I Tried No...it didn't work.

I alluded to the first time I remember taking a big stand against something. The first time I did it when appearance was at stake was the wedding of the oldest brother. They wanted me to be the flower girl. All I knew was I didn't like the idea. Because I would have to stand next to a boy. Now, after six brothers and their friends I figured I had had enough boys.

Once again I used the NO word when I didn't have a choice. I don't remember much about this whole event; I do remember finally getting put into the dress and handed this basket. Ok, it didn't hurt much yet. But at the church came this guy with a camera. This was not happening. I decided that throwing my basket might do it. Didn't work. So the first picture is what the world saw.

The second photo is what we really thought about this whole thing. His face says it all.

I was a good girl the rest of the day. Maybe being in the lime light wasn't so bad. Especially when I realized all I had to do was smile and walk next to that boy. But I was hoping this would end it. Little did I know.

God Bless those who smile at my life events.

Carol

Lent Event

Last year I wrote about this and again this year I ponder the event. I think it's important to give something up for 40 days. It all started with Jesus being in the desert for forty days temped by the devil. I couldn't imagine my sacrifice ever measuring up. But that's not the point. To be aware of your every thought and be temped by something so simple as food or action is worth it all.

Over the years, it seems easy to give up things like, pop, candy, junk food, or complaining. When I was little I would try to give up homework, taking out the garbage or helping in the kitchen. As you can imagine, that was for me not Jesus. And Mom said NO. Giggle.

This year I heard a Priest say that maybe when you don't take that extra bite, or eat the candy bar that you bought without thinking you can offer it up to someone who is having a hard time or just sad. Wow, that's way too cool. A full circle to the event.

Well, here I am rambling on. So for you Catholics who are enjoying lent, go for it. Otherwise God Bless those who are just good people without the event.

Carol

Do I Smell Peeps?

Oh yes, they do smell wonderful especially when you are four weeks into lent. If you are Catholic you know what that means to give up candy. If you're not Catholic then lent maybe confusing. Short form explanation is as follows. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert with the devil and no food. Yiks, and I am complaining about no candy...oh well, we like to honor Jesus by giving up something we love for those forty days.

This has been going on a long time, even older than me. When I was young I tried to give up things like, making my bed, helping in the kitchen. Mom told me more than once it had to be something that meant a lot to me. I tried everything, giving up soft drinks, that was easy, even not talking a lot, that is truly a force of nature it didn't take me long to fail at that. So back to candy I went. Forty days without candy it may sound easy but it's not.

The hardest part is in the grocery store. At the end of the isle that's where the candy for any holiday is displayed. I find myself running my hand over the bright colors of the Peeps, yellow and pink. I think to myself, Carol step away from the Peeps. As my hands slide off the Peeps and my fingers ease off the pressure that usually take the product and places it in my cart I feel great. I do have to take one more trip past those sugar wonders. Once again I have made it to the cashier, pay my bill and head out of the door. I however, look back and wink, I will be back for the Peeps after Easter.

For today, Jesus would be proud of me but alas will I make it tomorrow, for it is another day and another trip to the grocery store.