I just returned from the family wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor service - a little warm with bright sun. For me, even 5 pm is too much sun as I got some red color during the ceremony. The ceremony and reception were wonderfully done. I went to represent my family as I like to travel and have kept in touch with the bride's mother and sister. The bride's mother is my mother's cousin and has always kept in touch - such a small family. She was also the flower girl in my parent's wedding almost 58 years ago! The entire family was grateful that I made the trip and the effort to come. I got to meet the groom and his family and what a great bunch of people. The groom invited me to come visit at any time and even stay at their house. Now I would not impose, but it was so nice to be asked. It was a beautiful time and I took lots of pictures - we'll see if they turned out - for my mom to see the event. It was great that the bride acknowledged her Scottish heritage - her dad wore the family kilt and then they had highland dancers perform at the reception.
This event got me thinking about family. We all have family that we keep in touch with and then we have those that we don't really keep in touch with. We may keep track via others of what's happening, but...need I say more. I remember when my grandmother passed away I said to my mom, does this mean I can start ignoring all those relatives who only cared about grandma for money or what she could do for them? I think I surprised my mom with the question. My mom looked at me (I was an adult) and said you can do what you want and keep in touch with those that you want. I took that to heart. I always have kept in touch with a few relatives on both sides of the family and via the power of Facebook have re-connected with a few. But, I must admit there are a few that I don't want to know what's happening in their lives and I don't want them to know what's happening in my life. For some of you, that have been on my card list forever you know that I keep in touch several times per year via cards. I used to send even more, but after so many years of hearing nothing back from certain people or them even caring whether or not my parents are alive or dead I stopped reaching out. Does that sound harsh or uncaring? There is one relative I am really thinking I need to reach out to soon. He is on my card list, but he is elderly and I feel I need to reach out soon. It's been a few years so I feel awkward, but it's something that has been gnawing at me for a few weeks. What would you do? Do I just show up at his house and say HI!? or make a call first to be sure I'd be welcome? Look forward to hearing from you? Does this bring any feelings/emotions in you?
Traveling has not been fun as I have been dealing with a cold/sinus issue for about 2 weeks. I just keep taking over the counter medication and using nasal spray. I think I'm almost done (keep your fingers crossed). I'm hoping the flights tomorrow are better than the ones I had coming out in terms of sinus pressure. Since I've been gone for a few days, I'm hoping the germs are dead at my father's house so when I return I can focus on wellness. Him and I seem to keep passing the same germs back and forth no matter how much Lysol I spray...LOL! How are you doing this spring?
This past week I read: A SPOOL OF BLUE THREAD by Anne Tyler. A novel about a family and all it's complexities. A family that arrives in Baltimore in the 1920s and the house that has been in the family almost as long. I won't say I loved it as it took a bit for me to get into it, but I did finish it. What are you reading?
I was disappointed this past week as a friend I was going to meet here in Dallas could not make it. He had back surgery last week and then the storms meant no way he could drive up. I am so proud of him as he published a book this past week and he was bringing me my copy. He keeps telling me there is a story about me in the book. I can't wait to read it. You can check it out on Amazon:
Mukhabarat, Baby! Mortars, WMD, Mayhem and Other Memoirs of a Wartime Spy by Eric Burkhart.
I don't have any funny stories for you this week. I did venture by myself using public transportation - local bus to travel from Addison to downtown Dallas. It was a nice adventure because I got to see different neighborhoods, working class people and some phenomenal homes along the route. It was a long bus ride, but it was fun. The 2nd day I took a faster bus and got to see an entirely different part of the city. Enjoyed some good food over the past few days. Are you brave enough to venture out on your own in a strange city? Will you eat in a restaurant by yourself? I just thought I can't waste an opportunity to see some sites while I'm here.
I am going to leave it here this evening, but it's after 11 and I have to pack. I have a 6;30 am shuttle pick up so I can start my ventures back to Massachusetts for a few days. My family is in anticipation mode as Shamus is due home this week! My mom realizes that after I return from Dallas, Shamus will be home in a few days. As I told him in a message, you are number one and you won't lose that status any time soon! Love Shamus much.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Take care of yourself. Be nice to others. Chat soon. Marie
"Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter." Brad Henry
"Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home." Anthony Liccione
"Spend some time this weekend on home improvement; improve your attitude toward your family." Bo Bennett