Silver and Gold

"Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other's gold" was a song we sang at girl scout camp. Today, I got together with someone who I have known since I was twelve years old. We hadn't seen one another for probably ten years so we decided to meet up at her mom's.

We had a lovely time reminiscing and catching up. Years ago, I introduced her to the musical artist Dan Fogelberg (you might remember his songs Longer and Leader of the Band). We attended two of his concerts in the past. Today we commiserated his death a few years ago.

When I came home, I decided to work off some of my dessert on the treadmill whist listening to, and singing along with, one of Dan's albums, Twin Sons of Different Mothers, which he recorded with a flutist by the name of Tim Weisberg (The Power of Gold is one of my favorite songs on this album). Oh, how I enjoyed that album!

I decided to listen to more and saw an album by Christian artist, Michael Card (this, Joseph's Song, can bring tears to my eyes. I started listening to him when I needed an alternative to secular music and he reminded me of Dan. Wow! I was lifted up with that album. I almost fell off the treadmill because my eyes were closed and my hands were lifted!

As I explained to my friend, I find that the old, secular music tends to remind me of things from the past that I don't want to remember. There is one song that can send me into a panic attack because the memories are so vivid and hurtful that I stay away from the oldies stations.

Whatever we put into our minds, whether reading or tv or movies, stays there forever. Memories can flitter across our minds in a nanosecond and set us up for pain or happiness.

It has taken me too many years to learn this lesson. I need to weed out those shows and books and movies that are just not silver or gold.






Now, let's have some virtual coffee. To participate, simply enter your blog post URL in the linky tool below! No need to get fancy, just invite people to your blog (or chat in the comment section if you aren't a blogger) and let's get to know each other better!



This is a Blog Hop!
1.
diane @ ginosko
2.
Purity, Modesty, and High school Girls
3.
Joyce - Our Week in Photos
4.
Michelle @ My Life Through Food
5.
Melissa @ Seven Matters
6.
Joywriters Deadlines and Expert Advice
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March to Finish " After Pics"
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Kelley @ Over the Threshold: The German Journal
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Jennis Seasons - staycation without the kids!
10.
gails great atlantic northeast

A Walk in the, uh, College Campus

Yesterday, we walked for Autism Speaks. The organization is not perfect but it a big help for families dealing with the autism spectrum.

As the team captain, the weeks leading up to the walk are stressful to me. I did nowhere near as much fundraising through sponsors as I did last year as I was paralyzed by what I saw as the immensity of it. It really isn't a big deal but, in my mind, it was of gargantuan proportions.

Last week, not only did my fms flare but my ibs decided to come along for the ride. Ugh. I am so thankful that I was able to nap and function well enough to do what I had to do.

Our team Isabella came out beautifully! The girl wanted pink but I put my foot down and we settled on orchid (pale purple). A couple of the guys were not thrilled but real men do wear purple!

How wonderful it was to have both our side of the family, Isabella's dad's side of the family and dear friends join us in support of our girl! Even my mother-in-love, who has issues with her legs, joined us in a wheelchair for the second year in a row! It was wonderful to push her along the 1.6 mile route.

After the walk, most of us broke bread at a local eatery and continued our fellowship and good time. Our girl, Bells, did so very well. We couldn't be prouder.

Will we walk again next year? As long as children are newly diagnosed, we have the strength and we are able, yes. Will I get all worked up? Probably. Let's just hope I start earlier and get more productive with corporate sponsorship!

blessings to all, g

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

A few years back, our church started something called "cell" groups. These groups encouraged open, intimate relationships. Our all women groups became very close for the most part and age didn't matter.

Currently, we don't have enough female leaders to have women's cells (the men are hooked up just fine) but we still have close relationships.

One of the ladies recently turned 40 and a friend decided to have a get together to celebrate. Only five in all could make it so it turned into a dinner party. The hostess, being a foodie and gifted cook, prepared an outrageously delicious meal of risotto, shrimp in garlic sauce, mussels in a lovely red sauce and a beautiful green salad. Two of us baked chocolate confections for dessert. Oh, I am so glad I saved up my weight watchers points all day!

Although the dinner was fab, the best part of the evening, to me, was the laughing. Oh, how we laughed. Some people probably think that a bunch of "church ladies" would be boring but, trust me, had you been a fly on the wall, you probably would have had a grand time, too! We stayed so late that Himself called to make sure I was okay! (It was a dark and stormy night...)

This particular night was important to me because I tend to isolate - especially in the evenings. The hostess made a special call to me instead of counting on the email she sent out to see if I was coming. This kindness nearly made me cry. My self-esteem is not always all that high.

Ladies, hold your girlfriends close. They understand like a man can't. Nurture your relationships and don't take them for granted.

Have a blessed week, g