There is an author that I learned about and grew to love as a result of my mom sharing a book (her own copy) with me. Her name is Sarah ban Breathach (last name pronounced ban brannock). She originally started writing about "all things Victorian," which frankly would bore me to tears, but as she progressed as a writer, her interests shifted to ways to live an ABUNDANT LIFE in simple ways. The first book my mom gave me was titled "Simple Abundance." I read it heartily daily and of course had to have all the follow-ups to it.
One year at Christmas, Marah gave me the "Simple Abundance Journal" and there for a while I was immersed in the how's and why's of simple abundance and how life can be so enjoyable in simple ways.
I still subscribe to those theories and rely on my well-loved, page-worn original book often.
Tonight, Wayne and I were talking about things we are grateful for. Of course, we covered the obvious things...family, friends, health, etc. That reminded me of Sarah ban Breathnach's suggestions of making "gratitude lists" and how they should be implemented into creating, yes, I said "CREATING" your own way, your own path and allowing life to be simple.
There are a myriad of reasons and excuses we can all make for not taking the time and consideration for giving ourselves the grace and courage to lead simple lives. Everyone has a hectic life. None of us are exempt from that. However, it is our own fault when we work too hard, make excuses for NOT taking time for ourselves, ignoring the signs our bodies give us when it's time to stop and rest...the list goes on and on.
Once upon a time, it was a GOOD thing to allow your body rest. In today's society, it's grab, grab, grab, go, go, go. Those who are willing to grab every penny and those who would fight you over a dime, are in this writer's humble opinion, probably sad and lonely people. I refuse to be one of those. I'd rather be dead broke and happy than scrapping for greed and the sadness that goes along with it.
I saw a firefly tonight...that's LIGHTENING BUG for those of us who live in the South! I sat and watched its light go on and off, on and off and I enjoyed it. I realized that summer is so very close. Just taking the time to watch a bug that I STILL don't understand "how it works" was peaceful to me. It was totally up to me however to seize that moment. To heck with Carpe Diem! Instead, let's CARPE MOMENTO! We should seize and savor every moment! Life is found in those small, unexpected places when we allow ourselves the time to just "be still."
There is a bullfrog out on the pond. I think he lives under the dock. Each night, he starts a conversation with another bullfrog that lives somewhere up closer to our house. They seem to chat for hours...call and response. I wonder if there is a conversation going on there or if it's just one bullfrog to another reminding themselves that they are not alone. Either way, I'm guessing they take comfort in both conversation and/or knowing they are not alone in this big world.
I was thinking about it and entertained myself by seeing God as this amazing artist who does EVERYTHING in every dimension! You get the full effect of all the senses in nature...the smells, the sights, the sounds, the MUSIC...it's all there on one great big canvas called "life." Like all art, some folks love it and "get it," some folks see it as ugly, some don't appreciate what is being "said" and some simply don't even bother to pay attention to the big picture, much less look at the detail. I think God shows us His creation and communicates with us at every sensory level
and He waits for us to just "notice."
God doesn't have to make big, bold, statements and lash out to the universe, "HEY! I'M HERE!
He's "God." I don't think God has one thing to "prove" to me or in fact the wonderful world He created.
God is found in the most subtle ways, in the still times, in the afternoon storms, in the raindrops and in the most unassuming times of our lives. I think in those still, quiet moments, God speaks to us and we can hear Him and feel Him...IF we make ourselves available to it.
There was a time that I didn't think God ever spoke to me. Not in "words" anyway. I wondered if He was "out there" aloud", I asked to hear Him and I guess I drew a line in the sand saying, "OKAY, if You're out there...prove it." How obnoxious is that? GOD has nothing to prove to Anne Haley. I'm sure He shook His head and said, "Well, I've got a ways to go with that one." I was childish in my faith and child-like in my demands that God needed to prove something to me. It's not that I didn't "believe" in God. I always have. I just wanted what I wanted proof.
The "proof" was always there. I was too busy to "see" it. I couldn't be the only human to have ever been in that place. I feel rather small and silly when I look back at those times of childish behavior.
Nowadays, I know how to be still. I know how to see God's hand in everything. I know how to look at something as small as a lightening bug, or the conversation between bullfrogs and feel the comfort and peace that God is indeed EVERYWHERE! His greatness is all around me, showing me comfort at all times and in ways that I don't even realize.
So, tonight, I typed up a gratitude list. Some things were so simple, some were complex. It was my list for today of things I am grateful for, things I look forward to in the future and things that have come to pass.
I am alive. And when you are still and quiet, God will remind you just how alive you are as well as how alive HE is. The power of that feeling is amazing and humbling all at the same time.
If you haven't read "Simple Abundance," I would encourage you to do so. There is even a "Simple Abundance" for men. (That version must be in a different language or something..."man talk" or a language akin to that. Wayne has a copy. I bought it for him, but I have never read it! I probably wouldn't understand it anyway, so I have yet to crack the cover on HIS version of the "Simple Abundance series!)
Time is a precious gift. Use it wisely and use it in a way that leaves a "footprint" of love in all that you do. Not to do so is wasting the opportunity to live a simple life and indeed an abundant one. Growing in simplicity is not an easy task, but it's easier than you think IF you are willing to submit to slowing down, breathing deeply in and out and releasing yourself to the peace that is perfectly within your reaches and right there for the taking.
The catch? NO ONE can do this for you, except "YOU."
Till next time,
Annie

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WHEN HOPE IS ALL I HAVE, YOU'RE ALL I NEED.
by Anne Haley @2008 FAR FETCH'D MUSIC

There's a light in the darkness that seems so far away
It seems to be too far for me to follow
I know I long to go to it and my mind tells me to stay
Yet in my heart, I feel the hope that guides me on my way.

When hope is all I have, You're all I need.
When light is just a tiny glimmer
It's enough for faith to lead
And time will draw me closer, ever closer to the flame
Until I see the morning, and I will praise Your Name
When hope is all I have, You're all I need.

Before me there is water raging and there is no bridge to cross
Unsteady in my footsteps I feel it in my heart
That I must take a giant leap to cross the other side
And trust a hand will reach for me, bringing me safely from the tide

When hope is all I have, You're all I need.
When light is just a tiny glimmer
It's enough for faith to lead
And time will draw me closer, ever closer to the flame
Until I see the morning, and I wlll praise Your name.
When hope is all I have, You're all I need.

Outside my door the winds keep howling deep into the night
Dare I open up the door, abandoning my fright?
Knowing there's a risk I'll take in facing all my fears
There's a stillness deep inside my heart that says You're always here.

When hope is all I have, You're all I need.
When light is just a tiny glimmer
It's enough for faith to lead
And time will draw me closer, ever closer to the flame
Till morning comes and shines upon the fears I've held in vain.
I'll see the new day dawning and I'll ever praise Your name.
When hope is all I have, You're all I need.

***********************************************************************

For my parents, Frieda, Buddy, Brenda, Joyce, Al, Dr. J., Flavel, Wayne and Marah, for all of my friends, and most of all to God, who blesses me with true and wonderful friends and family. -Annie
For now, you'll just get lyrics...when I get it onto an MP4, I'll post it on my site.

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I've done a lot of thinking, studying and watching folks who know more about this subject than me and have determined that REAL change, even in the face of adversity can be achieved. Change is inevitable. So, why then would it "not happen" just because we might be going through difficulties in life? The problem with us regular folk is this...we FEEL that "change" needs to be put on hold JUST because we might be embroiled in whatever battle of the week we're facing. LIFE doesn't stop and wait for us to get through the "icky" parts. In fact, it's when we're in the most difficult or hurtful situations that life seems to race by us and we don't know up from down.
In my last post, I discussed intentions. I will bring that into this post as well. We are HERE on this earth to change, to grow, to learn and to overcome obstacles in life. I was watching Joyce Meyer...who has seen her share of adversity...and she's a tough gal. She's certainly a straight shooter. The thing I admire most about Joyce Meyer is that she will speak to us from her OWN life experiences. She even tells some things that I go "WHOA! I'm not sure I could tell that!" But Joyce does! She's a great example of leading by example.
"Adversity" can be a varied and complex word. Depending on who you're talking to, the meaning can be worlds apart.
I know that even in the deepest, darkest, most alone moments, if I step off the pity pot for just a few minutes, GOD makes sure there's a ray of sunshine that appears when I least expect it. So, why then do we fight it? With what I just stated from my own life, would it not make sense for me to say, "OK GOD. I'M ALL YOURS." I GIVE UP. I WILL NOT FIGHT, I WILL NOT TRY TO CREATE MY OWN STRATEGY. I WILL JUST HAND IT ON OVER TO YOU AND LET YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL." Have I done that completely? Nope. I WANT to. But then there are little whispers that say, "But if you do that, you'll lose CONTROL over your own life. If you do that you won't know what's going to happen! HOW can you plan anything if you don't know what's coming?" Those whispers are NOT of God. Fear is NOT of God...but TRUST is.
Being able to totally let go and allow God to "manage" us is a mighty tall order. I'm the first one to say that I have failed miserably at that. I know God knows my heart and sees my struggle to simply let go...and I do ask for the strength to do so.
It's kind of like the feeling you had as a kid the FIRST TIME you jumped off the HIGH diving board. You knew what to expect on the pool slide and the LOW dive, but that HIGH DIVE was another matter completely. Stepping out of predictability is probably one of the most difficult steps as humans we can take.
So, one of my (many) goals is to step into TRUST. I need to stop being a hypocrite and allow God to parent me as HE sees fit. When I really consider that, HOW on earth could things go wrong? I will have wasted a lot of time in my life with worry, strife, upset and knowing there is not one EARTHLY thing I can do about it...but when I take that step off the high dive and into the trust and power of a Love greater than we can know on this earth, therein lies comfort, peace and acceptance of "the unknown." At that point, it's all "okay." GOD is in control and He does not fail us...EVER (even when those little whispers might tell us that He has!). That is called TRUE RELEASE. There is a feeling of peace that comes over me as I type that. It's instant stress relief. God doesn't want us to struggle and fight our situations. He simply wants us to trust Him enough to allow Him to handle things for us. He promises us by releasing our fears and problems to Him, the reward will be more than we can imagine.
So, change in the midst of adversity is indeed probable, possible and WAITING...with just one step. Trust that God's will can get us out of all the messes we make of our lives in ways we could never dream possible...and HE WILL! God tells us "Be not afraid, only BELIEVE." It sounds so simple, but God also knows He's working a tough crowd, so He waits as we make our choices.
I'm also pondering forgiveness right now, but I'll save that topic for another post. We've covered INTENTION and ATTITUDE and today I've discussed CHANGE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY.
My dad says often, "FEAR: Future Events Aren't Real." I'm going to stop playing "WeatherAnne". I can't predict the weather any more than I can predict what will happen tomorrow, but I can PRAY and I can just hand my life over to the One to CAN take care of all the adversities that might surround me. It can happen for you too! What a cool thought.
"GIVING OVER IS NOT GIVING UP."-Anne Haley
Till next time,
Annie

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Intentions.
I intend to get my list of things accomplished today. I intend to get my list of things finished this week. I intend to get all the tasks that I have listed out for myself done, both personally and externally.
Everything seems based (both good and bad) on intention.
Each and every action we take has an intention behind it. A good intention can lead us forward, but a bad intention can do more damage that we even realize. Our attitudes are affected...even those around us are affected when we approach our actions, or our lives with poor intentions.
Attitudes can be based solely on our intention. We all have good days and bad days. There are some days for me that just start out all wrong. It seems everything I touch from the time my feet hit the floor "goes south" in some way. I might spill my coffee on the floor, trip over the cat, forget to take something up to the mail box. It's a domino effect that can last all day long. Or does it HAVE to? I think even the worst days can be turned around an salvaged by sheer intention and turning around an attitude.
For example, suppose I did spill my coffee, then trip over the cat, and while I'm bent over cleaning the spilled coffee, I hit my head on the counter top when I stand up. Now, that can make for a bad day. Then you spend the rest of the day complaining about "how badly your day started and how it's gone down hill from there."
Suppose then for a moment, once you have hit your head after cleaning up the spilled coffee, you simply STOP. Take a few deep breaths and say over and over again (all day if you must!) "I am NOT going to ruin this day with these small episodes." Taking that approach can change your outlook, change your direction and certainly change your INTENTION for how the end of the day is going to result.
There are things in life we do not have choices in. However, there are many MORE things we DO have a choice in. We must maintain control of our own intentions and when things seem to be going wrong, even over a long period of time, we must take the steps and maintain the courage to address those issues, determine the root of them and move forward with a more positive approach.
Are we ill-prepared for a meeting? Do we self-sabotage? Do we allow ourselves to wear the role of "victim" proudly on our chests, as though there is some merit in that? I don't see that "V" for victim is even remotely something to be proud of.
"V" for victory, yes, but there is a huge difference in allowing ourselves to be victimized or allowing ourselves to be VICTORIOUS.
Today is Monday. Typically, not the day of the week we look most forward to. However, Monday can indeed be a day to look forward to by having a good attitude along with the INTENT of making it a good day and the beginning of a good week.
God gives us choices. It's not His job to make those choices for us. Therefore, when we make the choices, we hold the accountability for choices we make and actions we take.
I hope my thoughts give you pause for what your intentions are for this day, this week and in fact, your lives. Don't let one bad situation destroy your hopes, your goals and your dreams. Keep moving forward. "SEE" yourself in those places you want to be and while prayerfully asking God to be WITH you during trying times, be reminded that you can also DELIVER YOURSELF from bad situations by using your own attitude combined with good, solid intentions.
I intend for this post to be a help to just one person today. That is my goal. Perhaps that "one person" might only be me, but it will have been set for with a very good attitude and with the best intentions.
By the way, I heard a quote once...don't remember who to credit it to...because I don't subscribe to that notion of thinking. The quote says, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Don't look at life that way. GOOD INTENTIONS are a GOOD THING.
Pave your OWN road to the places you want to be in life, to the goals you want to reach and all the dreams you intend to achieve WITH GOOD INTENTIONS. Then give all the glory to God and know that GOOD INTENTIONS are a GOOD THING!
Till next time,
Annie

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I do...and boy they can make me mad. My folks got a new DVD player. They have one of these super DEE LUX model HD everything on God's green acre TV. So, when we got in tonight, there sits the nicely boxed little DVD player. I opened the box and set about what should have been a 10 minute project....and let's see...it's now nearly 11pm. Is there a working DVD player?
NOPE. In fact, we completely lost cable and now the "channel guide" for each channel is lost. Perhaps never to be found again.
I can TRULY remember when you just had to get up and change the channel and there weren't but about 3 or 4 channels and if you set the antenna "JUST RIGHT," you might get PBS.
That was way back when...in fact another millennium ago!!!
I even remember transistor radios.
So, the cable that Toshiba sent to coordinate with the Toshiba tv isn't ALL that is needed to get everything hooked up it seems.
I bagged it all for the night and we opted to eat ice cream.
That sounded like a MUCH better plan to me anyway.
After all that, who in the world wants to watch a movie anyway?
I guess when we get back tomorrow, I MIGHT attempt it again. But then again, I just might not!
I'm normally quite swift and good with electronics. I love 'em. But for this night, I've had quite enough thank you.
So, what do I do? I go BLOG about it! HA!
Yet another new word added to the English language in THIS millennium.
I don't know...at 45...I look back and love that...and I also look ahead and love that too. Lots I used to enjoy and lots I enjoy doing now.
I don't know, perhaps we should have STARTED with the ice cream and just sat and talked. (But the MEN wanted to watch basketball!)
Such is life....and it's a good one. Good luck with YOUR electronics and if you call me for tech support, it's gonna cost you a BUNDLE. (there's also an extra fee because I am fluent in English! giggle!)
Till next time,
Annie

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(photo credit Frieda Hudson)
It's been a rough week. I'll make no bones about it. Rough. Terrible. Unimaginable in many ways, but I've hung in there.
I miss my friend and have been grieving the" imposed separation" between myself and my best friend...and it has been akin to grieving a death. I gave it all to God and pray that in due course all that will be dealt with in the appropriate measures.
I received a phone call from my mother today to say that my great uncle that I loved dearly was dead. I was numb at first. I wanted to know information and there was none at that time.
I called a friend for a bit of support, I read steadily from Bible.com and I prayed.
Life is short. It can be taken in a flash. I was jolted into that reality today...again.
I miss my friend. I am so saddened by the loss of an uncle who was one of THE kindest, most gentle spirits I have ever known.
He always had TIME for me. He NEVER failed to tell me he loved me.
When I was a little girl, "somehow" he always seemed to draw my name in the family gift giving...and each year, as much as hoping Santa would come, I hoped that my great uncle would be "the one" to draw my name. As a kid, it was like a miracle to me...somehow HE always did "get my name" and he always gave me $20.00, a big hug and he told me HE LOVED ME...and I knew he did. That is a big part of the most fond childhood Christmas memories I have.
My "hometown" doesn't feel so much like my hometown anymore....there are few familiar faces and life is such that I don't get "home" often. But in my mind's eye, I can see my great uncle, always glad to see me, always right there with a ready smile, and always telling me how much he loved me. And he did. And he does even now.
I called Marah to "break the news." She cried, as I expected and said the same things. This wonderful man was my daughter's GREAT-GREAT UNCLE...and he loved her too...very much. Marah was the 5th generation born into our family, so she had a lot of love around her in terms of grands, greats, great-greats, etc. She shared a few memories of being a little girl and no matter what "story" she was creating, what dance she was doing or whatever she had to say to our uncle, he was as interested as if he were talking to a world dignitary. His complete attention went to her and she had his full focus. He didn't like controversy, he wanted life kept on an even keel and again, his KINDNESS was incredible. He led a very simple life and he made sure that he told everyone he loved them. Believe me when I say there was NOTHING disingenuous about this man. When he used the word "LOVE," he MEANT IT. You don't get that kind of sincerity in this day and time. He LOVED his family...period.
I am grieving two losses this week. One expected, one completely out of the blue.
All I can say is that life is short. We never know from one minute to the next, as I posted back in July with regard to Frieda Hudson, how "life" can change in a flash and will never be the same again. Oddly, my cousin became a grandmother yesterday. She lost her father and gained a grand daughter.
I don't understand "life" or "death." It's not my place to try. I just know God will help me through the loss of my dear friend Frieda, who is very much alive and I cannot see her (for now)...and I know God will help me through the loss of one terrific great uncle. Though I will never hear his kind, loving voice telling me "I LOVE YOU ANNE," I will always carry that in my heart. What made him the most "manly" to me was his gentle way, his generous spirit and the ease in which he never failed to say, "I LOVE YOU."
I love you too Vestal. Please tell those I love and miss greatly that I love them and that Annie is doing okay. God has brought a gentle man to be with Him. I tried to envision his joy at being with my great-grandparents and my other loved ones again...and I'm almost envious. What I wouldn't give for one more minute with each of them, if only to say three words..."I love you."
Life is short. Please say your prayers and "I love you" often. Death is swift and even when it is expected, we still want just one more minute. This death was totally unexpected. Thank you for loving me and most of all for telling me so. Your precious soul can rest in peace now. I love you Uncle Vestal and I always will, Annie.

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(photo credit Frieda Hudson)

"This is a day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Another that comes to mind is:
Psalm 31:7 I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul.
In all the events of our lives that hurt, make us sad, things we don't understand, there is comfort in scripture.
When it appears that we try our hardest to do what is right and do not feel that anyone understands or is even listening, God already knows. Let that in itself be a comfort.
Even when the day appears to be a bad one, remember Psalms 118:24 and be glad in it. Even a bad day is "a day" and should be in some way, even a small one, celebrated.
Don't take "vengeance" into your own hands. Romans tells us that...and I do not believe the verses to mean that God is a "vengeful" God. The verses REMIND US to allow GOD'S WILL will be done.
Romans 12:14-21
14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

These scriptures are difficult to implement in times of trial. The paradox for human beings is that these are the exact scriptures that we need to implement in times of trial! I'm sure God feels hurt for us, as His children, and perhaps a bit of frustration that we don't release our pain to HIM and allow HIS plan to unfold. The "southernism" for that is called "beating a dead horse." When you have done all you can and something still isn't turning out the way YOU would like, I think it would be time to check the scriptures in Romans listed above and just let go. Hard as that may be, LET GO...and LET GOD.
In closing, a friend of mine sent this to me and we were discussing it earlier. I found it appropriate to this post as well...and loved it. It came from www.godsminute.com:

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE:
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd. Keep straight and go through
the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ. There, you must turn onto
the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.
Now when you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep
Straight. You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son,
and One for the Holy Spirit.
Then take the Grace Blvd exit. From there, make a Right turn
on Gospel Lane. Keep Straight and then make another Right on
Prayer Road. As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on
Temptation Ave. Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD
END. Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue. Also, pass
Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you will have to go down Long-suffering Lane,
Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave, but that's all
right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!
( Author Unknown )

Most importantly, pray for strength, wisdom and guidance.
Phillipians 4:13 tells us: "I can do ALL THINGS in Christ, which strengthens me."
Reading the Bible is one thing, quoting the Bible is yet another. BELIEVING what God's word tell us is ultimately what will see us through.
Blessings and peace to you all,
Annie

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Events of late regarding the my friendship with Frieda Hudson have allowed me to take pause and I want to say just how much I love and respect my family and the love and "good raising" I was given. I know how much my family loves Frieda. Every Friday, when they were in Washington, they'd call to see if Frieda and I could have lunch. About half the way here, they'd call again asking, "IS FRIEDA COMING?" There were many hours spent together and Frieda was truly a part of our family as well. I know my parents miss seeing her, they miss her laugh, her insight, her respect for THEM.
I noticed a comment on Tony's blog where an individual asked Tony if he knew who one particular poster was. He also mentioned my name. This man was never involved in our fun, our events, etc. so he wouldn't know 'the family tree' so to speak. Odd. Is my family also banned from posting on Tony's blog? Is this person trying to be Tony Tharp's "post monitor" and make sure Tony knows WHO is posting? My relative thought this place was a nice, friendly place, but, watching many events of those who present themselves one way and "live" another has jaded that opinion. He probably won't remain here. He's too honest for all that. This whole thing is TOO weird. People that have yet to VISIT Frieda suddenly come out of the wood work with "counsel" legal and otherwise and then ask Tony if he knows who the folks who post are. That is just strange. Fact is, what does THAT have to do with Frieda Hudson's recovery? Sounds like a personal attack on others in a different matter to me. I love it when people think they are SO smart! Sadly, again, this poster didn't have ONE ENCOURAGING WORD to say about FRIEDA. He couldn't tell you ONE THING that Frieda enjoyed, but wants to say that the posts didn't look good based on Pamlico Ink telling "THE NEWS?" They looked VERY supportive to me. And he was only checking to see what 'the locals' were saying? Give me a break! People are not dumb. The only negative posts came from, sadly, Frieda's own family and a friend or two of Frieda's daughter. I know I've been good to each and every one of them in so many ways. It was MY choice to do so and my choice to keep my promise that I would never abandon Frieda Hudson in her time of need. I have not broken that promise, but have been forced to delay it for a while. So the "post monitor" kind of blew it there too. I guess if he had been around, he would have known that I spent a lot of time with Frieda's family...A LOT. I gave resources, items, money, and other things that they seem to have "forgotten"...this good family.
In my opinion, seems as though this person was inviting Tony Tharp of Pamlico Ink to inquire "who" posts on his blog.
That gentleman shouldn't hide in the ways he does and present himself one way while pointing the finger at others and isn't willing to come clean about his own life.Style is everything, you know? If you are trying to shed light on others, isn't shedding a little light in your own closet a good place to start?
Tell you what, Mr. Poster. Since you know who Tony's posters are...and you infer that Tony does too...Why don't you tell the community who YOU REALLY ARE? Now that would get some bloggers going, wouldn't it? Don't push your luck. I have learned that apparently just a few of us were the only ones in this county who didn't know who YOU really are. But I do now. Boy, do I. You say you "know" Tony's posters...you don't. For the record, he is a good man and raised the same way as me. As a family, we all turned out well. He now has a whole different opinion of Oriental and Pamlico County, however, since moving here last fall. He is repulsed at the enjoyment people get in nosing into the business of other people and how, hmmm...let's see how to put it....how self-serving folks can be and, in this case, a man will point the finger but will NOT come clean publicly on WHO he really is. There are some good people in this county, but there is more EVIL than I would have ever believed. Frieda told me that, sadly, too late. I was already up to my neck in evil. That is why we stayed together all the time...we could have NORMAL fun and ignore those who are miserable.
My family is such a blessing. I am so very thankful that they taught me to stand tall and the very ones trying to knock you down are the very ones who have, let's say "something to hide." Are you hiding anything Mr. "I know who the poster is?" Anne Haley and Tony Tharp have told the truth. Have YOU let us know who YOU really are, Mr. Post Monitor? I've invited you to tell us all several times in this post.
I know for a fact what you are and I remain quiet.
Washington is a nice place. We spent a lot of time together with Frieda in my parent's home. She is SO very missed in our family gatherings. We laugh, we talk and have a great time. No bickering, factions, fighting, etc. I know why she wanted to be with us. And that will happen again one day too. Frieda LOVED our times together.
Since the person who knows "so much about the people who post on Tony's blog," I'll let you know that I know you read MINE too, by the way. Just know I know that. One thing my mom did teach me was to "mind my own business." I suggest you do the same Mr. Post Monitor, unless that is, you are trying to live a better, more honest, joyful life. I know my daughter's clothes have never been on any curb. Families are to be enjoyed, not tossed out.
I hope you are enjoying both the Pamlico Ink blog, as well as mine. I have offered many suggestions that would help others lead a better life..and an OPEN, honest one. Hopefully you can release yourself and do that one day. It must be painful not feeling that you can live your own life without ramifications. Frieda Hudson is a true and honest person. Duplicitous behaviors must get tiresome after a while, do they not? As for me and my house, we are good people, we harm no one and we mind our own business. I am so thankful for how I was raised.
For all of you other faithful readers who do appreciate the time I take to share with you, THANK YOU for all your emails and for letting me know just how my posts have helped you in some small way. That means so much to me. You are reading to learn, not to get names and use my blog to try to harm others. That's a "No-No." Comments are always welcome, if they are pertinent to the topic and not meant as a means of attack on me, my family or friends. I will simply reject those and hope that you will find a more productive way to spend your time.
Like Tony Tharp said once in his Pamlico Ink blog, if you're going to get your knives out, make 'em nice and sharp now. I'm no dummy. Make no mistake in that.
As an aside, I noticed there were a lot of folks, the "post monitor" being one of them, at the "hearing"...that I have NEVER seen visiting Frieda, weren't a part of her day to day life and I expect came there for to giggle, to be nosey and be a part of what was a spectacle. How very, very immature and disrespectful toward Frieda Hudson. So, shame on you Mr. Post Monitor and shame on the hairdresser who spent her time cursing me with such a vile tongue. Was that "for Frieda?" I even tried to introduce myself to her and she cursed me again. No wonder I was told by Frieda to steer clear of her too. I know who she is now. Are THOSE the types of people Frieda's family wishes to gain support from? If so, that's really sad. You're both always welcome to read my blog, but contacting those who are a part of my life that I might elect to discuss here is also a "NO NO." Please refrain from doing that. I write what I want to write...not to give shameful people a place to find out names and call them to say what a terrible person I am. Those of you bad mouthing me have NO idea what I have given to THIS county and in fact ORIENTAL in terms of my time, resources and money. What have you done from the heart lately, with NO EXPECTATION?
Like Tony said and it makes me smile..."nice and sharp now." Get those knives nice and sharp if you think you're out thinking me.

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