Hodgepodge ~ September 10, 2025

 

1. What gives you energy? What takes it away? 

Good music, hugs from my daughters & greats & laughter with friends gives me energy.

The sting of divorce in my life takes away my energy.

2. How often do you shop for clothes? What accessory do you always wear?

I shop for a special occasion or really when I see a good deal.  I follow a few influencers who are always posting deals (sweetsavingsandthings; the_broadmoor_house).

The accessory I always wear are earrings.  These are my go-to earrings. In the rare case I forget earrings, I keep a spare pair in my car.  I usually try to wear a bracelet, but I always have on earrings.

 

3. What's something free that you feel grateful for? 

Hugs!

4. Breakfast, lunch, dinner...which meal of the day do you enjoy most? What's your go-to comfort food? 

I probably enjoy breakfast because I am ready to eat when I wake up each morning. My go-to comfort food?  Any ideas?  Well, my go-to comfort snack is frozen yogurt.  My go-to comfort food is something like a grilled cheese, sourdough bread, or a good casserole.

5. This week the world remembers the tragic events of 9/11. Do you mark the day in any way? How do historical events shape your perspective on your personal challenges? 

I always wonder where the survivors are today and about the many children who lost parents that day.  The museum in NYC is a must see if you haven't been.  9/11 has definitely changed the way we all travel.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had a hard reality Monday afternoon, but was thankful Jenn made dinner and invited me to come. I am looking forward to the next few days and won't blog again until next week.  So on that note, Happy Wednesday and enjoy your weekend!

Currently Hodgepodging ~ September 3, 2025

 Happy Wednesday.  Today I am joining in with my favorite weekly Hodgepodge post and monthly Currently post. 

1. Next Sunday is Grandparent's Day. Share a favorite memory, photo, recipe, or something you learned from a grandparent. 

Oh, I adored my grandparents!  I just said last week the best man I ever knew was my grandfather, who I lovingly called Pop.  He passed away when I was a sophomore in college.  

Here is my sweet grandmother, who lived 19 years later without Pop by her side. She was an amazing woman as well.  

My other grandfather passed away when I was just a year and a half, so I don't have any memories of him unfortunately, but love hearing stories about him.  His wife, my grandmother, was also an amazing woman.  I don't have a picture here to show of her.  She passed away a few months after I got married so she never knew my kids.  

I am so thankful for the Christian legacy my grandparents left me by setting an example of loving Jesus and their families well.

Here are my parents as grandparents to my girls. Obviously, this picture was from quite a while ago!

And it has been so fun to see my parents become great grandparents!

This is also a picture from years past, but these are my in-laws, with my girls.  I am thankful my girls are blessed with knowing all of their grandparents.

2. What's a quote from a book (besides The Bible) that has stayed with you? 

These are not from a book, but two quotes that I say often are "Behavior is a language" and "Put on your own oxygen mask first".

3. What's your number one food pet peeve? 

Using raisins instead of chocolate chips in cookies?

Adding nuts in brownies?

4. What's one thing about you that is still the same as it was when you were young? 

I have always loved concerts and music!  Elvis was my first concert at age 5!  That was followed by the Osmonds & Shawn Cassidy.  Then I got into my teenage concert era in the 80's.  We always had music playing in my house. My girls now are familiar with a lot of older music! 

Posing with "Elvis" at a wax museum above and Graceland below.

I have seen Huey Lewis and the News more than any other performer, probably 10 times at least.

The 3 of us have been to see Harry Styles twice and he puts on a great show!

5. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency plan? Do you have some sort of preparedness kit you keep on hand? If so, tell us one thing that's kept there. 

I have a an emergency fire blanket and a few fire extinguishers in my home.  The fire blanket is something I added in the last few years.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My random thoughts lead into my Currently post.....

Here are the the things I am currently loving, beginning, ending, picking, and posting.

Loving

I am loving the cooler weather.  Even when it is still a little warm in the afternoons, the mornings and evenings are wonderful.  Now I just need to get outside more!

Beginning

I hope some work is beginning in the next few weeks to complete some punch list items that need to be done at my house.  

Ending

I am ending my summer with Brook.  She leaves tomorrow to return to her university.  This momma is sure going to miss a daily hug & seeing someone in my home. 

Picking

My first thought when reading this prompt is picking my battles.  I try to do this and the other thing I am picking is me!  I am picking me and trying to take care of myself.  Pick you my friends!  It will help you be a better person to those around you I believe.  

Posting

I try to do a monthly social media post on highlights from my month in pictures.  I sometimes will re-post something else or share an event/birthday online.  I am active on social media, but don't post every day.  I aim to blog 3 times a week, but as life goes, sometimes it is more or sometimes less. 

That's it for today!  Thanks for reading and enjoy your day!

Hodgepodge ~ August 27, 2025

 Happy Hodgepodge Day!  Happy you are here!

1. When someone finds out what you do or where you're from, what's a question they always ask? 

If someone hears I am from Memphis, they may ask if I have been to Graceland.  Yes is the answer, since I use to work there while in college!

When someone hears what I do, they usually comment what a good mission that is and how hard the work can be mentally.

2. Did you participate in 'Greek Life' when you were in college, or have children who did? If so what was your experience like? Taking another tack...have you ever been to Greece? If not, is that a destination on your bucket list? 

I was a Kappa Delta in college.  It was a good experience for me while I was there and spent time on leadership of my sorority.  The college friends I keep in touch with are all sorority sisters.  

I have never been to Greece, but ironically while writing this blog post, I am watching a movie set in Greece!  Have you seen "Find Me Falling" on Netflix with Harry Connick Jr.?  It is a rom com and a cute movie.

All the pictures from Greece look amazing.  

3. Do you like Greek food? If so what's your favorite dish?  

 I had Greek food today for lunch.  I haven't ventured much into it, but I usually have a gyro, minus the pita.  I enjoy feta cheese on a salad. I like Tazikis restaurant chain and also Cava, although we don't have one here.

4. What incredibly common thing have you never done? 

I have never had my hair colored or tasted beer.

5. What is a telltale sign that you're upset? 

I eat unhealthy, I may go for a drive, I plan a trip, I get down on myself, I call a friend to vent....any or all of these things may happen!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have recently purchased a few other brands of eyeliner and often used eye shadow as an eyeliner, but I finally went back to my trusted favorite eyeliner brand, Stila.  I recommend this as it comes in so many colors and is so user friendly to use.

Have a great day!

Hodgepodge ~ August 20, 2025

 Good morning and Happy Wednesday!  I'm joining in with Joyce and the Wednesday Hodgepodge today.

1. What's worth standing in line for? 

When I answer Hodgepodge, I often like to say things that pop into my head first. So, here is what I thought of first...I will stand in line at an amusement park ride, well if it is under 30 minutes :).  I would also stand in line to meet a celebrity.

2. Tell us about a favorite food related memory. 

I don't eat green beans because of a childhood memory of a neighbor's mom who made me try them.  I didn't like them then and I haven't had one since. Now I am realizing this topic said favorite food memory, ha!  

Once in the mid-90's, I was on a trip to California by myself.  I was at a restaurant and wanted to order the fries, but they came a la carte and seemed pricey.  I wanted to make sure they were "good" fries before I splurged, so I went to a stranger's table and asked if I could taste a fry.  I would never do that now!  By the way, I did order the fries!

Most recently, my favorite food memory is eating this amazing key lime pie!  Especially for breakfast one morning :).

3. What are some things you find particularly peaceful or calming? 

A good hug, being told it's all going to be okay, staring at the expanse of the ocean (especially from a cruise ship), being in the mountains and bonus if there are fall colors

4. Is there something you do now that gets you just as excited as it did when you were a child? 

Maybe eating frozen yogurt?  Although back in the 70's, it was ice cream I was eating instead.  There are lots of things I see that bring back fond memories from childhood like kids riding bikes, honeysuckle, and all the throwback pictures of corded telephones, albums, big stereos and tvs, orange/green/yellow kitchens, etc.

5. To what degree are you in touch with friends from grade school? high school? college if you attended college? 

Once a year, one of my elementary through high school friends and I meet up with our 5th & 6th grade teacher for a meal.  This was our 4th year to meet this summer. It is always such a fun time! 

I keep up with high school friends on Facebook, but not many in my daily life.  I do keep up with my college roommate and suitemates.  The 4 of us met up a few years ago and it was so fun! My roommate and I try to meet for a meal once a year.  She only lives about 30 minutes from me.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last week when making my smoothie, I was almost a sprinkle away from adding taco seasoning to my smoothie!  I meant to grab my flax seed, but grabbed this instead.  Thankfully, I noticed this beforehand or I would have had a spicy smoothie!  Needless to say, my mind has been all over the place lately!

Hope you have a great day!

Hodgepodge ~ August 13, 2025

 Happy Wednesday friends!

1. August is National Golf month...do you play? Do you enjoy following golf? Have you ever been to a professional tournament? 

I took golf lessons one summer way back when I was in my mid 20's, but I don't play golf.  The Fedex Golf tournament just ended in Memphis this week, but I have never been to watch.

2. Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame passed away this past Thursday. Are you interested in outer space and what's happening today in terms of space exploration? If space travel became common in your lifetime would you go? How do you personally relate to the idea of exploring something vast and mysterious...does the idea excite you, intimidate you, or something else? 

Oh my goodness!  I actually had this picture to share as my random thought this week and here it is as a question!  I have been a space fan for the past 15 years.  Brook had an interest in space and we visited 3 space centers in one calendar year (Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Cape Canaveral, FL). I have shared this before, but she had a space birthday party one year. I had a poster of the International Space Station that use to hang in my laundry room and we would watch all the departures and arrivals of the Soyouzs to the ISS on the NASA channel.  I am so interested in space travel and if I didn't health conditions, I would definitely go. 

3. Describe your communication style in three words. 

Well, I did a deep dive on communication styles and they are passive, aggressive, passive aggressive and assertive.  I feel like I am a mix of a few of these, depending on the audience. But 3 words?

4. Do you have a favorite cookbook? A favorite celebrity chef? Do you watch any cooking shows on TV? 

My favorite celebrity chef is Ree Drummond. I like to watch the Pioneer Woman, but I haven't watched it this summer.  I went to her lodge and the mercantile in 2019 and loved it.

5. As a child did you have any back to school traditions? If so, did you carry on those same traditions with your own children? Do you have any back to school traditions you've started on your own? 

I feel like we did the typical school shopping for supplies and had a new outfit.  My girls were homeschooled, so it was a little different.  We did try to have a special dinner and fun activity on the first day of school.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whenever I do my Amazon post, I will mention this, but I love my vibration plate I recently ordered.  I try to get on this 3-4 days a week.  Are y'all familiar with this device? In case you are wondering, from the internet, here are some benefits of using this: 

Vibration plate machines offer a variety of benefits, including increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved bone density, and enhanced circulation. 

That's all for today....thanks for reading!

Hodgepodge ~ August 6, 2025

 Good morning!  I am beginning the post linking up with Joyce for Hodgepodge!

1. The midpoint of summer (believe it or not) is August 7th. Describe a perfect summer day. Have you had one this year? 

I wouldn't say I have had a perfect day this year, but I have enjoyed some moments for sure.  What would that perfect day be? 

Maybe sleeping in after a good night's rest.  Waking up in a new place with my girls with me. We would eat a good breakfast, spend the afternoon swimming and playing with my great nieces and nephews.  An evening boat ride on a lake with a picnic dinner and a cute date would be a great ending.  Keep in mind I don't have a boat, lake or a cute date, but just dreaming :). 

2. What's one thing you wish you knew before starting high school? 

You won't remember 99% of the things that happen to you during this time!

3. What's something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly? 

I am thinking of breakfast foods.  I like scrambled eggs well done and bacon crispy!

4. What's the most overrated food you're convinced people are just pretending to enjoy? What's a trendy food you actually do enjoy and would say is definitely not overrated? 

sushi? I don't eat sushi, but I know a lot of people do like it.  

I enjoy blended cottage cheese in recipes and I feel like it is definitely having a moment with the push for us all to get extra protein.

5. Wrapping it up this week with five fun this or that's...

personal stylist or personal chef? 

Personal Stylist!  I would love to have a professional color analysis.

dance like nobody's watching or sing like nobody's listening? 

Dance like nobody's watching!  I love to move to the music.

unlimited tacos or free pizza? 

Free pizza

bookshelf organization-by size or by genre? 

genre

ten minutes late or ten minutes early? 

10 minutes early

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My random leads me into this month's Currently prompts with Jenn!

Loving

I am loving the temperatures being back to normal, manageable summer weather this week and the cooler weekend we had.  I am loving having Brook home.  I know I say that a lot, but it is so true.  

Looking to

I am looking to others to help me with a few house projects.  I have a list of things I need to do to get my house ready to sell. I still don't know when that will be, this year or next, but I am trying to get a few things done here and have to hire people :(.

Scheduling

 I am always trying to schedule a trip!  I may try to have a quick trip in September.  This usually helps me as I adjust to not having Brook home. I always schedule little things on my calendar and write down most things so I don't forget!! 

Buying

I did a lot of Amazon buying this summer and still am working on that post to be released soon! Other than Amazon, I am buying food and that's about it.

Gearing up for

I am gearing up for the fall and lots of little things to bring me joy in the midst of dreading some hard things.  I am always trying to hold both joy and grief.

Sending lots of love to you on this Wednesday and thanks for reading!

Hodgepodge ~ July 30, 2025

 Hi and welcome to this week's edition of Hodgepodge! Thank you Joyce for hosting this each week for us!

1. On July 29th 1957 The Tonite Show premiered with Jack Parr as it's host. This marked the beginning of the modern day talk show. Do you watch any daytime or late night talk shows today? Do you have any thoughts on the hubbub surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or are you more in the camp of 'who is Stephen Colbert? 

I do like Stephen Colbert, although I didn't watch his shows regularly, but I always enjoyed interview segments he did. I have been a fan of late night and day time talk shows, as these next set of pictures will show.  (I didn't mention Hoda here since I had just posted my picture with her last week, but I use to watch she and Jenna Bush Hager every day too.)

I have vivid memories of my dad watching the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson when I was a kid.  I can still hear him laughing from my bedroom after I went to my room.

I became a fan of the David Letterman Show when I was in high school. When I was out of college, I was able to see 2 different tapings of the show.  It was so fun to be in the studio audience, but that was pre-cell phones!

In October 2016, I was in the studio audience of Good Morning America.  Ben Affleck and John Krasinski were guests, so it was a good day to be there!  I had a little cameo in the audience. You can see me in the glasses and black shirt to the left in the pictures of John Krasinski.

During that same trip, Brook and I also were guests in a taping of Live with Kelly.  This was during the time when she was searching for a co-host, right before Ryan Seacrest came on board as her co-host. I still watch this show most every day, or at least the opening segment.

2. What's the best part of your day? 

Waking up to see Brook before before she leaves for work and knowing I will see her at night.  Most days, this happens, although there are a few mornings/nights where we don't see each other.  I am so thankful to have her home for the summer!

3. What's something your generation does that you actually dislike? 

My mind is going blank on this one overall.  Honestly, the only thing I can think of is balancing a checkbook?  Does anyone personally still do this?

4. When you cook do you clean as you go, or clean it all up once you're finished cooking? What's the last thing you cooked/baked in your own kitchen? 

One would have to cook to answer this question, ha!  I will at least put dishes in the sink or let something soak if it needs it.  I will either load the dishwasher at night or do it the next morning.  Since it is usually dishes for 1 or 2 people, the dishes don't add up too fast.  When I use to live in a household of 4 people, I would clean up the dishes each night.

The last thing I baked in my oven was sourdough bread before I went to the beach. 

5. Sum up your July in ten words or less. 

sad, tragic (due to the Texas floods)

relaxing, laughter (beach trip)

overwhelming, frustrating (house and legal issues)

anger, disappointment (past relationship)

hot!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Have a great day friends!

Hodgepodge ~ July 23, 2025

 Good morning and Happy Hodgepodge to you friends!

1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time past quickly for you? 

Time passes slowly when I am waiting for a fun event but the fun event usually goes by fast!  Time is a funny thing.  Looking back, something will seem like yesterday, yet so far away.  I think we would all agree, I can't believe it is almost the end of July.  The fall things are out at the stores!

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What's your favorite 'beach' activity? Tell us what we'd find in your beach bag.

I enjoy seeing any beach.  I am currently at Destin and it has been lovely.  My favorite activity is staring at the expanse of the water and thinking about how this is how God's love is for you and me.  While sitting outside Sunday, I listened to some worship music and it was so calming to have the music playing as I was listening to the waves. I will be posting part 2 of the trip tomorrow.  I posted about days 1 and 2 on Monday.

Oh and as far as what is in my beach bag, this time it included a beach towel, an extra charger, sunscreen, hat, portable fan, mirror, hair tie, headphones, speaker, drinks, snacks and an untouched book!

This picture below is from Grand Cayman. This was a cruise port in 2022 and is one of the prettiest beaches/water I think I have ever seen.

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting? 

The first movie that comes to mind is Sweet Home Alabama.  Granted, it is not necessarily a beach setting, but it does start and end with sweet beach scenes.

4. What's a food you love, but find it's a pain to eat? Is it worth it? 

I really like crawfish, but it is a lot of work to peel them, so I just prefer to eat crawfish etoufee :).  

When I think of fruit, I prefer to have a bowl of cut up fruit vs. cutting it.

5.  Do you like roller coasters? What's the best (or worst) roller coaster you've been on? 

I do like roller coasters.  I have been to several Six Flags over my lifetime, Disney Parks, Busch Gardens, and Cedar Point, which is known for its roller coasters.  We use to have a theme park in Memphis and I grew up going there.  The most recent roller coasters I rode were at Dollywood last fall with Isabella. It is a heavy roller coaster theme park.  One was called Wild Eagle & had this verse as you entered the ride.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Catching up with some random images that have caught me eye online lately....

Well, that's all for today.  Thanks for reading and have a great Wednesday!