(Pic #1-At the end of a long day of Christmas decorating, modeling and ornament slapping, Izzy stakes his place under the tree, calling it his own for the season...as he does EVERY season!)

(Pic #2-Buddy and Izzy model as gifts under the tree so I could see what lovely packages will look like once I start to wrap them!) (Pic #3-Tripod takes a breather from all the festivities!)
(Pic #4-Geordie sure looks excited about being in his Christmas decorating costume! He transforms in to GEORDIE THE REINDOG this time of year!)

This year, I didn't do the "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza. I learned today there was a "new" shopping day added to the Christmas season. Out of one side of the mainstream media mouth screams RECESSION and out of the other SHOP! SHOP! SHOP! I tend to think there is no recession, based on things around here. The real estate folks are whining that the market is non-existent, but perhaps the public finally got smart and said they are simply not going to pay super-inflated prices for property...especially here on the coast. I tend to think that when things become more sensible, the market will pick right back up again. Then the nice MSM (mainstream media) folks can file the recession story away in the same file that says California is falling into the sea and that the North Pole is going to melt totally away by the time we turn around twice.
Considering those things, I did get the Christmas shopping bug and started checking out things online. As I said, I learned about a new shopping day and it has been dubbed "CYBER MONDAY." WHAT? Well, there it is again! A 'created day' to spend money that the TV continues to say that we don't have. Confusing? Well, yeah it is, but I dealt with it appropriately and went cyber-shopping! That makes me laugh as it reminds me of an old Jim Stafford song that has the famous line "you can take a trip and never leave the farm!" He had no idea just how prophetic that line would eventually be for me! I have a few of my favorite sites to shop...Sportsman's Guide is one of them. They've got tons of stuff and it's not all for men either! I find lots of gift treasures from that site that I know exactly who would love them. Even my mom is doing a lot of catalog and online shopping this year. It's easy. You can think about the selections. You're not fighting traffic and mall mobs. It's great for me. I'm in my jammies just surfing away for JUST the right item and the world is literally my shopping oyster!
Instead of going shopping on "Black Friday," I put up my Christmas tree. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I took my time, relished all the ornaments that I sadly put away last year. When I finished, I loved the result. Once upon a time, putting up a Christmas tree this early would have seemed outrageous, but nowadays, we barely get through Labor Day and out comes CHRISTMAS! For me anymore, it's like one great big wonderful season of celebration from Thanksgiving to Christmas, so I really don't have a problem with it all.
Today, I put out the better part of the decorations for the inside of the house. I had plenty of help, as the pictures indicate. In fact, I had two crash test dummies who were willing to be "presents" so I could see what presents will look like under the tree! TEE! HEE! HEE! Buddy and Izzy looked positively charming all cuddled under the tree. Heck, I might wrap them both up and give them away between now and December 24! I think anyone would be happy to receive either one of them!
I absolutely love the Christmas season. What's not to love? There are so many beautiful things to see, so many special things to do and it's a time to continue the sentiments of Thanksgiving, with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
That makes me think of another point about "THE MEDIA." They want everyone NOT to mention the word CHRISTMAS, yet they want to build our entire economic health based on the very holiday they're trying to snuff out. Even poor ol' Santa has been affected. I've heard you're not even supposed to mention the jolly old elf in schools now. Just "winter" things...like snowmen, penguins and snowflakes. COME ON PEOPLE! Have we completely taken leave of our senses? Life is tough enough as it is. To simply stifle the magic of the Christmas season is, well, UN-AMERICAN!
I fear that the next generations of children will never experience the magic that Christmas brought to me as a child. I remember hoping that Santa might have gotten the dates all wrong somehow and that maybe, JUST MAYBE, he might have shown up early at my house! I'd tip-toe down the hallway, my heart beating fast and peek into the living room only to see "the living room." Santa always managed to keep a perfect schedule, which was no small feat. There were no Palm Pilots way back when..and certainly no GPS devices! No computers to get directions! Nothing! Just Santa and Rudolph making their way across the world...in one night. I still believe in Santa Claus and I want to make that perfectly clear right out of the gate. He could be reading my blog and I could have blown it right here in there 11th hour!
So, while the mainstream media spreads gloom and doom, tries to squelch the reason for this wonderful season, then hypocritically begs us as an American public to spend money we don't have on things we don't need, I'll just ignore them, select gifts from my heart to those I love and celebrate their places in my life. I'll anxiously await Marah and Kevin coming home so that Marah and I can bake goodies, watch "A CHRISTMAS STORY" over and over as well as all our other Christmas favorites (Charlie Brown Christmas and Christmas Vacation!) and I will thank God for the many blessings we have had this year, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Yep. I said it. How about that? CHRISTMAS IS A CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY! Please don't cover up and hide behind politically correct behaviors this year. Now, don't jump ahead of me here. Because WE respect the beliefs of others as our founding fathers asked us to, don't compromise your own beliefs as a result of what politics and the MSM tell us. THINK FOR YOURSELF! CELEBRATE! LOVE EVERYONE! Allow yourself to enjoy an absolutely GORGEOUS Christmas Season.
Find the symphony in your area and GO! Many of them have a canned food drive...check ahead of time and if that's going on in your town, contribute. It's the season of giving...and of receiving. By giving of yourself, you will receive a peace that will carry you until...well...next Christmas!
LET THE SEASON BEGIN! NO BAH HUMBUG'ERS ALLOWED HERE!

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Whew. It's Sunday night and I'm whooped. Let's see...last post...the night BEFORE Thanksgiving! Tonight, it's kaput. Fini. Over. Done. (Like some turkeys, perhaps?) Whew, I say again.
The TV gabs on and on about how much weight we are all going to gain over this ONE WEEKEND, heck, they even narrowed it down to one day. Well, for what it's worth, I ATE. I ate MEAT. I ate veggies, I ate snacks, I ate shrimp cocktail, I ate all kinds of wonderful stuff. And I'm not ashamed!
I ate pumpkin AND pecan pie. Half slices of each, so wasn't that smart? I had one slice of pie total. As if I cared.
This Thanksgiving, I ate round two with full abandon too! I thought, what the heck! I've been on such a crazy regimen of late in terms of when I even eat. Many times (which I know, I know!) is not a good thing, I may only have dinner in the evenings. But, Thanksgiving was different. I had an agenda and as soon as I walked into my mom's house and put out the things we brought, we set about eating round one. We were waiting for my uncle to arrive, so phase one took place. It was lovely! Ham rolls, crab dips, shrimp cocktail...lots of fun things that would make a great meal to me. Then we went and spent a couple of hours with Frieda...then back to Mom's. My folks had a spread out and it was something else. We ate, once again, like piggies...and with full abandon.
After all was said and done, it was a sad state of affairs. I didn't even have the strength to do my normal complaining about the football game hogging the TV. I simply didn't care. I was definitely in the throws of a tryptophan coma (that I mentioned back when I was "waxing poetic" in my last post!). My cousin was asleep, Marah was talking non-stop to Wayne about school, her students, and getting him up to speed. My crazy uncle was busy being crazy. Marah was the target this year. He called her "Laura" incessantly for the entire afternoon and evening. It was hysterical. I laughed until big tears rolled down my cheeks as I listened to his relentless banter.
It was a perfect Thanksgiving. I was thankful for everything and everyone around me. I was thankful for our togetherness. Yes, I ate like a complete nut...but, had we had only PB&J sandwiches and milk, it was the TIME we were sharing that was important. Not the sweet potato casserole. Not the deviled eggs, not any of the totally delicious things we indulged in this past Thursday. It was the fact that we were together. We had made it another year. We were laughing, smiling and loving one another.
I pray that next year, things will be just as good as this year.
As an aside, Buddy, Kelly, Jakob, Wayne, Marah and I went to visit Frieda. It was very emotional, but it was WONDERFUL. Frieda is doing AMAZING THINGS!!! She knows what she has to do and SHE IS DOING IT! Don't be confused by all the rumors going around. I don't know why or how they're being so negative. Isn't getting someone BETTER the object when a friend or family member is as ill as Frieda has been? In my world, the object is to get BETTER...and guess what? FRIEDA IS DOING SO MANY THINGS ON HER OWN! Thanks be to God for giving her the strength and the courage to keep right on! I never even had to look at Frieda's leg to see if she was shaking it. Between head shakes of "yes" and "no," shoulder shrugging, hand squeezes and eye expressions, we needed no words. I know she was shaking her leg. But honestly, she was communicating so well with her face and body, I forgot to even look! We spent time outside getting fresh air. Frieda loved that. There were some tears. She had a lot of questions in her eyes and I answered them as best I could. She saw a Range Rover commercial on TV and knew exactly what it was...and that was emotional.
Later in the evening, after the big food fest, Wayne and I went back to see Frieda again. In order to keep things normal on Thanksgiving night, we went to watch a movie. Frieda was ready and she was SO happy. We watched a dvd that was there in her room. Things felt "normal." We were together, we were happy and we were watching a movie. She kept looking at me, then looking at Wayne and breaking into a big grin. Yep. It is all SO worth grinning about Frieda. And my God, it's so good to see you grin that great smile of yours again.
THAT, my friends, is "Thanksgiving."

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And all through the house...everyone was sleeping, except for Wayne's spouse.
She's been deviling eggs, preparing the yams, answering the phone and making more plans.
While preparing and chatting and checking the stove, Annie ponders her blessings and people
she loves.
There's so many of each and she smiles to herself, thinking wonderful friends are the best
kind of wealth. All of her family is safe and they're sound. She misses the ones who'll be
making other rounds.
The turkey is cooking and ready to baste, with everything else that we'll gather to taste.
With the food, the plans and the times in their places, before we know it, we'll be stuffing our faces.
By the afternoon, when we're sick of the aroma, we'll be piled up asleep in a tryptophan coma.
The year goes by, it seems in a flash and the next thing you know even Christmas will have passed.
So, tomorrow evening when Thanksgiving is through, here's hoping the holiday was perfect
for you!
Ok, ok, ok...I'm waxing poetic! Actually, it's called "entertaining myself!" Did you ever try to think of
something to rhyme with TRYPTOPHAN? HA! I never had before until tonight!
I have indeed been getting things ready for tomorrow. Kelly and I went to Food Lion and it was eerily calm.
I thought it would be a mad house, but we were in and out of there in a flash. Kelly made wonderful ham roll ups.
They were delicious. How do I know? We HAD to eat the ones that didn't look right. We cannot take imperfections
to our Thanksgiving Day table! We were laughing and wondering just how much you eat BEFORE Thanksgiving ever
happens...sampling this, just a smidge of that...I'm sure it adds up, but guess what? WHO CARES???
I had several calls from friends this evening and it was so wonderful to get caught up with a few of them. We've been out of touch for a while with a lot of our friends and it was wonderful to re-connect.
I noticed in the town of Stonewall the other morning, the SEASON'S GREETINGS decoration was going up...it goes all the way across the street! I love it. Reminds me of the excitement of seeing the Christmas lights in my town for the first time each year. And yes, I'll start running my annual Christmas DVD collection tomorrow. In fact, I started that tonight...I put in the ORIGINAL Walton's movie that the TV show spun off from. Patricia Neal, Edgar Bergen and Ellen Corbin played in "THE HOMECOMING." I remember coming home from church with my grandparent's for the Christmas program and CBS was airing it for the first time. I fell in love with it then and have kept a copy of it ever since. I've had it in VHS and DVD formats! HA! I'm a fan of that movie. I bought a copy for my brother that I've had for several months. I'll need to mail it to him so that his family can be enjoying too. We loved that movie as children. And of course, I have to play CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS until even I am sick of it!
As a child, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG came on tv each Thanksgiving night. We all piled around the tv to watch it, but for the life of me, I can only remember Dick van Dyke being in it and there was a flying car involved. Actually, it was kind of creepy. The car also had eyes that rolled around and around! Nonetheless, we loved it!
Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for me. I have wonderful memories of helping my mom, my grandmother and my great-grandmother cook. I remember my first turkey (and leaving the packet of "innards" inside the turkey while I baked it!) Yes! I'll admit to that! I think it's a rite of passage. I was too concerned about the little thingy popping up as it should. I never thought about checking INSIDE the bird. We never cooked the stuffing "inside" the turkey. It was prepared in a pan, so there was no red flag to warn me to make sure to get the bag OUT of the turkey!
Life is good. No matter what is going on, we are alive another year...all of us. Anymore, I think that is certainly worth celebrating. I am thankful for everyone in my life. I am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful life and I am grateful to God for the life He planned out for me.
We will be going to spend time with Frieda tomorrow. I cannot wait to see her. Things are different in that respect, as our traditions as friends won't be able to happen this year, but NEXT year, I just know things will be a lot better. We always did the "Black Friday" shopping...getting up before daylight, getting tons of coffee and going out into the mobs. The mobs are the best part. It's kind of pathetic, but also entertaining to see the lengths someone will go to for an item that is a whopping 5 bucks off if you show up at 3AM to get it! HA! Last year, Frieda was buying GPS's for the girls and she had to tangle with a man at Best Buy in Greenville or was it Circuit City...no matter...it was all chaos. They had a "pull and tug fest" over ONE GPS because Frieda was determined to get the same items for the girls! Frieda's logic was that it was easier for her to fight the man in the electronics store, rather than to give two daughters "the same thing but different!" It was hysterical to hear her tell about it. I think that man is out of the hospital SURELY by now! HA! I just know who got GPS's last Christmas. (BIG GRIN!) On Thanksgiving night, we always met up at our house to watch whatever super incredible DVD new release we'd been drooling over. One year it was the Johnny Depp version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Another year it was "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." (SCARY! We LOVE scary around here!) The new Shrek was released, so young Nancy and I plan to go watch that with Frieda...she'll like that and my hope is that it will feel "normal" to her somehow. And of course, we have to watch "A Christmas Story" of YOU'LL PUT AN EYE OUT fame. It would be sacrilege not to do so!
You all have your own traditions to go along with your celebrations. I hope you'll really look at them, be thankful for them and honor those traditions. They are to be loved, cherished and to remind us of all the wonderful things life gives us to acknowledge and be thankful for.
On behalf of me and my family, we wish you a safe, wonderful and heart-warming Thanksgiving. As individuals, as a community and as a nation, we are ALL blessed. My hope is that this year, people will look closely and carefully at his or her own blessings. I think it will be surprising once you start to take and inventory, to see just how blessed you are.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING...and no I can't resist...BOGGLE!!! BOGGLE!!! (*see post below for the horrible joke!)
And if you go shopping on Friday, don't come home without at least one good story to tell in honor of Frieda and "The Great GPS Fiasco!"
See you again soon!
-Annie

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Today I was thinking about all the things I am thankful for, since the close of 2007 is in sight and Thanksgiving is upon us.
I am thankful for friendship. I am thankful that our dear friend Frieda has shown what she's made of and is hanging in there and overcoming incredible odds. Frieda continues to thrill and amaze me. I told her a while back that she simply had to fight. I reminded her that SHE has to make herself "do" things and that she should concentrate on herself. I asked her to visualize herself
as "better" all the time. She has been and is currently doing these things and it is both showing and paying off. For her tenacity, I am thankful.
I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that Marah is well, happy, so amazing and she's my daughter! (I'm also thankful that she's graduating college in the spring!)
I am thankful that there are so many good people who surface in times of need and say "HEY! I'm here!" Many times, as we all know, good news doesn't mean much. It simply doesn't travel that far...but we all know bad news spreads like wildfire. I am thankful that even in the midst of bad events, good news finds a way to surface.
I am thankful for my life. Even in the most tumultuous times, there is always a life lesson to learn and an experience to keep.
This is a week FULL of thanksgiving. I'm not talking turkey here. I'm talking about MANY things that coincidentally occurring this week that give me EVERY reason to focus on the word "thanksgiving."
I am thankful our friend Geof got his computer up and going again. He's in Colorado and we got his email set up and going tonight. We miss him so much, so having him back on line makes the distance seem less distant.
Over the coming days, I will discuss things I am thankful for. I wouldn't even consider trying to list them all in general, much less in one post.
It's the season set aside for being thankful. I hope everyone is taking the opportunity to do just that.

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There is a silly joke that over the years I haven't been able to retire. It's juvenile and silly...hmm...sort of like me!
I'm won't even attempt to be PC...too much of all that going on as it is. It works like this...I wish Marah or Wayne or whomever I'm addressing a Happy Thanksgiving, adding a big, hearty GOBBLE! GOBBLE! Then in my own twisted sense of humor, I add..."if you're dyslexic, then BOGGLE! BOGGLE!" Yes, its dumb. Yes, it's silly...even ridiculous...and I've kept it up for years. I can hear Marah sighing as I type this. Oh Mom. Will you ever grow up? To which I reply, "NEVAH!"
There are so many little things we remember about our special times together. All of these surface particularly in November and carry all the way to the New Year. I am glad that I remember even the most silly of things. I think these days, now that Marah has grown up, she wouldn't admit it to me, but she probably actually looks forward to the nonsense.
For the past few years, Frieda and Young Nancy would either come over on Thanksgiving night or the Friday after and we'd watch the newest DVD released that we all were hopped up about. I will miss that this year. Nancy called me last night and we had a good talk about those things. Change is inevitable. We're going along with these changes since July kicking and screaming, but we do have our memories to talk about, make us laugh and most of all to relish. Last year, on the way to my parent's home in Washington, Marah, Kevin, Wayne, Frieda and me were in her van. Wayne was driving and we were between Aurora and Chocowinity when a BIG BIRD of some kind came out of nowhere and hit the windshield. I thought it was coming in on us and after we realized we were all ok, we laughed and laughed. It was hysterical to us (juvenile adults) when it could have really been dangerous. But, we found plenty to laugh at. Frieda was having a field day fussing at Wayne for hitting a bird with her van.
Talking about good memories is so healing. Regardless of what is presently going on, I truly believe you can turn things around and make them better simply by "remembering when."
We will look forward to better days for Frieda, and continue to pray for her strength and her healing...and we will remember the strength, the humor, the love and compassion she has continually shown to others in her life. Wayne and I were talking on Friday...missing our routine with Frieda. Wayne said no matter what was going on, how bad a day might have been or how tired he was, seeing Frieda coming up the stairs to the house just made him feel better.
We should all be so lucky to have an observance like that made about us.
We know that Frieda does indeed have a gift of making things better just in her presence.
I am thankful for so many things this year...and I am most thankful, I think, that Frieda has hung in there, fought hard and will continue to do so.
We have a lot of catching up to do Frieda Hudson. We're going to let you off this Thanksgiving, but next year will be a different story. I don't plan on her making a habit of this.
I hope where ever you spend your Thanksgiving this year, you will first of all have safe travels...and most of all, be THANKFUL.
Some years, nothing much has changes in "life" from the year before...but it could just as easily be that this year, you're adjusting to life that has become totally different. Changes in holidays can be dealt with without sadness. Just remember them in the best light possible, find the laughter and remember the best of times when you feel like you're in the worst of times.
I know that's how my friend Frieda lives her life. Since I have known her, she's always managed to find the best in situations, and more than likely, something to laugh about.
I will work hard to honor you in this way this year Frieda...we will ENJOY THANKSGIVING, as you would expect us to. You will be sorely missed, of course, but I promise to do you proud.
To kick it off...I'll start now wishing you all a HAPPY THANKSGIVING...and say to you GOBBLE! GOBBLE!!! And if you're dyslexic,
BOGGLE! BOGGLE!!
Let the holiday season begin! YAY!!!!!!!

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It's Friday, 4:59pm. I've been behind a day all week because of the Veteran's Day holiday. It has seemed like things have been out of kilter all week, in that I've forgotten what day is it on more than one occasion. But that's a good thing because suddenly it's Friday! Right out of nowhere...it's the weekend again. I like that.
Yesterday was good because we had a nice rainy day, which included a nice long power outage. That was kind of the icing on the cake for a nice quiet afternoon.
Today is cold. I was outside a lot, in the mud. I almost forgot what mud is because it has been so dry, but it was good to throw on my muck boots and tromp around.
The donkeys are munching on hay, the goats are strolling around content to eat leaves. My old timer, Buster, is 10. He's walking with a limp today and won't give me even half a chance to get a good close look at what the problem might be. He may have a bruised hoof, but it's hard to tell. He's a fat little booger, so I hate to see him limping around. I know it's hard to keep his balance. Being a pygmy, he doesn't have long legs to carry him around. So, my man Buster has laid around a lot today. Everyone else seems fine. It was funny to me how the other goats reacted when I was trying to get a look at Buster's hoof. Nosey by nature, they wanted to get up just as close as possible to see what I was doing, which didn't make things any easier. They are curious creatures. Dice put his face right into mine as if to ask "What is going on? What are you doing? What's the deal here?" Then he had a nibble at my hair.
Our friends Mike and Judy came over today. We've been working on a secret project for a while...and because it's a secret, I can't tell you what we've been working on...but do be happy for us. Today was successful! And we were glad! Isn't that mean for me not to tell the secret? That's bad manners and my mom will probably ground me or something, but, the real point is that we got to visit with our friends. We adore Mike and Judy. They are always laughing and smiling...even in the midst of things that might not be particularly laughing matters. After they left today, Wayne commented, "They just make you feel good." And I agree.
In times of uncertainty, strange things going on nationally, not knowing what anyone's motivations are anymore...it's so good to be around REAL people...wonderful people. We met Mike and Judy because someone told me they sold goats. I just kind of showed up at their house and asked. From then on, it was great. We bought Buster (hop-a-long) from them, as well as Grady, Milo, Sophie and Dice. We also bought a female Nigerian dwarf named Lupin. I loved her dearly and we lost her a couple of years ago, about this time of year.
At the end of the week, it was so nice just to get our project done and be able to sit and visit for a little while with our friends. Judy and I came inside and I bored her to tears showing her pictures on my computer. I had some funny ones of the goats and the other animals. She even seemed to want to look at them! HA! Wasn't that nice? Most normal people show pictures of their families and the like. Me? I am showing off my livestock! Just for redemption, I will add that I DID show a few pictures of my human family.
The rest of the evening has consisted of finishing daily tasks. Wayne rested his leg, which I was glad for. He needed to. We also hunkered down because it was COLD! It was below freezing last night, which made me think about it being this way for the next few months. I simply cannot believe that Thanksgiving is essentially HERE! And in a nanosecond Christmas will be here and gone. Time seems to get faster and faster.
I'm actually finishing this up on Saturday. It's quiet here at home...I'm the only one here. I'll be heading outside shortly in the chilly air! I'll be thinking about Turkey, dressing, all the trimmings, being with family and friends and all the things that I have to be thankful for.
The year ends as quickly as it began, yet all kinds of things are packed into the middle of it all. It would be good to slow down enough to remember all the good things that have happened this year. In a lot of ways, I'll be glad to see '07 come to a close. '08 is a mystery that is almost within sight. Time to get ready for what's ahead I suppose.
Today I'll consider Thanksgiving and it's meaning to me...and discuss that later.
Hope you're doing something FUN for the weekend!

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The NOAA weather forecast says we'll have about a 30 degree drop in temperature over the course of the day. Whew. It was warmer last night at bedtime than now. That's what I love about November in Eastern North Carolina. You just never know.
As with many parts of the southeast, we definitely need the rain. There's the need of course, but for me, it's just one of those nice, cloudy November days that you want to just cuddle up with a good book, check through the DVD library and listen. Why would I listen and what would I listen to? The rain on my roof!
We have a tin roof and that sound is extra wonderful to me. There's no other sound like it. Talk about instant relaxation. Geordie is on the loveseat asleep. Izzy is at the bar on a stool asleep. Tripod is in Geordie's bed...asleep. I checked on all the outside crew. They're in their houses and sheds taking cover...and probably asleep too.
Taking advantage of these kinds of times are healing and beneficial. It gives our minds and our bodies a chance to just rest. We can also breathe deeply and empty ourselves of stresses. You're kind of forced inside and that's not a bad thing on occasion.
Yes, I had a gracious plenty that I needed to do outside today. But, I knew this was coming and for once, as I watched the percentages of rain go up, I made other plans.
I need to be switching out closets and putting away the remnants of summer clothing, but, I'm not. I'm kicked back on the couch, I've been web surfing on some topics of interest, saying prayers and enjoying the solitude.
Earlier, I was roaming around downstairs and my cousin showed me an essay I had written just before midnight on the eve of my 40th birthday. It was a hoot! I couldn't believe he had saved it, but in reading what I had written 5 years ago (coming rapidly upon 6 years ago!), I realized that I have done many of the things I wanted to do in my 40's. I also realized that I have stayed very consistent in my train of thought, my own personal path and the goals that I had for myself. I was very pleased when I sat down and re-read that essay. I had forgotten I had written it. (Now there is something that does kind of change in your 40's... your memory!) I made myself a copy to tuck away and gave it back. I noticed the paper had kind of yellowed on the edges, but it was in pretty close to perfect condition. I was so touched that in all of Buddy's travels and movements in his own life, he held on to that essay. We are very close. It actually makes me tear up when I consider that he felt something I had written was worth hanging on to. Perhaps one day I'll post my "Last Night of My 30's" essay here on the blog...we'll see.
I just know that for today, I am warm, I am safe, I am blessed and I am loved.
I couldn't dream for more than that right now.
There's a pot of 15 bean (yep! count 'em 15) soup in the crock pot. All the laundry is done. The house is quiet and the inside critters are sleeping. My assessment? Today is a special little gift and I'm happy to have it.
RAIN ON!
Glorious, welcome, wonderful rain!
Here's wishing you a rainy afternoon in the near future...
Annie

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I just hung up from a phone conversation with my dear confidante Martha Myers. She and I have a special relationship. She puts up with me. (LOL! Right Martha?) And I adore her at every level. Martha and her husband Gene are "gifts that music gave me."
There are lots of folks that I have "made acquaintance with" over the years in music, but there are a very few that I have been so blessed as to actually enter into REAL bona fide friendships with, from them attending my performances. I don't even keep up with how long I've known them. I just know they're vital parts of my life, as well as Marah and Wayne's.
I was thinking about friendships today and just how many people call, write or email to keep up with Frieda's progress. Many of my friends became Frieda's friends too. My friends adore her just as much as I do and are chomping at the bit to see progress
and to see Frieda be given the ability to move forward from the second stroke. We all still maintain that Frieda will surprise a lot of folks when all of this is said and done. Yes, we've hear all the rumors, all the chatter and noise about what Frieda "can't do."
Well, around here, we tend to focus on what Frieda CAN DO, given the opportunity. And she will.
Martha has sent boxes of materials to help Frieda...and there's more to come as I understand it. Donna Mooneyham has stayed in close touch, sending a beautiful card with an incredibly inspiring magnet for Frieda. Each of them work in areas of rehabilitation for a living, so they know their stuff and I am so humbled that they have shown so much care, concern and compassion.
Shelia Sammons, who works for Davis, Davis and Dodson (a company that has assisted living facilities all over the state) has been a wealth of support, love and information in terms of helping Frieda. Donna Mooneyham actually helped develop the rehabilitation center at Pitt Hospital and now teaches all over the state. Martha is working on a patent for eating utensils for challenged and disabled children and adults. We are surrounded by brilliant people and as if that weren't enough, they all are "in the field of helping those with challenges and disabilities," so they have given so freely of their hearts, their knowledge and their commitment to see Frieda get better. How blessed is Frieda Hudson to have that kind of loving, caring, HEALING energy constantly with her?
There are people that I NEVER knew existed that have come forth since July and have actually become friends. One of those is Bruce Miller. He lives in Washington, DC, happens to plan to retire in Pamlico county and is a stroke survivor. He knew NONE of us, but read my blog from a link on the Town Dock and decided to write to me. As I said, a wonderful friendship between myself, Bruce and Wayne has resulted and we think it's just incredible.
Brenda Campbell and Joyce Allen are two dear, dear friends that music gave to me. Again, I met them at shows and now we are very close personal friends. Once upon a time, my life didn't work that way. I never got to know anyone. I may have been introduced and then moved on. Oh there were folks that I kept getting "reintroduced to" thankfully and they were very important, but the folks who have actually become my friends have been just that in the truest sense of the word. They got to know Frieda, how important Frieda was to Wayne, Marah and me and they knew how much she was around here and right in the middle of anything we had going on.
I have made acquaintance with so many folks as a result of knowing Frieda. So many have contacted me and I have been able to meet a few. That has been great.
I just want you all to know that with every stumbling block, there is another opportunity to get up, get back on track and get all the focus on Frieda and her healing. With our continued prayer, we will be so thrilled to see what amazing things Frieda will have up her sleeve.
I want you all to know how much Wayne and I have appreciated the CONTINUED support. It means more to us than I am able to express. Just know we appreciate you all and love you so much.
Winston and Johanne have never failed to stop and check on things here, check on Frieda and let us know "they're just down the road." Winston always has a smile, a music story to share and never fails to see if we need anything (especially since Superman went and re-injured his leg!). Johanne ALWAYS has a hug, words of encouragement and lets me know when she's worried about us. :) We need a little "mothering" from time to time, so thanks Jo!
It's stunning when we really start to think about ALL the support that has come from so many varied walks of life...all in the name of supporting Frieda's healing.
I want you all to know that we love you, Frieda loves you and one of these days, she'll just her tell you herself!
I want to name a few names now that are so wonderful and have been right here with us, if not physically, then via thoughts, calls and emails...to let us know they care.
John and Mary Ellen Golden, Geof Morris, Buddy Tuttle, Kelly Davis and her son Jakob, Marah, my parents, Mary Day, Bill and Dee Sage, Marsha and Dave Shirk, Steve and Jody Devera, Dave and Ruth Spencer, Denny Potter, Mark Teachey, Jim Clare, Catesby Jones, Ann Ehringhaus, Mel Stanforth, Walt and Linda Pence, Mike and Cindy Cross, Al Privette, Roberta Caton, Flo Daniels, Bill Sawyer, Jr. and Kristi, "all my neighbors" out here in the wonderful place that we live...the list could go on and on.
Candy Bohmert has stuck by us no matter what. She has taken trips with me to give Frieda all the support she possibly can and I know Frieda could never say "thank you enough." Candy has been such a support for me when times have been less than desirable during Frieda's two strokes. She has been a total rock and I don't know what I would have done without her.
Please know, even if you don't see your name listed here that ALL of you who have contacted me are so vitally important to Frieda's recovery. She LOVES her friends...and she loves meeting new people. In my heart, I envision the day that Frieda herself can say "thank you" to you all.
With that, I'll close with another THANK YOU and ask that you keep in touch and KEEP PRAYING!!!
Sleep time now...so, I'm going for it! Morning comes early enough as it is!!
People talk too much and do too little anymore. Kindness and love are free. I know how busy everyone is, so it takes on special meaning when folks keep right on after this long cheering Frieda on and most importantly BELIEVING IN HER AND THE THINGS SHE IS NOW DOING...no matter how small those things might appear.
Keep those prayers headed Frieda's way. She needs them and our prayer will give her the strength and courage to push past all the barriers that currently hold her back.
Just know you too are all loved so much and deeply appreciated.
So, this is a "thank you blog." Again, I KNOW I have left names out...and don't think for one minute I've forgotten about you!! It's just late and I'm busy thanking "EVERYONE!"
We will all be so happy when we see Frieda start to shift toward getting better.
We all miss her, don't we? So, now is not the time to forget about her. We need all the prayer we can get...and from the indications of the past few months, there are a LOT of wonderful, supportive people out there. Just keep "seeing" Frieda well.
Love her, talk to her out loud, even when you're not with her. We will all be so glad we did one day!!!
Love and many blessing to you all!
Annie

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I was sent a YouTube video today that was extraordinary. I listened and was moved immediately to tears. I forwarded it to several friends and kept feeling the need to listen to it as the day went on. The video featured a minister and gospel performer by the name of Wintley Phipps...and I was compelled to hear more, so I scanned through YouTube looking for more video and "googled" him to read info.
One of the videos posted was his rendition of "It Is Well With My Soul." I have always loved that song...I love singing it, I love hearing it and I especially love it's message. So, I was drawn to it immediately. However, there was a message for me...a strong one, that came just before Wintley Phipps started to sing. He said something that made an immediate impact...it touched my soul and again, I was in tears. I considered how I was so impacted by these songs and I started to think about the methods God uses to touch us all when He needs a conduit.
As a performer, I am always very humbled, a little embarrassed and many other feelings all combined when I get an email or someone tells me in person that songs I have written or my versions of a song have "touched" them. I do feel the connections that people speak of, I am always grateful and I always thank God for giving me the opportunity to touch someone in some way, if for no other reason than to be entertained for a while and take a break from reality.
I was given an extraordinary gift from a friend a couple of days ago. I sang at her mother's memorial service and knew as soon as the service started that there was a message for me and a reason I was there as well. However, I received a beautiful card and the gift of two stunning dolls that my friend's mother had made. I hardly knew how to accept them. I felt in my heart that I hadn't "earned" the privilege of having them. I knew there are grandchildren, other family members or friends who might have wanted these dolls, as there will be no more of them. Yet, I saw the importance to my friend to be able to share this part of her mother with me.
I have studied the dolls for the past couple of days. I have reflected on how one action begets another and another and another. I was supposed to sing one song, but in the midst of the service, I felt led to sing two songs. It was totally out of character for me to do something like that, but I went with it and am glad I did. Someone was touched...and that was conveyed to me. I was glad I followed my feelings.
Life has been confusing of late. Many things I thought to be real and true in terms or life, friends and people in general have served only to be disappointing at best. I have struggled with that because I genuinely want to see and believe the best in everybody...and especially people I think I know well. I know God works in mysterious ways, yet what's most shocking is when God works right before your very eyes. It's hard to believe, again, in terms of what you're seeing and feeling, yet you know it's real. God wants us to listen and we when we do, we find His peace is so many ways. Letting go gives Him a chance to comfort, to uphold, to strengthen and to encourage...even when we feel there is no comfort, strength or encouragement to be found.
When we are fearful, we tend to retreat...all of us do. I feel confident saying that straight across the board. Yet, facing fears, as scary as it seems, allows us to step past our own boundaries and see beyond the scope of a scary landscape. We can move ahead of what we fear and be open to what God wants to show us.
I was honored to be there for my friend and her family and humbled to have been able to help comfort them in some small way. (one action) Another friend sends a YouTube video, having no idea how much it would be both needed and touching for me today. (begets another action). I start digging for more songs and hear a message that not only applies to me, but I knew of others who certainly could use a boost...so, I sent the videos to them too. (begets another action and another and another)
The quote before the song started is this:
"It is in the quiet crucible of your personal private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you've been through." -Wintley Phipps
In my case, the statement (or lead in) that was said before Reverend Phipps began singing was what I was meant to find...I'm glad I found it.
Once upon a time, I might have said it's "funny" how things work out. I don't think like that anymore. I know that even the smallest of seemingly benign events can have an especially deep and timely meaning for someone else.
God has allowed me to be on both sides of the fence this week. I have been able to reach out to someone in their time of need and offer comfort...and in turn, my friend sent a video, and I received more comfort and support than he could know...which in turn I was able to share once again.
Life is about helping...when you have that funny little feeling that you "should" do something...go for it. You never know when YOU are the conduit that God needs to get a special or needed message to someone. When we all help each other in that way, we are all so very, very blessed.
Wintley Phipps said something that God wants us to know. I know I won't soon forget it...and will spread this message far and wide. Reverend Phipps reminded me that "it is well in my soul."

"It is in the quiet crucible of your personal private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you've been through." -Wintley Phipps

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Wayne and I have been "teen sitting" for the past few days for the newly turned 14 year old son of my cousin. If you recall, I talked about celebrating Jake's birthday last week and how we much we enjoyed it.
I've had quite a bit of one-on-one time with Jakob these past few days, which has been great. It's been a while since I've had an opportunity to spend time with a teenager at all, much less a young man. Marah is now 22 so, it has been a long time.
In taking Jake to school and picking him up, we've had time to chat a plenty. Today, when I picked Jake up from school, I asked how his day went. He replied, "Good." I thought for a minute and wondered what constituted a "good" day in the life of a teenage boy. I figured several things might be options...he passed a test, a cute girl grinned at him, he learned about a "good" video game...who knew? So, I asked just that. "Jake, what constitutes a good day?"
His answer was stunning and profound.
Jake kind of shrugged his shoulders and said, "Well, a good day is when nothing bad happens."
I hardly knew what to say.
A good day is when nothing bad happens. Profound.
I told Jakob immediately that he had just given me a blog topic. He laughed and wondered why. I felt a little silly telling him that it was almost too deep to explain because us crazy adults just don't "get it!" The simplicity of his comment was perfect. It was said with such innocence and yet such maturity.
I am not sure we listen closely enough to our youth. Perhaps they give clipped one word answers, perhaps they give big long dissertations on movies that would scare me senseless (he described a couple of those for me too!), but I learned something of great value from a 14 year old today. As adults, we project "what might happen, what could happen, we forecast early disappointments based on fear, and other factors. We give credence to unwarranted worries and things we can do nothing about.
We focus too little on all the good that goes on in the midst of the "bad" that hasn't happened yet.
Interesting twist, huh? I'm know I'm guilty as charged.
I'm going to see what kind of a GOOD DAY I can have tomorrow. Jake made it sound easy, so this ol' gal is going to give it a shot.
"A good day is when nothing bad happens." -Jakob Womack
It's a keeper quote! Use it often!

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The time changed for real last night! (Not last weekend as I initially thought!) I like this time change better than the one that occurs in Spring. Most folks think that's crazy, but somehow I always feel like I WANT MY HOUR BACK in the spring. I know it gets dark earlier now, but that's ok too. It's fine with me.
I was thinking about "getting that hour back" this morning and how my mom used to say that "you get an extra hour tomorrow" when "fall back" occurred.
So, what will you do with that extra hour today? Will you do something nice for a neighbor? Will you pick up a good book you've been putting off reading? Will you make a call to a friend you haven't spoken to in a long time? Will you take a walk? Will you take in a movie? Will you use that hour to "right some wrongs?" If you plan it well, you can get a lot done in an hour.
I am in hopes that "that extra hour" will be put to something positive.
Don't spend that extra hour in gossip and saying hurtful things about others. Don't spend it in anger. Don't spend it creating drama or participating in it. Don't use that extra hour to say or do something harmful to anyone.
God doesn't want us to waste time. God wants us to put the brief time He has given us here on earth doing works that are constructive.
I'm always amazed at how many people think it's ok to spread unfounded information, create gossip, and other actions that harm many. Divisiveness is not what God wants, and truly I don't think humans really want that either. It's too easy to "just be nice."
One hour. If you consider that notion that has been pondered since the dawn of man..."if you had one hour left to live," what would you do? It's almost overwhelming to think about.
An hour is a long time, yet in the big picture, it's a blink.
Use your "extra hour" wisely today and, if you haven't already...change your clocks!!! The fire departments also say that it's a good time to check the batteries in your fire alarms.
As an aside, on the Saturday nights that the time changed, Frieda and I used to use it VERY wisely. We'd sit up and wait up FOR the time to change...and then we had an EXTRA hour to talk! So, it worked out well for us! We could cover a lot of topics in that extra hour.
I haven't decided what I will do with my free hour. I feel mostly like relaxing today. I do a very comforting and FUN hobby of coloring and painting mandalas. They are geometric shapes and many have deep meaning, even in the colors I choose, etc. I may spend extra time outside...it's GORGEOUS today! There's always a good chance I'll be messing with the animals and seeing what I can get into FUN!
I might take this extra hour for myself to meditate, pray and honor the seasons that are behind me this for this year and look positively at the autumn season and winter months ahead. I cannot say what those times will bring, but I can look at the coming days in a positive light and pray for many, many things. Most of all, I will pray for improvements for Frieda. So many of you are asking about her via emails. Just know that I've been busy taking care of matters at home. Wayne, while trying to "make up time he lost" when he was first injured, has re-injured his leg, so I have my hands full with him right now. But don't think for one minute that Frieda is seeing any less of me and that our work doesn't continue. It does...and it will. Frieda and Anne have a commitment. Many commitments are not valued in this day and time, but nothing will stop the work that Frieda and Anne have ahead...and we're going to go as far with this as the Good Lord sees fit.
If you have questions about Frieda, don't mind emailing me. I answer them all and am always so glad to hear from you. It is GOOD and HELPFUL for Frieda to hear from her friends, so whatever comes to me, I make sure it's read to her and I pass all messages and well wishes along.
It is amazing just how many people love Frieda Hudson and TRULY CARE. I sang at a memorial service yesterday. Afterward, there was a gathering for everyone to visit and be together with the family. I was stunned at how many people that I don't even know came up to me and asked me first about Frieda and then told me how much they appreciate reading my blog. I cannot say thank you enough. I needed to hear it...and you all give me strength, power and courage to keep right on writing. Frieda would tell me that's a good thing.
I am humbled that a simple friendship that sadly had to include a catastrophic event could have touched so many lives in such a positive way. Frieda Hudson would be grinning EAR TO EAR if she could only see these emails "in a stack." It's amazing. And in perfect Frieda character, she'd shrug and say she was happy to be a part of helping out.
Use your hour wisely. Use it for good...don't waste that precious hour. You'll want it back one day.

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Happy Birthday Frieda!
What a milestone for you!
I've got lots of birthday wishes to pass along when we see you shortly. Your birthday is a wonderful day of celebration to all of us who love you and cheer you on!! You are an amazing woman and an inspiration to so many.
Here's wishing you many, many more birthdays!
We love you,
Anne, Wayne, Marah, Meemaw, Peepaw, Geordie and all the other critters!
Later on....11pm...just got back home from Washington. Had a great birthday celebration with Frieda. In fact, Frieda's room mate asked if we could all sing to her, so SING WE DID! Frieda squeezed my hand tighter than she has in a long time. We had great communication. She loved her balloons, and even held her card with her trusty left hand.
Things are turning the corner for you Frieda. I just know it. We have all prayed for God to continue to give you strength and maintain your awesome courage to improve...and just like before, we are seeing evidence of just that.
This is a special birthday Frieda. It will be one to remember...you're a fighter and no matter what, our hearts tell us you're not about to quit.
Based on tonight, your determination and strength that you demonstrated show just that.
No matter what...KEEP GOING!!! We're right behind you dear Frieda.
We were so honored to spend your birthday with you and wouldn't have had it any other way!

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