Simple Sundays

I love teaching Thoreau and Emerson. They are so full of knowledge. They were forward-thinking and practical. They were simple men that believed there was inherent goodness in both man and nature. I find it funny that they also believed that political parties could corrupt an individual (Ha! See what I mean about forward-thinking?) Of course they also believed that about organized religion. ( I personally think organized religion is good, it is some people in it that make some bad....Just so you know!)  I think this quote is about individuality. It is about being yourself, being unique, and not following the crowd. It is for those brave enough to want the simple things in live and not follow the crowd that just wants, wants, wants. That is my interpretation of it. But, as I tell my students each day, you are welcome to your own interpretation when it comes to literature (just so you can back it up!).  AND, even more importantly, guess who was sitting on a pumpkin at her Gi-Gi's house this week?  It would be none other than my sweet little Leightyn!  She is 7 months old and cannot stand on her own, but let her sit on a pumpkin and she is happy as can be. Of course the pumpkin cookie probably helped too. Have a great week! 

Simple Sundays

Something to think about......

Simple Sundays

Gosh. How does 29 years go by so quickly? It's one of God's mysteries about raising children. The days (at times) seem long, but the years are just a whisper and they are gone. They add up so quickly....Toddlers are all of a sudden starting school; then school has become high school; then you glance again and the children are grown and on their own...And 29 years old and you are taking them wedding dress shopping. There is absolutely no way to explain it to a young mother. It has to be lived. Hug those babies, because those tiny feet will one day be stepping into a wedding dress....of her own. There is so much excitement about planning weddings. ....and a little reflection too! 

Simple Sundays

Although it is not technically Sunday anymore, since (of course!) it is past midnight when I am writing this, I could not let the day go by without acknowledging Grandparent's Day.  Believe it or not, it is not even because it is my first ''Grandparent's Day"!  (I did get to see my sweet Leightyn today, when she took us out to eat.) The real reason I could not let the day go by, is because of my own grandparents. I think about them every single day and I miss them dearly every single day. More than anything I wish I could go back and tell them how much I learned from them. Each of my grandparents shaped my life in so many important ways. Many of the lessons they taught me overlapped, but many of the life lessons I learned from them were very individual, from their own personal experiences. I have no doubt many of you share the same memories as I do about growing up with wonderful grandparents. So many little things can conjure up memories of being with each of them....and loving every single minute. My family roots run deep. There are stories to be retold, lessons to teach, and memories to make. ...This I learned from four wonderful grandparents. 

Simple Sundays

Anyone besides me remember where you were when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon?  Even though he was in his 80's, I was still saddened to hear of his passing. For my generation, Armstrong was one of those iconic men that by just being ordinary, was extraordinary. Really, can you imagine being able to say, "I was the first person to ever set foot on the moon." I think his famous quote is truly one for the ages. Rest In Peace, Neil Armstrong. 

Simple Sundays

Happy Anniversary to the only person that can put up with me and all my crazy ideas. He is the most patient man in the world. Thirty-four years, five children, one granddaughter and many moons later, he has agreed to another 34 years!

Simple Sundays

Please keep Oklahoma and her people in your thoughts and prayers. We have not had rain since May. We have had OVER 100 degree temps since July 15.  The last three days have been above 112, with many communities reaching 115 for three days in a row. Unfortunately there is no end in sight. As you have probably seen on the news, we have wildfires burning out of control all over the state. Entire towns have been evacuated. So many people have lost homes and businesses. The worst part about it is that while many of the fires are from the extreme heat and drought,  some of the fires have been intentionally set. I only hope that those people are caught and brought up on every charge that can possibly be filed against them. There are so many firefighters (my own son Fielding included) and volunteers that are working around the clock to try and help others, that it helps us remember there are wonderful people in this world. Our state is very much a state of Native American culture. I  so often think when teaching their literature that the Natives had it right. They understood about the environment, LONG before it was "cool" to do so. They understood about working together. They understood about the world. I thought their quote was very appropriate for today's world. Once again, I ask your prayers for our state and its people. Thank you. 

Simple Sundays

For the people......

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

Today would have been my Granddad Flanagan's 101st birthday. I was thinking about what a good, honest, hard-working man he was and how we sorely miss those types in this world. He went by the idea that a "man's word was his bond". Don't you just love the purity of that simple ideal? I was looking for a quote to honor my Granddad and his strong principles and saw where my brother had used this quote on the front page of his newspaper this week about a story on virtues and honesty. Bingo. I couldn't resist passing it along. I think I could quote Lincoln and Twain every week and learn something. Hmmmm. I might have just come up with an idea!

Simple Sundays

My very good friend Susie entered the gates of Heaven on Friday night after a valiant fight with brain cancer. While on Earth, Susie gave each of us that knew her a glimpse of how wonderful heaven must surely be.

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

The quote is by one of my favorite's....Oscar Wilde.

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

Simple Sundays

"You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth--"

Psalm 104:14 

We have been blessed this week with cooler temps and a little bit of rain. Both are so welcome in our little part of the world. We are very grateful. God, as always, is so good to us.

Simple Sundays

I well remember them, my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:20-23