Christmas cards make year-round memories

Posted on January 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

Gina Gardner BrownSuperMom Gina has a world of great ideas and always seems to take life in stride with a smile. Whether she is running the concession stand at the swim meet, homeschooling her kids or supporting her babes in the mission field, Gina manages to do so with the kind of “Grace” that is befitting a woman of faith.

Now, before you go thinking that she is “one of those” perfect women, she will be the first to admit she isn’t. There are so many behind the scenes moments for a busy mom, that it wouldn’t be fair to comment-besides, we are all trying to look like a swan, while under the water, we are paddling like crazy ducks.

One key to Gina’s year-round “peace” is her Christmas card collection that remains firmly taped up around her kitchen all year long.

“I keep the Christmas cards that I receive hanging in my kitchen until I start getting new ones to replace them,” says Gina.  “That’s right, if you send me a card (especially with a picture) your smiling face is in my kitchen for a year” Her favorite part about that is the new December that brings new cards. “I love it because when I take them down I am more able to reflect on the changes that happen during the past year since the card was originally sent.” She looks forward to catching up on all those changes…one card at a time.

And the blog topic? It  just shows that you never know who is inspired by your Facebook musings on any given day! Thanks Gina for being a good sport!

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Posted in Free Lance Beth, Grayson, GA

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Wedding Vow Renewal on the Winter Solstice

Posted on January 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

The text of the wedding vow renewal ceremony:

Winter Solstice Vow Ceremony

A very warm winter welcome to all of you. Thank you for choosing to celebrate your marriage with us.

Historically, this night is one filled with the wonder of renewal. The world experiences the longest night in a variety of ways and our celebration draws from the many traditions that celebrate the renewal of the source of light. The light of the world shines brightly as a beacon of hope in a way that transcends language, culture or religion. It is a symbol of renewal and hope for the best of what is to come. Wedding vows are a symbol of hope and all that is sacred to each individual couple. We are so happy that you have chosen to help us celebrate our future by renewing your vows with us on this mystical and magical night.

Please join us in a renewal of vows by repeating each phrase:

  1. Winter is a season of quiet preparedness; please grant us time to prepare our marriage for all seasons to come.
  2.  The light of the world shines this night for renewal; may the light of our union shine brighter than ever in the days to come.
  3. May the white of our dresses be the fabric that reflects the light of our love for all seasons to come.
  4. In the chill of the season, in the darkness of this night;  let us remember to look forward toward that path that is lit for us together and walk it hand-in-hand.
  5. As we prepare for the feast to celebrate returning light, may we each remember to love each other at our own tables and give thanks for the love that burns bright.
  6. I, ___________________ take thee ______________________ to be my partner/spouse  for life and to celebrate the light of our love each day.

Now that you have renewed your promise to love one another through darkness and light; I now pronounce you all Spouses. You may now show your love by sharing a lasting kiss on this, the longest night of the year!

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Some folks just remind you of others…Happy Birthday Mandy!

Posted on January 3, 2014 | Leave a comment
Mandy on the left, Sharon, me and mom on the right...

Mandy on the left, Sharon, me and mom on the right…

There are people who just remind you of other people right off the bat. In this case, it was a matter of about 20 years before I realized that someone I had admired in high school was just the spitting image in looks and spirit of my very favorite aunt. You see, my friend Mandy and my favorite aunt, Sharon Ann, had to be cut of the very same cloth. Sharon Ann was closer in age to me than many aunts are, but she was loved dearly by her niece, kind of like my friend Mandy is loved dearly by young’uns of all sorts who surround her. They share the same infectious laugh, the same irreverent nature that does not abide by most rules and the gift of keen observation which makes Mandy a great story-teller and the keeper of all manner of Snellville lore which she shares without hesitation. Our lives keep getting more intertwined again and again as we live those years between that time in high school and where we find ourselves today-still unwaveringly connected to our community.

It is that hometown community who will help Mandy celebrate a momentous occasion-her 50th birthday! Her party will be held at yet another former classmate’s bar and grill and the entertainment hails from that same Alma Mater. FLH band will play some serious rock and roll tonight at Glenda’s Bar and Grill out in Oxford, GA and we will dance, drink a toast and laugh together in celebration of a very special lady who is loved dearly by those who know her.

And of her “twin”? I know that she will laugh along with us and I will be lucky enough to have known both!

The Handsome Men of FLH

The Handsome Men of FLH

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It’s not easy being green…Dr. Seuss-meet Dr. Williams

Posted on December 26, 2013 | Leave a comment
Natalie on a better day decorating a Gingerbread Man...

Natalie on a better day decorating a Gingerbread Man…

I am not sure if it is because of her single mom status, teacher-mode or general creativity, but my friend, Natalie, decided to test out the theory of Green Ham on a day that eggs had been a grievous disappointment.

The following is an excerpt from a posting by Natalie’s very data-savvy daughter, Dr. Ann Williams after their failed attempt at a quiche without recipe earlier in the day…

News update: Mom decided that the leftover ham from Thanksgiving needed to be consumed. She was rambling on about how pioneers ate salted meat and it never spoiled, when she popped a slimy little morsel into her mouth and began chewing. Within an instant she ran to the sink, spit it out, and started pouring water into her mouth. She then quickly proceeded to gargling gin and tonic, grabbed her throat, cried to the Lord, and understood the wisdom of not eating pork. She is lying on the sofa sucking hard candy and insisting that this information should go viral. I told her no one eats green ham, not even Dr. Seuss. She reminded me that he is dead, and perhaps did eat green ham. Christmas break with family is always so much fun … the quiche is looking better all the time.

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Posted in Free Lance Beth

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Swim, Dive…DRUM!

Posted on December 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

So, when you like to do a bunch of stuff, and you promise to keep your grades up…you get to do a bunch of stuff you like…Such as…

Marching Band Drum Line and soccer and youth group at church and hockey and swim team and well, when those things coincide…You bring your drums to the natatorium and play up the pre-swim meet rally for your team.

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Posted in Free Lance Beth, Grayson, GA

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Winter Solstice Wedding Vow Renewal at Vecoma at the Yellow River

Posted on December 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

 

Vecoma at the Yellow River celebrates award

Vecoma at the Yellow River

Vecoma at the Yellow River celebrates The Knot .com’s Hall of Fame Award with Winter Solstice Wedding Vow Renewal Party

 

Snellville, GA, Gwinnett County/USA

December 11, 2013

 

Vecoma at the Yellow River is the first to ever win the Hall of Fame Award from The Knot and the only venue in Georgia to win the award.

 

Executive Director and family member, Caroline Tucker, is overwhelmed by the feedback from “her brides”. “They took the time to provide the reviews online that led to this prestigious award,” says Caroline. “I appreciate each of them for being so kind and loving with their words.”  This is a HUGE award for our family business and Vecoma wants to do something very special for our brides.

 

Vecoma is celebrating the award with the theme of: Winter Solstice Magic “White Dinner”, which is a nod to many December traditions with some creative adaptation. The Wedding Vow Renewal will take place in conjunction with a meal based on white foods with a celebratory twist.

 

The Solstice represents a new season. Winter white is used to represent the refreshed and renewed aspects attached to the color. Female guests are asked to wear white (or their wedding gown if it still fits…). The décor is to be sparkling, white and glittery to bring the idea of the magic of celebrations like St. Lucia (Scandinavian), Soyal (Hopi/Zuni Purification), and Yule (German) together on the shortest day of the season and invite the sun to begin returning to the skies.

 

winter solstice7Along with the their superb chefs, A.B. Bailey and Walter Reid (each with 17 years at Vecoma) and Novis Cody who joined the team 10 years ago, Vecoma’s staff is planning a mass vow renewal and Winter Solstice party for all of the couples married at Vecoma over the past 17 years.  “We want them all to wear their wedding dresses or a white dress with their original veil,” says Judith Warren, owner. “It is our sincerest wish for this to be a wonderful evening that coincides with the beginning of the winter celebrations.”  The lodge will display a wintery white décor and a winter solstice white dinner will be served after the vows.

 

The Winter Solstice and Mass Wedding Vow Renewal will take place at 6pm on Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at Vecoma at the Yellow River. The event will include brides with bookings into 2014 who will enjoy the company of couples who have “tied the knot” with Best that The Knot.com has to offer in Atlanta.

 

With 2013 awards from The Knot Best of Weddings and Wedding Wire Brides’ Choice, and Atlanta Bridal, Vecoma at the Yellow River enjoys the support of the brides who have experienced a magical Vecoma wedding.

 

Nestled among 70 acres of forest, Vecoma offers a beautiful setting for weddings and special events inside and out. Riverside weddings are extremely popular as the natural setting creates a spectacular backdrop with the Yellow River flowing gently behind the wedding party.

 

 

 

The lodge has been designed to capture the history of Vecoma, yet provide a modern touch with all the conveniences. Soft, buttery walls, twinkle lighting, antiques and interesting little touches throughout create a memorable space to hold a ceremony and reception. The huge covered deck overlooks the wedding area and river just beyond.

 

 

 

At Vecoma, weddings find a riverside setting befitting a beautiful bride with plenty of space to dance all while reflecting the love in the hearts of a couple starting a new life together.

 

Contact: Judith Warren, 770-972-6540, vecoma@mindspring.com

 

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Dado’s Ties…they never go out of style

Posted on December 11, 2013 | Leave a comment
Dado's ties are always in style...

Dado’s ties are always in style…

Today, Dado (my dad and the boys’ grandfather) opened the Belk’s ad to find that some of the ties in the photo were somewhat familiar…

He went to his tie rack (a Barbershop singer never throws anything away that MIGHT be useful in a show) and found that he did, indeed, have similar ties. In fact, they were darned near identical! He did what any socially savvy guy would do-posted it to Facebook.

So, much to my mother’s dismay (that would be the boys’ Ditdo), Dado gets to keep his ties in case he needs to quickly don one for a wedding or the governor’s mansion for dinner…or to the Waffle House with the grandsons.

 

 

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Posted in Free Lance Beth, Grayson, GA, Stone Mountain Chorus

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Santa Pete…our year-round Santa Claus

Posted on December 9, 2013 | Leave a comment
Santa Pete watches all year long in our neighborhood...

Santa Pete watches all year long in our neighborhood…

Here is hoping that he does not see us when we are sleeping…but, for the most part…he knows when we are awake. Whether it is walking his four-legged puppy pal or lounging by the pool with one of the grandkids (or Mrs. Claus…), Santa Pete is a fixture in our neighborhood and has some sort of magic “aura” around him that makes for the best kind of Santa.

He has been known to give a wink and a nod when a little one was not quite sure about whether it was “HIM” or not. But to be sure, a smile and a wave are always ready as you drive down the street or pass at the grocery.

Santa Pete has even been known to stroll through the “bullpen” at a neighborhood swim meet giving encouragement to all the swimmers regardless of age or status of belief….

As for me…I believe. I have always wondered if Santa Pete didn’t possess some sort of magical powers. One thing is for certain-I plan to have my picture taken with him and I will be sure to slip a note into his hand with my list carefully written when I see him next. There is just no real reason not to think that any of the Santas we see all around at Christmastime are not “HIM”. I kind of like to think they are all a little bit of “HIM”, the original Saint Nick with a sparkle of magic in their eyes.

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Posted in Free Lance Beth, Grayson, GA

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December Flip-Flop weather exposes toes

Posted on December 6, 2013 | Leave a comment
Flip-Flops in December

Flip-Flops in December

Today in Georgia, it feels way more like May than December. Balmy and slightly breezy has brought out the desire to get just one more flip-flop day in-just for fun.

Seems strange to be wearing flip-flops in December, but if the weather demands it, then who am I to resist? Observation of my toesies this morning forced me to have to reconsider the idea of  revealing them in public. With no time at all in the schedule to have my favorite pedicurist pamper me and my toes, I mentally ran through my options. The objective was to sport flip-flops despite conditions; probably not a good idea. I looked at the remaining chipped paint in an effort to imagine that they had been done in an Art Deco style…that dog was not gonna hunt. My toes looked more like an Elf On The Shelf joke.  Removing the remaining polish and repainting was hampered by time constraints. I finally decided that it would probably be ok to just gloss over with a quick coat of dark red that would hopefully cover the ragged edges and not bleed too much into the sad state of my cuticles; a lot to hope for. Not aware of any Saint specializing in flip-flops, I sent a quick and humorous request for a steady hand to St. Anthony (Saint of Lost Causes) and dove in brush first. The end result was RED, but then again…it IS Christmastime and who am I to argue if the powers-that-be offered us the gift of a temporary springtime. A flip-flop day in December MUST be honored and celebrated. It is the kind of thing that keeps you going.

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Come Play With Us…Forever and Ever

Come Play With Us...Forever and Ever

Came downstairs to find our twin sister cats hanging out in the doorway…reminded me of The Shining…

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Posted on November 5, 2013 in Uncategorized

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