(If your just tuning in - this is question #4 of The Book of Questions
written by Gregory Stock, PH.D)
My decision to answer these questions whole heartily everyday in order is to learn more about myself. Many of these questions, I have never contemplated. Ask yourself the question and the other questions in the previous post. Would you or Do you know how you to respond? Take the challenge with me. Whether you post a comment or not, thank you
for reading.
Would I spend one year in perfect happiness but afterward remember nothing, the answer is NO WAY! I rather have a lifetime sprinkled with immense happiness and moments of sadness and reflection than one year of pure joy that I couldn't remember. What is the point if you can't remember? There is beauty in heartbreak and lessons to be learned in less than perfect situations. What is perfect happiness anyway? Does it exists and if you achieved it wouldn't you deserve to remember it?
Its interesting when reading the question at hand, some answers are as clear as day and others take you back. This one was clear.
I am shooting for 2011 to be as close as perfectly happy as I can get filled with the memories that accompany it - good and the bad.
(If your just tuning in - this is question #3 of The Book of Questions
written by Gregory Stock)
Man, this one is deep! After reading this question, I am going to bed early and safely. I think we all fear not having told a loved one what we feel or think before its their time or ours to pass over. Especially after an argument, for me at least, the thought of that person being injured and not being able to say Sorry or I love you resonates with me every time harsh words have been said.Life is so precious and relatively short, that is why I think it is so important to be the Best You while we are here. Being the best You minimizes your regrets and the what if’s in your life. Wouldn’t it be nice if we always told the people we love how very much we love them and how deeply. That would solve a lot of anger, mourning and regret when that person does pass or help the others know you loved them for when we go.
My answer would be geared to my Mother. I am my Mother’s Daughter for sure but there have been many times, like a lot of mother/daughter relationships, where we butt heads and see things very differently. That often led to miscommunication and heated arguments. I always fear that she may doubt the immense amount of love and appreciation I have for her. Heaven for bid, if something were to happen to me where she would precede my life, I hope her heart will heal faster knowing that she is a pillar of strength for me and a real testament to being a strong woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. I have been inspired to be More because of her. I am sorry for those past arguments and hurtful words. I regret any and all hurt I have caused my sweet Mother. I look at pictures of her as a young mother to my brother and I, and the look she has in her eyes, is of pure love. She still looks at us that way today. Hands down the best “YaYa” that ever walked the planet. She is dedicated to her grandchildren and they truly love their time with her. She was able to not be a product of her childhood and rose to the highest level of what a parent should be. I am so thankful for her love and the love she has for my daughter.
I would most regret – her heart being broken from losing her daughter not for not telling her something. Although, I will send her this post to read to make sure that she knows in a brief description what hopefully my actions already show her. That I am sorry we sometimes fight over unnecessary things and that there is no greater love a child has for their Mother. Thank you for my life and the right amount of love to grow into a Mother with the same look in her eyes. I hope this inspires you to tell that person how you feel while they can still hear it.
(If your just tuning in - this is question #2 of The Book of Questions written by Gregory Stock)
The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.
I try to live with word of God as close as possible although there are something’s that make me go "hmmm..." My answer is Yes, I do believe in ghost & evil spirits. Do I believe all ghosts or spiritual encounters with the unknown are all demonic and impersonations, No.
I am not sure of all the logistics of why spirits communicate with the living or whether or not it is a good idea but, I know the communication is happening. Communication from the other side has brought a lot of comfort and hope for the loved ones still here mourning. I think there is a fine line between good and evil and if you are not careful you can open the “door” to the wrong type of spirits and things can turn scary in no time.
I personally have had unexplained things occur as many of us have and know for a fact they were paranormal. I think it is all around us; it’s just a matter of how intuitive or open to the communication we are. Watching that show “Psychic Kids” will get even the biggest skeptic second guessing their beliefs.
I just wonder why? Why are these ghost attached to material objects – still roaming this earth in purgatory. Did they not walk towards the light, or was there not one shining for them? Is this there hell on earth? I guess the answer is on the other side.
To answer the second part of the question related to staying alone over night in a haunted house; Yes if I was getting paid a lump sum of money to foot the therapy bill that will follow that experience. Kidding aside, it would be cool but not alone. You need someone to make sure that you are not playing mind games on yourself and to watch your back. I hear those ghost don’t mess around - they have had a lot of time to think of ways to spook ya.
A few months back, a friend of mine introduced me to The Book of Questions written by Gregory Stock, PH.D and to my delight, my sister -n-law, Kam bought it for me for Christmas. Over dinner last night, Jared and I flipped through the pages and took turns answering 5 questions each at a time.
After almost 14 years together, you would think I would know his response to the hypothetical scenarios - WRONG!
You don't know until you ask. That is such a true statement and general rule of life. Assuming you know the facts, is only setting you up for failure. So many times, we just don't ask! We don't even ask our selves how we feel about certain things - this book leaves you going "hmmm...I never thought about that or I have no clue what I would do or say." It has me thinking, I need to ask myself way more than I have been - about all sorts of things. The introduction mentions "giving yourself permission to voice those dangerous questions you've never quite been willing to ask , those provocative thoughts whispered by an inner voice and soon forgotten. These are the questions that seem awkward or intrusive, yet these questions are the very ones that will open paths to understanding and intimacy." Good stuff huh?
You know how Julie Powell cooked & blogged her way through Julia Child's first cookbook - well I am going to ask my way through The Book of Questions and post my answers! (Yes, I do anticipate my blogging efforts transpiring into a feature film as well)
I hope some of my blog peepers (non-commenting visitors) will leave their answers as well. I invite discussion and interaction during this blog-eriment. I am going cover to cover, not skipping a single question. Daily I will post the Daily Question and see where the answer takes me. I will not read ahead - taking time to think about one and only one question a day. There may be days where the answer is clear as day and there will be days where I will be stumped or just don't care to answer. I am going to answer from the bottom of my heart whether it favors me or not. Let 's see what I learn along the way, I won't know unless I ask.
For a person you loved deeply, would you be willing to move to a distant country knowing there would be little chance of seeing your friends or family again?
My initial reaction is Yes, what an adventure and dedication to a loved one that would be. To forsake all others for that one true love. Sweet in theory but, then my logical side reminds me, that a distant country doesn't mean an exotic one surrounded with lush landscape and romantic thatched roofs and the little chance of seeing loved ones part of the questions defines my answer, NO I would not move and abandon my precious family for one human being. No matter how much loved them.
My love is much more than for one single person.
If that person deeply loved me, they would not want me to forsake that family bond and connection. I would desperately regret the time spent away from my loved ones & my heart would never be fully whole.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. - Luke 11:9-10
Simple acts of kindness and generosity can really make a difference in someone’s life. It is always nice to be on the receiving end but, this Holiday season - GIVING is where it’s at. I recently received an unexpected gift in the mail. It took me back for a moment; I was confused yet so Thankful! It came at a perfect time and made my day to say the least. That act of generosity was more than a monetary blessing it was proof that the words of Luke’s scripture works for all of God’s children, even ME!
I know God listens to me, you and all of us. His blessings come in all shapes and forms. Some are easier to acknowledge and others take time to understand. Many we will never know we were blessed with. Regardless, we are Blessed! This Christmas, I am going to "Pay it Forward" by blessing as many people as I can. No matter whether it is giving up my parking space at the mall (which we all know is a blessing if you can find one this season) or donating Shiloh’s toys to the less fortunate. I ask you to commit to do the same. Do something you might not have time or energy to do but, because you have been blessed.
Things can always get easier for all of us. We always need more and some things are always out of reach. Stop focusing on what we don’t have and sit silently and bask in the blessings we have been given. Our lives may not be perfect but they are exactly what they are supposed to be for this moment in time. There is a lesson to be learned in all phases of our lives. It is up to you whether or not you take the time to learn and grow both spiritually and physically from the message.
One unexpected greeting card has set the tone for a heightened sense of GIVING. I am so thankful for the nudge I needed to be more giving this season. I plan on silently blessing others and know that my blessings will follow.My last plea is to REMEMBER what this beautiful Holiday is really about. It is about the birth of our Father, Jesus Christ! Take the time to explain to your children or remind yourself the story of his birth and life. Teach your children that the Christmas tree, lights and presents are all symbols we use to celebrate his birth. Don’t lose sight of the real purpose we are celebrating. Don’t let your children replace the Lord for Santa. It is easy to get immersed in the Christmas frenzy of over shopping and indulgence. Stand back for a moment and reflect what message we want to give or receive. Less indulgence More Prayers!
I am thankful for today and the challenges and life lesson’s I am sure to receive in the future. I am going to try diligently to learn from them and share with others. In hopes, to bless one person with insight to acknowledge their own blessings.
No need to give gifts to me this year, you have given me the best one already. Happy Holidays everyone!
First I would like to say Thank You to all of the 560 people that have visited my blog so far. Yes, I downloaded a page view counter out of curiosity to see if anyone stopped in for a read. I am
dumbfounded but so thankful for each and every visit. Keep following, its bound to get juicy!
-----------------------------------------------
My husband, Jared has been under the weather lately. Bless his heart!
His Doctor prescribed him a couple Vitamin injection to take to increase his energy level. The key to that statement was that they gave HIM the injection to take.His Doctor sent him home with a hypodermic needle to self inject the dose of Vitamin in his leg. Do you think he asked for me to help him? No, he did not and now he literally can’t walk! After reading the instructions to him that had never been opened, he realized he was supposed to shake the medicine before injecting! He woke up yesterday morning in pain but true Jared fashion - kept truckin’ along and headed to work. He said he used the crow bar as a makeshift cane to help him gimp around the job site. By the time he got home from work, he could not walk at all. He couldn’t even position his legs enough to get him in a seated position. After a hot bath he hobbled to bed where he remained.
Men, I tell ya! Apparently he hit a nerve in his leg which is causing all the pain and charlie horse like cramping. He was in excruciating pain and still is this morning. We placed a call into the Doctor, he will live. Poor guy, you would have thought he was in child birth by the sounds that were coming from the bedroom as he attempted to roll over to find a comfortable position. The good part of all this is, when a man is injured - they are sweet as pie! I put on my Nurse hat last night (I know where your mind is going with this - bring it back people!) and babied him the best I could with Shiloh tugging at my sleeve.
I love it when they are injured. Let me rephrase that slightly injured, like a bump or bruise, they are so sweet & vulnerable. I also like how I am using "they" as though I have more than one husband. They even ask for things in a different tone of voice. The ‘victim’ voice as I like to call it, a baby like low tone near begging type voice. A sign they are ‘really’ hurt and need help. When woman get sick, not a whole lot changes. We may have a mask on or an IV drip but, we will be wheeling it down the aisle of the grocery store in a rush to get home and cook some dinner. All in all though, we all have our down times and need to be babied. I will take this time to play Nurse and hope he feels better soon. Men are silly creatures especially when they are under the weather. Mine happens to be sweet!
Phone rings baby cries
TV diet guru lies
Good Morning honey.
Go to work, make up, try to keep the balance
up Between love and money.
Damn Trisha Yearwood, your lyrics nailed it. You summed my life up in two broken sentences and even had my toes a tappin' and fingers snappin'
Today is one of those days where nothing is wrong per say but every country song on Pandora seems to be hand picked for me and begging me to cry.
The Perry Band ‘If I die young’ takes the cake, today anyhoo. Click Here to Listen! ( it is worth listening to the 8 second advertisement before the jam)
If that song doesn’t make you cry or touch a spot deep in your heart, you might not have a pulse.
From Trisha, Lee Anna James (Boy) to The Perry Band, they all have songs that are my self proclaimed Anthems! I thank them for writing those songs specifically for me without even knowing it. I needed to hear those words & plan on carrying them around in my pocket for some time to come.
Music like Friendship warms the soul even in the coldest of temperatures.
Lucky for me, I sat by a blazing fire pit last night enjoying some food for thought with a gal pal, good times. Unlucky for everyone in my office, because I went straight to bed last night and it was too cold to leave the house with wet hair this morning so the office is now blessed with the aroma of that sweet little fire pit smoldering out of the second cube on the left. What about if I just started belting out Kum bi Ya My Lord, wouldn’t that be a hoot!
Hey, my last day is December 17th, what can they do, lay me off? Speaking of my last day, the 17th is last day at the Ritz (it was a contractual work) and the first day of my new path. Where is my path going you ask? Good question, the road signs are pointing towards becoming an Elementary Teacher or throwing myself back into Real Estate with the blessing of being with Shiloh again.
Suggestions are welcomed at this point.
However, rest assured knowing, I invite change. I think change is the only way growth can happen. Change is the Lord pushing your life in another direction, one step closer to the path He has chosen for us. I am excited to see what He has in store for me. I have given it to him and hope it is in my favor.
Regardless, I will keep on truckin’
See, once again a country song was written for me.
I now know why so many say you need a vacation from a vacation. My house is tore up from the floor up.
We are home and the chore list is longer than Santa's wish list.
Holy hell! Where is room service and the daily bed turn down? I woke up and for a moment, I planned on mosing down to the lobby for Starbucks, only to remember that their was no hot coffee waiting or a fruit plate off the morning buffet but an ass load of laundry with my name on it. Although I have enough work to make Cinderella feel grateful - I am glad to be home.
Today I went to my Grandmother's and we had lobster tail and homemade oyster soup while we worked
on her Memoir. We had to put the "book" on the shelf for a while due to busy schedules but,
it is in full motion. We sit at her dining room table with a voice recorder on so, I can upload it to my computer and listen as I write her story. We had left off with my Grandpa (17 years old) returning from CC camp and how he had hitchhiked from Nevada all the way home. He had no where to stay one night and asked a police man to stay overnight in jail for shelter and a meal. The Police said not unless he committed a crime. So, what's a man to do. He threw a rock through a car window in the parking lot and within moments he was warm, sheltered and let out in the morning with a full belly. Not a bad idea.
Today we talked about her wedding day, July 24th 1940 and the beginning of their lives as
husband and wife. The sequence of events leading to her courthouse nuptials. The blue church dress she wore, the ring less ceremony and the one night honeymoon spent at her new in-laws. Not picturesque but, she said she never wanted some big over the top wedding anyway. Part of me believed her and part of me knew she would never admit it anyway. They moved from Trenton, Florida to Orlando the next day in a little cottage house attached to Uncle Leonard's house on Primose Ave.
The made a mere $60 a month and their rent was $10 a month. The neighbors all shared one washer and one dryer. Which was more than a blessing, since she had never had electricity much less a machine that cleaned clothes.
My Grandma would wait almost 3 years and two babies later for her wedding ring she so desperately dreamed of. Later that 1/4 carat diamond purchased for $79 from the Navy base would be swapped by a cricked jeweler. My Grandmother explained in heart wrenching detail how the fiery diamond had been swapped for a dull, shine-less diamond. She claimed that was one of the few times in her life she has ever been heartbroken. Sure, it was just a diamond but she had waited so long for that diamond and she said,
"it had fire that would sparkle even in the moonlight."
Listening to her stories and memories of my beloved Grandfather melt my heart. I wish I could be a fraction of the person she is. This book, the book of her life - is already becoming a true love story although, not a perfect one - a dedicated one.
Stay Tuned.
Tasha
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Daily Lesson:
When you want your hand to be held, reach for it. Don’t wait for your loved one to know what you are thinking.
Charleston, is the #2 most sought after wedding destination only second to Vegas in the US. It is obvious why brides across the nation want their nuptials to take place here. This place oozes love and romance. For us, with a 2 year old, that is not the first thing on the agenda but, tonight we were able to sit back and reconnect. As much as this was a family vacation I desperately wanted this road trip to be a journey to revamp my 14 year old courtship with my husband. Earlier today, I was feeling maybe romance is now defined as the act of loving our child and being fulfilled with the immense gratification you receive as a parent.I wanted so desperately for my husband to reach across the stroller and hold my hand in between the hand off of sippy cups and diaper changes. I kept wishing and wishing he would just hold my hand. I grew increasingly agitated as no attempt was made.
Our "horsey" Jim- a retired Belgium horse
from the Amish Country in Ohio-
Go Buckeyes!
We sat down for a beautiful dinner after a carriage ride around the city of love. The tour took us down the infamous Rainbow Road, the stretch of colorful water front homes with significant Civil War meaning, all perfectly placed and painted with a fresh coat of pinks and blues. The tour also graced us with the knowledge of one Fathers generosity of a stone gazebo that is now the place that brides from far and near yearn to say their I do’s, on to the many of treasures this city has to offer. If you have not yet traveled to Charleston, I make this my battle cry to you, to save a little to spend a little on this investment of history and pleasure.
After dinner, we strolled silently to the fountain where we once took family pictures, a pineapple shaped fountain waterfront in Historical Charleston. We spoke briefly but with little effort on either of our parts. I silently thought, “we are just co-existing.”
Before I left for this trip, I told myself I will fight like all hell for this love I have been so committed to for so long. At the pier tonight, I reached for his hand and told my husband how much I loved him and how I wanted this love we have to be stronger than ever. It was as my best friend Lee Anna that so beautifully wrote, this is my Battle Crawl. Fitting for a city built around battles, I asked my husband to forgive me for my wrongs and he apologized for his, we agreed to move forward into love. He grabbed my hand and leaned in for a kiss. You see, all I had to do was ask.
Instead of the waiting and broken expectations fueling my responses, I asked for what I needed only to receive the gift I had been waiting for all along. By the time the brief but powerful talk was finished, I leaned down only to see a sleeping baby. It was perfect timing, we were a couple with no pending diaper changes, just the two of us on a stroll in the city of love. We took the rare opportunity to track back to the Cigar Bar where we spent precious time years ago with his Father and sat outside and drank Cashmere, a wine brewed by a man for his wife – named from his wife’s first words after her first sip, “It is so smooth, it taste like Cashmere.” The man told us the story while pouring it; it was a moment of reflection. Sure, my husband had not brewed it, but we were sipping it together after a smooth resolution of the minds & hearts.
We drank 3 or 4 before Shiloh started to toss and turn; we paid up and headed on back to the hotel. It was my best night on this road trip for many reasons but mainly because I asked and I received. I love my Husband more than words could ever explain. I have hope that this road trip was what I prayed for all along, a journey to revamp my love & marriage with a side note of sightseeing.
Mission Accomplished,
♥Tasha
My future Nest
No, my photography is not off. This church is leaning from
a earthquake in the 1800's that made the church sink 8 inches.
This home was built my an English man. He wanted it to be stone exterior. Back in the 1800's in Charleston, stone was for the poor. The built it with brick and covered with with stone facade so the English man would be happy.
Just shows, not everything is what it appears.
The Calhoun mansion - let's
just say I would marry his daughter
This picture does not due it justice.
Look closely, this house is divided right down the middle. The husband wanted one style of architecture and the wife wanted another. The builder got fed up and split right down the middle. Love it. Compromise has no era.
Keep on moving. Let the scenery inspire you and remind you of loved ones. Smile and know Heaven is Real.
This road trip has been nothing less than a party for my eyesight. We arrived in Charleston around today, after a short trip to TybeeIsland. Another of Georgia's Barrier Islands, with a small southern beach town feel, a few shops and some chilly ocean air to greet us; we stopped at one artsy junkyard, literally looked like an outside art gallery made from recycled goods. Just my style, after a peruse around the outside uncovered shelves o' many - I went to open the front door to find a note "We are not in today, whatever you want to buy add 7% sales tax to it - take it and slip the money through this hole." (I should of taken a picture) I sat there for a moment and thought surely this isn't so? I looked around and thought - where is the camera? I showed Jared and we both just laughed. Only in Tybee could this be acceptable.
We headed out to Charleston, 118 miles North. We were both tired when we arrived, but we loaded up baby Shiloh and we were out to explore this colorful historical town. It is much warmer than Savannah which is lucky for me because I have worn my warm clothes down to the threads. This Florida girl brought flip flops and Capri's. We are staying a rocks throw away from Market Street
- an open aired market filled with homemade sweet grass baskets and thing ma-bobs.
Shiloh took a nap so we took the chance to sit down at the Noisy Oyster and sling em’ back (both oysters and Palmettos - my new fave brews) For starters, we had a stack of green fried tomatoes stuffed with lump crab meat. Oh yea! That sure did put a spin on ole Grandma's recipe. Delish!
Shoulda' took a photo of that too but, it was gone before I had a chance. After an after dinner stroll we headed back. We've been hitting the hay early these days. It’s a welcome change from our 11:30ish bedtime at the home front.
This place has real sentimental value to us, Charleston that is. Back in 2005, we took our last vacation with Jared's Dad outside of Ohio and Orlando hometown visits. That vacation was a great one spent with Kam (Jared's sister), Aunt Teri and the Boys along with Dad & Linda. We visited Charleston and FollyBeach on that trip with a stop in Columbia to visit Aunt Cheri , Josh & Amanda.
We walked these same streets so many years ago, yet it looks the same exact way. Within a block of walking it was clear we were on memory lane. Aw Shucks, The Cigar Shop where the boys picked a freshly rolled cigar and the brewery were just a few of the spots we walked by today that reminded us so vividly of our wonderful times spent with Jared's Dad, Jeff and the family. A light would sparkle in Jared's eye as the places sparked his memory of his beloved late Father and then a moment of silence as we both kept walking trying not to cry. Family vacations and or day visits with our loved ones are so special. It is all we hold on to after the Lord has taken them home. I urge you this week to call your Grandma, Aunt or a Parent and make plans with them. No matter the time spent, it is the time spent that makes the time special. You will thank yourself later, guaranteed!
Tomorrow our plans are as follows: Horse Carriage ride down Rainbow Row, Visit the house where a portion of the movie Notebook was filmed (while watching that movie, Jared told me he knew he would marry me. I wonder if he second guesses that choice sometimes lol) and being memorized by the Angel Oak - the oldest Oak tree East of the Mississippi spanning 17,000 ish square foot and dining at an unknown location all while the weight of the world is carried. By that I mean, we will just BE.I will deal with all things responsible not a day earlier than Thursday so, leave a message at the beep.
Shiloh keeps calling each new hotel "Home" - I often wonder if she thinks we have moved. I know she loves spending undivided attention with us just romping from place to place. She is my muse.
There is something really fun about living city to city with the 27 bags in tow with only one real mission: to observe and enjoy the time spent together as a family. I am thankful for this trip and for the 2 people I call my family to spend it with me. Home is where the heart is. Tonight mine is room 368.
Don't let yourself become complaisant. We are here because of the bloodshed from our founding Father's.
Remind yourself we are nothing less than lucky to live this charmed life. Our problems are a drop in the bucket for the men & women of the 1700's
Click on photos to enlarge
For me, today was a day of reflection. I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of quilt and sadness for the ones that lived and died in this beautiful city. The city is still intact and now all that is left of that time is memorials, haunted houses & cobblestone streets lined with modern day shopping. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to trade in my charmed little life for those times, but I just can't help but to wonder what it was like to be them. We think we have it hard and at times speculate the world is coming to an end. I bet these folks were hoping it would, and often they were right.
Today Jared, Shiloh and I ate lunch at the famous Pirate House situated in the Trustee Garden. The Herb House (a separate house) was built first in 1734 is and still stands today. It is the most historic spot in Georgia. In 1753 the Pirate House (now restaurant) was opened as an Inn for seafarer's and became a meeting point for pirates and sailors. The Herb House was structurally attached to the Pirate House. This was the site of bloody fights & kidnapping. They would get the sailors drunk and the pirates would kidnap them through an underground tunnel that led about a block to the Savannah River. By the time the sailors woke up, they were out to sea and kept as slaves never to return. That would stink, head to a bar to have a tall boy and end up a slave.
I couldn't help but feel like someone was watching me eat my savory chicken caesar salad. I hope the spirits didn't think Shiloh was mocking them. She sure did pull the look off. I prayed before and as we left that spooky place, begging those spirits to say right where they are and not attach themselves to my shaw.
Click to enlarge.
River Street by Tasha
Afterwards, we shopped River Street for the 3rd day just in case we missed a shop or most importantly a Gelato hot spot (doubtful!) Picked up a few Christmas gifts and dog sitting gifts (shout out to my Mom!) sprinkled with the moments of silence for the lives lost in battle. Savannah has one thing down packed...memorializing people, mostly men for their war-time efforts but we can't forget ole Florence - the waving girl. Regardless, this City has a whole lot of charm and charisma. We are planning on visiting Tybee Island tomorrow for a day trip since we have man handled Savannah. We are just relaxing now while Shiloh gets a nap in and then we are off again for some delish dinner in City Market. It is a chilly one tonight so, I think we are going to drive. Our car has not left the spot since we got here. All of our travels have been by foot. Feels great! Looking forward to dinner, coffee and sunggles...in that order!
Till tomorrow,
Tasha♥
Our table was directly next to the roped off underground tunnel where
the kidnappings took place. Eekk!
Click on photos to enlarge for a closer look :)
The black out curtains in hotel rooms guarantee your toddler sleeps till 10am
First thing when we return, I am swapping Shiloh's Bahama shutters for 8 ft. black out curtains - just like the Marriott has so graciously blessed us with on this vacation. Shiloh has slept like a log since we've been here.
Why they are they not in every color and pattern at Babies R' Us by now is a mystery to me. Pass on the bottle warmer people, and register for black out curtains!
We have walked and walked and walked...if I do not shed some lbs then this Momma is gonna be mad.
We probably walk 6-8 miles a day, which feels great since the weather is crisp and clean breathing. We shopped and shopped and shopped yesterday, but nothing really stuck out to me. I hate it when town shops have all that cheesy souvenir crap - coaster with Savannah written on it..come on people, I want some cool stuff. There are boutiques o' plenty but the stuff is overly priced and I could scoop it up at 21 forever for $12.99 so, I'll pass.
We started yesterday off with the Trolley Tour all over Savannah. It was super informative and nice to sit and sight see after all this walking. Shiloh was a gem the whole time and let everyone know when a horsey was in the vicinity. The homes here are architecturally insane and some are so close their roof lines are overlapping. The Historical District is so desired that a 500 square ft home (a little bigger than Shiloh's playhouse) runs for $289,000k - This is where Realtors still like their job.
Haunted Home
There are certain homes that stay on the market, because the former house guests never leave. The tour explained that this one particular home, can only keep a new homeowner for a year or so before the sign goes back up. This home has had exorcisms performed on it to no prevail. They keep lights on 24/7 even though it is vacant to keep the ghost at bay.
After the tour, we went on our own exploration to check out some of the trolley spots up close & personal. One of Savannah's favorite stories involves the life of Florence Martus (1868 - 1943), who was known well by Savannahians and sailors of the sea as the Waving Girl. The story goes, she would wave at every passing ship with her Collie by her side. One sailor thought she was waving just to him and when he got to port, he found her and they later fell in love. When he had to be deployed, he promised to return for her. Florence waved at every ship day and night for 44 years of her life, never to remarry. Her dog would wake her up at night if a ship was coming, where Florence would wave by lantern. Poor girl in love, but at least she has a statue for her commitment. Some of us, don't even get that! lol
This is a Photographers mecca! One beautiful shot after another.
There is so much history here both glorious and tragedy. It is hard to imagine some of the tales of what life was like here in the late 1800's.
From Pirates, Slavery and some of the bloodiest battles in the US, Savannah still stands strong filled with beauty and hope.
To think the First African American Baptist Church - one of the hidden underground railroad hiding places now sits catty corner to Paula Deens restaurant seems funny to me. Time changes so much, for the city of Savannah - its been for the better.
My Mothers family
name. Maybe we're
related!
Forsyth Park Fountain (fountain purchased from a catalog for $300 in that early 1900's)
I think I have seen most of this vacation through a lens but, it is hard to walk past with out attempting to capture the beauty of it all. I am hoping to see a ghost in a window or the backdrop of one of my snapshots. I highly recommend this place for vacationing with young tots. The cobblestone streets at River Street is really the only challenge but, worth it. Enjoy our freedoms we have been given that stem from so much bloodshed. I still have a really hard time feeling deserving of such a beautiful gift - as freedom so effortlessly.
Believed to protect the city
of Savannah from evil.
My cell phone is still not in working order. I have been device free for 3 days now.
It has been bliss! Take the cell phone challenge.
There is never a "perfect" time to vacation. There will always be too much work to do or never enough money. I say, make time and save money but, don't miss out on quality time with loved ones.
Another great day on day two of our Prince family road trip. We woke up to perfect weather and sights on Jekyll Island. We slept in until 9am and loaded up. We drove to the other side of the massive Driftwood Beach to explore some more.
It was even more breathtaking. We found some driftwood to take home, I was super excited. We got in the car and I went to call my folks when I realized my phone wasn't working. I took the back off to see what the problem was and my battery was gone! Then it came to me, little Miss. Shiloh was taking it apart and playing with it. I know that little booger took it out and hide it some where.
We went back to the hotel and right where she had been playing was a locked storage door with a nice size space where my guess is LBS slide it under the door. So, I have a phone with no battery now. Maybe its God's way of saying no phones on vacation - any hoo we are in search of a T-mobile to get my communication up and running again.
Rah Bar - Jekyll Island
After eating the best seasoned oysters and peel and eat shrimp on the Wharf, we headed towards Savannah.
About 80 miles and a few Outlet malls later, we reached beautiful Savannah. This is the first time either of us have been here and it is much more than we expected. We got settled in to our hotel right on the edge of the Historic District and headed for River Street. So much history and shopping, OH MY!
We stopped in to Paula Deens and picked up a few souvenirs, and continued on a 3-4 mile walk up river side. We were huffing and puffing when we got back to the hotel. The cobblestone did a number on us or maybe it was the Bahama Mama slushies.
We have a trolley pass tomorrow and Sunday to check out the city. Here are a few stops on our list:
City Market
The Gingerbread House
Savannah History Museum
Telfair Museum of Art
Andrew Low House
Forsyth Park
Meinhardt Vineyard & Winery (so I wont be so jealous of Buffy being in Nappa)
Boutiques & Antique Shops galore!
Because of the Holiday many shops are still closed so, we are really looking forward to our 3 night stay here to explore every nook & cranny of this place.
Tomorrow is the lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square and The River Boat light parade. All the boats are decorated with Christmas lights on display. Should be a good time.
Here are some pictures from today. Many more to come. Going to curl up and watch a movie with the family. Excited for tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving and Thank the Lord for this day!
Thankful is an understatement. Life is getting sweeter. One of the many things I am thankful for today is that we made it to our first destination, Jekyll Island, Georgia.
We are safe and sound not to mention in great spirits! The trip was a smooth one - jamming out to LeeAnna's newest songs - with the faint sound of Little Mermaid playing on the DVD player in the background. What a relief it was to be on vacation and get out on the open road.
Then all of a sudden, bless that babies heart - Shiloh got car sick all over the place. It was a doozy. A change of clothes, shoes and 360 baby wipes later the smell is the only evidence left of Shi's interstate sickness.
That "new car" smell that you just can't duplicate - is gone, never to return. (insert nose plug here.) Even Shiloh couldn't handle the smell.
1st Destination - Jekyll Island, Georgia
We are staying 1 step OK maybe 3 away from the #5 Most Romantic Beach in the World! I agree with the stats 100%, it is breathtaking and absolutely romantic. This remote semi-ristricted beach is located on the farthest Northern tip of the smallest of Georgia's Barrier Islands. We step right outside our door and there is this desolate driftwood sanctuary just begging me to capture it. Oh, I captured it - and plan on hitting the beach bright and early to recapture it and savor our time here until we set sail to Savannah. Here are a few precious moments from our early evening stroll.
We left our mark
The Prince girls
Jared resting and taking the view in
Every shape and size littered this desolate beach.
Those are just a snap shot of the 270 photos I took in the few hours we were poking around this sweet spot. More to come....
Around 3pm we headed to our room to check in and freshen up before we decided whether or not to stick with our fancy smancy 6pm Jekyll Island Turkey Dinner reservations or if we wanted to eat oysters on the half shell instead. After a busy day, we decided to go with some fresh seafood. After making our ways to the Rah Bar overlooking the most beautiful sunset, we read the sign in dismay "Closed."
By now, we were Starvin Marvin's and we were under dressed for our pending country club reservation. After circling the island we ended up at a ocean front Bar & Grille. To our surprise, they had a full Thanksgiving dinner buffet with all the fixing's. We went, We ate and We conquered. Shiloh slept in her stroller through the whole meal but, we snuck a take home box filled to the rim for her. So much for the "less is more" vacation anthem. We are full as a bull and will be well into tomorrow evening along with the rest of America.
6:45pm:
A trip 10 miles off the island to the closest store/gas station (there is no gas on the island which can damper aimless island exploration) to pick up some beer and snacks (yes snacks) and fill up the old Flex with gasoline ready for tomorrows mid afternoon departure. We are back and settled in to our cute little loft style beach bungalow resting and making impromptu home videos of Shiloh singing baby bumblebee mixed with the ending of twinkle twinkle little star.
What a great start to our vacation. I will be dreaming of Driftwood Beach and scheming how to get the driftwood home with me. The last photo of the night should give everyone a sweet dream, it is of LBS (little baby Shiloh) basking in the honey colored sunlight this afternoon. This picture melts my heart. This is the one thing I am THANKFUL the most for! Thank you Lord for this day, and every day since my baby was born.
Vacation is a chance to recharge your heart & soul
before the next round of "life" happens
As I sit in my gray cubical, I look around and the only excitement I feel is for that fabulous homemade cupcake I just devoured and the 8x10 picture framed next to my monitor of Shiloh, Jared and I.
I am itching to blow this chicken coop and get this party started already!
Our 10 day vacation is arms length away and I can smell the relaxation from here. The beach air, wrapped up in a blanket with my family on Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island - my camera and no cleaning up on Thanksgiving Day or over eating for me this year. Back to the Basics.
This trip is more than a road trip and sightseeing for me. This is both a physical journey from point A to B but most importantly an emotional journey to take my marriage to the next level of happiness.
It happens to the best of us, after nearly 13 years of dating, courting, marriage and children - a couple enters a rut in the relationship where nothing is easy and the love is some what lost. It has been at times heart breaking and moments of a sense of failure to acknowledge where our marriage has gone momentarily. This is where you either get off the highway or rebuild the road.
I am fighting for a renewal of both mind and heart for myself and for my marriage. I have every ounce of faith in the world, that all we need is a little R&R and a reminder of what has kept us together almost 13 years in the first place. After all 13 years is long time - not to mention we have made it through tougher times than this.
After many nights praying, crying and asking God for direction. I knew without a doubt it was time for a ROAD TRIP! (apply the brakes here)
If you know me at all, you know I am more of a tropical gal -easy breezy - effortless travel - someone else gets me to paradise with a package of peanuts and a spritzer in hand, kind of vacation is usually on the itinerary.
Why a road trip on the busiest holiday to travel, away from all Black Friday shopping festivities, to the beach where it is cold and no chance of a much needed tan, you ask?
Because I want to snuggle and be alone with my family this Thanksgiving to fall back in LOVE ♥
There is something widely romantic about tossing tradition aside to be alone some where new with my husband and beautiful daughter, Shiloh. The next thought in my head is "don't forget the DVD player for the car ride...or else!"
We will pack tonight and cram it all into my cute little Ford Flex tomorrow and wake up bright and early on Thursday and set sail up the Eastern Sea Board making stops at all the beautiful places inbetween and on the way to Breathtaking Jekyll Island - Drift wood Beach, Historical Savannah, Angel Oak, Magnolia Plantation & Beloved Charleston, South Carolina and back. Follow me as I blog & post pictures of our journey in revamping our love on our first road trip.
Don't drink Vodka the day after you get the Chicken Pox vaccine!
You heard right people, I drank Vodka, and NO I have never had the Chicken Pox's. My Dad nor I, ever had the Chicken Pox's. My brother had them while we were on a family vacation as a child and still no pox's for me. At the age of 30 someone finally decided to give me a shot to protect me from a potential deadly onset of Adult Chicken Pox's.
That little shot hurt like hell, but the Tetanus booster I got in the other arm took the prize! This little day trip of pain took place on Friday. Went to work then home and to the back porch naturally to drink wine. Fine as can be. Saturday's sequence of events went a little different.
After a normal day or cleaning & family bonding, we ventured to a friends house to let the kids romp around and eat some homemade pizza. My arm now has two raised bumps, one at each injection site (this is normal) and my entire body was sensitive to touch. I ran into the bed post and almost convulsed it hurt so bad.
My arms felt like I had just worked out for hours in the gym ( Lord knows that isn't the reason ) and after a few whip cream vodka and orange soda cocktails, I started the fast decent into the downward spiral of sickness. You know your sick when someone's voice feels like little needles stabbing you one by one in your ear drum. Yes people, it was brutal. Next time I get immunized, I'm stickin' to beer.
Needless to say, we had a great time being with our friends and went I got home - I slept like a baby. The lesson is when your children do get the booster make sure they stay clear from the Vodka.
FACT: Girlish Banter & a Tall Vodka and Tonic can Warm the Soul and Save the Day!
No matter how busy, hectic or downright stressful a week, month or year is, a Girl's Night can warm the soul. There is nothing more inviting than a bunch of ole' friends circled around patio furniture spilling the beans on everything from sinful moments to future plans of Botax injections. The sound of a bunch of girls interrupting each other with heart filled advice and reassurance of "it will all be alright" fill the chilly air.
At the end of the day, your girlfriends are where it's at. Whether you are blessed to see them on a weekly basis or only get to catch up here and again, its all about quality not quantity. The true measure of a friend is – when you do see them, it only takes a millisecond to catch each other up and it’s like they were never away.
They sure save me a pretty penny in free counseling not to mention they seem to think I have a future in comedy. I think it’s the vodka that keeps them laughing. Regardless, my circles of friends are defined more than ever.
It’s nice when you get to a place in life when your friendships are no longer in the grey zone. By that I mean, you’ve given up on the ones that time and time again fail you miserably. You have accepted the imperfections in your beloved gal pals, and know without a doubt which ones will stand in the rain with you and weather the storm.
The beautiful thing about a circle friends is that each one has a role that they play. Some are there to make you laugh and some are better at soothing with silence.
Thanks to all my beautiful girls that take their roles so serious and do such a wonderful job at them. You’re all promoted! Thank you in advance for the many venting sessions to come and the constant reminder that we will all be alright.
You don't have to create it from scratch - just put a twist on it and serve it up.
Have you ever seen Sara Lee Semi-Homemade cooking show? Well its self explanatory, all things semi-homemade. Cutting corners yielding the same finished product. This thought ties into working smarter not harder for what you are aiming for. Time is money people.
Don't get me wrong - in no way is this suggesting you should claim others work for your own or recreating someones exact idea but, it is saying - no idea is a complete original one and if it inspires you -- serve it up!
We are all copy catters in some fashion. If you are planning or wanting to do something different or new - study the ones before you and learn from their mistakes before trying to pave the road.
You don't have to be the first one to do it, just the one who does it better!
Some times you just need a little shove to re-create your stars.
Change is what moves you closer to your calling
After a 6 month contract working for Ritz Carlton, my contract is up an not being renewed. Some may panic and throw themselves into full blown job search mode. I did, oh for 1 split second!
I on the over hand, am praying for clarity and a shove in the right direction, the direction my "life purpose" falls in, that is. There is something great out there for me, I just know it. Something that not only rewards you spiritually but mentally and of coarse financially too.
I am thinking about the stages of re-invention. It is never too late, my Mom taught me that, to just change your professional identity as a whole. From sales to nursing or maybe horticultural to dive instructor, I think it is time to go from Marketing to Teaching or maybe full time Photographer.
Not putting any expectations or limitations on myself (because I learned from the first daily lesson posted)
because that only stifles creativity and limits my openness to receive suggestions.
As I wait patiently and silently (maybe not silently) waiting for my new path to reveal itself, I am over joyed with the extra time I will be able to spend with Shiloh during the day. This time of year is the perfect time of year to be open to spending more time with loved ones. Sure it is also the Holiday Season where we robotically over spend and indulge in everything with a sparkly Santa on it but, I rather soul search and buy on clearance than be unhappy and have the most expensive gadget.
Too often we are rushed into job after job our whole lives and given no real time to reflect on what we want for ourselves. I clearly understand that bills do not wait for our "new paths" to fall in our laps or for the time it takes to land a new job title or change fields. But, I also know that life isn't asking me for permission to happen. We have a short time to make a big difference and I am going to make a difference dammit. Now how?
I am going to take this transition and cross off a few off my Bucket List as well. As you see below, I have plans in place for the time I will have to recreate my professional path. This list may not pay me in cash but it will in other ways. Call it cliche - I don't give a dang!
