Welcome to Moody Monday

tlpoague

Welcome to the first Moody Monday Blog.
Are you having one of those days where you want to crawl back in bed and start the day over? Would you like to share your thoughts and feelings about it? Drift on over. You have come to the right place. I welcome you to Moody Monday.
Moody Monday was created as a way to express joys or vent the heart out. You can share any emotion that pulls your strings. (I will try to have the tissues ready if you need one. Laughs are life's best prescriptions.)
Just to give a brief description for those that would like to join the fun...there are no rules or commitments. Time is precious for a writer. Sometimes it is hard to commit to a new project. The only thing that I ask is to leave a comment to let others know you are here and a link to your Moody Monday. (Feel free to use the photo of Moody Monday. Just add the caption tlpoague) That way we can spread the love.
Grab yourself a cup and let's get this party started!

photo by momster

My mood today that I would like to share is CHAOS! I know, I know, chaos really isn't a mood but I feel like my mind is spinning enough to give myself whiplash. My emotions are like a roller coaster stuck in overdrive.
Organized chaos can only begin to skim the surface of what I am feeling, as I try to prep to get this blog ready. Excitement bubbled over starting something new. That quickly drifted to fear of screwing up. I was plagued with doubt. I did screw up trying to figure out the codes for my links. (I am by no means computer tech savvy.) My chest hurt as a panic attack threatened to freeze me in concern. (What made me think I was capable of pulling this off?)
"Take a deep breath..." I told myself as I saw spots form before my eyes.
What is the worst thing that can happen?
Focus. Focus again. There...that wasn't so bad. I made it. I have wrote my first blog on this step to an amazing adventure.
No worries that it will fail. If anything it is one more step to freedom as a writer. No more doubt. No more anguish. Only the outcome of something good.
I am a person. Flaws happen. I know I can get over my Fear of Failure...if only I try.

tlpoague 2014

Hello Silly Sunday! March 30, 2014

Photo by tlpoague

Good morning blogging world! Welcome back ! Drag up a chair, fill your cup, and welcome to my box of craziness. It is a fabulous day here with the sun shining and a whopping 70 degrees. I think we finally found Spring. 

Just a quick note, this will be my last Silly Sunday I will be posting. My writing schedule is looking to change this next month. Please bare with me as I sort out the details.

I will be starting a Moody Monday for anyone whom may be interested. Just send me a shout out if you would like to join. There are no rules and no commitment. I am working on getting a link inserted into my blog so you can link yours. I'll be beginning tomorrow. I think it will be a great way to share some joy or just vent your heart out.

I had an interesting phone call the other day. I called my mom for a change to check in and pick her brain for ideas. (I have had a crazy week of mixing up my days and nights that I feel fried my last brain cell. Of course, in my case, that doesn't take much.)

We started our little chat playing catch up with the family. She told me about the weather where she is, while I shared with her Pie's and Bean's latest adventures. (My week was pretty dull next to theirs.) Pie was at work one day when a cockroach decided to pay her a visit. He made his dramatic announcement by landing on her head as she was sorting statements. (I would have loved to been a fly on the wall to see that one.) Bean had to do some Redneck repairs to her kitchen sink. She had to conduct a massive blow out to a clogged drain. (I'm glad I wasn't there for that one. I hear the smell was awful!)

This conversation somehow led to April Fool's Day coming up. (Do you have your list of April Fool's gags ready?) I couldn't help but share about my famous Road Kill Jerky prank I wrote about. Mom said the best one she pulled was convincing one of my siblings to check their blinker fluid. (You know you are out of blinker fluid when the blinker doesn't turn on.)

Soon we were laughing as we discussed how this younger generation hasn't a clue about old fashion terms or items...such as...

What is a mothball?

Moth balls are toxic white balls that deter certain bugs from haunting your house. (My mother had asked a clerk this one day while shopping. When the clerk asked what a moth ball was...mom's reply simply was...if you don't know what one is, chances are you don't carry them.)

What is oleo?

Oleo is an old fashion term used back in the grandparent's day for butter. (One of my siblings thought this was a type of cookie.)

What is lard?

Lard is animal fat that has been rendered down to a solid substance similar to shortening. (My sister had fun trying to explain this one to a store clerk.)

The most priceless one that had me roaring was...

What is elbow grease?

I have lost count how many children have fallen for this one. (Myself included!) I was cackling with laughter watching a cousin search under every sink in the house and household product for elbow grease. When she finally exhausted herself, she stated, “I think we are out of elbow grease. I can't find any anywhere. (Her poor mother could hardly keep a straight face as she explained that elbow grease came from how hard you used your arm to scrub a spot. I thought my cousin was going to have a fit.)

As our conversation wound to an end, I told mom that Bean had pulled a good one on her boys. She told them to be careful how they acted, otherwise they would reap what they sow with their actions. One of them told her, he couldn't reap anything because he didn't know how to sew.

Ahh, look at the time. Well, I suppose I should pretend to get some work done. I thought about getting a pass to the gym, then I realized. Free exercise...clean house!

So, in closing, I would like to mention again that if you are interested in joining the Moody Monday, just let me know. (gabbyone72@hotmail.com) I will do my best to get you linked in. (Unless I can get that nasty button to work for me, then you can just add your link.)

Y'all have a good one and see ya Monday.

tlpoague 2014

Everything Susan

If you would like to read other Silly on Sundays, check out Everything Susan and RealHousewife.

What Are You Thankful For This Week?

Photo by tlpoague

It is time again to reflect on this weeks things of thankfulness. What are you thankful for this week? For myself, it was a week of dropping the ball again. I have been late meeting my writing goals but I am thankful that I didn't give up. It guess in this case it was “better late than never”. Why would I be so grateful?

  In the past, when I became discouraged because I couldn't complete a project, I would give up. That one inch of giving up would turn to two, and two to three, until before I knew it weeks had passed before I gave it a shot again. This week I told myself I couldn't give up. Not yet. Not before I found my limits.

I also did something that in the past I wouldn't dream of doing. I began to connect with a group of writers that I have been following for years on HubPages. I am thankful for a chance to get to know them better. I am also thankful for the encouragement I received on my own writing.

  I am thankful that I was bless by God with a sense of humor and a gift to tell a story. For when the time came, I was thankful that I could help a friend with a dose of laughter. It didn't seem like much for me but I know it made a difference to them. (Anytime you need another laugh...look me up. I had a blast.)

My newest grandson
Photo by tlpoague

I am thankful that my grandson was given a clean bill of health on his checkup. It is amazing to see how fast these little tykes grow. I am still questioning where the time went. It doesn't seem possible that he is three weeks old now.

  I am thankful for the patient and loving husband I have. He has done a lot to keep me grounded this week. He gave me encouragement when I needed it. He reminded me why I had chosen a path I did, when I began to revert to my old ways. I may have made his life miserable this week, so I am extremely grateful he loves me and all my flaws.

  Most of all I am grateful for my faith. I know I mention it quite often. It is something that fills my heart to share. I realize not everyone may want to hear it, or believe the same as I do, and that is okay. To be true to myself is to acknowledge that God has worked wonders in my life. I have received many answered prayers again this week. One of them came in the form of a friend that feels the same as myself. If it hadn't of been for that conversation, I may never had taken the time to read my first writings on sharing that faith. I am thankful for that chat.

  If you have something your are thankful for and want to share. Please feel free to do so. Come and join the group TToT sponsored by Considerings. I will see you all again, hopefully before Silly Sunday. If not, come join in the fun with Everything Susan's Silly On Sunday and RealHousewife.

Considerings

Take care and be well my friends and readers.  

tlpoague 2014

Is A Housewife Unworthy Because She Doesn't Hold a Job?

This is what I want to look like most days.
Photo by tlpoague

What does a housewife mean to you? Are you one or know of one? Do you think that because a housewife doesn't hold a job, she is unworthy?

I was having a chat the other day with a friend. Some of you may know her as RealHousewife. We were talking about how some people view housewives. Did you know that there are people that think being a housewife is unworthy? They see them as having no status, no self worth, just a free-loader off their spouse or partner.

  Let me tell ya, unless you have been a housewife, you will have know clue how much work it takes to be one. Sure anyone can take out the trash, do some laundry, and pay some bills. The question is...have you ever tried to accomplish those tasks while having a crying baby attached to your hip, a phone plugged in your ear, and wiping up the dog package on the floor? Sound easy? Let's add a time-line to this scenario. Let's say you have important company coming—or a TV guy to install your dish-- you have only thirty minutes to take out the trash, wash the sticky Kool-aid on the tile, change a blown out diaper, bath the other child covered in sugar, finish your conversation with your doctor on the phone, while your hubby just walks in the door early for lunch. Do you still think a housewife is worthless?

This is how I look most days.
Photo by tlpoague

I have been a housewife for years. I remember days of little-to-no sleep because my children slept in shifts, despite trying to keep them on a schedule. I remember days of finding a balance between being a chauffeur, secretary, doctor, and maid. It is not an easy task when a household depends on you to remember everything.

  During the few years I did work, I seen work as a vacation. A brief moment to get away and recharge. It didn't take long for me to realize I didn't like working. I was filled with guilt that I wasn't there for my children and husband as they needed me. I was wasting finances working to pay a sitter. I disliked how the house felt detached and unorganized. Family bonding hour meant a lot, and still does, even now that my children are grown and moved into their own homes.

  I have a faith in the Lord that helps me in my struggles of being a homemaker. On those days when I am feeling unworthy, I seek the guidance of God. It may take simple prayer or only a verse to remind me how blessed I am with the gifts I have been given.

Proverbs 31:10-31 gives a description of a good wife (homemaker/housewife). It is a woman that her husband trusts with all his heart. She is a craftsman (craftswoman) that takes pleasure fulfilling the needs of her family. She is the seamstress, crafter, designer. She is a chef and baker. She is a gardener. She is a giver to those in need. She is a woman filled with strength and honor in herself, and her family.

I will always take pride in being a housewife.   

To read more on our chat of what a housewife is click on ...RealHousewife 

tlpoague 2014

Silly Sunday March 23, 2014

photo by Momster

Today has been one of those days. I knew better than to plan anything but decided I would give it a shot anyway. I began my day like any other. Oh wait...I couldn't sleep this morning due to extra bodies camping out in my front room. Okay, so I attempted to start my day like any other but was quickly distracted. By the time I could get back to my writing...my brain failed me...yet again...due to family drama...but...with a phone call...I was able to quickly get back on track.

Momster, my sister, has been spending the last week dealing with a bit of grief. When my mother-in-law passed, it brought back memories of Momster loosing Challks last year. She tried to see a therapist which she didn't think helped. When the therapist asked her how she dealt with her emotions, Momster replied, “I destroy my house.” And she promptly pulled out her phone to show the therapist pictures of her front room. This left the therapist a bit speechless.

So, with Momster's permission, I give you...her destroyed front room.

photo by Momster

  It began with a simple design.

photo by Momster

She then decided to expand with a few flowers.

photo by Momster

This led to her boys wanting to add a bit of therapy of their own.

photo by Momster

Soon it began to grow...

photo by Momster

And grow...

photo by Momster

And grow...

photo by Momster

Until she felt it was perfect. Then for a finishing touch, she added a poem that inspired her and her children.

photo by Momster

(The mirror you see on the wall was made by my sister, Pie, and her daughter for Momster's birthday.)

I have recently joined the SOS group, (Silly on Sunday's) with Everything Susan and RealHousewife. If you are interested in sharing your silly stories, you can link up here...Silly on Sunday's. 

Everything Susan

tlpoague 2014

What Are You Thankful For On This First Day Of Spring?

It is the first day of Spring! 

photo by tlpoague

Once again I am pressed for time. I never have a dull moment in this busy life of mine. Someone always seems to need something. A bill needs to be paid, or an appointment to attend. I, this week, have let tasks pile up in my excitement to write. (Isn't it awful when we neglect our family to fulfill our addiction of writing.)

So...in no random order...are this weeks ten things of thankful.

I am thankful to see the signs of Spring. (We had a small sneeze of snow that it turned to rain in one afternoon.)

I am thankful for my group of friends that helped me this week. Many times I have wanted to throw away my hard work because of excuses; not having time, always interrupted, never knowing what to write, etc..

I am thankful for my son that gave me a good laugh this week.

I am thankful for my wonderful grandsons. Every visit brightens my day. (Along with an exercise regiment I didn't realize I needed.) 

My grandsons
photo by tlpoague

I am thankful for my brother that helped me figure out my web page. It is no where close to where I want it, but he was still very helpful.

I am thankful for the quite time I have had this week to recharge.

I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I am thankful for the literature and people I found this week,on the net, to help me with questions.

I am thankful for answered prayer. I have seen my prayers answered this week in unexpected ways.

It isn't much, but there it is. My week of thanks. I look forward to next week. If by chance you want to join in the fun of sharing your many thanks, link up with Considerings.  

Considerings

tlpoague 2014

Silly Sunday March 16, 2014

photo by tlpoague

“Dig deep and look for the humor”, I have been telling myself, as I deal with the family drama this week. Sometimes it is pretty easy. I can find things to laugh about. Other days...I have a dark cloud that just hovers and won't go away. It is on those days that I dig deep in my faith.

If you believe in God, you know that there will be times in your life when you are faced with a trial. How you handle that trial will determine how you grow as a Christian. You may stand, shaking your fist, and crying “Why, why me?”, or, “why now?”. There may be times when you drop to your knees and plead for strength...or a way to cope. If you think about it, how can you grow as a person if you live in a bubble that is always safe? If you are always safe...how can your experiences help others?

Not too long ago, I was listening to a Christian comedian, Patsy Clairmont. I had stumbled across her while channel surfing, in my car, on a trip, out of town. My attention was captured when she started to talk about how God had worked in her life. It prompted me to look at my life and how I handle some of my trials. Especially after the last few weeks I had.

I caught myself, this last week, saying something along the lines of, “okay, Lord, I can handle this...”. 

God must have thought so too, because before I knew it, I had another situation on my plate. 

So, then I caught myself asking, “Lord, could I have a dose of humor to go with it?”

I was visiting with a friend the other day. She was dealing with some difficulties of her own. I couldn't help but ask...how have you been handling it?

Her answer, “I just call your daughter and borrow her son.”

I couldn't help but chuckle. How can a dark cloud compete with the contagious laughter and antics of a 14 month old?

God had answered my prayer. 

photo by tlpoague

It came in a whirlwind of a bundle, complete with an angelic face, dimples, dark eyes, and a mischievous grin. I knew when he would be gearing up for something. That mischievous grin would widened, causing those little dimples to pop. His dark eyes would sparkled as he stuck his tiny tongue out in concentration. Once those black eyebrows began to rise, it was time to get up off my lazy bum and be ready for some action.

So, I caught myself saying, “Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful blessing. I needed that today.”

I find I don't have time to be depressed or negative, IF, I remember to lift it to the Lord. My day is instead filled with joy. A cup full of happiness that runneth over. It isn't always easy. Some days it will take more work than others. But, for the most part, I try to look for the rainbow after the storm and remind myself to...trust in the Lord. 

I have recently joined the SOS group, (Silly on Sunday's) with Everything Susan and RealHousewife. If you are interested in sharing your silly stories, you can link up here... Silly on Sunday's with Everything Susan.

Everything Susan

tlpoague 2014