Friday, February 27, 2009

MY SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

Several months ago I was writing about my spiritual journey in life and mentioned an incident that changed my life dramatically. I said at the time that if I reported it, it would be the “blog of all blogs.” Well, at the encouragement of a reader, and I hope inspiration from God, I am ready to write about it.

Actually, in thinking and praying about it, I’ve decided to divide it into at least three parts: 1) my search for the truth, 2) my encounter, and 3) the aftermath. Today I will begin at the beginning and see how far I get.

As most of you know, I was raised in a Christian home. Even though my parents went to two different churches and were never able to solve their differences in beliefs, we girls were “brought up in the church.” Unless we were sick, or out of town, we never missed going to Sunday school and church on Sunday mornings. Additionally, we attended vacation Bible school in the summers and any other special events held. Although we mostly went to and ultimately joined Mother’s church, we had plenty of occasions to attend Daddy’s church, as well. And we felt comfortable in both because we had friends at our church and many relatives at Daddy’s.

There came a time, and I’m not sure at what age, when I began to seek God on my own apart from my parents. I had a few meaningful moments as a child and in my early teens, but one significant event stands out. When I was fourteen, Billy Graham came to town and held a series of services in Vanderbilt football stadium. Interestingly enough, the ministers of both Daddy’s and Mother’s churches were opposed to his coming to Nashville. Our minister actually preached against it and tried to discourage us from hearing him because he was “too emotional” and whatever experience we had from it would be temporary.

But Mother and we girls went anyway to at least two meetings and maybe more. The one that I recall was “Youth Night,” and what I remember the most was that at the end of the sermon, I felt an unmistakable need, almost a compulsion, to “answer the call.” So even though it was very difficult, I went down those steps and prayed with the thousands of other teens who had also come forth.

At the time I was not at all sure what I had done; to my knowledge I had never been presented with “the plan of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice” before. Certainly, our church leaders didn’t teach it and Daddy’s touched on it but added other things to it. Consequently, it may appear at first that the incident didn’t have much meaning, especially in view of my subsequent behavior for years afterward.

But I never forgot that feeling that “Something or Someone” outside of myself was trying to influence me that night.

To be continued . . .

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

MARRIED TO A PACK RAT

Another really great thing that is taking place during this re-do time is that closets are getting cleaned out and many items are being given away for tax purposes. So far I have had to have people come out for pickup four times, twice the ARC, and the Salvation Army the other two times. And while I am thrilled to get rid of all the clutter, it has thrown the genius into a panic.

All the family knows what the genius's father, Jimmie, was like --- he was the biggest pack rat of all time. First, he filled up their basement with his stuff; then the delightful screened in back porch that ran the entire width across the back of their house became crammed with all sorts of things. I remember that the seating area got smaller and smaller and was at last squeezed out. And finally, the little room off of the living room that was Jimmie's office eventually overflowed with still more items.

When the genius's parents moved out, there was the monumental task of sorting through and selling, giving, or throwing away all of the accumulated array of Jimmie's belongings. This job fell to the genius's sister and me. We had to be very careful when sifting through all of it because there were some hidden gems, (old coins, stamp collections, guns, old books, etc.) buried in all the piles of stuff. And we also had to be careful that Jimmie was not around because he wouldn't let anything go. But eventually, we got it done and moved on.

Over the years I have discovered that the apple didn't fall very far. The genius has been showing signs for years of having inherited the same tendencies. He still has every engineering and math book he used in college 50 years ago. And through the years has acquired many more. He now has five bookcases (big ones) in his little office upstairs along with six filing cabinets, all filled to the brim. And I won't even go into what our attic looks like. Let me just say that I'm sure we have every cancelled check that has been written since we married.

So you can understand his anxiety over my cleaning out closets. Everytime I do it, he asks in a shaky voice, "You didn't throw out anything of mine, did you?" And he usually goes through the stack of items for giving away. The only thing I really tried to give away that he balked about was a bookcase (what else?). Instead, he moved it into his room and made a "space" for it and of course filled it up to the brim. Where the books came from, I don't know. I have a sneaking suspicion he went to the attic and found some more!!

So let me go on record now to the rest of the family as to our possessions. I am trying my best to pare down, but I'm afraid I'm fighting a losing battle. I guess you will have to get one of those rented dumpsters out to clean this place out.

But I want you to know that I have tried to keep it under control.

Monday, February 23, 2009

OUR REMARKABLE SON

If there's one thing I have learned throughout this house redoing stuff it is how amazing our son Jim IV is. I just didn't know how talented he is in the role of handyman. And he'll tackle anything!! It's been a real pleasure watching him work and figure things out.

For instance, I bought two sets of wireless headphones for the TV, got instructions from the salespeople at Electronic Express, and came home prepared to get them to work. I couldn't even get one set to work. So I asked the genius to help, and he couldn't do it either. Then I called on Jay, our 11 year old genius grandson, and he almost did it, but not quite. Then Jim IV came on the scene.

He was able to get one set working right away but had to think about the double set. Eventually, he got both working, rigged up a place on the back of the TV to hang the headphones, and taped all the wires so that they don't show from the front.

And what a fast worker he is!! He can get more done in an an hour than I can imagine mainly because he has all the right tools. I've never seen such an array. When he's not sure about how to do something, he reads up on it thoroughly and then dives right in. And the finished product is great!!!

I had no idea he was so clever. I knew he was intelligent like the genius but had no clue he could do this sort of work. Knowing he didn't learn this from his father, who hates doing any kind of handyman jobs, I asked him where he gained this knowledge. He said he taught himself over the years.

Since we've lived in the same town for most of his life minus his college years, I had to ask myself why I didn't know this about him! I think the answer is that he is modest about himself and just never thought to show off his work. I have found out that he did and does numerous odd jobs around his house and I just assumed they had hired someone to do it. WRONG!! He's an expert and I'm convinced he could make a living doing it if he so desired.

But he doesn't; his first love is tennis and that's what he will be doing from now on.

But I'm truly grateful to know whom to call on when I need help!!!

Friday, February 20, 2009

MORE PICTURES

The first two are opposite sides of the formerly "dead space" we had between the living and dining areas of our great room, and the next three are pictures of the new downstairs bedroom.





Wednesday, February 18, 2009

IMAGINATION RUNS AMOK

I think it is time to revisit the Obits! From time to time I have jotted down some info I have gleaned from daily reading this section. Most of it just sets my active imagination hopping even more than usual.

First, there is the subject of nicknames. I noticed that an elderly woman had passed on who had the interesting nickname of "Onion." Where in the world would that come from? Did she like onions? Did someone see her peeling one and crying? I was intrigued, to say the least. Then I noticed that her "real" name was Vivian and I could just see some little grandchild trying to say that and having it sound like "Onion." So that could explain the unusual moniker.

Another one was called "Doll Baby." That one I could visualize for a woman who called everyone else that and so people in return stuck the name on her. We had a friend in the Army who was like that. He called everyone "Charlie" so naturally the name "Charlie" was given to him.

But what about "Q Ball"? Was this a man who liked to play pool and so was thus named after one of the balls? And how about the interesting spelling of it?

There was a nickname I noticed the other day that was given to an elderly man: "Rail Head"! What's up with that? Maybe he worked for the railroad, or just liked trains. Or it could be a haircut he had at one time. I guess we'll never know.

I've also been intrigued by given names. One man had a last name of Fudge. My mind went crazy over that one, and I decided it would have been great if he had been a judge. No one could have been serious in his court room when he made his entrance and they called out "All rise for Judge Fudge."

But the last one is great and so help me, it's true. I noticed that one of the pallbearers listed in the paper for a funeral was actually named Arch Bishop. What were his parents thinking?!?

So you can see what my life has been reduced to: getting my kicks reading the Obituaries. But I'm still not in there and that's a good thing!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009



I thought you might like to see the historical bench in its new place. I also tried to include the two tables and the portrait of Anelka (paternal grandmother of the genius).

I'm almost ready to begin making photos of the rest of the new arrangements, but I'm waiting to hang pictures, etc. When the finishing touches are in place, I will snap some and publish.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

I've always observed that when you start one project around the house, big or small, it always seems to lead to another ... and another ... etc. I'm certainly finding that to be true this time around.

The other night the genius asked me why I was changing the furniture around so much. It was difficult to come up with an answer that wouldn't cause hurt feelings. I guess I could have said that I have helping me a male who is young and not worried about hurting his back, and that he is -- ahem! -- patient. Jim IV is so kind that he didn't utter a word of protest when I asked him to move something and then liked it better the original way.

And also sometimes I get ideas about what would look better when I add to or change an area. That happened when I put the two new TV watching chairs on a wall and I thought things would look better if I moved the china cabinet from said wall. So I took everything out of it, Jim IV moved it to the opposite corner, and I washed the stuff and put it all back in. I had had an old artificial ficus plant there and because I hated having anything artificial, have long wanted to be rid of it. So that was settled.

On the other hand, the genius had not liked a big basket that I kept magazines in so I took it out of the living area and took the beautiful large brass planter that had held the plant, filled it with books and magazines in place of the basket. Also, I took twinkle lights I had had on the plant and put a string throughout the inside of the china cabinet to make the glassware shine. Now everyone is happy.

One really funny thing: the genius is threatening to "plant" the artificial ficus tree because it looks so good by the garbage can where we placed it temporarily.

Do you see what I mean? One thing just leads to another!!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

STUCK IN THE SEVENTIES

Our house was built in the 70s right during the time when brightly colored bathroom fixtures were popular. The former owner had "redecorated" the two upstairs bathrooms by glazing or painting the tubs and/or the vanities. Of course, what happened was that the paint began to peel off and look awful.

Once before I called out a bath fixing company to see what could be done. The salesman came out, took measurements, and showed us ways to cover up our tubs and walls. I just wasn't pleased with what he showed us and decided against it. However, when we began this redecorating project I decided to revisit the issue.

I went through the process of calling several companies and chose one that would meet with just me. The others wanted to have both the genius and me here, and I wanted to be able to explore what they had on my own without worrying about the questions he was sure to ask, etc. This time I liked what I saw, even though it was a bit more expensive than I expected.

Today I had the salesman back out again and after some wheeling and dealing I signed up for it. I'm really excited about what I picked out and what it will look like. The salesman took pictures and said it was the worst case of peeling he had ever seen. I wonder if they will put the before and after pictures on their website.

Who knows? Maybe I'll take some and put them on the blog!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

BACK TO WORK

Well, I guess it's a work day today; I assume that Jim IV and Jay are back in town from their skiing trip and that the former is ready to get started again. Of course, I was busy yesterday getting ready for the events that are happening today.

First, I moved the old antique upholstered bench from the "dead" area of the living/dining room to under the front window. Like many of our pieces of furniture, this bench has a history:

The genius's grandfather was a bachelor until he was 43 years old, whereupon he married a 19 year old girl named Brenda Bailey (for whom our daughter Brenda and grandaughter Bailey are named). He owned a clothing store in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in the late 1900's, in which sat our upholstered bench with a tall upright floor mirror to match. Both pieces have beautifully carved wood with inlays in them. I can just imagine the women in bustles and corsets that must have sat on this bench while their husbands tried out their clothes in front of the mirror, or vise-versa.

For years these two pieces abided in the living room of the genius's parents. When
they moved into an apartment in their later years, we took the bench and his sister took the mirror. We have enjoyed that stately piece ever since.

Today the two chairs and ottoman that will sit where the bench was are being delivered. I guess that space will be dead no more because we will now use it to watch TV. (The new TV stand will also make its appearance today.) And the good news is that I will be able to watch TV while I am in the kitchen!

So there are many changes going on here. The downstairs bedroom is almost complete, the TV area will be finished today, and we have a little more seating space in the "living" area of the living room, all grouped around the fireplace.

Then it will be onwards and upwards to the second floor!!

Monday, February 9, 2009

I took a short break from all the work going on around here to go to bridge club today. I didn't win --- but I didn't lose either; I didn't play at all because I was the hostess. I elected to have it meet at the University Club in one of the private rooms instead of in our home because of lack of space both inside and also outside for the parking .

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves; in fact, I may have started a new trend. Several people said that they wanted to have it at their club or even at mine and let them pay for it. I must say the chef did a very nice job of having plenty of food and coffee, etc. to start with and then served up a good lunch as well. And it was certainly a lot easier for me not having to fix all the food.

The genius and I enjoyed a good meal Friday night in the lounge at the club with two other couples. One couple we see on a regular basis but the other twosome not so often. During the night I looked at the female half of that couple and noticed something different about her. At first I thought she had lost weight, then I decided she had on a top that didn't fit her very well; it was a little loose. All of this just flashed through my mind but I didn't think anymore about it.

As we were leaving, she told the other lady and me that over the holidays she had had a breast reduction. I have never been able to understand the problem of having too much, but it was interesting to listen to her experience. And she feels much better now -- her shoulders and upper back don't hurt anymore. It made me wonder about Dolly Parton and how she handles that.

Ah well, that's a decision I'll never have to make!!

Jim IV and Jay have gone to North Carolina for a three day skiing trip, so I guess the work will begin again on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I think I will kick back tomorrow and take a much needed rest!!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

STILL GETTING ORDERED HOUSE

Jim IV and I are certainly getting a ton done in "this old house." So far here's what we've done:

1) painted the downstairs bathroom

2) painted the downstairs den-turned-bedroom

3) shampooed carpet in new bedroom

4) sanded and painted the bed to go in there

5) moved said bed to the new bedroom

6) cleaned out bookcases and given away over 100 books

7) called the Salvation Army out twice to give away all unnecessary items

8) moved twin beds into the master bedroom, bought new mattress and springs for the one that didn't have any

9) moved kingsized bed into other upstairs bedroom.

10) got estimate for new bath and shower in the master bath (yikes!)

11) picked out two chairs and ottoman plus TV stand for the living room and hopefully we will buy them today.

Whew!!! I think that's all so far.

What we have left to do is get the bathroom done, get chair in the living room re-upholstered, put bed together, move the rest of the furniture around, and hang curtains for two bedrooms.

On the back burner for now is to buy bedspreads and curtains for the master bedroom.

Then when pretty weather comes, we'll start outside on the yard.

Just makes "this old house" tired to see what all we've done!!