My nephew. My soldier. Hours before he deployed.

Fly Eagle

My best friend in this wide, beautiful world breezed through town yesterday to see Trinity and me on her way to California to begin a new chapter in her life. She moved back to Arkansas from California to care for her elderly mother. Her mother passed away around Thanksgiving last year. There was no longer a reason for her to stay. She is 20 years my senior. Yet, our lives have taken such similar paths.

It was so good to see her. We talked non-stop for the entire time that she was here. When she got into her car to leave, I hugged her and told her that I loved her. As she drove off waving, I didn't feel sadness to see her go even though I do not know when or if I will ever see her again. Instead, I felt the excitement of her new journey. It takes a lot of courage to pull up stakes and strike out on a quest for a new life with your future completely uncertain. It takes more courage when you embark on that endeavor alone.

I watched her until I couldn't see her car anymore. As I turned to go back into my house, I whispered into the wind, "Fly Eagle".

Inertia

Well, we are back in Arkansas. We have moved back because my mom was diagnosed with Fibromuscular Displaysia of the Carotid arteries.

An invaluable lesson witnessed by my astute, extremely intelligent little girl: The outcome to a set goal may not be as you planned or hoped. But, you have to have the courage to try.

The above pictures were taken at the Honolulu airport when we were leaving. She was more than ready to go, as you can tell, to see my mother. LOL!!! Doesn't she look so cute???!!!

Par for the course

I was waiting at the corner of University and Dole for the light to change so that I could cross the street.  Several others were waiting as well.  The light changed and the white light guy appeared.  I stepped into the street and almost got hit by a bicycle.  I've almost been hit by a car before but never a bicycle.......

Built for Comfort

Am I the only one who likes Duff on Ace of Cakes?  Am I the only one that would love that bald head and go-tee all night long?  He is the type that is built for comfort not for speed.  And, I so don't mind.  

I've got a cake for him to decorate!

www.charmcitycakes.com

I just love resourceful MEN!

I met this really cool guy last Friday at my office.  He came in to give a presentation.  He was staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  Although he looked at me suspiciously when I asked for his room number, he gave it to me.  I ask everyone that I come in contact with who is vacationing as I take Trinity and hit the pools as if we are also tourists.  

We went Sunday afternoon.  When we rounded the corner, there he was.  We both burst into laughter and I introduced him to Trinity.  We swam for a while and then talked for a while.  During our conversation, he said, "You want a beer?"  I said, "Sure."  Why of course I did!  He disappeared and came back carrying a brown paper bag.  In his room, he had fashioned a plastic bag containing ice, four beers, and lime wedges inside the brown paper bag.  He had made his own beer cooler!  I couldn't help but laugh.  To which he replied, "Hey, I worked it out!"

I just love resourceful men.  He was too cool!

SCORE!!!!!

I love thrift stores!!  I can poke through a thrift store for hours but become instantly bored with malls.  My sister is a dumpster diver.  She doesn't go looking for food or anything.  If she sees something sitting on the side of the road abandoned, however, look out!  She would go crazy in Hawai'i.  I am amazed at what people put on the side of the road.  But, we are on an island.  I guess if they are moving to the mainland and can't sell it or ship it, to the side of the road it goes.

Tonight, I found the two pieces shown on the side of the road.  They weren't there this morning and had not been rained on.  For the dresser, I hauled in the drawers.  For the frame, I had to "criss-cross" it down the street, meaning I would grab the end, twist it around, and then grab the other end.  When I got to the point where I was going to have to cross the street, a nice older gentleman helped me carry it to my door.  I, then, stood it up on it sides and pulled it in.  Did you see the Hawaiian flowers carved into the side?  I can't wait to get to Home Depot for paint and new pulls. 

The little TV stand was kinda wobbly.  But, I thought it would look perfect housing Trinity's stuffed animals.  Wasn't I right?  She walked in and gasped, "I love it!"  She did not know that I had packed all of them.  They have been residing in their U-Haul box that they were lovingly thrown into in Jonesboro.

Whatta a SCORE!!!!