Today's honoree is one of my very favorite people, and my favorite priest. I met her[ yes, HER} in August of 2010 when she came to Beach Parish as the new rector. At the time I was attending Small Parish, but really enjoyed Christie's conversation and company.
When I moved to Beach Parish she became my priest, and to this day she's the priest who has had the most effect on me. Christie taught me to embrace my human foibles . She knows she isn't perfect--- and because of her " real-ness" I learned to be more authentic in my dealings with people. Christie is such a good priest mainly because she's unapologenically authentic--- a trait that I admire.
I also learned from her that a strong woman need not buy into the ' strength is not feminine' bullshit that is put out by are media and culture. She's " all girl" yet displays a strong and capable presence .
I miss her terribly here on the Coast, but I know God will do great things through her in her new parish and position.
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
March 2 " Grandma" Jeanne
Today's honoree has passed on to the next life. I think of her often and still miss her, especially when I return to the lake for my summer visit.
Although I refer to her as ' Grandma' , she actually was of no blood relation to me. ' Grandma' Jeanne was my Godfather's mother, and I loved her as though she were my blood relative.
She and I were as different on many levels as two women could have been, and I shall admit to feeling frustrated by and downright mad by her words and actions on some occasion. But Grandma Jeanne taught me some good life lessons, and for these I am grateful for her influence in my life.
She taught me the value of hard work and how to manage time. I remember working at the snack bar at the campground that my Godparents own on Sundays waiting for Gram to arrive in her golf cart. She made sure that I, as well as the rest of the staff, stayed busy while 'on the clock' and did not waste time. I learned to be a good employee under Gram's watchful eyes.
Another valuable lesson I learned from Gram is to have an eye for natural beauty. As an artist, she was fascinated with the natural beauty of the lake and had an observant eye for detail.
RIP , and thanks so much, Gram.
Although I refer to her as ' Grandma' , she actually was of no blood relation to me. ' Grandma' Jeanne was my Godfather's mother, and I loved her as though she were my blood relative.
She and I were as different on many levels as two women could have been, and I shall admit to feeling frustrated by and downright mad by her words and actions on some occasion. But Grandma Jeanne taught me some good life lessons, and for these I am grateful for her influence in my life.
She taught me the value of hard work and how to manage time. I remember working at the snack bar at the campground that my Godparents own on Sundays waiting for Gram to arrive in her golf cart. She made sure that I, as well as the rest of the staff, stayed busy while 'on the clock' and did not waste time. I learned to be a good employee under Gram's watchful eyes.
Another valuable lesson I learned from Gram is to have an eye for natural beauty. As an artist, she was fascinated with the natural beauty of the lake and had an observant eye for detail.
RIP , and thanks so much, Gram.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
30 Days of Gratitude
I am embarking on a social/ personal experiment. Starting tomorrow, every day I will post to social media ONE thing{ no matter how seemingly small} for which I have gratitude. In addition to the " Dose of Thankfulness posts, I will do my best to journal my thoughts each day regarding this exercise.
Care to join me? " Friend" me on Facebook . My public Facebook page is " Tales Of A Coastal Hillbilly" & Its accessible to anyone on Facebook. I do not give out my real name to strangers online, but if you know me in real life & are not yet a Facebook friend, please feel free to request me.
Anyhow, I know times are tough , but many of us have so much more than we realize---even in today's lousy economy Americans are still at the top of the world economy{ though for how long this will be true is anyone's guess}
November is an ideal time to " count our blessings. Please consider joining me in this online endeavor.
Shalom.
Care to join me? " Friend" me on Facebook . My public Facebook page is " Tales Of A Coastal Hillbilly" & Its accessible to anyone on Facebook. I do not give out my real name to strangers online, but if you know me in real life & are not yet a Facebook friend, please feel free to request me.
Anyhow, I know times are tough , but many of us have so much more than we realize---even in today's lousy economy Americans are still at the top of the world economy{ though for how long this will be true is anyone's guess}
November is an ideal time to " count our blessings. Please consider joining me in this online endeavor.
Shalom.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
My Reason to Relay
I'm more involved in this year's Relay For Life campaign. Currently I am working with the Survivor/Caregiver committee.
Pictured below is a photo of my Reason To Relay:
The man on the left was my Pap, my paternal grandfather. He died in 2001 from his second bout of prostate cancer. The man on the right is my Dad. This photo was taken years ago { before I was born} on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
I miss him everyday. Although I was blessed with having Pap in my life for 23 years: his was the first death that really " hit home" for me.
Cancer takes away so many people each year. This hear I also lost a dear friend to his disease & several people I know in my parish are fighting it now.
The American Cancer Society is leading the course for a cure . Will you help me help find a cure for cancer so that someday everyone will have " more birthdays"? Thanks.
Pictured below is a photo of my Reason To Relay:
The man on the left was my Pap, my paternal grandfather. He died in 2001 from his second bout of prostate cancer. The man on the right is my Dad. This photo was taken years ago { before I was born} on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
I miss him everyday. Although I was blessed with having Pap in my life for 23 years: his was the first death that really " hit home" for me.
Cancer takes away so many people each year. This hear I also lost a dear friend to his disease & several people I know in my parish are fighting it now.
The American Cancer Society is leading the course for a cure . Will you help me help find a cure for cancer so that someday everyone will have " more birthdays"? Thanks.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Things I would tell my 18-year-old self.....
Have you ever wondered what you would tell your younger self if you had a chance to time-travel?
One of my favorite Brad Paisley songs is " Letter To Me" The lyrics basically are a letter to Mr. Paisley's 17-year-old self.
If I could write a letter to myself during the summer that I graduated from high school, this is what I would say:
Dear 18-year-old Sarah Beth:
Congrats! After four years of hell, you made it through high school. Much awaits you on this journey called adulthood.
You WILL make it through college: although your post-secondary academic career will take a detour.
Don't worry, your first three years of undergrad will NOT be a waste of time--- you'll meet some of your dearest friends { and your first true love} at Small College. Your faith in God will grow, and Campus Ministries will be instrumental in the development of both your social and spiritual life. Embrace all the opportunities that your time at Small College offers, both the good & the not-so-good times. Take a variety of demanding courses and do not worry about graduating in four years--- so much more is ahead of you than you can ever imagine as a college freshman.
Cherish the friends you'll make at Small College, as these people will be an emotional " lifeline" later.
Regarding your very first true heartbreak: remember that " if you love something or someone, let him go. If he comes back to you, he's yours. If he doesn't, he was never "yours" in the first place.
Enjoy your time with Pap. Tell him that you love him every chance you see him. No one lives forever. Ditto for Granny Jeanne, she really does love you. Try to ignore her sharp tongue , or better yet---laugh at some of the inane things she says. She won't be around forever either.
Listen to your parents. They really do hold your best interests in mind. There are some things that parental units just * cannot* understand, but know that they love you & only wish for your happiness.
Be open-minded regarding the move to Florida { Yes, you will move to Florida} Embrace what the " Sunshine State" has to offer. It is OK to be homesick, as you are an Appalachian Girl forever, but just know that Florida will eventually endear itself to you.
Follow where the Holy Spirit leads...you'll come to a crisis in your faith life but know that God is always with you. You will be just fine & the existential faith crisis will be the vessel that God uses to bring you to a wonderful faith community. Be not afraid.
Do not worry about meeting the right guy. He is for sure worth the wait! You have so many good years ahead of you.
Live. Laugh. Love.
Sarah at age 37
One of my favorite Brad Paisley songs is " Letter To Me" The lyrics basically are a letter to Mr. Paisley's 17-year-old self.
If I could write a letter to myself during the summer that I graduated from high school, this is what I would say:
Dear 18-year-old Sarah Beth:
Congrats! After four years of hell, you made it through high school. Much awaits you on this journey called adulthood.
You WILL make it through college: although your post-secondary academic career will take a detour.
Don't worry, your first three years of undergrad will NOT be a waste of time--- you'll meet some of your dearest friends { and your first true love} at Small College. Your faith in God will grow, and Campus Ministries will be instrumental in the development of both your social and spiritual life. Embrace all the opportunities that your time at Small College offers, both the good & the not-so-good times. Take a variety of demanding courses and do not worry about graduating in four years--- so much more is ahead of you than you can ever imagine as a college freshman.
Cherish the friends you'll make at Small College, as these people will be an emotional " lifeline" later.
Regarding your very first true heartbreak: remember that " if you love something or someone, let him go. If he comes back to you, he's yours. If he doesn't, he was never "yours" in the first place.
Enjoy your time with Pap. Tell him that you love him every chance you see him. No one lives forever. Ditto for Granny Jeanne, she really does love you. Try to ignore her sharp tongue , or better yet---laugh at some of the inane things she says. She won't be around forever either.
Listen to your parents. They really do hold your best interests in mind. There are some things that parental units just * cannot* understand, but know that they love you & only wish for your happiness.
Be open-minded regarding the move to Florida { Yes, you will move to Florida} Embrace what the " Sunshine State" has to offer. It is OK to be homesick, as you are an Appalachian Girl forever, but just know that Florida will eventually endear itself to you.
Follow where the Holy Spirit leads...you'll come to a crisis in your faith life but know that God is always with you. You will be just fine & the existential faith crisis will be the vessel that God uses to bring you to a wonderful faith community. Be not afraid.
Do not worry about meeting the right guy. He is for sure worth the wait! You have so many good years ahead of you.
Live. Laugh. Love.
Sarah at age 37
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Say it, darn you!
I know someone who is at the end stages of a terrible cancer. he is a good man & my heart just breaks for him & his family.
No one handles the pending death of a friend /loved one well. While my heart is sore for the pain that this family must face as they prepare to say goodbye to their husband/father/brother/uncle/son, son-in/law/brother-in-arms, etc etc I've been thinking about my own life.
There is much I've left unsaid to those whom I love.
I'm not good with emotions, to me it is much easier for me to cope with the world with a Mr Spock-like logic{ Star Trek}. I can deal with facts, but emotions render me stupid. I'm bad with ALL human emotions , even such happy occasions such as weddings confuse me. Human emotions & responses to such emotions frustrate & mystify me. Although I FEEL deeply I often either totally lack a response to said emotion or have a totally inappropriate response.
I say all this just to make a point. There is much I wish I could tell people that I just{ for one reason or another}cannot.
Reba McIntyre has a wonderful song that echos how I felt about my Pap. The lyrics that *almost* have me in tears every time go something like this " He never said 'I love you' / I guess he though I knew" .
One person who immediately comes to mind is a friend of many years from my time at First College. This individual has played a big part in my life , but due to circumstances I have never told this person how much they mean & have always meant to me. During the years, this friend & I have seen each other through some major life events. Illness, a divorce, my moving to Florida, the death of one of their parents & the death of my Pap,a publication of a book{clearly not my accomplishment} my brother's wedding, my finally finding happiness with Best Dude, travels. You get the idea: we've been through a lot.
But I never told them.
We live hundred s of miles apart now & all I want to do is tell this individual how blessed I am to have them in my life & that I've always treasured the somewhat unorthodox yet very deep friendship-in-Christ we share.
But how should I do this?
Facebook is totally inappropriate. Email isn't much better than Facebook, at least in my opinion. Should I write a 'snail mail' letter & send it via US Post? Maybe I should call & tell them?
I don't know.
Color me confused.
No one handles the pending death of a friend /loved one well. While my heart is sore for the pain that this family must face as they prepare to say goodbye to their husband/father/brother/uncle/son, son-in/law/brother-in-arms, etc etc I've been thinking about my own life.
There is much I've left unsaid to those whom I love.
I'm not good with emotions, to me it is much easier for me to cope with the world with a Mr Spock-like logic{ Star Trek}. I can deal with facts, but emotions render me stupid. I'm bad with ALL human emotions , even such happy occasions such as weddings confuse me. Human emotions & responses to such emotions frustrate & mystify me. Although I FEEL deeply I often either totally lack a response to said emotion or have a totally inappropriate response.
I say all this just to make a point. There is much I wish I could tell people that I just{ for one reason or another}cannot.
Reba McIntyre has a wonderful song that echos how I felt about my Pap. The lyrics that *almost* have me in tears every time go something like this " He never said 'I love you' / I guess he though I knew" .
One person who immediately comes to mind is a friend of many years from my time at First College. This individual has played a big part in my life , but due to circumstances I have never told this person how much they mean & have always meant to me. During the years, this friend & I have seen each other through some major life events. Illness, a divorce, my moving to Florida, the death of one of their parents & the death of my Pap,a publication of a book{clearly not my accomplishment} my brother's wedding, my finally finding happiness with Best Dude, travels. You get the idea: we've been through a lot.
But I never told them.
We live hundred s of miles apart now & all I want to do is tell this individual how blessed I am to have them in my life & that I've always treasured the somewhat unorthodox yet very deep friendship-in-Christ we share.
But how should I do this?
Facebook is totally inappropriate. Email isn't much better than Facebook, at least in my opinion. Should I write a 'snail mail' letter & send it via US Post? Maybe I should call & tell them?
I don't know.
Color me confused.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wisteria
I know some people thing that wisteria vines are " weeds" but I love them. I think they are SO PRETTY and smell nice.
Of course , growing up in Appalachia, I loved walking around the rural area smelling the lilacs that grew naturally there.
Of course , growing up in Appalachia, I loved walking around the rural area smelling the lilacs that grew naturally there.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
My favorite " thin place"
According to my rector, a " thin pace" is a place where one feels closest to God. In my life both in the mountains and n the coast I've been blessed with several such places.
Shoreline Park and Fort Pickens National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, Florida { somewhat near where I live now} are two such local " thin places".
However, there is one place that is, to me, extra-"thin".
My godparents' lake , campground and cabins area , situated on over 100o acres of gorgeous Appalachian foothills in eastern Ohio is my most- special place. Although my teen years were generally unhappy{ mostly punctuated by A LOT of bullying and several doctors' visits { in an attempt to figure out "what is wrong with Sarah"}
The place where I feel closest To God is Austin Lake. It is true that I * never* want to move back to Ohio or Pennsylvania, but the property surrounding this lake holds some of my best memories. Every summer I look forward to travelling here . I've discovered that vacation need not be full of a planned agenda : I much rather prefer time away to re-charge. When I am here, there is never a planned agenda: and I am contend t just " be" at the Lake.
My autism makes travel difficult. When I { eventually} arrive at the Lake, the pain { literally} of the sensory input overdrive will be worth it. Where else can one wake in the morning, sip tea on a porch overlooking some beautiful Appalachian woodlands and later read Morning Prayer while sitting in a kayak on a clear lake?
I see this EVERY morning when I'm visiting the Lake. Can you understand why this place is so" thin"? :O)
I
" Where I come from/ we rode in TRUCKS."~ country singer Luke Bryan
Shoreline Park and Fort Pickens National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, Florida { somewhat near where I live now} are two such local " thin places".
However, there is one place that is, to me, extra-"thin".
My godparents' lake , campground and cabins area , situated on over 100o acres of gorgeous Appalachian foothills in eastern Ohio is my most- special place. Although my teen years were generally unhappy{ mostly punctuated by A LOT of bullying and several doctors' visits { in an attempt to figure out "what is wrong with Sarah"}
The place where I feel closest To God is Austin Lake. It is true that I * never* want to move back to Ohio or Pennsylvania, but the property surrounding this lake holds some of my best memories. Every summer I look forward to travelling here . I've discovered that vacation need not be full of a planned agenda : I much rather prefer time away to re-charge. When I am here, there is never a planned agenda: and I am contend t just " be" at the Lake.
My autism makes travel difficult. When I { eventually} arrive at the Lake, the pain { literally} of the sensory input overdrive will be worth it. Where else can one wake in the morning, sip tea on a porch overlooking some beautiful Appalachian woodlands and later read Morning Prayer while sitting in a kayak on a clear lake?
I see this EVERY morning when I'm visiting the Lake. Can you understand why this place is so" thin"? :O)
I
Coastal hiking is not the same as hiking these hills.
" Where I come from/ we rode in TRUCKS."~ country singer Luke Bryan
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A life well-lived..for 95 years
" A Child needs a grandparent, anybody's grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world." ~ Charles & Ann Morse.
Requisitat en pacem, Jeanne Sharpe " Grandma" Cable. After a long life of 95 years, she went to her Eternal Reward yesterday morning. "Grandma" Cable was not blood kin, she was my godfather's mother. But, I believe that family is not restricted to those with whom you share DNA. My godparents & their kin re family to me.
"Grandma" hasn't been healthy at all these past few years. Since I've moved south I'd only spent time with her when 'd visit my godfamily at the lake during summers. I knew , at the en of each visit, that I might not see her again, so I always made a point to tell her" I love you".
She taught me a lot. I've learned to see beauty in my everyday, ordinary surroundings. { She had been an artist in her younger years} She also taught me to have an appreciation for all living creatures,including snakes & spiders. { However---I still am not a fan of most insects, save for ladybugs & butterflies}
But one of the most vital lessons I learned from Grandma Cable is that one need not agree with someone 's socio/political views in order to have love for them.
We'll miss ya, " Grandma". Say HI to Glenn for all of us!
Requisitat en pacem, Jeanne Sharpe " Grandma" Cable. After a long life of 95 years, she went to her Eternal Reward yesterday morning. "Grandma" Cable was not blood kin, she was my godfather's mother. But, I believe that family is not restricted to those with whom you share DNA. My godparents & their kin re family to me.
"Grandma" hasn't been healthy at all these past few years. Since I've moved south I'd only spent time with her when 'd visit my godfamily at the lake during summers. I knew , at the en of each visit, that I might not see her again, so I always made a point to tell her" I love you".
She taught me a lot. I've learned to see beauty in my everyday, ordinary surroundings. { She had been an artist in her younger years} She also taught me to have an appreciation for all living creatures,including snakes & spiders. { However---I still am not a fan of most insects, save for ladybugs & butterflies}
But one of the most vital lessons I learned from Grandma Cable is that one need not agree with someone 's socio/political views in order to have love for them.
We'll miss ya, " Grandma". Say HI to Glenn for all of us!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
2013: The Year of Self-Confidence
One of the problems I face with my physical limitations is that I get bored easily. My slight autism, back issues & terrible eye-to-brain neural connections make for multi-disabilities. I LOOK " normal" {whatever that is... and who really knows}
I've accepted myself as God made me & with a lot of encouragement from people I love, including Best Dude} am recognizing my strengths. In college I studied English & journalism, so I'm more than qualified to run a media/publicity campaign for my favorite nonprofit charity.
For the past four or five years { I lost count} I've been active in the local chapter on a national autism advocacy, support & education. Last year we sponsored our first 5K. Admittedly, I was not as active in the planning for the event as I'd hoped, but this year is different. They need someone to chair the publicity/media campaign & I volunteered for this task.
I love telling stories & showing such stories via visual media. When I was a teenager in the 1990's I wanted Christiane Amanpour's job at CNN...I wanted to travel the world & tell stories that no one else dared o expose. As a child I alternated between wanting to write the Great American Novel & joining the FBI. { Police-procedural dramas are still my favorite TV drama genre}
Last night I received the agenda for tonight's meeting via email. The spreadsheet form looked a bit daunting to me...until I remembered that I am the " new & improved, stronger Sarah Beth". last yea my focus was to begin & maintain a physical fitness routine...so in 2013 my goal is to develop more self-confidence. Due in part to my later-in-life diagnosed autism & various other medical issues, my self-confidences low. Although I've been extremely blessed for these past five years { and especially these past two years} , it is hard to erase over 30 years of self-doubt.
My hope is that I take opportunities this year to become involved in projects that can showcase my talents. It is hard to be approaching middle-age, re-evaluating my life & realizing that comparatively, my timeline is blase. But, as Best Dude repeatedly tells me, my life's story is not " typical"
Most people I know & love are somewhat atypical.
I hereby declare 2013 as the Year Of Self- Confidence.
Amen.
I've accepted myself as God made me & with a lot of encouragement from people I love, including Best Dude} am recognizing my strengths. In college I studied English & journalism, so I'm more than qualified to run a media/publicity campaign for my favorite nonprofit charity.
For the past four or five years { I lost count} I've been active in the local chapter on a national autism advocacy, support & education. Last year we sponsored our first 5K. Admittedly, I was not as active in the planning for the event as I'd hoped, but this year is different. They need someone to chair the publicity/media campaign & I volunteered for this task.
I love telling stories & showing such stories via visual media. When I was a teenager in the 1990's I wanted Christiane Amanpour's job at CNN...I wanted to travel the world & tell stories that no one else dared o expose. As a child I alternated between wanting to write the Great American Novel & joining the FBI. { Police-procedural dramas are still my favorite TV drama genre}
Last night I received the agenda for tonight's meeting via email. The spreadsheet form looked a bit daunting to me...until I remembered that I am the " new & improved, stronger Sarah Beth". last yea my focus was to begin & maintain a physical fitness routine...so in 2013 my goal is to develop more self-confidence. Due in part to my later-in-life diagnosed autism & various other medical issues, my self-confidences low. Although I've been extremely blessed for these past five years { and especially these past two years} , it is hard to erase over 30 years of self-doubt.
My hope is that I take opportunities this year to become involved in projects that can showcase my talents. It is hard to be approaching middle-age, re-evaluating my life & realizing that comparatively, my timeline is blase. But, as Best Dude repeatedly tells me, my life's story is not " typical"
Most people I know & love are somewhat atypical.
I hereby declare 2013 as the Year Of Self- Confidence.
Amen.
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