I had a wonderful time snuggling my great niece this past weekend. She is five and a half months old and starting to roll over. She is the happiest baby! My older great niece actually talked to me and seems to be getting accustomed to me. She will be four this fall. I wasn’t around her much earlier on due to various circumstances in my life. They live a two hour drive away. I spend the night when I go.
I have enjoyed getting to know my niece as an adult. I was her shadow the first couple of years of her life. I was in high school when she was born. The first of her generation in our family. There is a photo I took of her at about age two on her icebox put there by her husband. Her oldest daughter looks exactly like her except for the hair color. I told my niece how proud of her I am. She is honest, realistic and direct about her opinions and feelings. I decided later she got that from her maternal grandmother. We wondered together where she got it. Finally, it dawned on me!
Later during the weekend, I had time with my own angel baby. She may be all grown up and taking care of me now, but she is still my baby. She helped me get a load of festive flip-flops on sale and went with me to see our dear friend for her birthday. I am humbled by the blessing of my daughter.
Our friend’s sweet hubby had cooked ribs and such for supper. We crashed the family party and ate supper. A moment in time to remind my friend that I love her and to remember that she loves me.
Had to run as soon as we ate to get home to see this man of mine. I missed him. Kissed him bye Friday morning and didn’t get home till after nine Saturday evening. Even when we aren’t in the same part of the house, just knowing he is close by keeps me from feeling lost and alone.
I spent Sunday camping under the gazebo our son and his bride left behind. Books, music, crochet, writing tablet, journal, cookbooks. Hours and hours sitting and thinking and reading and planning and writing and scheming.
I am saving up time to fly to Maui to see my other blessings: my son and his bride. So, I haven’t had my week off for vacation this summer. I will be off a few days later this month for the longhorn sale. But, I am missing my mid-summer regrouping time. Time to putter around the house and reconfigure things. But, I am cooking up a plan……………if it works out………the results will most likely be published.
Trying to keep connected to the generations of my family. I confess I have neglected the upper generations. I must try to rectify that situation. My aunts need to be on my list of visits, too.
But, the hardest part is leaving him. Even for a little while. Even to go see very dear loved ones. My heart is bound up with him. I sound like a silly school girl in love. I still get nervous and giddy waiting to see him. He is my best connection. The one that keeps me grounded, yet soaring above the clouds.
nieces
Raining Orchids
What does “Raining Orchids” mean?
I love orchids. I haven’t been successful growing orchids, yet. But, I love them none the less.
In my mind, the orchid is the true queen of flowers. Delicate, long lasting, fragrant, exotic. Less common than roses. Very desirable and lovely.
The idea of orchids relating to life was inspired by Marjorie Hillis’ 1937 book: Orchids On Your Budget. She explains the balance of budgeting for the happier things in life such as hosting parties and enjoying entertainments among other things. She also touches on the idea of making do and being truly happy about it.
If you are familiar with the phrase “raining cats and dogs”, translate that image to “raining orchids”. Orchids rain onto my life. Not in the sense of endless loveliness and happiness, but of blessings sometimes outright and sometimes disguised by difficulty.
This past weekend, I got to visit with my loved ones. I was able to cook copious amounts of food to serve them. I had some time with friends. We remembered the Easter promises. Yet, I thought about my mother, gone 16 years, yesterday. How much I miss her in so many ways. My heart aches for her and so many others gone.
But, my heart rejoices in the company of my great nieces! Age three and age 2 months, they bring a kind of joy only little ones can. And yes, I still get a thrill to see my adult children. Three of the most wonderful people on the planet. Period. And then there is him. He guards me, supports me, brings orchids into my life every day.
So many orchids in my life! People and circumstances that create endless love, happiness, and blessings, both outright and disguised.
Despite the books on growing them, I have lost the live orchids I had. These silk orchids on one of my treasure tables will have to do until I figure out how to grow the real things. Meanwhile, I will revel in the symbolic orchids raining throughout my life. Him, family, friends, a table of plenty, a Risen Savior.
P.S. 65 is the year I was born. I am too glad to be alive to worry about anyone knowing my true age!

