Mama's Song

Painting by Lord Frederick Leighton

I had planned on writing todays post on another subject, but my daughter asked me to listen to Carrie Underwood’s Mama’s Song. I was so moved by this song that I decided to write this post about what this song meant to me. After writing the lyrics down and listening to the song, I needed one of the handkerchiefs written about in yesterdays post.

Being a mother is not an easy task; being a good mother is even more difficult. I don’t believe there is a person out there who has been a perfect mother, and if you believe that you have, someone else must have brought up your children for you.

As I reflect on the childhoods of my son and daughter, I tend to forget the runny nose, the dirty diapers, the lack of sleep, and the tears shed. I remember my son dumping a bag of sugar on the kitchen floor, sliding as if he had skates on his feet, and my daughter covering her entire body, including her long hair, in Crisco. Yes we all have our stories -- the school skits, musicals, dances, programs, and then the graduations. It passes by so quickly. Where did time go?

Joey left home gradually, thank goodness, and I was very close (across the street, haha) to him. When I walked away from Angela in that doorway at Samford, I thought my world was crashing in. I just knew that she would be left standing in a corner feeling awkward and left out. Well that has been the grandest of misconceptions.

My children are no longer at home, but they continue to be my “babies”, and I don’t believe these feelings will ever change. You can’t help being concerned about their health, safety, and happiness. We love them too much to completely let go, but you have to allow them to spread their wings and Fly.

Joey will be getting married this upcoming year, and I will be facing the same emotions experienced by all parents when they formally, and finally, give their children away to the person that they have chosen to spend the rest of their life with. The photograph below is of Joey and his beautiful fiance, Lindsay.

Angela is not thinking about getting married any time soon, but she knew this song would mean so much to me. She knows that it will be an emotional time for me when I walk her down the aisle. It will be a beautiful and happy day. The photograph below is of Angela and her MaMa.

I am leaving the lyrics to this song, along with two links. The first is a heart-felt moment with Carrie Underwood, the other the song itself. I hope that you will be as touched by this song as Angela and I are.

Mama's Song

Mama, you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You’ve given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life

And I know you watched me grow up
And only want what’s best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good
He treats your little girl like a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me
Don’t you worry about me

Mama there’s no way you’ll ever lose me
Giving me away is not goodbye
As you watch me walk down to my future
I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

‘Cause he is good, so go
And he treats your little girl the way a real man should
He’s good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me,
Don’t you worry about me

And when I watch my baby grow up
I’ll only want what’s best for her
And I hope she’ll find the answer to my prayers
And then she’ll say

He is good, so good
And he treats your little girl the way a real man should
He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps
No he’s never gonna leave
So don’t you worry about me,
Don’t you worry about me

Mama don’t you worry about me
Don’t you worry about me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpRZ_HdlsS0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbxzdwGc9Ls

I hope that you have enjoyed this blog post as much as I have enjoyed putting it together,
Merry Christmas,
Teresa

Just Do It!

...

Each year I hear repeated complaints about the manner in where waiters and waitresses are tipped -- or not! These people have children and families just like we do. They have Christmas presents to buy.

While money is tight during the holidays for most of us, why would we ever believe it isn't the same for them? Let us remember this during this busy season, when they are working very hard.

Here is the way I look at it--if you can't afford to tip, you shouldn't be dining out. That is just the way it is. I have to admit, under-tipping has always bothered me – it is just downright tacky.

Merry Christmas and Cheers!
Teresa

Swinging Away

Tourges' Girls Porch Swing

I can’t remember a time in my life when we didn’t have a swing, and I don't intend for that to change. My childhood is filled with memories of my grandmother, mother, daddy, aunt, sisters and children spending hours enjoying this peaceful time together. It is just what we do in the south, and there is little chance of that changing.

My sisters and I retired a few swings, some due to the abuse only children can impose, and others due to old age. I can remember swings hanging from the ceiling of the porch surrounding my granny's Victorian home, the screened- in- porch at our home, the old rusty gym set in the backyard, and my mother’s beautifully built “garden swing,” which I called "God's Place."

Our garden was a wonderful place to be, regardless of the weather, and my parents spent their retirement years enjoying the fresh air there. I miss seeing them as they swung, working out the good and bad times of each day, week, month and year. I remember the many expressions on their faces as I affectionately watched them from inside -- their mannerisms telling much of the content of their converse. Their smiles were so full of love and happiness.

That beautiful garden, the home of our swing, was landscaped and planted by my mother and had an abundance of fragrant flowers. I believe that my love for the garden began there. The scent of the grass and flowers during different seasons was intoxicating, and the smell of the sun as it warmed the skin was therapeutic. The insects and animals shared graciously their abode, appearing happy that we were there, while at the same time keeping their distance.

I remember the rain tapping the roof of my mama’s swing as it carried the earth's vapors --bathing everything below. The harbor she built around this swing provided protection from the elements, making it even more inviting. There was no rest for that swing, and it still hangs proudly.

During my lifetime I have cried, smiled, studied and read in swings -- clearing my mind and adding more to it. Joey, Angela and I have spent many hours just talking about things that may seem trivial to some, but important to them and to me. I wouldn’t take anything for those memories, and I hope that Joey and Angela feel the same way.

I do intend spending the rest of my life wearing out these legs in this contraption made from wood or steel, and I hope that I will have a loved one next to me -- child, grandchild or friend. I still have a lot of stories to tell, time to listen, problems to work out, and hopefully a few free moments for myself.

Here’s to you Eight O’Clock and to the grand old swing!

Have a great day!
Teresa

Bragging Rights

Joey in his own kitchen in Rosemary Beach.

Joey and John Besh at a charity event. They worked hard that night!

I love to brag about my children from time to time as you will see. My daughter was the topic yesterday, so here goes...

My son is a seasoned chef, and has cooked beside some of the top chefs around. Do I sound like one of THOSE mothers yet? I WILL ADMIT IT--I am.

He has so many talents and is one of the most creative people I have ever known. Now I am not saying this because I am his mother--I am saying this because it is the gospel, and in the south that means something! I will have to give a little credit to those he learned from--some of the best french chefs in the country.

I am looking forward to some fine vittles soon, and I was thinking along the line of his brown sugar and balsamic Salmon or chicken anything. This child CAN create miracles with a chicken.

At the moment he is creating marvelous web pages. As I said, he is a very creative person and successful I might add! I think he may have found his niche. I have seen several of the web pages he has done and his artistic experience jumps out at you!

Joey has brought me many years of joy, and he will be getting married in June to a precious young lady. Then in years to come, the pitter-patter of tiny feet--the most perfect (of course) grandchildren.

That will be another story, along with the numerous blogs about the christening gown and the beautiful dresses and gowns for this angel from God. Yes, in the south boys do wear day gowns for at least six months, and move into smocked or french hand sewn ensembles, haha. Oh, and by the way, we also like to stick a few magnolia leaves in the background if pictures are being made.Oh--Ok Ok--enough for this blog.

Have a great day and enjoy!
Teresa

Christmas at Samford University

My daughter and me at Samford University on Sunday. We are so blessed!

Doing what we do best! Chessecake Factory in Birmingham.

Beautiful Christmas tree. Samford is such a beautiful campus, and I am so thrilled that my daughter is fortunate enough to attend such a magnificent college.

More to come...
Merry Christmas,
Teresa,
xoxo

I've Gone Zebra!

Follow me through the Jungle...

This beautiful stairway runner is zebra, designed by Renea Abbott for Veranda Magazine.

This room, decorated by Anthony Todd,is featured in Elle Decor. It is designed around a zebra pelt from Wildlife Etc., layered on top of a sissal rug.

This beautiful dining room, featured in Tradional Home, is arranged atop a Dash and Albert wool rug.

The Trophy Room Collection, Inc., provides zebra upholstered furniture, pelt rugs, and upholstery pelt priced by the foot.

These rugs are from Williams Sonoma and Target. The Williams Sonoma rug would work especially well in a kitchen or breakfast room. The Target rug, priced for those on a budget, would be perfect for a teenagers dorm room or bedroom.



The real thing -- the pelt. The prices are determined by the grade.
ZEBRA UP!

See you soon,
Teresa,
xoxo

Christmas Bliss

I will admit it -- I can't contain myself! This has been ready to publish for a few days and I have held off posting for as long as I can. Well here goes.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I love looking at the ornaments and the magazines with the decorated trees with their beautiful ornaments amidst the glittering bright lights. Everything twinkles at Christmas and people seem more friendly.

My memories of Christmas are mostly happy ones, and I can remember the excitement I felt in anticipation of the arrival of the Jolly Old Saint Nick with his big fat belly and long white beard. Santa could do just about anything.

Our home celebated the Christian belief that Christ the Savior was born. We would have a candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve, and we all looked forward to seeing the sparkle of the enormous number of lit candles as we all left the sancuary on the way to our cars.

I will never forget my sister's effort to blow out the candle that she held for a friend that had passed away in an accident that year. Let's just say it had a message to send.

This Jay Strongwater nutcracker and ornament series delights me, and I imagine how beautiful they would be in a home at Christmas time. Although out of my price range, I try to purchase at least one and continue to follow the work of this talented artist.

His work is unsurpassed as far as I am concerned. So I will purchase just one little piece -- just enough to bring one more twinkle to my ornament laden tree.

Ho Ho Ho!

Nutcracker Suite

Sunflower Ball

Teddy Bear with Drums

Sunflower Ball

Sleigh

Sultana Heart

And something for my Jewish friends

Menorah

http://www.jaystrongwater.com/

This just the beginning of my Christmas. We will sew, cook, decorate and entertain. You will most likely see some of my friends and their talent at play too!

Merry Christmas!

Teresa