. Why not? So I leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. It seems Ronnie made some quick introductions. But suffice it to say, at some point he ended up over at our table. After Mary Lou and stomped his foot repeatedly, he had asked me to dance to a slow song. And he got up once again to dance to "Auld Lang Syne" as the clock struck midnight. As the lights came up and "Turn out the Lights, the Party's Over" started blaring from the jukebox he asked about us doing more tonight. I told him I was going home. Told him where I lived and told him he could come over and watch TV if he wanted to. He assured me he'd be there. I wasn't counting on it.

I walked out to my Mustang and cranked up, started getting ready to leave. Letting some cars pull out and get away from me. Noticed in the rear view mirror that my handsome young man was packing about 5 girls into an AMX. Well, he obviously got a better deal! So much for that. And I pulled out and headed home. I was surprised to find my stepfather had not returned from a family party he had gone to. Being an old night owl, I suppose. I walked through the cold house. Lit a couple of heaters. Peed. Was kicking my boots off when I heard a car in the drive and in just a second, there was a knock on the door. I turn on the porch light and opened the door to see HIM standing there! Wow. I didn't think you were coming, it looked like you were busy. He claimed the women I had seen climbing into his car, were his three sisters and a couple of their friends he had to take home before he came over. We settled down on the couch. Watched TV. Talked. He had given me three options of names I could call him, and I never could settle on one. Polk finally came home. I made introductions. Then Polk headed for bed. We talked some more. Cuddled and kissed a little, as much from the cold as anything. Not long after Pete said he'd better head off to home, that he had to work the next day. That he was a pumper and had to check the wells every single day. I urged him to settle down on the couch instead, due to the late hour, the 15 mile drive and the whole New Year's and alcohol thing.

(It was several months later when I heard the story from his sisters about that night after the club closed. They said he herded them into the car like cattle. And literally drove like a bat out of hell, leaving them scared senseless, to get them where they were staying that night. Claimed he fairly threw them out of the car when they got there, barely slowing to a roll. It was a good 30 mile round trip from the club, to there, and back down to my house. He made it in about 10 minutes.)

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Out with the old...these are the good ole days!

So very much change in 2009. So much of it for the better. Yet still there are whispers of nostalgia floating around the edges. But more than that, more than in quite some time there is a spirit of expectation, anticipation and excitement for what each day may hold. And a reverence for its value.

The most impact on me were the changes that started in myself last year. Feeling out of touch with who I was as a person, as a woman. I unexpectedly discovered that I was buried beneath layers of life and time. As the layers of rubble were lay aside I begin to recognize and remember the me hidden beneath. I took her out, dusted her off, and integrated her into my current life.

Pete was astounded, startled, enthralled, exasperated and confused as he began at the same time to see both the girl he had married, and a woman he had never knew, emerge from within me. Delighted and sometimes disgusted. But never one to be outdone, he has overall rose to the occasion with some particularly spectacular changes in himself and how he relates to me. I find him to be the boy I married and the man I always dreamed of rolled into one.

Then the holidays came marching around. Over the past 10 years those have been changing for us, as well. As our elders aged and then passed on leaving less glue to bind the family together for calendar events we had begun a new tradition of Thanksgiving dinner in the deer camp. But not belonging to a lease this year, that tradition was soundly driven to the scrap heap. Fortunately for us, a dear couple who have been friends of ours for years invited us to join in their Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful way to spend the holiday without the reminders of what was lost and gone because it was so new and different for us.
We were invited to make it our new tradition, and God willing, it's one we look forward to establishing.

Next, Christmas time was upon us. And it seemed destined that things change there as well. We had always done an evening meal with my sister and her grown daughters and their families, usually on Christmas Eve. But this year a trip to Arkansas to visit with the other side of the family for one and a trip to Colorado for the other brought that tradition to a halt. While a part of me missed actually chatting and hugging and seeing faces I see all too seldom, I also embraced the chance for a slow, easy Christmas Eve with my little family together at home. We wrapped presents, had pizza for supper, watched the tree and TV together and each helped ourselves to one present.

So as this year draws to a close, I remind you all that change can be a good thing. It is mostly in how you choose to look at it. What you are willing to do with it.

Bubba always rips every CD he gets his hands on to the computer. One day, while Pete was perusing the recently added songs he stumbled upon the song below. He played it for me when I got home. It sums up this past year perfectly. And it is my motto I am carrying into the new year.

These Are The Good Ole Days

(James Otto / Shannon Lawson)



I’m wastin’ half of my life just lookin’ back

Thinkin’ all of my good times were in the past

Ain’t no joy to be found livin’ life like that

I couldn’t feel the sunshine on my face

Everywhere that I’d go I’d feel out of place

Finally figured out I’d never win that race

Now I’m amazed to find



Chorus:

These are the good ole days that we’ve been livin’

No more lookin’ back all is forgivin’

Ain’t gonna live my life through no picture frame

These are the good ole days



Seems like people get lost talkin’ ’bout some day

Something better will come and take them away

Never realize ’til it’s too late

It’s the simple things that make life worthwhile

Like a warm summer day or a laughin’ child

Or how it makes me feel just to see you smile

Baby you know it’s true



Chorus

Don't know the author, but this was forwarded to me by a friend named Shelby. I thought it worth sharing.     T'was the Month before Christmas     T'was the month before Christmas   When all through our land,   Not a Christian was praying   Nor taking a stand.   See the PC Police had taken away   The reason for Christmas - no one could say.   The children were told by their schools not to sing   About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.   It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say    December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.   Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit   Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!   CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod   Something was changing, something quite odd!    Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa   In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.   As Targets were hanging their trees upside down   At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.   At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears   You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.   Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty   Are words that were used to intimidate me.   Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen   On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!   At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter   To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.   And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith    Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace   The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded   The reason for the season, stopped before it started.   So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'   Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.   Choose your words carefully, choose what you say   Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,   Not Happy Holiday!   Please, all Christians join together and   Wish everyone you meet   MERRY CHRISTMAS   Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!     Barbara

Saturday Six on Sunday & Other Things

I cannot believe I have not posted since September! What's been happening? A lot and yet nothing really. I've been on the computer less, part of my new priorities. And when I've been here I've been making an attempt to spend more time reading YOUR blogs than writing in mine. I had my six month check-up with my doctor who said all is well. Tell that to my body! Things have been busier at work it seems. Hubby has been working with his brother on a porch and garage for his sister. It's been very demanding and hard on him physically, but he is loving it in every other way. I tried to participate in a 30 year class reunion only to find out there wasn't really one.....but one party I was unable to make. Took the Bug to town and saw King Krunch the monster truck perform. He did a good show. Have enjoyed a lot of cooler weather and some nice fires out under the stars. And just last night my hairdresser, Pete, gave me another awesome color job. Bye-bye grey and hello Barbie's natural shade. So, all in all, life is good and I am blessed.




I saw where Donna had played along with Patrick's Saturday Six and decided I wanted to as well. Here are the rules if you feel so inclined as to play along, too.


Here are this week’s “Saturday Six” questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal…but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! Permission is not granted to copy the questions to message boards for the purpose of having members answer and play along there. Enjoy!

1. What is the last thing you purchased for yourself, other than basics like groceries?

That would be a pair of socks and a bottle of Amarige by Givenchy. But then the perfume was as much or more for Pete than for me. As it is his favorite scent. ;o)

2. What is the last thing you purchased for someone else?

A package of socks for Pete so he isn't always looking the dryer for socks.

3. If you were to win a lottery, what is the first charity you’d donate to?

Definately the first would be a tithe of it to my church.

4. If you won that lottery, what is the first “luxury” you’d buy for yourself?

Would have to be a new comfortable yet fuel effecient car. My Taurus needs replacing.

5. Take the quiz: Do You Put Yourself First or Last?

"You Put Yourself First
By putting yourself first, you're actually not being selfish. You're just being realistic.
You like to help others as much as the next person... maybe even more. But you know you need to be at the top of your game in order to really give back.

You take good care of yourself, and you have learned the art of tactfully saying "no." It's all about balance.
You try to stay away from people and activities that drain you. You prefer to save your energy for those who really matter to you."

I think I've just got back to putting me first or near the first after way too long of trying to do it the other way around. I've found people don't appreciate martyrs and at some point you just run out of anything worth while to give if you don't care for yourself and fill yourself up.

6. When is the last time you spent an entire weekend putting yourself first?

An entire weekend? I don't think I really need that much at one wack. A morning or afternoon or chunk of an evening is just about right. But that would probably be the last time my whole bunch went to the deer camp together.

It's been fun to play. And good to be back. Hopefully I'll not be so neglectful of my little spot of cyberspace in the weeks ahead. But then, who knows what the days will hold.

The Out Back Chili House

Last night Pete and I discovered a most unusual restaurant tucked up here in the woods by our house: The Out Back Chili House. Reservations are a must! There is only one table. And your server is dedicated to you and only you the whole evening. And surprisingly affordable! Let me tell you all about our night.

Pete and I cleaned up and each put on our very best nightwear. He, plaid lounging pants and a grey muscle shirt. The combination really set off his golden hair and piercing blue eyes. I chose my flower print clingy a-line spaghetti strap gown that comes about mid-thigh and accented it with my mothers double strand pearls and one of Donna's lovely anklets. Then we went out and walked around to the back porch. There we were met by our lovely server. Cute, young and sassy, I do believe she was flirting with my Pete. Her name for the evening was Clara.

Clara wore a hot pink scooter skirt with a turquoise top and a striped vest. She had long, flowing, strawberry-blond hair. Her eyes danced with merriment and her face would often turn cherry red with the blush of embarrassment as she interacted with us throughout the night.

We met Clara at the porch and she walked us past an overloaded pear tree to reveal a roaring fire in a fire hole in the ground. Just beyond it, under an opening in the pecan tree tops, was a carpet with a small wooden dining table and two chairs. Beside the table was a lantern and upon it's top was a Navajo tablecloth with fresh gardenias in a vase and a candle. After seating us, Clara took our drink order. I choose the Coke and 7, Pete opted for an ice cold Miller Lite. Clara left our silverware with us and turned on some soft music. A delightful and romantic mix that included Otis Redding, Johnny Rivers, Billy Joe Royal and Delbert McClinton.

We lit our candle and relaxed. We could look directly into each other's eyes and touch our fingertips across the table. We found that when we slipped our shoes off we could also rub the other's foot underneath. Quite titillating!

"Clara" returned with our drinks and gave us menus that revealed that homemade chili was THE dish of the night. Could be order in variety of ways with extras and options. We both chose the Frito pie with onions and grated cheese. I asked for a refill and Pete joined me in ordering Coke & 7 this time around. Our server left us in solitude to contemplate the music, the fire, the stars and each other.

The music was just loud enough to hear every word, but low enough to hear the chorus that was coming from the woods of chirping crickets and tree frogs. Occasionally the fire would snap and pop. I don't think I've ever been in a restaurant with a more pleasant atmosphere.

Our dinner arrived carried expertly by Clara on a large tray held erect on the fingertips of one hand. She served our food and I have to say I have never seen such a simple dish garnished and presented in such a pleasing way. Pete and I both dove right in. It was delicious and just the right temperature. I ate until I thought I'd pop and then Pete polished off what was left of mine after finishing his own. Time for a smoke and more conversation as we sipped our drinks.

At just the right moment Clara was back, ready to take away our dirty dishes. There were peppermints to combat the onions. And she went away to tally our "bill". She soon returned. It seemed a little pricey at first, $45.00. But once I understood that my imaginary Visa was accepted there, it became a great deal. Pete dug out a little cash for a tip for Clara. As she was so young and precious, we invited her to sit and visit with us while we finished our drinks. We all did some star gazing and she and Pete searched out the big dipper but couldn't locate it last night. When we were done we helped her close down the restaurant by turning off the lantern, putting the CD player in the Bronco and sitting the table under the shed.

"Clara" came inside and put on her bed clothes, snuggled up in the blue lazy boy with her teddy and the TV. Pete and I disappeared into our room to play a little "dice".

Another wonderful, unforgettable evening in Caneyhead.

(This all started with an email from my Pete at work yesterday challenging me to "e-mail me naughty things you are going to do to ME this WEEKEND...
or if not Me , tell me anyway.
If , When , Where , How and How Long...-" I answered him throughout the day, one email at a time for each of the five conditions. When I got home last evening, I cooked up the chili and left everything necessary out and accessible in the kitchen. When I invited Hannah to participate by being our server, she was overjoyed! Happy for us to have a special evening, and to get to play pretend with two adults. We all worked together to have the fire, table, lantern and music ready to go. Once we were all dressed and ready, we went into "character" and remained there until we came in the house afterward. And I have to say Bug threw herself into her role and went the extra mile to make it all "real" with a menu and order pad and all those little touches. I share this in hopes it inspires YOU to do something a little unusual, creative and inexpensive with your own mate.)

Rainy Day Musings

Rainy, rainy weekend here in Caneyhead. But that's okay. Makes for a more restful and relaxing weekend. Wanted to touch base with you all. Especially my usual readers and regular friends. I've been cleaning up my favorites list, getting rid of email subscriptions to things I never read anymore. Trying to get streamlined and organized so that when I do occasionally get on the PC at home I can spend more time reading your entries, visiting, commenting...like I used to. This is still my favorite medium on the Internet. And my goal is to begin to post weekly again.

Been over at Sitemeter....entertaining myself with a look at where do these people come from and how do they get here. Had a recent visit from Italy. Thrilled to see more visits from other places in Texas. But most amusing to me was a look at the referring URL's. In other words, the places people were in order to get to here. How they found their way to Caneyhead. Most of my visitors use AOL for their service provider, like I do. AOL returns an unknown result. But most other providers leave a trail.

Out of the ones I can really see it simply tells me they came from their blogger home or google reader list. Some others show up after clicking on a link to Caneyhead on someone's blogger profile or another blogger blog. But what I find most interesting are the ones that land here by way of a search. These folks have found me by searching "Caneyhead". That's simple enough. A more unusual one was a search for "river bottom people", on Google. Someone on Yahoo was searching for "preserving purple hull peas". Another Googler came after searching a screen name that commented here. Some sweet person used a Yahoo search for a "Baby stud horse". One person got here because they were searching for a certain person and both their first name and last name showed up in one of my entries, though not as a single name. Someone else was looking for a "space cowboy" and because I did an entry by the title of the Steve Miller song....voila they got here!

I find all of this fascinating. And it can be a lot of fun. But perhaps it reminds us all that we leave footprints everywhere we go on the web. So be careful little feet where you go.

Now if you are searching for jewelry, looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or a friend, doing a little early online Christmas shopping, I want to direct your attention to my good IRL friend, Donna and her Timeless Treasures. She carries a full line of everything under the sun in handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. I have not done this before, directly endorsed a friend's business on my blog. But I wanted to this time for several reasons.

One, I do know Donna in real life. Ten years ago, while her business was still a baby, she made a sterling silver baby bracelet for little baby Hannah. So I know she has the experience of ten plus years to do this right. More recently, she's adapted and modified a piece for Bubba. And Bug and I both have beautiful ankle bracelets she created. Also, she and her husband, Roy, are good people.

You'll find a permanent link to her website in my sidebar, right under my About Me section. So if you are a jewelry lover or are looking to make a purchase for a gift, please drop by and check out her selections first.

I'll be seeing y'all around. Until the next time, take care and God bless.

Barbara