Livin' Louisiana!

Louisiana Woman's Story of Loss & Hope.....

2012-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

THIS IS A TRUE STORY!

ABOUT MY DAUGHTER, AND HER BELOVED....

Grab your popcorn, your reading glasses, a box of tissues, a comfy spot. Speakers up, eyes ahead, full attention. Then tell me what you think.

THE STORY BEGINS HERE. Get your tissues!

Then the story makes this dramatic turn. Go read THIS STORY. GET your tissues!

THEN...this awful awful awful end...Read THIS STORY. Change your tissues!

To get a hint of the ending....CLICK HERE!

FOR THOSE YOU KNOW, WHO NEED THIS STORY...LET THEM KNOW WHERE TO FIND OURS. TO BE CONTINUED....

CHRISTMAS MARATHON

2011-12-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

(click the link below for the madness!)

WE HAD AN INCREDIBLE CHRISTMAS!

The New Year is going to be interesting, to say the least!

A NEW COIFFURE

2011-09-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

I 'GOTS' A NEW DO!

OK ....OK...I WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE THIS....

BUT INSTEAD...IT LOOKS LIKE THIS....

AT LEAST I'M TRYING SOMETHING NEW....

I HAVEN'T DECIDED IF I AM JUST COOCOO FOR COACOA PUFFS....FIR' IT YET.

ONLY THIS TIME...MY DAUGHTERS CAN'T ACCUSE ME OF MAKING MY HAIR LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME...EVERY TIME I CUT IT!!

Hip? Fresh? Weird? Unusual? Works for Victoria..not for me?

LOUISIANA WEDDIN'!

2011-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

PEWTER CHALICES DRIPPING WITH ....HYDRANGEAS, AZALEAS, & WISTERIA...FINE LOUISIANA FLOWERS...

FOOD PREPARED FRESH BY LOCAL CHEFS & DEEMED THE 'BEST FOOD EVER AT A WEDDING!" WITH JAMBALAYA...Catfish Fillets...Blackened Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta...Mini Crawfish Pies...(mee-oh-my-oh) & Flame Roasted Vegetables!!

Then, the fabulous bride's favorite cakes "CHANTILLY" !! In which her & her groom are so happy to be able to have their cake at anytime...& not just their wedding.

A BOOK OF LOUISIANA PLANTATION HOMES AS A SIGN IN BOOK..SO THE BRIDE CAN PLACE IT LOVINGLY ON HER COFFEE TABLE TO FLIP THROUGH OCCASIONALLY.

AN ENTRANCE TO THE RECEPTION OF DANCING TO 2ND LINE...WITH THE GALS HOLDING PARASOLS & THE MEN WAVING HANDKERCHIEFS! WITH THE GUEST ALL FOLLOWING IN THE PARADE & ENDING UP ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

THEN...THE EVENING ENDED MY WITH ASHLEY & HER BELOVED LEAVING IN A VINTAGE MODEL-T.....IT WAS MAGICAL!

THE ANTICIPATION OF THE EVENING....WAS THICK IN THE AIR

ENJOY...THE SLIDESHOW! (Best enjoyed by enlarging it by clicking on the icon)

A LOUISIANA BRIDAL SHOWER

2011-05-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

MEET THE BLUSHING BRIDE.....ASHLEY.....
AND HERE SHE IS WITH HER 2 SISTERS....(The one on the left...."Amanda"....the one on the right..is her other sister....just kidding...it's me...her mama)
Meet the 'SIMPLY SOUTHERN BRIDAL SHOWER' hosts....(I will let them leave their name if they so choose.)

They have been friends with my Ashley since the 4th grade! Aren't they just lovely?
OK...OK....This is Rebecca....the party planner that pays attention to the finest of details!!
Like for instance..an old record player that plays Billy Holliday...or any other fine Louisiana southern music....
Do you want to know what is fabulous about Louisiana women?
Their shoes!!
It's fun just to look at their shoe choice!! However...more importantly...
Is their toenails!! They must be done at all times!
These two gals...survived raising a couple of the slightly younger gals above!!

(Their toe nails look fabulous also!)
We teach our young to wear pretty summer dresses.... with pretty toenails..and fabulous shoes...and to say..."Yes Mam!" When asked if they would like some fine southern lemonade...
Oh the delicacies!! See that cake on the right? That's "Mama Lisa's Carrot Cake"!

Go HERE for the recipe.
It's just divine!!
Can you almost taste it?
The food was impeccable! Catered by Christa @ Bonanno's!
Chicken salad....
CHEESES...
FRESH FRUIT...& STRAWBERRIES SPRINKLED WITH SUGA'!
FRESH...ICE COLD DRINKS.....IN APOTHECARY JARS...

FINE ART ...BY LOCAL ARTIST....HANGING ON THE WALLSSouthern women....talking about all memories & bright futures
YA YA!!

Fountain side tables....
ALL PERFECT FOR THE CELEBRATION OF A YOUNG LOUISIANA BRIDE TO BE!
PACKING THE GOODS TO THE CAR...
Is a perfect ending to a perfect shower. I tradition held deep in the women of America...and women of the South! YA YA!!

LOUISIANA LEMON

2011-04-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

MY BELOVED......
GAVE ME A LEMON TREE..FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY 4 YEARS AGO.

THIS GESTURE HAD SO MANY LAYERS TO IT.

"OUR LOVE IS AS WONDERFUL AS THE LEMON BLOSSOMS"

"MAY YOUR LOVE TO ME BE PERPETUAL...NEVER ENDING...ALWAYS FRUITFUL"

HOW ABOUT...

"I KNOW EVERYBODY MAKES FUN OF YOU FOR HAVING A BROWN THUMB....AND I SEE IT HURTS...BUT I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

OK...OK....IT WAS MORE LIKE..."What do you want for an anniversary present?"....."A lemon tree?" (An are you sure?....'You have a brown thumb' look followed.)

NONETHELESS...HE GOT IT FOR ME! It had some kind of fungus...pestilence...when already bought! Really it did!

Four years later......& after I have tried EVERYTHING..... I have a LEMON!!

It is one half inch long...and one fourth inch wide!!

So for good luck....I'm going to name my lemon....

I HAVE HIGH ASPIRATIONS FOR ONE DAY MY LEMON WILL BE ONE OF MY FAMOUS...COVETED... LEMON MERINGUE PIES!!

Here is where you come in. What do you think I should name my 'little friend'?

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.....THE FLOOR IS OPEN.....

LOUISIANA TRAVEL...

2011-04-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

IT'S TIME FOR A ...MUCH.... NEEDED FAMILY GET AWAY!

HOW ABOUT YA' ALL?

PACK THE FAMILY IN THE CAR...FOR SOME MUCH NEEDED ONE ON ONE TIME....

FOR SOME BROTHERLY SISTERLY INTERACTION.....
A GREAT PLACE TO GO?

LOUISIANA IS.....

JUST LOVELY.....
THIS TIME OF YEAR...
YA' ALL JUST COME ON DOWN....
OR COME ON OVA'...
THE AZALEAS ARE AS BIG AS SCHOOL BUSES....

IT'S THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR TO COME TO LOUISIANA!

PRAYERS FOR MY DAUGHTER & HUSBAND..

2011-03-18T08:22:00.001-07:00

I believed I had shared that I was a grandma? Read HERE

My sweet sweet daughter Amanda, & her husband Milton...have been trying for 7 very long years to have a baby.

They went through the horrific process of invetro-fertilization. Amanda had to give herself shots several times a day...that contained hormones that took her in and out of menopause. It was awful...

She had to have multiple surgeries to even prepare herself for the IVF. To no avail...they lost 4 embryos.

They have also been approached 5 times by people ....with an offer of a child. To no avail...minds were changed...and horrible heartache set in.

This last baby....a dear friend had approached her...after having a night of indiscretion. She had seen Amanda go through the heartaches of the previous trials of having a baby. She had seen her cry and sob. The girl waited until she was 7 months pregnant before approaching my daughter....just to make sure...and then within those 2 months...& 2 weeks after the baby was born...my daughter was so used to the heartache...she kept approaching the mother asking if she was sure. Yes! Yes! Yes!

My kids have had the baby since he was 3 days old. He is almost 4 months. The mother lied for a long time about not knowing who the baby's father was. Perjured herself....

In hiring an attorney for the adoption...they have to hire someone to find the father....and my kids were waiting for that.

However, in the meantime... the bio mom became furious that my kids wouldn't name the baby the name she had picked out..(even though it was against their agreement the bio mom said she would not interfere or try and name the baby). It sounds simple right? Name the baby whatever the bio mom wanted. The problem comes in...that my kids felt stopped. Every time they went to go forth...they had this awful feeling come over them.

Of course...prayer and fast was done on several occasions. They knew what they had to do...name the baby what they knew his name was suppose to be...a name that was very sacred that they knew the Lord had impressed upon their minds. This sounds hokey-pokey...mumbo...jumbo....I know. However....it was real...the things that kept happening...my kids new they had to name this child his intended name. I will keep that name today...as our close friends and family know.

So this infuriated the bio mom....she had known all along who the father was....and told him about the baby.

So now this single father wants to raise the baby. Fight people say! My kids aren't like that. Their intention is to never take a baby from anybody. They just want a baby who is legally free for adoption....and this father didn't know about this baby. He seemed very nice young man...but we've since found out the mother has manipulated him the whole time. Her brother paying for paternity test...as well as other deceitful information we have discovered.The story has all kinds of twisted turns of lies and sad facts.

To our wrenching...heartbreak... After 4 months. The baby will soon be going to his father.

What it all leads down to.....is that they will lose their precious baby.

Our hearts are so broken beyond belief. From my youngest teenage son....to my husband & I....to the point of grief for my daughter...that it will take it's toll on her. To what end I don't know.

I know that it has become a popular cliche' to tell someone 'hey...I'll pray for you'....but I wonder if we make it a reality?

Do we actually get on our knees and whisper each other's names to God's ear?

That is the question I pose to you .......Do we really drop to our knees and approach Heavenly Father with the names of those who hurt?

Just think what would happen if we did.......

(baby photos by Whitney Bushman of Texas..they are of him newborn...& he is almost 4 months now)

Feel free to pass this story on...as the more we pray for each other....the more God smiles upon us.

LOUISIANA GIRL MEETS TEXAS BOY.....

2011-03-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

WHITNEY BUSHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY IS OUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER!! (GO HERE)

She can capture us!

I give you my daughter Ash....and her fiancee Ket......
YOU MUST TELL US....
AND HELP US PICK....
WHICH ONE.....
IS YOUR FAVORITE....

BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN IMPOSSIBLE....FOR US TO CHOOSE!!
THESE ARE JUST A FEW GLIMPSES...
OF MANY WONDERFUL SHOTS SHE TOOK!
SO WHAT'S YOUR VERDICT..

MY LOUISIANA MEN....

2011-02-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

So the men in my life...are everything that they should me.....

They're strong.....

They're very protective of me....

They're gentle...when it comes to me & the other women in their life...

They're very logical...methodical...

HOWEVER!....THEY TURN INTO BACHELORS...WHEN I AM AWAY!!

I'VE HAD TO BE AWAY DUE TO AN EXTREME TRIAL MY DAUGHTER IS GOING THROUGH..

SO MY LOUISIANA MEN...LIVED ON FAST FOOD...AND DROVE THE HOUSEKEEPERS OF THE HOTEL..CRAZY!!

(my husband always wears this shirt the 1st day of his vacation. It cracks me up! He wears his "engineering" work clothes for work. He wore his fatigues when he was a soldier. He wears his shooting gear when he goes to the range. He wears his mountain clothes when we go the the cabin in Colorado) HOWEVER...IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE WE ARE GOING HE WEARS THIS TROPICAL BEAUTY FIRST DAY OF VACAY...~E~V~E~R~Y.....YEAR!

...

BUT NO MATTER HOW WEIRD....TROPICAL SHIRT AND ALL..THEY ARE STILL MY MEN...
(Notice the kid on the right? Yeah yeah..I know..he's a man now...but he loves to drive me crazy with his weirdness. He gets great pleasure at making his siblings laugh...by driving me crazy...at his weirdness. Funny how I adore him still!)
MY TRAVEL BUDDIES.....
SO AFTER LIVING ON JUNK....THEY'RE SICK....
SO ENTERS WIFEY POO...AND MAMA...

DAILY FRUIT SMOOTHIES...SAMBUCUS...VITAMINS...VEGGIES AND WHOLE GRAINS...

THE LOOK ON THEIR FACES NOW THAT I AM BACK...IS BITTER SWEET...

(THEY SOOOOOOO HATE CHICK FOOD!)

The look on the housekeeper's face....in regard to my return...

PRICELESS!

LOUISIANA WEDDING COORDINATOR

2011-02-22T21:06:00.001-08:00

AS THE OFFICIAL ............(SELF-PROCLAIMED "ON THIS BLOG")....WEDDING COORDINATOR...

FOR MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING.....

I FEEL THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SHOW EVERYONE THEIR PLACES......

TO GET YA' ALL PREPARED....FOR WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO!!

SO CLICK ON THE ....VIDEO/LINKS.... BELOW FOR YOUR WEDDIN' RESPONSIBILITIES...

PLACES~!!......PLACES EVERYONE!!! (clapping my hands together)

VIDEO #1...CLICK HERE...

VIDEO #2....DON'T LEAVE IT OUT!!

TRAINING VIDEO #3...CLICK HERE....(VERY IMPORTANT!!

GO HERE.....FOR MORE IMPORTANT INFO #4

IS EVERYONE FOLLOWING SO FAR?~? I'M TAKING VOTES FOR MOST IMPORTANT VIDEO?

VIDEO....#5...JUST FOR THE SLOW FOLKS...HELLO...WAKE UP!!

HOWEVER...THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL.....

WOOHOOOOOO....YA' ALL!!

AND GENTLEMEN LET'S SHOW SOME RESPECT AND REMOVE YOUR HATS FOR THE LAST MOMENTS HERE...

ANY QUESTIONS?

I have one for you....

DO YA' ALL THINK WE'RE GONNA HAVE SOME FUN?

WE EXPECT DANCING!! NON-STOP...DANCING! IT'S THE ONLY THING THE BRIDE WANTS.

SHE SAID.."MAMA...MY ONLY WISH IS THAT EVERYONE EATS..UNTIL THEIR FULL & THEY DANCE ALL NIGHT..AND WALK AWAY SAYING...'THAT'S THE MOST FUN...AND THE BEST WEDDING I'VE EVER BEEN TOO'!

LOUISIANA REAL WIVES....AND THE DRY BAR....

2011-02-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

So I went to the bar the other day with my youngest daughter....

This one.....

THE FRUIT OF MY WOMB THAT ROTTED.....

THE JOINT WE WENT TO

YOU CAN ONLY ORDER THE FOLLOWING THINGS:

*A STRAIGHT UP

*A MAI TAI

*A SOUTHERN COMFORT

*A COSMOPOLITAN

*A MANHATTAN

THERE'S ONLY ONE PROBLEM.....WE DON'T DRINK LIQUOR....

BUT SHE DID ORDER A SOUTHERN COMFORT......

("STAY WITH ME SMALLS!!".....)

WE WENT TO THIS CHIC NEW HAIR SALON CALLED THE ....

THE......THE.......THE...

"DRY BAR!!!"

IT WAS AMAZING!!

THEY DO NOT CUT YOUR HAIR....

THEY DO NOT COLOR YOUR HAIR....

SO WHAT DO THEY DO....YOU ASK?

JUST BLOW OUTS!! ....... YEAP.......I KNOW RIGHT?!

...............SO HONEY FIRST LET ME TELL YA'...........

THEY HAD FABULOUS REFRESHING WATER TO DRINK.....LIKE THIS!

(CLICK ON ALL THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE THEM SO YOU CAN GET A BETTER LOOK!)
MINE HAD STRAWBERRY & ORANGES!!

THE DECOR REMINDED ME OF THE 70'S VINTAGE MUSTARD YELLOW AND WHITE!!
I WAS MESMERIZED BY THE WHOLE SCENARIO THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE MY VERY EYES.....

MY DAUGHTER MADE HER APPOINTMENT FOR HER "BLOW OUT" PRIOR TO HER

PHOTO SHOOT FOR HER ENGAGEMENT PICTURES... (PICS COMING SOON....)
I THOUGHT TO MYSELF..."WHO WOULD PAY 35 BUCKS JUST TO GET THEIR HAIR BLOW- DRIED?!?" (NOTICE THE LIGHT FIXTURE MADE OF MUSTARD COLORED BLOW DRYERS?)

LET ME TELL YOU...THE PLACE WAS BOOMING...BUSY...BOOMING!! HOWEVER...IT WAS AN ODD SCENARIO....
THE "BLOW OUTERS?"...STYLISTS?...LOOKED LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE SHOW "LA INK"....THEY WERE TATTOOED...JET BLACK HAIR...MULTIPLE PIERCED... PUNK-ED CLOTHED FOLKS....WHOSE CONVERSATIONS WAS AS FUN AS A STAND UP COMIC.

THE STYLISTS WERE IN COMPLETE CONTRAST TO THEIR CUSTOMERS....WHO WORE....UGLY.....OVER PRICED..."CULT PURSES"....BATTED THEIR EYES AND REPEATEDLY FLIPPED THEIR HAIR IN AN UNNATURAL MANNER.

I SAT THERE IN MY CHAIR AND WATCHED WOMAN AFTER WOMAN COME IN AND OUT WITH THESE SHOES...TRYING TO FAKE THAT SHE HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL WALKING ALL DAY LONG IN SHOES WITH THIS KIND OF HEEL....& TRYING TO HIDE HER GRIMACE AS SHE WALKED...
A WOMAN WHO WEARS THIS KIND OF SHOE....IS WEARING THIS FOR A MAN...CERTAINLY SHE DOES NOT WEAR THIS FOR HERSELF!!

HOW ABOUT THESE BAD BOYS...FOR A WHOPPING $375 BIG ONES!

NOW COLOR ME STUPID....BUT DO THESE SUN GLASSES REALLY DO THAT MUCH BETTER OF A JOB...THAN ANY OTHER OF THE SUNGLASSES?

NOW HERE IS A LOOK AT MY SHOE WARDROBE..

I GUESS I'M FRUMP GIRL....

BUT I GOT TO TELL YA'....

I'M COMFORTABLE...AND WITH A RED NAIL POLISH ON MY TOES...AND A GOOD PEDICURE...I THINK MY FEET LOOK EVERY BIT AS SEXY AS THE JIMMY CHOOS! LOLOLOLOL!!

I can report however....that I was so amazed at what happened at the "DRY BAR"....

that I bought a most amazing product!!

I'm not telling what it is either...because I am sooooooo very much in love with the product...I'm keeping it all to myself....

BROOHAHAHAHHAHAHA...

SO IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO GO TO A DRY BAR....DO IT! IT'S FABULOUS DARLING!

'MY COLORS ARE BLUSH AND BASHFUL"...

2011-02-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

Truvy: What are your colors, Shelby?
Shelby: My colors are "blush" and "bashful."
M'Lynn: Her colors are "pink" and pink."
Shelby: My colors are "blush" and "bashful" Mama!
M'Lynn: How pretentious is this weddin' gonna get, I ask you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THERE'S A WEDDIN' COMIN' UP!

MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER ..........

HAS FOUND HERSELF A MA'AN!

Then after their honeymoon she will be able to say...

Well, we went skinny dipping and we did things that frightened the fish."

(What movie is that from)

We have a blank palette and elegant place for a Louisiana weddin' reception.....

She'll have her own colors...maybe they'll be "blush" and "bashful"..... who knows?
She has to pick her linen colors....
Her table settings....

What we do know is that she will have .....JAMBALAYA!!

Natchitoches Meat Pies!! YUMM!!

She may or may not have her wedding cake be something similar to what's featured below....or she may or may not have Chantilly Wedding Cakes....(I can report...that it is the most amazing tasting cake in the world...and it is different from everyone else's choice for wedding cakes!)
But what will definitely happen...is the march into the reception....it will be A~MAZING!

And I can't confirm or deny...but I have heard that just maybe they will enter the reception to 2nd line....

Don't know what 2nd line is?.....

Go here for a sample....

What does mama have to say about all this?

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll....!!!!!

THE ANSWER IS?

2011-01-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

THE ANSWER IS..........

YES!!!

"GRANDMA SAYS YES....TO A COOKIE....TO A BIKE....TO A CAR....TO A MILLION DOLLARS!!!!"

If you haven't guessed by now...

I'M A GRANDMA!! A~ CHA~ CHA!!

After SEVEN YEARS OF HEARTACHE....failed adoptions....lost embryos.....my daughter and her husband...received a baby...3 days before Christmas

HOWEVER....IF YOU WANT THE FULL WANT EFFECT OF THIS WONDERFUL HAPPENING...YOU MUST GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING.... GO HERE

IT'S A MUST READ!

REAL WIVES OF LOUISIANA....POP QUIZ!

2011-01-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

MATCH THE FOLLOWING LOUISIANA REAL WIFE...."1...2...OR 3".....

TO CORRECT ANSWER..."A....B....OR C"!!

2010 WAS QUITE A YEAR FOR THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY! MATCH WHICH MAJOR HAPPENING ......HAPPENED TO WHICH WOMAN...

THERE'S A STORY HERE!

#2

#3

(TOXIC MOLD POISONING)

"UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN"

"MAMA HE'S CRAZY...CRAZY OVA' ME...ENGAGEMENT"

THIS YEAR'S TREE.....

2010-12-11T19:56:00.001-08:00

I'M STILL LIVING IN A HOTEL....

FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO MONTHS NOW...

I KNOW...I KNOW...YOU STILL DON'T KNOW WHY...

AND YOU STILL DON'T KNOW WHY I WAS SO SICK....

I HAVE WRITER'S BLOCK.....

EVERY TIME I GO TO WRITE & TELL YOU.....

I JUST THINK IT SOUNDS NEGATIVE...AND WHINY...

AND THAT'S ALL I'VE BEEN DOING TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.....

HOWEVER, ONTO SOMETHING DELIGHTFUL...

I SAW THIS CHRISTMAS TREE......AND COULDN'T RESIST IT!!

IT MATCHES MY YEAR....AND MY LIFE RIGHT NOW....

BUT THERE'S SOMETHING I LOVE ABOUT IT'S SIMPLICITY....

IT'S BARRENNESS .....

IT'S THE "CHARLIE BROWN" CHRISTMAS TREE......

IT'S OUR CHRISTMAS TREE THIS YEAR......

WHAT DO YOU THINK????

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

MAY YOU HAVE THE BEST THANKSGIVING THAT YOU'VE EVER KNOWN. SINCERELY, LISA

OBITUARY

2010-11-21T16:10:00.001-08:00

IF YOU'LL FORGIVE THE PAUSE IN THE STORY..

OUR BELOVED FAMILY PET..ANDY....PASSED AWAY TODAY...SUNDAY...AT NOON
HE WAS MY A GIFT FOR MY DAUGHTER ASHLEY...ON HER 16TH BIRTHDAY...
HE WAS OLDER...BUT I BELIEVE WHAT STARTED HIS FINAL DECLINE WAS DUE TO THE SAME THING THAT MADE ME SICK...
IT WAS TRAUMATIC....

WE LOVE YOU ANDY...AND WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY...IT'S HARD TO SEE YOUR THINGS AROUND AND NOT YOU,,,

THE JUICY PART.....

2010-11-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

AS YOU CAN PROBABLY GUESS....I SAW A WHOLE LOT OF THIS.....
NO SUCH LUCK LADIES......
IT WAS MORE LIKE THIS...... 6 TOTAL....BUMMER!
AFTER 6 MONTHS OF MYSTERY.....WHAT I NEEDED WAS THIS......

BECAUSE I HAD A WHOLE LOT OF THIS..............

AND THIS......WAIT! (IS THAT A CAT SCAN OR AN ULTRA SOUND?) HAHAHAHA!

OK SORRY...ANYWHO.......
SEVERAL OF THESE..........

AND EVEN WITH ME BEING A REGISTERED NURSE OF 20 YEARS...I CAN TELL YOU IT WAS A LOT OF THIS........
BUT ULTIMATELY...IT WAS ME...WHO DISCOVERED WHAT HAD ME SO TERRIBLY ILL...

STAY TUNED...I am going to take you on the journey. I'll lose some of you...for it's a twisted tale... OF .....debauchery....greed....& cunningness....(really no joke)....but I'm alive....HOLLY-LU-YER!!

THE GOOD...THE BAD...& THE UGLY....

2010-11-19T09:07:00.001-08:00

SO HERE I AM..AT THIS VERY MOMENT.....DARK CIRCLES...TIRED....RECOVERING...
IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM OF A HOTEL....
WHY LISA? (I CAN HEAR YOU ASK THAT. REMEMBER I HAVE THAT SKILL?)

I'll start with the "ugly" part...

WAY BACK IN THE YEAR 2010..& ON THE DAY APRIL 30TH....

I WOKE UP WITH A MIGRAINE AT 3 AM...THAT WOULD NOT GO AWAY....

OK...LET'S SKIP TO THE REAL JUICY PART.....

FORGIVE A LOUISIANA GAL...

2010-10-22T05:28:00.001-07:00

I'M SICK....

I DON'T KNOW WHEN I WILL START TO FEEL WELL AGAIN....

THEY ARE GETTING VERY CLOSER TO AN ANSWER.....

IN THE MEANTIME....

YOU CAN GO HERE....TO GET YOUR "LOUISIANA FIX". I MADE IT!!

YEAP....SHE'S MY ELDEST...OLDEST...MY GIRL...

TAKEN AT THE ABOVE ANTEBELLUM HOME....HOUMAS HOUSE

YOU MUST GO!

TURN YOUR SPEAKERS UP! IT HAS A VINTAGE LOUISIANA FEEL....

LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE ENTICED YOU TO COME DOWN...YET ONCE AGAIN.....

AND GIVE AMANDA A SHOUT OUT TOO....SHE IS A READER OF THIS BLOG. (PROBABLY THE ONLY ONE LEFT SINCE MY ILLNESS)...

SHOUT OUT AMANDA...WOOHOOO!

LOUISIANA SPANISH MOSS

2010-08-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY A REPOST.....

Diabolically Beautiful. That's the best way to describe it.

Even though I don't like anything to be devilish. There is just something so beautiful in Spanish Moss.

The way it drips....

The way it is selective as to where it grows.....

It can grow on one tree, and then skip the one right next to it.

The way it sways in a breeze....

It's as though it sings it's own music.....

As though it performs it's own form of ballet....

It's rustic....yet.....

Makes the intensely beautiful.....

Even more beautiful.....

It's as though each place it grows, creates a different masterpiece.

There's a lesson in it.....

That beauty is found in such a simple thing....

Beauty is found in a simple....grey....curly.....thing.

Diabolically Beautiful!

I'VE BEEN THINKING...

2010-08-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'VE BEEN THINKING....MULLING IT AROUND...FOR QUITE SOME TIME....

TO CALL IT QUITS ON LIVIN' LOUISIANA......

IT'S LIKE THE WHOLE WORLD IS TALKIN' TOO MUCH...

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?

JUST BLOG HOP..

IT'S BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...YADDA...YADDA...YADDA.

I DON'T WANT TO ADD TO THE CHATTER....

SERENITY....IS MY GOAL...

I'LL KEEP MULLING.....

Livin' In Louisiana!

2010-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

OK....I'M REALLY.... REALLY HOT....AND I DON'T MEAN THE GOOD-LOOKING KIND....

I THINK THE GUY WHO INVENTED AIR CONDITIONING DESERVED A STRAIGHT SHOT TO HEAVEN.....

ONLY.....

MINE ISN'T KEEPING UP......SO...I HAVE TO USE ANY MEANS NECESSARY TO STAY COOL!

MY METHOD AT THIS MOMENT IS TO PONDER ON A PLACE I WAS JUST A FEW DAYS AGO....

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THIS SPOT IS?.....
ANYONE???

MR. AIR CONDITIONER INVENTOR...WHO IS IN HEAVEN....CAN YOU BE MY ANGEL NOW & TINKER WITH MY AIR CONDITIONER AND MAKE IT WORK BETTER?

SINCERELY,

THE REALLY HOT LADY IN LOUISIANA

(AND I DON'T MEAN THE GOOD LOOKIN' KIND...BECAUSE I WOULD NEVA' TRY TO MAKE AN ANGEL THINK THAT I WAS HOT...IN THE GOOD LOOKIN' KIND OF WAY).

LOUISIANA SPILL...

2010-08-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

OK SPILL IT!!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT THAT CAME TO YOUR MIND WHEN YOU SAW THIS PICTURE?

LOUISIANA HEARTBREAK

2010-06-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!

THIS POST IS NOT UPLIFTING. THIS WILL RUIN YOUR DAY.

IT WILL MAKE YOUR HEART VERY VERY SICK.

REMEMBER MY BEAUTIFUL PELICAN THAT I FOUND, AS HONEY AND I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A LOUISIANA ROAD AND THEN WE TURNED THE CORNER AND THERE HE WAS?

WELL...I DON'T KNOW IF THIS NEXT PICTURE IS OF HIM...OR HIS COUSIN....BUT GO

HERE TO READ ABOUT THEM.....

GULF OIL SPILL-TO VOLUNTEER

2010-05-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

TO VOLUNTEER IN HELPING WITH THE GULF OIL SPILL

CALL 1-866-448-5816

(From my understanding, only those with special training can help with the wildlife).

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For jobs....and other information....go HERE

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FOR MY VISIT TO VENICE LOUISIANA PRE-OIL SLICK

ENJOY & PRAY FOR MY BROWN PELICAN.....CLICK HERE.

LOUISIANA STORY

2010-05-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

THERE IS REASON WHY I LOVE LOUISIANA.

EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE HAS A STORY.

I SUPPOSE THIS MAYBE TRUE OF OTHER PLACES.

BUT NO OTHER PLACE SPEAKS TO ME, LIKE LOUISIANA.

WHEN HONEY & I GO FOR A DRIVE, AND WE'VE TALKED THROUGH THE DEEP ABYSS OF KIDS, & FUTURE, & OUR LIVES....WE EACH GO INTO OUR CRUISING THOUGHT MODE...

SOMETIMES WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, AND OUR HAND OUT OUR INDIVIDUAL WINDOWS....LETTING THEM RIDE THE WAVES OF THE BREEZE....

OR SOMETIMES THE SULTRY HEAT IS SUBDUED WITH THE HUM OF THE AIR CONDITIONER. ..

EITHER WAY....MY THOUGHTS TURN TO THE LOUISIANA LANDSCAPE.

ON THIS PARTICULAR DRIVE, THE LANDSCAPE WAS NOT THE COUNTRYSIDE...OR MARDI GRAS....OR THE SWAMPS...OR THE SHRIMP BOATS IN THE CANALS...

IT WAS OF A DRIVE THROUGH A STREET OF NEW ORLEANS.

MY MIND CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER OF THE STORIES THAT ARE PRESENT OR HISTORY.....

Why are there boards over the windows and doors? What finally made the end come to the stories that took place within the walls of this place....was there ever a proposal spoken on the balcony? The kid that sprayed graffiti...how does he spend his days and nights? What does he witness in his own home?

What makes one place live...and another place die? The picture below....do the people that live beyond those curtains... open the window on a sultry Louisiana night, and slip out in their skivvies...to look at the street activity in the dark? Do they slip a cool drink and talk about the next day's events?
If side-walks could talk of the conversations they've heard....what fascinating tales could they tell?
What things happen beyond the windows ....
Is there a med student that sleeps in the loft of this building...
Does a yuppie couple read over the morning news with fresh squeezed juice form their juicer, after they clocked an hour run, and then drink Perrier as they read over the next day's dossier...
Who rides the trolley in this southern city...
Who painstakingly whittled and chiseled this architectural feature? Did they bring their talent from the old country & work for money that was below their skill level, just to provide for their family. As the years passed and the building grew old, and was divided into units, did a young married soldier rent this apartment to bring his young bride all the way from the cornfields of Iowa.
Oh...the stories each street could tell....
Of dreams...and disappointments...and heartaches...and miracles...

Only to have a woman who was once a young military bride, come from the fields of Missouri, and drive past with her love, to wonder about the stories that took place in the streets of New Orleans....

Then.....

And now......

Louisiana Woman Wisdom

2010-05-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

I have dreaded this day for a very long time......

Mother's Day.

My first Mother's Day.....since my mom passed.

This whole month stinks.

May 3rd was the anniversary of my father's passing. He was only 56.

Now...today mother's day....

Then.....May 28th....will mark the "one year mark".

Yeah....yeah....I know all the "intellectual" things, that should help my intense feelings.

"She's in a better place"

"She would want you to move on."

"She is walking in the presence of the Savior."

HEARD IT.....DONE IT.....SAID IT!!

But what is it that M'Lynne says in Steal Magnolias.....

Shelby......."as you know, wouldn't want us to get mired down and wallow in this. We should handle it the best way we know how and get on with it. That's what my mind says, I just wish somebody would explain it to my heart."

I had a friend message me on Facebook today. She is young & beautiful.....but oh so filled to the rim with wisdom!!! She is a Louisiana gal....living abroad in Texas.

This is what she said....

*******

May 9 at 11:03am

Lisa, I just wanted you to know that I love you and am thinking about

you. Its hard to have a bunch of us telling you how to feel. I've always

said that having your heart broken is like breaking any other part of

your body... you know your leg will heal after its broken, but it still

hurts right NOW! Let me feel justified and validated for feeling the pain

that I am rightfully feeling after something was broken! Don't tell me

not to feel! So here's to you getting through today and through next

year and however long it takes to stitch the wounds in your heart. I

know there will always be a scar, but hopefully the pain will be softened

with time.
Love you,
Courtney

SHE GOT IT!! SHE GOT ME!!

And she is so right. To ask me to "get on with it", is like asking me not to feel pain if my leg is broken. It's just my heart is broken right now.

Thank you Courtney, for getting me through today! May God bless you 100 times over!

VENICE, LOUISIANA....MAY GOD BLESS YOU

2010-05-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

My heart is just sick....

Honey & I took a trip a few months ago to Venice, Louisiana....

I fell in love!!

Such a unique place.....

Please pray as you enjoy another re-post....

From the very beginning, I let you know that I would take you on my journeys. I try to let you experience the things I see, when I discover the corner's of Louisiana. After you read each post, I hope you feel like you have been able to experience this unique American treasure. Be sure and click on the pictures you like one. You can really see it up close & personal!

Our first view on this trip is, Lake "Pontchartrain"...(pronounced ponch-a-train). It is the second-largest saltwater lake in the United States, after the Great Salt Lake in Utah, and the largest lake in Louisiana! Do ya' all know of any other lake that has high-voltage electric lines running right through it? I'm sure there is. I always just stare at the ones in Pontchartrain, when I drive past. I always wonder what would happen if one of those lines snapped. Would anyone close by feel a jolt of electricity?

This isn't your average "looking out the car window" view. Check out all aspects of this drive-by.

Every time I cross the "Mighty Mississippi", it takes my breath away!What? Did you think I meant Venice, Italy? We're in a recession folks! It's called, "Staycation'!

Beginning to see old world influence.

What does this hint to, when the graves are above ground in a vault?

I found this intrigueing. Most stores will have those quaint little trees planted. However, this place had huge trees all throughout the parking lot. Has anyone ever seen this before?

Flat land....hum.

Another unique view. Normally, when you have a house on stilts, there is sand underneath. You don't normally see grass and a hill behind, unless you are going where we are going!

Can you make out what that is in the above picture?

This is interesting landscaping. The before picture was a top of a ship. Now we have this? Land?

This baffles me. There is nothing but water. There is nothing to burn.

Wow! Just rounded the bend and there he was! I think he is saying, "I cannot tell a lie"

What is this in the road? Large ropes. Why would they have large ropes in the middle of the road? There are no ships or boats connecting to them. Boy, they sure rattle your car, when you drive over them!

Ugh..ogh..not a good sign. The road is washing away.

You see that southern most tip of Louisiana? That is where we were!

Now I see the reason for the homemade speed bumps!

MAY GOD BLESS...VENICE LOUISIANA....

GOD BLESS VENICE LOUISIANA

2010-05-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

IN HONOR OF VENICE LOUISIANA...WHO HAS AN OIL SLICK HEADED RIGHT FOR IT....

I RE-POST MY BLOG OF VISITING THIS MAGICAL PLACE.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE OYSTER-MEN...SHRIMP-MEN....FISHER-MEN....AS THEY'RE LIVELY HOOD IS BEING EFFECTED.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PRECIOUS WILD-LIFE AND MARSH...

LADIES & GENTLEMEN.....

I GIVE YOU MR. PELICAN WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL WHITE FEATHERS....

PRAY FOR MR. PELICAN.....

Although, the Louisiana state bird is a brown pelican, I thought we would take a closer look at the pelican we spotted at Venice, Louisiana. You know, I have not learned all the bells & whistles on my new camera. So please forgive the bad photography. I hope you can still enjoy the up close & personal view. Please click on the pictures, to get an even better look.

What a unique pupil, iris, and viscous!

The neck looks so silky and smooth.

I thought it was interesting that the left side, had the dark feathers.

You can click on the picture to get an even closer look at the feathers.

For those of you who like to know a little more about feeding, breeding habits, etc....it is really fascinating!! Seriously! ....Go! I mean it! Go!

here.

Louisiana Prom

2010-04-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Freshly polished shoes....
Men's tailored trousers....
Cotton shirt with heavy starch....

Cologne that is slightly on the heavy side, "just to make sure"...

Everything sleek & clean.....

All for one short night....
Prom....

We never know the significance of that formal dress of prom night...until years later when we remember the feeling of putting on the crisp white shirt if you're a guy....or a lovely flowing gown, if you are a girl. (Hopefully not the opposite).

It is the final lesson of the "bringing up baby". It is the obtaining of the skills it takes to engage a formal civility, should the occasion arise within their lifetime.

It is the feeling of accomplishment for...

an "utter and complete perfection" of one's appearance!......

Even the children of poverty, become king's & queen's for the night. Perhaps, no other time in

their future will they have a top hat, cane, or chauffeur.

Most importantly, comes the bond that comes between friends... neighbors...and community,for celebration and dance. (Unless, your my son's poor date. She only got him to dance for two slow dances! Sorry Alyssa. I guess he is just an artist at heart.) At least Alyssa is strong enough, to hop up, and dance in celebration on her own & with her friends!

I can't leave without mentioning Allie...who is like a niece to me.

Allie, will text me at the end of her day...and say...."can I come over?"

She graces me, as she bee- bops through the door on some days... with stories of hope and love....then other days...her fawn eyes have crocodile tears & stories of disappointment. I cherish this.

(Although, she should never cry, since she is blessed with the legs of a dancer!)

Yet, she trust me.... as my children trusts her mother, and bee-bop over to her house with the stories of their day. To me, that is the highest form of celebration of all!

I love you...

Chad...my son....

Alyssa...for being such a sweet girl. May God bless your future!....

Don...for putting up with a crazy girl and her super nuts family....

Allie...for being my adopted niece, and in trusting me with your day's events, and your prom photos.

May your lives, be filled with more night's of crisp white shirts, formal gowns, and a limo with a chauffeur to open your door.

COOL HOUSE REDO

2010-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

OK...I'VE BEEN IN LALA LAND. SORRY FOR THE NON-POST.

AM I LOSING YOU?

STAY WITH ME!

CODE BLOG!! CODE BLOG!!

STAY WITH ME!

200 VOLTS STAT!!

CLEAR!!

DO WE HAVE A RYTHYM?

300 VOLTS STAT!!

CLEAR!

STAY WITH ME!!

ANYTHING?!

1000 VOLTS STAT!!

CLEAR!!

ARE YOU WITH ME?!

GO HERE FOR A COOL BLOG !!

Louisiana Shopping

2010-03-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

I WAS FORCED...PULLED....SHOVED....& CHAINED.... TO GO SHOPPING TODAY!

I LOATHE IT!

AS YOU CAN SEE....WE ARE DOWN TO BARE THREADS!

However, in spite of all of that "stuff" out there....I didn't find anything. Not one thing!

I did buy heart worm medication for Sissy Lou though. Does that count?

What I "did" discover was some of America's Funniest People!!

Here is just a sample of two hilarious things I heard while shopping......

CONVERSATION #1..........

(Two women were in the boutique I was in. Here is their conversation:)

Young girl: "Grandma. There be your man!"

Grandma: "Shhhush now girl!! He be wif' his wife!"

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Conversation #2.........(a different grandma/grand-daughter duo)

Grandma (in all her southern glory): "All tha' have anymo' is ol' lady clothes!"

Grandaughter: "Momo.....you are "nine-de'-one" years old!"

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It's time for ya' all to come to Louisiana!!

Everything is in bloom!!!

How I Know I Am In Louisiana...

2010-03-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

IF SOMEONE BLINDFOLDED ME & FLEW ME AROUND THE WORLD TWICE....

THEN TOOK ME INSIDE THE GYMNASIUM THAT I WAS IN SATURDAY....

SPUN ME AROUND 20 TIMES BEFORE REMOVING MY BLINDFOLD....AND THEN....

ASKED ME WHAT STATE I WAS IN.....I COULD TELL THEM! (after I threw up from spinnin')`

YA' ALL WANNA KNOW HOW?

#1-My son was there.....

And I know where he was playing......
But even if he wasn't and I was just dropped off in the middle of the gym...I would still know.....

Because of this......do ya' all see it yet?
Let's zoom in.........yep! That's TWO B-B-Q GRILLS IN THE GYMNASIUM!!

They use them for fund raisers! Ya' make big money in Louisiana selling Bar-B-Q!!

Ya' wanna know another way I would know?! You know how most gyms have popcorn...candy wrappers...& soda cups layin' around the bleachers?

Here is what the Louisiana bleachers have layin' all ova' them after the game.....
You got it.... BONES!! BONES LEFT OVER FROM FRIED CHICKEN! EVERY WHERE!!

THAT'S HOW I KNOW I AM IN LOUISIANA!

WHAT DAT'?

2010-03-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

FROM THE WHO DAT' NATION....I GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO GUESS....

"WHAT DAT?!"

If you are from Louisiana, you are prohibited from participating! (Like how I gonna know that right?)

I WILL KNOW IT!

ANYWHO....

THIS IS A BUSH IN THE FRONT OF MY HOUSE.....

IGNORE THE WEEDS....I PAY PEOPLE TO CLEAN THEM UP...AND PLANT FLOWERS...AND THEY ARE ON THE VERGE OF BEING ON THE DOLE!!

SO DO YOU SPOT ANYTHING?
LET'S ZOOM IN.....
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS? NOT THE SPRINKLER HOMER!! THE OTHER THING!
COME CLOSER....
CLOSER........LOOK INTO THE WHOLE......
AHHHHHHHHH!!!

Did I scare you?

"Ugh...Lisa..I can't actually hear you...jump out at me. You do realize we are on internet right?"

"YEAH WELL....WHATEVER!" Sooooooooo......

What do you think it is?

A SOUTHERN WOMAN'S POTATO SALAD!

2010-03-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

WE DON'T JUST MAKE "ANY" POTATO SALAD

SOUTHERN WOMEN DON'T DO ANYTHING HALF WAY!

LOUISIANA CAKES

2010-03-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

OO...LA....LA!!

STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

I HAVE DISCOVERED THE MOST AMAZING BAKER IN LOUISIANA!!

Janell's Cakes!!!!!!!!

YOU CAN SMELL THESE CAKE WHEN YOU WALK INTO A PLACE!!

THE TASTE IS INCREDIBLE!!

I DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE DOES, BUT THEY DON'T TASTE LIKE YOUR TYPICAL BAKER'S "DRY CAKE". SHE IS AMAZING!!

I ASKED HER IF SHE HAS A WEB SITE.....SHE DOES....go here!!

BUT HERE IS JUST A SAMPLE OF HER TALENT!!

(PLUS SHE IS THE SWEETEST GAL YA' EVA' WANT TO MEET!!) I HOPE TO DO A BLOG ON HER IN THE FUTURE!!

CALL TO ACTION

2010-03-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen

The floor is now open for questions...

Anyone....anyone.....Bueller?

My Amanda...

2010-03-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...

I would like to introduce my 'eldest....my 'first-born'....the 'fruit of womb that didn't rot'.... the 'recipient of my grand-mother's ruby ring' (when I die that is)....

THE ONE WHO WILL PICK OUT MY NURSING HOME.....

AMANDA!!!

Me: Hi, Amanda!

Amanda: Ola' Senorita!

Me: Watcha' doin'?

Amanda: Driving home from a young women's activity...talking to you.

Me: Watcha' doin' tomorrow?

Amanda: Oh my gosh......ugh.....let's go with...sleeping in.....possibly going to see Ashley... watching Real Wives of Orange County....and then reading...going for a jog....and probably stripping a dresser. You know I am productive in my day. It's a hard only working two days a week, and having no children, and a husband that is a neat freak.

Me: So what is your very favorite thing to do?

Amanda: ANYTHING NEW! Travel to new places. It doesn't have to be far. It can be the next town over. I am my mom's daughter.

Me: If you could buy anything right now, what would it be?

Amanda: Go to Italy!

Me: What is your favorite movie?

Amanda: Ummmmmm...I don't know if I really have favorite one. I have a couple....I have a ton of favorite. I am like "Hello ...a theater finatic".

Me: What do you think is the perfect job?

Amanda: Oh my gosh.....I don't know....I mean...I like my job a lot. But there is several jobs I wish I could try....I would love to be florist...I would like to try zoo keeping...that would be pretty fun....And I love wedding planning....and you know something to do with the theater. but I definetely love my job. I feel called to it.

Me: If you could change one thing about me, what would it be?

Amanda: About you? Oh my gosh....like....that is just asking to be written out of the will. Let's see what can I say...and still get the Ruby ring. Ummmm...I just think you are too fabulous....you need to give the rest of us a chance..... Me: Ok....for real what?

Amanda: How can you ask someone what they would change about their mother. That is not an appropriate question...Next?

Me: As a therapist, what advice could you give to us, to help us be happy no matter what our circumstances?

Amanda: Let me think about it for a second....... Well, on the phone calls I get...a lot of people say, "I can't stop crying".....you know what? It's ok to cry....cry for hours.....you can't cry that much everyday.....but there are problems that take hours...and a couple of days to process. Just like babies learn to self soothe....we have to learn to do that also. What I can't say to my clients....that I would like to say... "The person that is the greatest therapist of all time ...and that can give an answer to all problems is Jesus Christ."

Me: If your mother sold everything, and moved into an RV, what would you think?

Amanda: (long silence)....It wouldn't shock me. You have always said that you don't want to be tied to material possessions....that you want to see the world.

Me: What is your favorite noise in the whole world?

Amanda: Ummmmm...(giggling)...(.giggling some more)..."Christmas music."

Me: Describe your perfect day...

Amanda: Ummmmm....so hard....my perfect day....oh my gosh....probably I guess to....sleep as much as I want and when I wake up it is only 8 am. My hair is automatically perfect and my outfit looks good on me. My entire family is visiting, and we are going to go to a play...and a great dinner....and then stay up late playing games and laughing....And oh yeah...I have children!!

Me: Tell us something about yourself that no one knows

Amanda: ummmmmmmm,......how do you tell something that no one knows...I would need an example...I can't think of anything...I mean even the mail man knows me. I am an open book.

Me: What bores you?

Amanda: Routine....I hate routine!! Milton likes to go to bed the same time every night...and wake up the same time. I hate to go to bed early. I feel like I am missing something. I feel there is something wonderful left to do. ...but yet...I can sleep in and not feel like I am missing anything.

ME: What do you love about people?

Amanda: Ummmmmm.......their uniqueness

Me: What has been your biggest trial in your life so far?

Amanda: Infertility

Me: How do you handle that?

Amanda: Ummmmmmm...my husband...my mom....my faith.

Me: If you could have one wish come true, right now, what would it be?

Amanda: To be a mom.

ME: Use one word to describe yourself? FUN.

Use one word to describe the following people:

MILTON (her husband): SERVICE

Me: LISTENER

Brad: WISE

Ashley: (giggles) LAUGH

Chad: UNIQUE

Ross: SPORTS

Aunt Gail: CHARITY

Uncle Mike: HILARIOUS

Cousins:

Billy: KIND

Kendra: BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT....

Jerrod: BOY

Jennifer: COMFORT

OK....ALL DONE.....I LOVE YOU..

LOVE YOU TOO....WE NEED TO DO ONE ON YOU MOM

THIS CAN'T BE GOOD

2010-03-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

What would you think if you walked in your house and saw this.....
This can't be good....

LET'S ALL HAVE A MOMENT OF PRAYER FOR LOUISIANA DOG...SISSY LOU.

LOUISIANA LIFE TRANSFORMATION...PART 4

2010-02-28T16:34:00.001-08:00

Along the way, I have learned something about myself....

I hate throw pillows. They get in the way of.....well....everything! They rob me of my life

I discovered that I don't put out Halloween decorations, or Easter for that matter....

I mean to.....they just rob me of my life...so all of this was in "The Stacks"
Yes, Lisa....tell us....how does this make you feel? Well, Doctor....it makes me feel.....robbed...

Yes...by the time...we worked for this stuff....bought it....stored it...insured it...cleaned it.....repaired it....Well.....doctor ya' know.....highway robbery!
I mean after all, how many sets of sheets does a girl need?
I say one!! Just one!!

But Honey made me keep two per bed. Quite abusive isn't he?! I say we only need two beds. One for us....one for the boys....I got out-voted...We have five beds. I am taking a vote....

Who votes I sell them out from underneath them?

How did I acquire this many sharpies? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I have the Internet for Pete's sake....why so many take out menus?
You don't want to know how many of these I found around about. I would go around asking...What's the combination? No one knew. Nadda...nothing...neinte'...zilch..
Guess how many calculators I discovered? Eight!!!
So now I am down to getting rid of more than what was acceptable to my family.

Do you know what? IT'S NOT ENOUGH!! I AM STILL CHOKED! Ya' all should know that I have felt...impressed....obsessed....impressed....driven....impressed....passionate....impressed to do this!

So what's on the horizon?

ANSWER: I have no idea. I just feel that something is.

Want to know a secret? Shhhhh don't tell a soul....I have to get rid of more stuff with no one looking.

OK....I am open for suggestions.....

What do you feel is coming around the corner for me? What do you think?

Do any of you have an impressions? Obsessions? Impressions? Passions? Impressions....FOR ME?

LOUISIANA LIFE TRANSFORMATION...PART THREE

2010-02-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU BORED YET? You must be bored.

Soooo....anywho.......the next thing that happened was.....

I felt trapped by that big yard, that I once coveted. I felt further trapped by my possessions.

I have neva' ...eva' been a hoarder. I always do my "purging" twice a year. In the Spring & in the Fall.

So I "Big Time" purged and got rid of about half of our possessions.

HOWEVER.....

A few things happened between two and half years ago and now.

#1-I've aged by two and a half years.

(I can see the plastic surgeon now, who reads this post.....and my answer is a big FAT NO! I will not shoot botulism in my face. the end. The "V" and horseshoe stays.)

#2-Several people close to me, have passed to the other side, and have left an incredible emptiness in my life.

#3-I am getting very close to an empty nest.

#4-I read the true story by Nicholas Sparks..."Three Weeks With My Brother." It moved me.

#5-and this is the BIG FAT FIVE.....AFTER THE LOSSES...I HAVE PUT MY LIFE UNDER A MICROSCOPE AND HAVE DETERMINED THAT I TRULY DON'T LIKE.....WORKING FOR...BUYING ......INSURING...CLEANING...REPAIRING.....STUFFFFFFF!!!

I feel that it has actually robbed me of my life!!

#6-I remember as a child that my parents coveted a roll top oak desk. They talked about it....dreamed about it....worked for it...bought it....cleaned it....repaired it....always had IT in a very prominent place. Then my father passed away in my arms, when I was only 29...and he was only 56. The roll top desk got moved off the farm and into the city. It was a big ole' thing and finding a place for it was hard.....Then my mother passed away, while I held her hand, just few months ago. No one wanted the roll top desk. I saw it purchased for $10 at a yard sale, and then carried away by a stranger. That was a pivotal moment in my life.

#7-Two and a half years have passed, and I still have way to many possessions!

SO HERE I AM ON MY JOURNEY. "MY"....being the operative word here. I have realized, that I really DON'T want a big home anymore. I really DON'T want to keep up with the stuff anymore. Mind you, it's just the beginning, and I don't know where I will end up. I hope it is in a remote cabin, somewhere in the Rockies, painting.....or perhaps in an RV...seeing this great nation of ours. Or perhaps an apartment close to my older children, so that when they have children...I can read to them. Oh....OH....I know!!! How about traveling the world! Oh! Oh!! How about a medical mission.

It will be interesting how it all unfolds. You all may never know the end of it. For I might be in a distant land that doesn't get Wi-FI, in a few years.

YOU ARE HERE FOR THE BEGINNING OF IT THOUGH. SO HERE IS THE PICTORIAL PORTION OF THE STORY.

Step #1...

Borrow a friend's old pickup...
Take several loads to the dumpster...
And then have to stop four times on the way because you are polluting God's beautiful earth with snowing foam peanuts from your truck, that will neva' decompose into the earth.

STEP #2-Go through your wordly possessions. If you haven't used it in a year....if you have more than one....give it away!!

Now this is the part that gets really good! The following pictures are just a very small example of my stacks of "give-away". I have them in the upstairs room...on my kitchen table....by the front- door....etc...
There have been some pretty cool things that have happened

In this part of the story!

(To Be Continued)

LOUISIANA LIFE TRANSFORMATION...PART DEAUX

2010-02-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

SOOOOO.....There Honey and I were....

On a Saturday....

In our big yard.....

Doing what all American families do on a Saturday....YARD WORK!

So...I said to Honey.......

"WHAT ARE WE DOING?! We hate yard work! Sure... we like beautiful flowers, in beautiful pots....but do you really like mowing & trimming a big lawn? Do we really like raking leaves every Saturday...for months?"

The answer to that was a definite NO!

It seems as though we got suckered into this "All-American-Middle-Class....Let's have a 3,000 square foot home....stuffed with.....well....'A LOT'...quite frankly! Let that middle-class home sit on a huge yard, with lots of land-scaping.

Let's also have a huge SUV...parked in a huge garage...that is over-stuffed also!

Somehow along the way, we were suckered into thinking that when we had a 3,000 square foot home, on a huge lot, with a huge SUV, parked in an over-stuffed garage, that would be our official..."WE MADE IT!!"

ONLY......only......well.......the next that happened was.........

LOUISIANA LIFE TRANSFORMATION

2010-02-23T17:41:00.000-08:00

I have no idea if this will be of interest to anyone.

I guess as far back as I can remember, I see a story in the details of life. I have lived in Louisiana, for a total of 13 years, and have a love for this state. Louisiana has its own culture, that includes unique food, music, and language. So this blog was dedicated to telling you about this wonderful place.

However, I have been so busy with a life transformation, that I have not been able to share Louisiana.

The story of the transformation, has a lot of details. So it needs be told in portions.

Once, upon a time...

I was going about my business of living the typical American life. About two and a half years ago something happened. It was rather simple really....none-the-less....it was profound for me.

My husband and I was outside in the middle of our big yard, that our pretty big square feet house, was built on. (No it's not the one pictured above. That's Houmas House Plantation that is not too far from my house.) Anywho...

So there Honey and I were....in the middle of our big yard....doing what all middle-class American families do on a Saturday...."YARDWORK"!!

I LOOKED AT HIM AND SAID.....

(TO BE CONTINUED)

MARDI GRAS KING'S CAKE

2010-02-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

MARDI GRAS- (prounounced marty graw) It is French for "Fat Tuesday". Refers to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lent season. It's embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French or Catholic heritage. Mardi Gras celebrations are part of the basis of the slogan, Laissez les bon temps rouler, (Let the good times roll).

OK...yeah..yeah...I know. I should have been having a whole big....day by day....feature on the things of Mardi Gras. I am going through a life transformation remember?! So for right now, I am just going to show you one of the funnest traditions of Mardi Gras........

THE KING'S CAKE!!

They are topped with sugar granules in the official Carnival colors of purple, green and gold. The purple represents the passion of Christ, the green represents hope and the gold the rewards of leading a Christian life.

It has become customary in the New Orleans culture that whoever finds the trinket must provide the next king cake

. (THANK YOU WIKEPEDIA)
The first time I ever ate a king's cake when I moved to Louisiana, I was warned to "be careful not to choke on the baby." When you buy a king's cake, it comes with the plastic baby. You tuck it in, or hide it in the cake. The person, "who gets the baby" buys, the next king's cake! This was our families 2010 king's cake. I hid the baby. Do you want to know who got the baby?
ME! I'm an idiot. Who gets the baby after they hide it, I ask you!

I LOVE.....

2010-02-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Heart
Louisiana

Kleinpeter MIlk

chocolate milk

Mountains

London (the person)

Peace

Fried Green Tomato---The Movie

Jessica Tandy

Jimmy Stewart

Laughter from the belly

A baby's giggle

Lindt Chocolate

A babbling brook

The smell of Lavener and Vanilla Febreeze

The smell of Pine-sol

Pizza

To watch someone I love graduate from anything

To watch people in the airport

To look at people's shoe choice in an airport

To guess what people do for a living while waiting in an airport

5-layer baked cheese cake, with hot caramel sauce dripping down the sides

To hear my husbands car pull in

To hear my kids walk through the door

To hear people cheering for my son at a game

Chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven

RAIN STORMS!!

traveling

1000 count Egyptian cotton sheets

Stearns & Foster mattresses

To watch my children's individuality

Down to earth humble people

to eat

My daughters

water!! to swim, bathe, and drink, and clean with it (its my favorite element)

to watch a good movie

to read

who I spend my days with

puppies!!

Friday's at 5 p.m.

My sons

Claudette Colbert

Oregano

Italy

Colorado

Camille

To watch monkeys

Honey!

Lipstick

Kerry D

AIR CONDITIONING!

WHITE TOWELS

WHITE SHEETS

GOD!!!

DANCING MUSIC

TOAST

Aurene M

The Egg and I

Miracle in the Rain

Bruschetta

Jane

Murle

Capri pants

Laughter

Quiet

My kids friends

more to come.....

PLEASE JOIN IN!

WHO DAT SAY THEY GONNA BEAT THOSE SAINTS?!

2010-02-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Black&Gold (WhoDat) Lyrics
K. Gates New Orleans Savior

We yellin black n gold to the Superbowl
black n gold to the Superbowl
black n gold to the Superbowl

We Yellin who dat who dat who dat who dat
Who dat say they gon beat them Saints
(twice)

We going to Miami already tamed the wildcat
Secondlining to 2 dasuperbowl and bring the crown back
Brownbag days ovah take dat to da bank
Ol Archie Manning tell em This ain't ya daddy saints
Tom Benson give a Benz to Drew Brees
Ray Nagin Payton need New Orleans set of keys
Gregg Williams by air by ground we scorin touchdowns
Bush flyin to the pylon no going outta bounds
Bell a bruise ya Pierre a lose u
Meechum a leave em
Shockey sock it to ya
Marchin down wit marques
It ain't hard to find em open
6 4 off da line (Rooh) touchdown Colston

We yellin Who Dat Who Dat
Who Dat who dat
Who Dat say they gon beat dem Saints
(twice)

Grant leave his wigg split
Sedrick Layin bigg hits
Jabari run the corner, Sharper get that pick six
believe it. breathe it, & bleed it.. undefeated walk the walk
Beat Bills jets & giants
We run new York
Panthers get crushed
Bucs get bucked
Monday night falcons gettin A town stomped
Are U Ready for some football it's goin down baby
We got sumthin fa ya Bellechick &
Brady

We yellin Black & Gold to the superbowl (4 times)
Toudown Colston

. We yellin Who Dat Who Dat
Who dat who dat
Who dat Say dey gon beat them Saints
(twice)
Gates.....

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2010-02-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

OH BABY! CAN YOU FEEL IT? SOMETHING EXCITING IS IN THE AIR!!

FROM THE ....WHO DAT' NATION....

GEAUX SAINTS!!!

Wednesdays With Lisa.....

2010-02-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

I am 47 years young.

I have touched the soil of 4 different countries.

I have been to 27 states.....(that's all I can remember in just one minute.)

I have had four children. I've been a foster mother.

I have been to college. I have supported 4 people in college so far in my life.

I have held the hand of many people in their last moments, and I always cry.

I have witnessed many many births, and I always cry.

I love my wrinkles and gray hair, because I have lived long enough to get them. Some of my friends were not given that privilege.

WHAT I KNOW.....

*Money doesn't buy happiness. I have been poor and extremely happy, and I have lived the American dream (not rich mind you), and have been miserable!

*Addiction can happen to the best of people....little old ladies....doctors....lawyers...and captains of industry....and they lose it "all" to their addiction....and it is not because they have lack of will-power...or that they love what they are addicted to, more than their family. I have seen it grab a hold of people that I love.

*People see & speak to loved ones who have already passed, when they are dying. And that is not a religious belief, that is a true happening that I have witnessed many times.

*A simple....humble....person...is much closer to God, than a talented speaking evangelist.

*R rated movies leave you with a bad feeling....as well as some PG-13.

*Let people who find a reason to compete with you... win.

*Learn to love closed doors....something much better is in store for you!

*Don't...under any circumstances.....push..pound...force...your child to be a square peg in a round whole. Embrace your square peg....until he/she finds their square whole. You'll be surprised at what they will offer the world.

*It's stupid to yell at a child about grades. Foster their 'love for learning'...and show them the avenues to obtain answers joyously....and their life will fall into place.

*A mattress...is where you should not scrimp or cut corners. Buy the best.

*Read Consumer Reports before making any big purchases. It will save you big headaches later on.

*Never buy a cloth couch, or couch with a loud pattern... It will look awful in just no time!!

*When you buy tennis shoes for kids, make sure it doesn't have white on them. Grey...blue...black...will look great forever.

*No matter how depressed you are, if you turn to a radio station that plays music from when you were a teenager, you will instantly feel fabulous.

*Everything around us....denotes that there is a God.

Any questions?

I have one.......

********What treasures of knowledge have you picked up along your way?******

MR. POSTMAN LOOK AND SEE...IF THERE'S A LETTER FOR ME

2010-02-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

THERE WAS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR TODAY...

"WHO DAT,?!" I SAID....

IT WAS THE UPS GUY.

ONLY, THIS TIME, HE DIDN'T TAKE A SLEDGE HAMMER AND KNOCK, LIKE HE USUALLY DOES.....

NOR DID HE THROW THE BOX UP AGAINST THE DOOR...AND THEN RUN!

HE KNOCKED!!

THEN, HE MADE ME SIGN FOR MY PACKAGE!! SIGN FOR IT....YA' KNOW...LIKE IN THE OLDEN DAYS....

ISN'T IT HUGE? ISN'T IT FABULOUS?!
FOAM PEANUTS AND I DON'T GET ALONG....

IT'S COMPLICATED......
POP WRAP AND I ARE IN LOVE.....
OOLALA! NOT JUST ONE SURPRISE....BUT THREE!!
COUNT THEM...ONE...TWO...THREE......UNO...DOS...TRES!!! THE FUN PART IS....I DIDN'T ORDER ANYTHING!!
FIRST PACKAGE CONTAINED.....OH MY STARS!! IT'S MY SIGNATURE PERFUME!! THE SAME ONE I HAVE BEEN WEARING FOR 20 YEARS!! (PEOPLE FOLLOW ME YOU KNOW, WHEN I WEAR THIS)
SECOND PACKAGE.......A FLEUR DE LIS!! FLEUR DE LIS IS THE NEW BLACK! IF YOU DON'T HAVE 'FLEUR DE LIS' ALL OVER YOUR HOUSE....WELL, HONEY...YOU'RE JUST NOT KEEPIN' UP WITH THE SOUTH....AND HONEY...THE SOUTH HAS GOT IT GOIN' ON!!
THIRD PACKAGE.....
I'M ON THE FLOOR!!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY...UGH HUGH...IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

OK HERE IS WHERE YOU COME IN.....

HELP ME CHOOSE......

HERE?.....#1....
OR HERE....LIKE THIS? #2...
LIKE THIS?...#3...
HOW ABOUT LIKE THIS?...#4....
OR THIS ONE?....#5
FAIR WARNING....

SISTA' GETS 3 VOTES SINCE SHE SENT ME 3 PRESENTS!!

IT'S MY FIRST BIRTHDAY THAT MOM DIDN'T CALL AND WAKE ME UP TO TELL ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY. ROUGH BIRTHDAY! BUT SIS' HAD TO GO AND DO A THANG LIKE THIS FOR LI'L OLE' ME!!

EVERYBODY GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO SISTA' GAIL!! HOLLA-LOO-YUR'!!

When Were You....Your Happiest?

2010-01-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

I AM CURIOUS....

WHEN WAS YOUR HAPPIEST MOMENT?

WHAT WAS AROUND YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?

WHAT DID YOU SMELL?

WHAT DID YOU HEAR?

WHAT DID YOU FEEL?

WHAT DID YOU TASTE?

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

2010-01-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF A LIFE TRANSFORMATION RIGHT NOW...LIKE NONE OTHER.

WHEN I AM DONE....I WILL SHARE WITH YOU....HOPEFULLY INSPIRE YOU....

THE PROCESS IS PAINFUL.....REQUIRING SOME BRAVERY....REQUIRING A CONFIDENCE IN MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF MY OWN DRUM

BUT ......LIFE CHANGING NONETHELESS......

LOUISIANA ROOM WITH A VIEW...

2010-01-11T08:53:00.001-08:00

This has been my view for 3 whole days!

When I turn to my left, I see this...

When I look up, I see this....
When I look forward, (if someone so graciously left the door open), I see this....
I look to my right and see this.....
And this.....
Forward left....
Flat on my back.....
One small different angle, and only for a few seconds when I come back from a desperate hot soak...
Gail....this is what I did with those 'ugly balls on a stick'...
Why do you ask, was that my only view......

The only thing that can keep me from doing something.......

*TYLENOL ALTERNATING WITH MOTRIN

*STEROID SHOT

*AZITHROMYCIN

*MUCINEX DM

*FLONASE

*VITAMINS....D...C...AND SOME ZINC

I always thought....chick movies....great books...and pampering would be nice. It's not. I look at my room and I see a lampshade, a picture, and various other things that need to be dusted and straightened. Only I'm dieing! How do I know? My body told me so. My ears, nose, throat, chest, muscles, told me they have a death wish.

I told Honey..."If I eva' have a major illness, I am just lettin' you know, I am not fighting it. I'm outta here! I gotta be doin' somethin'!! I can't stand doing nothing!"

His response.....

"Cowgirl up!"

My response.....

I kissed him square on the lips.

HONEY

2010-01-09T17:12:00.001-08:00

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN BLUER EYES?

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN BIGGER SHOULDERS?

HAVE YOU EVER SEE A SQUARER JAW?

Since I am already in trouble for posting this picture, I will just go ahead and jump from the frying pan, into the fire.

FACTS;

#1-He served his country for 9 years. Let's just say, I feel very protected.

#2-He is an incredible cook! Let's just say, I could lose some poundage.

#3-He is calm, even keeled, rational, logical. Let's just say, I am not in the nuthouse.

#4-He calls me several times a day, just to say he loves me. Let's just say, I plan on being married for eternity.

#5-He spoils me by serving me breakfast in bed, waking me up by kissing my toes after he prays, and rubs my feet every night. Let's just say, he had me at the blue eyes.

#6-He finds a way to get me whatever I want. Let's just say he won't be rich because of it.

#7-He has a small sliver of an ornery streak. Let's just say I can get my voice up a few decimals.

#8-He supports me in my dreams. Let's just say, he had me at the square jaw.

#9-He has a very stoic face. Let's just say most people don't know what a great guy he is.

#10-He lives a balanced life. Let's just say he can work, play, and love very....very....very well.

I WUV HIM. I WANT TO MARRY HIM. OH WAIT....I ALREADY AM.

This year is starting to look really good!

LOUISIANA NEW YEAR'S TRADITIONS

2010-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know ya' all have your own food traditions, but Louisiana folk are really passionate about theirs!

I rememba' when Honey was a soldier, and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. I was a nurse at a local hospital. It was New Year's Eve, and I heard some of my co-workers say in all their Southern glory....

"I got to head to the sto' and get me some black-eyed peas....some pork...and cabbage to bring in the New Year. I already have some salt...so I'm all set there."

My ears perked up, because I didn't know what they were talkin' about. They explained to me the traditions of havin' pork....black-eyed peas....& cabbage in your cupboard, on New Year's Eve.

PORK- "FOR GOOD LUCK!!"

BLACK-EYED PEAS: The practice of eating black-eyed peas for "luck" is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman's troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperitytheme including:

Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.

CABBAGE: "I grew up in a Southern family eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck. But when I moved to New Orleans, I learned of a related food tradition that is supposed to bring financial prosperity in the coming year".

**********************************************************

HOWEVER, MY VERY FAVORITE OF ALL NEW YEAR'S TRADITIONS....AND I FOLLOW THIS TO THE UMPTH DEGREE...

ARE YOU READY?

ARE YOU SURE?

OK.....lighten up....Man! I hope you made one of your resolutions to have more patient's....OK....OK....

MY NEW YEAR'S TRADITION IS:

"WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AT EXACTLY MIDNIGHT TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR....IS WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME...IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR."

Your turn!

HERE'S WISHING YOU.....

2010-01-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

For the New Year....

Health...

A Closer Walk...

A pantry full...

Peace & Serenity...

Enough...
Knowledge ....

A TRIP TO LOUISIANA!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!

LOUISIANA SCENIC DRIVE

2009-12-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

When you go for a drive in Louisiana......you will get a kick out of the town names alone!

Go ahead! Take a stab at 'em....

Watcha' thinkin'?

Ugh Hugh?

Any ideas?

I gotcha' on this one didn't I?
LOUISIANA AMAZING...IS WHAT THAT IS!!!

YA' ALL COME BACK NOW 'CHA HEAR?!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T12:49:00.001-08:00

Christmas Reality Show...

Here is a peak into the most fabulous....scandalous...relaxing....(how can something be scandalous & relaxing at the same time?) We'll find out!

Opening scene.......

My daughter's house in Dallas.....

Main character #1- Chad.....
Chad stayed home, while other family members took a drive to see the Christmas lights, in the neighborhood of an old friend....George W. Bush...
Not his house.....just a neighbors
Main character #2- Brad.....Brad was introduced to Brian Regan, this Christmas....
Main Characters #3 & #4....Ket and Ashley......Love is in the air.....
Oxymoron......Snow on flip-flops from an impromptu white Christmas!
Character #2- Did lots of relaxing.....and watching Brian Regan....
Main Character #5- Ross.......I have no idea what he is doing....I seldom do....the kid is weird. Is that an imaginary friend he is playing basketball with?
An impromptu post breakfast dance....
Main Character #6-Chad....I have no idea what he is doing.....I seldom do..
Another impromptu dance in the kitchen....after lunch....yes they are still in their pajamas
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of chocolate was consumed
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of this was consumed also. These people live life on the edge!
They would have to want to be together forever to spend a Christmas eating and having a drunkin' chocolate spur....dancing in the kitchen....doing mysterious maneuvers...with laughter...and lights...and love....kind of time.....
What are main characters #5 & #6 eating?
A Natchitoches Famous Meat Pie? I am losing consciousness as we speak...
Was it a Boudin ball (pronounced "Boo-Dan") from Natchitoches Christmas light festival?
I don't think so scooter....

Lisa from Livin' Louisiana was seen with 3 different men at the Natchitoches light festival...
It was rumored that she strolled, hugged, and dined with all three! Scandalous!
In every story there are main characters that are your favorite! This couple is officially open for adoption!

Main Character #99 & #100- Milton and Amanda!

He is finishing up his PhD in Counseling, and she is a mastered degree social work. For just a part of their story.....read here . They are the funnest people I know!
The "Chicken cheese enchilada.....perfect hot chocolate.....fabulous breakfast....and everything else fabulous" Maker!! (She's gonna kill me for posting the 'no-makeup' picture....shhhhhh)
City side-walks....busy side-walks.....well not really city. It was Natchitoches!
Nothin' like manly men....sipping hot cocoa...with their pinky's up...
Main character #99 playing the piano for us.....fabulous and festive......
What's the Samoan way to say Merry Christmas? Anyone ....anyone?
Oh, how fabulous....and wonderful....and happy....and blessed I am...

Merry Christmas from my Reality to Your's....

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.....The Conclusion

2009-12-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

The following Monday found everyone at work. Right away, Mark and Susan were busy plunging into the details of the project. They only had four days, until Christmas.
Both were so excited to get the ball rolling, that neither wanted to stop. They both were so enthralled with their work, that they enjoyed coming in early, and then staying late! They would lose all track of time. Their colleagues had families to go home to, and would get frustrated at the late hours. Mark and Susan would be the last to leave at night. Out of convenience, they would order pizza or head to dinner on their way back to their homes.

The week flew by, and it was Christmas Eve. They ended their work early, to head to their individual family gatherings.

"Merry Christmas Susan."

"Merry Christmas to you too, Mark."

As Mark headed to his parents, he had such a warm feeling of gratitude. There was a time in his life, when things were so very bleak. How long ago that seemed to him now. He now felt a sense of enthusiasm about the future. He pulled into his parents drive. He could see that everyone had arrived, and was already beginning to visit. He sat there watching the warm glow pour from the windows. He turned the truck off, and He offered a quiet prayer of thanks.

Susan arrived at her parents home, with packages in hand. It was a wonderful Christmas.

************************************

The following year brought long, hard, and rewarding work. There were points that they disagreed on. Sometimes, their co-workers had to leave the room, their discussion became loud and awkward for them. There were other times, when they went to battle together on something that the mill manager would want taken out, or done differently.

It was November now. The project had wrapped up. Susan liked the fact that Mark lived up to the expectations that she had for him. She had developed an intense respect for him. Mark liked the fact that Susan didn't even acknowledge the wheelchair. It was as though, she didn't even notice it. This fact intrigued him tremendously.

It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. There was a dinner to celebrate the finishing of the year long project. It was festive, and everyone was in such a good mood. There was talk of regional awards. Engineering Today, wanted to a feature on the innovative technology that was being used in the Mill. One by one, everyone headed home with their spouses. Susan had stayed to take care of the details with the restaurant. She saw Mark shake the hands of Mr. Murphy, as Mr. Murphy headed toward the door with his wife. Susan wrote the check, and sat there finishing her water. Mark headed toward her.

"We did it."

"Yes, we did."

They both ordered hot chocolate. As their conversation often did outside of work, they talked small talk. They were comfortable with each other by now, to talk about personal things. As usual, they talked late, and laughter came easily.

His face turned serious for a moment. "There is something I need to ask you."

"Shoot."

"How come you have never treated me like I have a handicap? How come you have never treated me different?"

"Because it would be ridiculous to think you are handicapped. It would be like saying that I am handicapped because I am opinionated, or that my brother is handicapped because he has a short temper. In this life, we are all given good things, and we are all given challenges. Those challenges can take us to our fullest measure, or they can break us. The choice is up to us. You have never let your challenge break you. So I don't consider that a handicap. How can I judge someone for their challenge in this life?"

"I am going to miss working with you Susan." He smiled at her a smile that melted her. She felt it hard to swallow, and she lost her breath for a moment.

"I'm going to miss working with you also."

Susan couldn't figure out why Mark did not accept Mr. Murphy's offer for a full time position at the mill. She thought he enjoyed working with her and the other employees. Mr. Murphy couldn't understand it either. He had made an offer, that he thought Mark couldn't refuse. Susan said nothing to Mark about her knowledge of his job offer.

They both just sat there in silence. Both of them wanted to say more, but neither could. Since both were silent for a long time, the only thing left was to say their goodbye's.

The following week was so boring for Susan. The remainder of the year, all she had to do, was put the finesse on some things that she needed to. She missed Mark tremendously, and there was no one to say that to. She didn't know that he ached for her company.

He was in high demand ever since he had won the bid at the mill, and he was spending the next week, sorting through the offers from plants within the area. He was excited, but he missed Susan. He missed their loud discussions, their camaraderie, and their late night dinners. It wouldn't be appropriate to ask her on a date, with having had a professional relationship first. He cared for her more than having her reputation marred by a rumor of an office affair. His phone rang…..

"Hey, Mark….it's Candy."

**************************************************************************
Thanksgiving had come and gone. It was three days before Christmas. Susan had some last minute shopping to do. She headed down town and was in and out of each store very quickly.After shopping, she was going to her mom's to help do some baking, but before she did, she headed to get a bite. When she reached for the door knob, she dropped one of her packages. She bent down to pick it up, and when she raised up she noticed two familiar faces sitting across a table from one another. It was Mark Spearman, with Candy from the office. Mark reached up to stroke Candy's cheek. At that very moment, Susan thought her heart stopped permanently. She instantly felt a lump in her throat. It was a sickening feeling. Why did Candy have to go after Mark? She could get anybody, why did she go after the one and only person, Susan could see herself loving? It wasn't fair! Her eyes began to sting with tears. She quickly walked away before they saw her. She cried all the way to her parent's house, and then once there, she had to make up a lie about her allergies acting up. Susan's mother knew her daughter too well. Something was wrong, but she knew better than to ask.

The night before Christmas Eve, Mr. Murphy was having a Christmas party for the managers from the mill. Susan was no longer in a festive mood, but she went for her professional obligation. She mingled with her colleagues. She mainly listened, and she ate only a little.

" Ladies & Gentlemen, may I have your attention please? I have an announcement." Mr. Murphy didn't have to speak very loudly. He was a man whose demeanor commanded attention.

"Ladies & Gentlemen, I have two announcements tonight. Carl & Martha, would you come up here please?" Carl and Martha made their way to where Mr. Murphy was standing by the grand piano.

"It is my regret to inform you, that Mr. Carl Jackson has retired." Everyone sighed and some even booed. "Mr. Jackson has had a long and distinguished military career, and then served on the police force. He joined our team, ten years ago, and has contributed tremendously, and beyond what most of you realize. It is my pleasure to present this small token of our appreciation to Carl, on behalf of the mill." At that point, Carl opened an envelope.

"A cruise to the Caribbean," was all that he could muster. He shook Mr. Murphy's hand, and Mr. Murphy wrapped his big old arms around him. With a tear in his eye, he said, "We're gonna miss you Carl." Mr. Murphy cleared his throat, and everyone quieted down.

"May I have everyone's attention again? I also have some further news. It is also my regret to inform that Martha is retiring also." Everyone was then talking at once, and mumbling. No one wanted to lose these two kind people. Susan's heart sunk even further. She relied so much on Martha, and she was irreplaceable. She also wondered why she didn't know about it, before tonight. Martha also received a Caribbean cruise for her retirement. The warmth would feel good on her bones, this time of year.

"Carl do you have anything you would like to say? The floor is all yours."

"I really didn't want to retire. There is still a lot of good years of work left in me. However, there is a ridiculous nepotism policy that states family members can't work together." You could hear mumbles throughout the gathering, because everyone was wondering who Carl was related to, that just began to work for the company. After Carl made that statement, he got down on one knee in front of Martha and said, "Will you marry me?" The whole crowd when up in cheers.

Susan politely applauded. When she lowered her hands to her side, Susan felt a hand slip into hers. "Stupid policy don't you think?" Susan felt her heart leap inside her chest. Without looking she knew whose hand it was. It became very clear to her now, as to why Mark didn't take the job offer. He foresaw a future with her, and he wanted to leave their possibilities wide open. Everyone was starting to sing around the piano, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas …..everywhere you go!"

Later that night, Mark and Susan stood under the mistletoe at Mark's home.

"Just tell me one thing. If you are so interested in me, why were you having dinner the other night with Candy, and why did you stroke her cheek?"

"I was having dinner with her, because she was the one who ran into me the night of my accident. I was wiping away a tear from her cheek, after she asked my forgiveness."

Susan always knew that he was a special man, and he had just proved it in one special night. What Mark did in forgiving Candy, was the whole reason behind Christmas.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas indeed," Susan whispered, before gently kissing Mark.

Author: Lisa M. Hill

No reproduction of any kind allowed. (Not that anyone would want to, but still)

(All photos taken by Lisa @Livin'Louisiana, in Natchitoches, Louisiana)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.....Chapter 8

2009-12-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

Carl looked in his fridge for something to eat. He had grown sick of sandwiches. He decided to head to the store to see if there was something he could cook. His mama had always encouraged him to learn to cook. "A man can have a year supply 'o grocery….but unless he know what to do wif' it…..he done starve to deaf'." He wished he would have listened. He went up and down the isles, finally settling on some TV dinners. He proceeded to the check out, speaking to the people that he knew, and then grabbed a paper on the way out.

"Was that Carl Jackson?" Martha asked the cashier.

"Yes, mama. I guess he got sick of bologna. He bought some TV dinners tonight."

It had started to rain again. Martha opened her umbrella, then tried to manage pushing her cart with one hand. Her stockings were already drenched by the time she got to her car. She unlocked the trunk, then began the painful process of putting the bags in. The arthritis was beginning to settle in her hands. She dreaded lifting the bag with the cans in them. She had gotten to where she asked the cashier to only pack a few cans in the bag, but even that was getting to be too much. She dreaded getting home, and traipsing back and forth from the house to the car, getting her groceries out. She was already chilled to the bone, and that made the arthritis pain worse. She had tried to wait until a warmer day, to go to the store, but it had been raining for weeks.

Carl had finally gotten to his car. He had stopped to help a young mother, with a baby, quickly load her groceries into her car. He started his truck, and turned on the wipers, when he noticed Martha unloading her groceries with one hand, while holding the umbrella in the other. He immediately jumped out of the truck and headed her way, right before he reached her, the bag she was lifting ripped open, and the contents fell on the parking lot. Before she could bend to lift them up, Carl said, "I got that."

"Oh thank you so much! I am getting' so clumsy in my old age."

"You go ahead and get into your car, and I'll finish up."

Martha got into her car, and started the car. She turned the heater on full-blast onto her feet. In spite of her boots, her legs and feet were still cold from her wet stockings. She watched Carl from her rear-view window, and had remembered what the cashier said. She realized he probably hadn't had a decent meal since his wife died. She chastised herself for not thinking of it sooner. He came to her window, and let her know she was all set.

"Carl, I can't thank you enough. How about following me home, and if you unload my groceries for me in this pouring rain, I'll make you some gumbo and cornbread." It was an offer he couldn't pass up. Plus, there was no way he could let her unload her groceries in this weather. He followed her home, and she ran in the house, and had already pulled out her gumbo pot, when he was bringing in the groceries.

"Just put 'em all right there Carl. I can't thank you enough."

"That gumbo and cornbread is worth walking through a blizzard for."

She showed him where her cast iron skillet was, and asked him to lift it to the counter. It had just gotten to be too hard to lift it.

He watched her very closely as she puttered around her kitchen. He wanted to try and learn how to make the stuff, so he wouldn't starve to death.

First Martha sauteed some onions in the bottom of the large pot. She took some sausage out of her freezer. It looked like good sausage.

"What kinda' sausage is that?"

"Deer sausage. My son got him an eight-pointer last month. Smith's packaging took care of it for him. You know how great they are at making their sausage. No, he didn't, but he was sure gonna find out. She started to slice the sausage, but Carl could tell it was a little difficult for her, so he went to help. She showed him about how thick she wanted the pieces. Martha then added the sausage to the onions. She let that cook for a bit, while she proceeded to put her groceries away. Carl helped as best he could. His stomach already started churning' as the smells from the pot, permeated the kitchen.

He saw her add some green pepper's next. She put in some Louisiana seasoning, and put the lid on the pot. He was amazed at how she whipped up her cornbread. He just bet, she could do it blind-folded. She pre-heated the oven.

"Carl, when this oven is done pre-heatin', would you slip this heavy skillet in there for me?"

"No problem, Martha."

As she continued to lift the lid, and stir, they talked about work, and the weather. Carl noticed her fireplace, and asked when the last time she had a fire in it.

"I have never had a fire in there. I love fire in a fireplace, and I have it cleaned every year, but I just have never made one."

"There is nothing' like taken' a chill off of a house, than a good fire. How about I fire one up to take the chill off your house?"

"I would love that! The wood's out back, behind the shed. I order that every year too, only I end up giving most of it away."

The oven was pre-heated, and Carl lifted the iron skillet, and placed it center rack. Martha set the timer, then went to wash the rice. It took no time, before Carl had a good fire going. He was right, it did take the chill off of the house, that the heater had never done. After she had washed the rice, she put it in the pot with some water. They continued to talk about how things were in the old days. It was nice to have someone that knew what she was talking about. Before they knew it, the timer went off. Martha had already set the table. Carl couldn't believe the smells that were coming from that stove. They both sat down. Martha offered grace, then poured Carl some milk.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this meal."

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you following me home in this weather to unload my groceries for me."

They chatted throughout their supper, and even for a little while after. Martha gave Carl some gumbo and cornbread to take home with him, and she vowed to always bring him some left-overs. After all, she could only eat them so much, before she grew sick of it. It was hard cooking for one. She chastised herself for not thinking of it sooner.

They both slept deeper that night, than they had in a long time. Carl slept deeper because of the warm meal he had. Martha slept deeper because the chill was gone from her house, and her bones didn't quite ache as much because of it.

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA----Part Three

2009-12-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Remember this......

"However, there is some surprising trivia about this town, that you will say...."OH, Yeah! I remember now!!"

Let me give you some hints................

What? It doesn't look familiar? How about this......
This has got to remind you! Still nothing?.......
How about this?
What took place here?
This will do it......
Nothing?
Or this?
Or this?
Or this??
I thought so!
For the slackers....
You guessed it!Natchitoches is the town that Steel Magnolias was filmed in. Did you know it is a true story about a girl from Natchitoches? I worked with a doctor who actually knew her husband, who was actually a doctor and not an attorney, as the movie portrays. Did you get that?

Natchitoches has an annual Christmas lighting festival on the Cane River. It is amazing!!

This shot reminds of a scene in, "It's A Wonderful Life." Do you know what I am talking about?
Natchitoches, Louisiana....is Christmas magic

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.....Chapter 7

2009-12-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

"I know his folks very well, and they are good people. They are honest, and hard working. There word is their bond. They raised their children right. The younger one is sewing his oats, but that's to be expected. This one…..this one….has got what it takes though. They told his parents that he wouldn't survive. It took the life, that he knew away from him. He had to delay his graduate degree by two years, when he was almost done. His girl left him. Said she couldn't take all that it meant. He did it though. He finished up his degree. He refuses to let anyone give him special treatment. He goes way be on the norm, just to prove himself. I have heard from my cousin over at the plant on the riva', that he made an impression over there."

Susan and Mark was waiting outside of Mr. Murphy's office, when Carl the security guard walked out, and shook Mr. Murphy's hand.

"Thanks Carl. I appreciate your time. Susan…..Mark…..have you met Mr. Carl Jackson? He is chief of our security division?"

Mark thought he looked familiar, and then he realized who he was.

Carl excused himself, and then Susan and Mark went into Mr. Murphy's office. Mr. Murphy drilled Mark from every angle, and Mark was very knowledgeable. He had no difficulties answering all questions. The more Mark talked, the more he realized that he was made for this project. Mr. Murphy had the same confirmation. Agreements were made, hands were shook, and a contract was signed.

Susan was very happy! It was five o'clock and if Mark didn't have any plans, she invited him to dinner to discuss further details. The year was winding down, and she had some money to spend, before a new year started. Mark agreed, and they took his van to The Landing. It was down on the riva', and there was a company table that was set apart for private meetings.

They walked in and the red carpet was rolled out for Susan. However, the interesting part was that Mark commanded the room as well. He knew a lot of people, and had a reputation of being rock solid. When Susan went to remove her coat, it was just a product of his raising, to help her with her coat off. Even from his wheel chair, he did it in one swoop of movement, and without thought.

There was a moment that she felt a pause, a wave of emotion. For the first time she noticed his forearms, his square jaw, his cologne. She quickly shoved it out of her mind, and grabbed her briefcase from the floor, and headed back to the reserved table.

A chair was already removed to accommodate Mark's wheelchair. They then ordered dinner, and began to talk about where they were from, where they obtained their degrees, and in what year. They discovered that they actually knew a lot of the same people. Susan laughed harder than she had in a long time. Before she knew it, the restaurant's last straggles were headed out the door, and the staff was resetting the tables, and putting the finishing touches for closing.

"So much for finalizing details," Mark commented.

"Oh believe me, we are going to know every detail of this project before it's through. It's going to take at least a year to finish."

"Sounds good to me! I am ready for it."

Mark thanked Susan for dinner, and he dropped her at her car. He was amazed at how comfortable she seemed with him. He only got that level of comfort from his family members.

"Mark, see ya' Monday morning at 7 sharp."

"You got it."

With that, she drove home and the whole way was making a mental list of what had to happen next. Once she was home, she tossed her stuff on the table, kicked her shoes off, and ran a hot bath. As she sunk deep into the tub, her muscles just instantly felt relaxed. The warmth of the water just felt incredible, and as the jets made the water swirl, the bubbles grew, and her fingers and toes began to warm up. She could fall asleep right there. Susan stepped out of the tub, dried off, and put her favorite cotton pajamas on. She feel asleep watching, 'It's A Wonderful Life.'

************************************************
Mark's parents panicked when the phone rang. The last time they got a call that late, it wasn't good news. They quickly sat up in bed, while Mark's dad answered the phone. All they could hear was yelling. "Mark? Mark, are you ok?"

"I did it! I got the job. They accepted my proposal! I start on Monday!"

"Oh son….Congratulations! I know it's what you have worked so hard for." Marks mother was asking so many questions that his dad couldn't hear what Mark was saying….."Hold on a second Mark….your mother wants to talk to you." With that, Mr. Spearman handed the phone to his wife. She immediately put her robe on, and went downstairs to the family room. She had a lot of questions, and she didn't want to keep her husband awake talking to Mark. He just slid back down in bed, but stared at the ceiling, with a feeling of gratitude in his heart. He immediately worried about the new challenges that would face his son's life. Would they accept him for the professional that he was, or would they only see the wheel chair? He eventually drifted off to sleep, with the questions rolling through his mind, and with the sounds of his wife's excitement coming from the family room.

Mark then called his brother, and they went out to shoot some pool. He was too excited to sleep that night!

He spent the rest of the weekend, already starting on the job, and doing as much as he could do from home. Christmas was just a few days away, and he had already gotten what he wanted. It had been his dream from the time he first entered college, and now it was going to happen. After the accident, others had tried to persuade him to get a new dream, that no mill or plant would let him inside. He stuck to it, it was all he had to hold onto, and now the dream was a reality.

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA----Part Deaux

2009-12-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have never in my life experienced the feeling of walking back in time, like I do when I walk into this place! I have been in other "fake" hardware stores, that just doesn't quite capture the feeling that you want. This is Kaffie-Frederick, Inc....Louisiana's Oldest General Store.

I feel like I am in the old general store that the Walton's shop at.
The same store in which their children stand for hours and stare at marbles, or a doll, or notebook paper....that they know that they will never get, but....
gifts of which their father will travel over hazardous snow covered roads, to work odd jobs in the middle of a depression, just to see his children's faces light up...and just to hear the grown man "John Boy", call his father "daddy".
He will buy those gifts from Ike....the same man he buys his nuts and bolts from...
The same store that has the tall foiled ceilings....with fans going in the summa'...
This store is just like that!!
It is a full functioning hardware store.
Not only do they have the things of old...such as marbles.....and tops....
But they have all the supplies to run a household...
Oolala! I wanted these Cypress stump Santa's so bad!! I felt like Elizabeth Walton, as I just stood and stared at them for hours.
See anything you like or need?
Have you booked your flight yet?
Hello, John Boy...Mary Ellen....Jim Bob..Jason....Elizabeth....Erin...Ben....

Did I leave anybody out?

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA

2009-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is going to be so fun!!

(No locals are allowed to participate in this portion of the game.)

Remember I told you from the very beginning, that I would take you along on my Louisiana journey?

I have waited all year, to show you the place I am about to feature, for the next few days!

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it......

How do you think that 'NATCHITOCHES is pronounced? Be brave! Take a stab at it!

Here is just a quick glimpse into this magical small Louisiana town, with the richest and coolest history!!

WARNING!!! BEFORE PROCEEDING, YOU MUST KNOW THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO COME NEXT CHRISTMAS!! YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP YOURSELF. SO IF YOU ARE WILLING TO TAKE THE RISK....PROCEED......

Magical.....

Enchanting......

Small town treasure....

Bedford Falls....Pine Tree, Vermont...Snowflake, Applewood...Beaver Creek...have nothing on this place!

Go ahead.....mark your calendar.... to call the airlines January 1st....

Destination Alexandria OR Shreveport.......Loueeeeziana

Then book your rental car to just drive just one hour ....

To the most amazing Christmas experience of your life!!

It's a dream.....a small town paradise...complete with a general store.....shops with picture windows

Small town cafes.....with yeast rolls and pies...

Houses with wrap-a-round porches....

Busy sidewalks greeting smile after smile......

In the air, there is the feeling of Christmas

People passing.....children laughing.....

This is Louisiana's big scene!

If you want an old fashioned Christmas that is with busy sidewalks... and shopper's with their treasures, old-time street lanterns,

Natchitoches, Louisiana is a little-known Christmas destination.

However, there is some surprising trivia about this town, that you will say...."OH, Yeah! I remember now!!"

Don't google it either.....or you'll spoil the fun!

Treasure! I tell ya'!

Culture times infinity!!

I'm undone!!!!!

Chapter 6-Brothers

2009-12-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

Mark spent the rest of the week waiting for a phone call to see if he won the bid. However, he had plenty of things to do to keep him busy. With it being a week before Christmas, there was all kinds of extended family in town, and he wanted to see them. Plus, he had to put a few finishing touches on a buffet, that he was making for his parents for Christmas. Mark has a great eye for fine wood, and a gift to know what to do with it. For this particular piece, he had chosen a beautiful maple, that a dealer in Vermont had saved especially for him. Mark had gone to LSU with his son. He found the knobs for the drawers, online at a vintage hardware store. He had just stepped out of his shop when his cell phone rang.

"What up loser?" On the other end was a voice that he was as familiar with as his own. It was his younger brother, Matt. Matt was the only person that did not treat him any different since the accident. He still wrestled with him, and he still pulled pranks. They were still hunting and fishing buddies.

"Hey man! I thought you weren't getting in town for another week?"

"I wasn't suppose to, but I traded shifts with someone who wanted some over-time, to buy his kids some Christmas. I figured, heck, we could get another twenty hidin' out in those duck blinds. You up for it?"

"Oh, yeah! I'm all over that!"……

"Alright then. Pick you up in twenty."

"See ya'."

"See ya'," Mark said, hanging up.

He put the last knob on the top drawer, and then closed up his shop. He then headed into the house, and gathered up his hunting' gear. He knew Matt would take care of the drinks and food, due to the fact that there was a sandwich shop that a new girl in town had opened up. Mark had been tryin' to get her to go out with him for a year, but she wouldn't give him the time of day. She knew, 'his type', she would say.

It was thirty minutes later, and Matt was laying' on the horn in the drive-way. Anybody else, would be in the house trying to help Mark with his gear, and chair. Not Mark, he just yelled out, "Hurry up!" Mark threw his stuff in the truck, pulled himself in up into the cab. Which was a pretty impressive feet, and showed how strong Mark's upper body was. Matt came around and put his chair up in the back, and said, "I still see I have to be your personal slave, just like when we were little." Mark answered back, "Yeah, and if you don't watch it, I'll tell mom you haven't been to church in over a year."

"You would wouldn't you?"

"Without blinkin' an eye brother."

*******************************************************************************

Susan had Martha to try and get in touch with Mark Spearman, to tell him the mill manager wanted to set up a personal meeting today at 2:00. He had heard the feed back from the mill management team, but he was still a little uneasy about trusting such a big project to a little known company. Martha had tried his home and his cell phone, several times, with no luck. Susan wanted this company, she had a gut feeling, that this was the right one, and she was worried that it would set the mind of Mr. Murphy, if they were unable to get in touch with Mark. She sat tapping her pen, on her desk, unable to concentrate on anything else. She was wondering what kind of person, would have such quality work to offer, and yet not answer their phone.

When Mark and Matt headed back to the truck, both men turned their cell phone back on. Mark had 7 message, and four of them were from, Susan Perkins. "Mr. Spearman, this is Susan Perkins, and Mr. Murphy has set aside some time for you this afternoon at two, to go over your proposal. Please give me a call as soon as you get this message." Mark looked at his watch and it was 1:15.

"Oh, man! You gotta' get me back to the house, and out to mill before two. I have a personal meeting with the mill manager, to go over my proposal!" There was no time for pride. Matt threw all of Mark's stuff in the truck, gave him a hand getting in, and threw his chair in the back.

Mark was already on the phone with Susan Harris.

"Susan, this is Mark Spearman. I am sorry you were unable to reach me, I was out duck hunting." Good one, Mark thought. It was out of his mouth before he even thought about it. What woman, much less a professional one at that, would understand that excuse.

On the other end, Susan had actually broke into a smile. "I'm going to put you on hold for one minute Mr. Spearman. She phoned the mill manager and told him where Mark had been, and could they push the meeting back to 2:30?

"Don't bring that boy out of a duck blind Susan! Tell him to stay! Don't you know not to call a man while he is out hunting'?!"

"Mr. Murphy, he is already heading into town. Two thirty it is then."

If there had been any other excuse, Mr. Spearman would have been cooked goose, but Mr. Murphy was an avid sportsman, and a Louisiana
good old boy. This was actually going to go in Mark's favor. Susan came back on the line, and told Mark the meeting was bumped to two thirty.

"I'll be there!"

"See you then Mr. Spearman." Susan responded. Only Mark wasn't done yet.

"Please call me Mark, and thank you Susan, for giving me the opportunity."

"The opportunity is mine….Mr…….Mark."

Luckily, Mark had his suit cleaned, and would make a better appearance this time. Matt helped him as much as he could, to make sure that he wasn't late.

OooLaLa!

2009-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

Oh, you won't believe where I am headed today! It is the most "Christmasy" places in Louisiana!

Tune in tomorrow, for a "very" special Louisiana Christmas!

Until then, If you haven't started reading, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas"....by Lisa @ Livin' Louisiana...I am getting several emails of folks liking it, and anxious to read another chapter. So kick back, with some cocoa dossed with whipped cream....and some popcorn.....with Karen Carpenter's "Merry Christmas Darling" playing in the background.

CHRISTMAS QUESTION....

2009-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here is your challenge, if you choose to accept it.......

Challenge #1

Say "Christmas Question" six times really fast.

Challenge #2

Tell me, that out of all the Christmas traditions that you do, which one do you think is Christ's favorite?