A sigh of relief……….

Yep, the day following Mother’s Day, is always a little easier I suppose on those of us whose Mom’s have traveled to the “other side.”  My only hope is that my Mother knows that my sadness by her absence doesn’t overshadow my continued daily thoughts of her, nor the love and admiration that I will forever have in my heart for her.  I always say a special prayer asking the Lord to please let Mom know how much I love her and that I miss her every day of my life.  I know where she is and I know that she is safe.

The photo above was Mom’s graduation picture.  Wasn’t she lovely!  A simple, spirited and happy-go-lucky young woman who had her share of heartaches growing up. Life has its way of taking a toll on the joy in our hearts, but my Mom was a strong woman and she met despair head-on throughout her lifetime.  She should have been a redhead because she had strength and grit and courage.

Mom never lost sight of the “big” picture in knowing that if she lived her life as God wanted her too, that her reward would be far greater than anything that came her way in this lifetime.  I am so very thankful for such a strong Godly woman who gave me life and one that loved me unconditionally, never asking for anything in return. I could go on and on about the times we shared, some were sad, especially the last two years of her life, but the majority of our time together (even then) was filled with love, laughter, happiness, and hugs.  (I love you Mom~ Happy Mother’s Day!)

This photo is of my Mom’s relatives ~ the Price Family.  The pretty lady standing on the back row is my namesake, my Grandmother Hassaltine Corinne Price (my maternal Grandmother).

I feel fortunate to have these photos and will continue to enjoy them as I post them on Facebook from time-to-time.

This is another photo of the Price “Clan.”  I could have easily lived in this era.  I am thankful for who I am because of these folks.

It’s Friday!

Friday ~ the last day of my short work week. I’m beginning to think I like the four-day work weeks, especially when there is a holiday involved and not because of a sick day. Finally caught that dreaded sniffly, runny nose stuff and didn’t even miss a day of work! Proud of myself even though it was a bummer coming to work feeling poorly.

I have been lax these last couple of months mainly because I haven’t had much to write about. Work. Work. Work. So little fun.

Except for golfing with special friends, Kay Renner and Sue Roberts at my home course, Frenchman’s Bend, recently. It was great fun and we took the time to have a late lunch, too!

I have been taking pictures along the winding two-lane roads in my rural area; farm-type pictures because I am our ‘web’ person in my office and I like to have new things to put up on our Facebook page (Facebook:  Richland Extension) and I update and add other important information to our Parish profile page (www.lsuagcenter.com/richland).

Here are some photos I’ve taken recently.

I love this old shed and wish that it was mine so I could put some of my treasures in it!

Here is another favorite that I think turned out pretty good…..

I just love this old house; wish it was mine, too!

Well, I seem to have gotten over my little rant from my last posting. I’ve learned that we musn’t dwell on things that are worrysome to us; for it becomes like a cancer and it will bring us to a level that we don’t want to go too for a long period of time.

On another note, it’s Friday and I am excited to see what the weekend brings.  I hope it’s filled with lots of laughter; I’m running low on my supply!

Wishing you the best!

It’s been a long time……….

Isn’t this a beautiful photo?  This photo reminds me of a prayer from early this morning where I asked ~ “Father, please help me to remember that hatefulness from others is meaningless, insignificant and inconsequential when I look at the big picture of this life you have given me; help me to keep my eyes focused on you.”  I shouldn’t let comments  from what others say ~ regardless of how trivial they are ~ to influence my attitude or take away the joy in my heart just because their mother’s didn’t teach them “if you don’t have anything nice to say, just keep your darn mouth shut!”  It’s sad, isn’t it (?) that one’s feelings are totally disregarded by people who have no forethought of what is coming out of their mouths or of comments they are passing on just to make themselves look good?  I’m thinking…….if you can’t be my friend, then don’t be my enemy!

A co-worker and I were talking just this week about some of her friends who say they have friends and they also have what they call “associates,” but I’m thinking they are really meaning “acquaintances” rather than calling every one a friend.  I can relate to this because sometimes when you think someone is a friend and at some point in time they throw you under the bus to make themselves look good; they cease to be my friend from that point on. That’s just the way it is for me.  This has happened to me within the last three months from someone I called a friend and who is now an “acquaintance.”  I now have no feelings for this individual, but, I am a survivor and I will get over it.

On another note, check out this clothing from the Magnolia Pearl collection.  I actually had a good friend, Sue Roberts, who is living around Fredericksburg, Texas, who was able to be amongst the crowd of MP followers and I was so jealous…….but my happiness that Sue was there to witness everything overshadowed my jealousy!  Oh, and Facebook friend, Anne Lorys from Fiona and Twig was there, too.  I actually spotted Anne in her cute little hat!  I really looked hard for Sue and Mark, too! Don’t know what I did to change the font color!  Ha! Ha!

It was truly a magical evening for all!

This clothing makes me smile~~

As always, wishing everyone peace, love, and happiness because you areto me!

Hassie

www.magnoliapearl.com

www.fionaandtwig.blogspot.com

Christmas is over……

Yes, I am sad to say that Christmas has long been forgotten to many, but it makes me sad that the beautiful lights and the wonderful holiday music, not to mention the Christmas cheer, has passed us by and we must wait another eleven or so months to celebrate the ‘reason for the season.’

On another note, we had our annual livestock show February 1-4, 2012.This photo is just one of the many entries. And, instead of icy, freezing weather, I guess you could say that we were blessed to have much warmer conditions, except for the inordinate amount of rainfall during the show.  All-in-all, it was a great time and I especially feel blessed to have had my (former) co-worker and precious friend, Sue Vinson leading the way as I followed in entering all of the results into the livestock show program. This is not a one-person show in the office, friends……..there is quite a lot of preparation that goes into getting ready. I think Sue and I now have at least six tee shirts under our belts since the show returned to the Richland Parish office of the LSU AgCenter. My immediate supervisor is Manager of the Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show.  I am amazed at the size of these animals next to the exhibitors!  Oh, and I mustn’t forget about Sue’s DishPan Cookies that she makes every year.  Oh, my gosh…..you can not eat just one! Unbelievably delicious!!!

(I love you, sweet friend, Sue)!

I am really enjoying this Facebook thing! There are so many reasons for me, but one, especially, is a young lady (www.fionaandtwig.com) who is featuring photos of a special family who lives in Fredericksburg, Texas. Her name is Anne Lorys and she is featured in last months’ Romantic Homes magazine. I had originally seen an episode on HGTV about Mrs. Rose Hicks, and Anne had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Mrs. Hicks in her beautiful home. I love the sereneness of her soft creamy colors throughout her home. I hope you will enjoy it too.

 

 

And, I must show a photo of what a special Facebook friend has sent to me in a beautiful handmade bag with red ribbon and a Valentine greeting. I hope you will check out www.mettamarie.com to see her beautiful creations. Thank you, Autumn!!

The art of blogging……..

I am so totally amazed at some of the most beautifully created websites/Blogs that I am fortunate to have come across this past year just by being on Facebook.

I guess I’ve been living under a rock all this time and even though I adore Romantic Country and Romantic Homes magazines, never did I think that I would be surrounded by such beauty and so many creative women every day of my life through Facebook viewing their personal Blogs! What a blessing to be witness to their wonderful talents as they share their personal photos of their beautiful homes and sharing the warmth of their hearts during this Christmas season with their personal messages to their Facebook and Blogger friends.

Today is another example, as I received the update from a blogger that I came by accidentally; Anne Lorys at Fiona and Twig.

And then, by accident, I ran across another wonderful Blog today whereby I might even learn a little French! Wonder how they pronounce ~ Hassie ~ at http://french-word-a-day.typepad.com/files/bonne-et-heureuse-annee.wav.

Then there is http://www.Christierepasy.com who paints the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen. Oh, my……she has one that I actually “covet!” It’s about 10 inches of a beautiful dress painted with lace and hiked up a bit to reveal a cowboy boot with a beautiful rose as an accessory (I think). Just to die for…..well, I’m not quite ready to leave all my friends; it’s just a manner of speaking!

Well, Christmas has come and gone. Every year I seem to be sad once this special day has come and gone. It makes me sad. I love all of the Christmas decorations, and especially the music that one local station begins playing the day after Thanksgiving and the actual “reason for the season!”The excitement…I love it all~

Well, I’m closing out the old year by finishing this in the New Year. I had begun it in December, and am just now finishing it. Wishing all a blessed New Year in 2012!

 

It’s Christmastime! Only three more days. I wish there were about 40 days in the month of December so that we could enjoy this wonderful, joyful holiday even longer; after all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Our local paper publishes children’s wish lists, sent in by their teachers and I want to share a couple with you.

This little girls says, “I wan to have a set of macup. Dear Santa, I want a set of vegnel polish. Dear Santa. I want a Justen Beber dole and a muve Freddy. Love, Angel.

Another favorite is: Merry Christmas. Dear elves, I love you. I want a dodes. I want a xbox 3sixD. I want a brbe. I want a fon. I want books. Love, Jenna.

And, how about this one from Derrick: Dear Santa, for Christmas, I want a game for my 3ds and a move fraddy and cloes and some par of socks and a xbox 360 and call of duty 4 and a ps3 and I want a psp3 and a new car when I gro up.

And, this little angel, Emma, says: Dear Santa, for Christmas, I want a babydoll. I want a barbi doll. I want a bike. I want a kanektfor the xbox. I want a bes soothen spa. I want a pilow pet.

I guess Christmas truly is for the children. I hope this brings a smile on your face; it did to mine.

However, let’s now forget that: “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone! I’m sending out hugs to all who have touched my heart and brightened my life by being my friend! 

 xo

Hassie

 

It’s been a while…….

…….since I’ve posted.  It’s been busy at work for which I am most thankful. I don’t mind being lazy at home, but I do like to keep busy at work ~ I’m happier being busy as a bee at work.

On another note, with our colder weather approaching, I have a recipe for all of you bird lovers who enjoy watching and feeding the beautiful birds that come into your yard.

Marvel Meal

4 cups plain yellow meal

1 cup plain white flour

1 cup plain peanut butter

1 cup vegetable shortening

This can be used year-around as it does not get rancid like animal fat. Mix all together. It can easily be placed in a square cake pan and flattened out, then cut into squares to place in your square wire feeders. This can be kept in the refrigerator and used when needed.

On another note, I recently found something that is too good to not share with friends, so here goes:

The Time is Now

If you are ever going to love me,

love me now, while I can know

the sweet and tender feelings

from which true affections flow.

Love me now

while I am living.

Do not wait until I’m gone

and then have it chiseled in marble,

sweet words on ice-cold stone.

If you have tender thoughts of me,

please tell me now.

I you wait until I am sleeping

never to awaken,

there will be death between us

and I won’t hear you then.

So, if you love me, even a little bit,

let me know it while I am living

so I can treasure it.

(author unknown)

This puts it all in perspective, don’t you think ~ that we should let those we care about know our feelings for them? I found this by reading an Obituary of someone I’ve never known, never seen, but I thought it was worthy enough to share. I’m curious as to why this was posted; it must have meant something special to the little lady……perhaps they had a reason for adding these sentiments to their Obituary. Perhaps she never felt loved ~ or appreciated ~ or telephoned ~ or visited ~ by those she loved……

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving visit with Mr.’s side of the family, and after 42 years ~ my side, too, now!  We drove to Diamondhead, Mississippi to be with John and wife, Renee, son Jacob, and girlfriend Brittni; niece Gretchen with husband, Glen, and their son Garrett Kirsch, and daughters, Nicole and Jacquelyn with fiance, Rayne. John’s sweet Mom, Carol was there, too (she’s like my sister ~ in my heart!). Renee’s Mom was also there with a friend.  And, brother Ric made the trip with us. Unfortunately, we don’t get to visit often because we all live so far apart and all have hectic schedules, but it was certainly worth the drive to be with family.

My sweet friend, Margaret, surprised me with my “bloomers/pantaloons” that I have been eagerly awaiting ~ and I love them!! Maggie added lots of ruffles and lace which we both love!  She’s my local version of Magnolia Pearl! I have quite a few lacey tops that I can wear with these. Gonna’ wear with my cowboy boots!!  YEE HAW!

Until we meet again ~ thinking of you!

By the way, I am wishing you the Merriest of Christmases to you and yours! May God bless ~ and give you good health ~ with a Godly spirit ~  and much love!

A time to be thankful……

A time to be thankful…….

A time to be thankful……

……..So much to be so thankful for.  At this very moment in time, I am so very thankful I wasn’t born a turkey!!  Aren’t you? I’m wishing all my friends a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Goodness!  I am so thankful to have good health (at my age); for family members that love me; a job (in this day in time); a home; wonderful, caring friends; special friends who are kindred spirits; friends who have touched my heart and left memories and smiles and shared laughter I shall never forget; a special friend who made me beautiful pantaloons out of a $5.00 linen tablecloth; for friends who have come back into my life through Facebook and hometown class reunions; for new friends on Facebook who are fabulously beautiful and creatively talented who stir the desire within me to want to be creative; for those I have worked with who have remained friends and who are more like family now; for GolfinGals’ with whom I have such fun and laughter; for fond and humorous memories of living at Mississippi State and in Birmingham; for past jobs at Mississippi State and at Shoal Creek Golf Club (and for being in attendance at two PGA Championships at Shoal Creek); for Hall Thompson, founder of Shoal Creek, who, using his personal jet, flew his employees to Augusta National each year for this wonderful golf tournament; for the generosity of this wonderful man, Hall Thompson, for offering to fly my Mom and me anywhere we wanted to go for another diagnosis for Mom; for the generosity of Shoal Creek members at Christmastime each year which afforded me the opportunity to buy my Mother a lift chair to have during the last two years of her life; for this wonderful country in which we live; and for Veterans who have fought to give us our freedom to make choices and for our troups who are currently defending our rights to live in this great country where we have such freedoms. 

God is good and blesses me every step of the way; every day of my life; every moment of my life in every breath I breathe.  My faith is strong.  Without it, I would surely crumble. 

Without faith and blessings, I would be saying “Hello, Whitfield!,” I’m finally here. Just so you know, Whitfield is the state mental institution for Mississippi!

This is just the tip of my “Thankful” list.  These are things that came so easy and quickly to mind.

In my heart, I want to be one of the most humble and one of the most thankful children of God.

Wishing blessings to you and yours!

Related articles

• I’m Thankful (aksyrin.wordpress.com)

New Score……

Make that New Mexico “1″ and the avid hunter, a big fat ”ZERO.”

Well, as it turns out, I was a little off on the information for the long nine-day trip to New Mexico.  Hubby and friend, Jim, were hunting Mule Deer ~ not Elk!  I guess the spouse is always the last one to know these things.  But, that’s o.k. That will make him long for another trip and he can spend his spare time daydreaming about wanting to go again in the future.

Can you just imagine the dirty clothes he brought home after being gone for this many days?  It was a bunch le’me tell you!  There was no way I was going to launder all of this in one day, so off to the laundromat I went (on my Saturday).  Not too bad, actually, if you don’t have to wait to get all 8 washers. It only takes about 45 minutes and then you’re done, reloading wet clothes into the car, and driving back home to begin drying them. I really try to get all of my washers together because I am afraid I will forget one ~ or two~ in my haste to get out of there and back home!  However, I have befriended the little lady who works there, so chatting with her makes it more enjoyable. She is sweet, but she is another story!

My sweet friend, Melda, whom you have met on here, sends the cutest emails. This was one worth sharing:

Today’s Inspirational Lesson

Never irritate a woman who can operate a backhoe…

 

Thus endeth the lesson.

Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly on a broomstick.

We are flexible like that.

 

Have a nice Blessed day!