Life at Killeny Glen

Beautiful things...

2014-10-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

Reminders that life is FULL of beautiful things...

Hope you all are well!

UPCYCLE!

2014-09-10T14:25:00.001-04:00

Working in our local second hand store/mission has inspired me to look at the old stuff that gets donated and think hard about WHERE we could send it or HOW to re purpose it....

Our MAIN clientele tends to be college age and they are interested in current style and a little dab of vintage/funk. So what do we do with all the donations that come in to the shoppe that we cannot sell???

I got these awesome ties in...oh they had such color and texture...I love them. My grandfather definitely had a collection of these as did Bob's Grandfathers. I decided to sew them up into a valance for a new/old window treatment and I LOVE it!

the every day things

2014-08-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

This photo means so much to me...it is a path to the unknown, yet filled with wonder and beauty. A path that each summer we walk many times and enjoy every. single. time. To go down this path brings joy and wonder and beauty and friendship and laughter and togetherness!

It is a reminder to ME that each day we wake up to unknowns but MUST take JOY in the little things...

I do not want to focus on the chaos that life sometimes brings our way.

I must put aside the busyness and rest in the fact that if we LOOK for it there is JOY in every day.

Loving Twister

2014-06-09T12:49:00.001-04:00

In a recent tornado in our village a farm was devastated. (Thankfully, no people were injured.) Most farms have feral cats that inhabit their barns and outbuildings earning their keep by keeping the small vermin out of the grain bins and hay. This farm was no different and being spring, there were three NEW litters of kittens in the barns. Most of them died when the barns collapsed and blew away but a local meteorologist found a TINY Calico kitten buried in the debris.

In the next hours...they found two more of Twister's siblings amongst the debris. They were appropriately named, Twister, Lucky and Storm. The two smaller kittens were just TOO small and Storm passed away at the vet's office. We brought the other kittens to Killeny Glen, (the farm family was overwhelmed with having lost their farm) to see if we could nurse them back to health but sweet Lucky passed away under the watchful eye of our Emma. They so needed their Momma, and the storm was too much for their little bodies...but Twister...she continued to fight.

Little Twister captured our hearts (and all who were exposed to her story of rescue and survival) and even MORE so, the heart of Rudy...our Papillon. Rudy is gentle spirited and sensitive and KNEW the need of this tiny kitten. He nuzzled her and licked her and played with her and she thrived with his attention and love. (AND, feedings every 3 hours!)

The happy end to this story is that the family offered sweet Twister to the local Meteorologist and he happily adopted her. Madeleine and I took Twister to the television station to meet her new owner.

We certainly are going to miss that little ball of fur! But, she will be cherished!!! Thanks Rich!

Boats and Sump Pumps

2014-06-09T12:12:00.002-04:00

Another STORMY Wednesday night in our little village, still reeling from tornado touch downs a couple of weeks ago.
We are sitting in our High School Broadway Show when Mitchell sends a text with below photo and the words:

"Holy Garbanzo Beans!"

This photo is Killeny Glen and we do NOT have a river through our front yard! Our TWO sump pumps could NOT keep up with the FIVE INCHES of rain that fell in LESS THAN two hours...Bob and the boys went to WORK bailing out our basement in an attempt to save the contents of our basement. (We just happen to have the contents of a University student's apartment in our basement while he is home for the summer!! YIKES!) As the evening progressed their work was rewarded and four VERY EXHAUSTED guys could slow down their MANY trips up and down our stair case with five gallon buckets of water.

As we rejoiced in a battle won we got word that a group of homes a mile and a half from our home were under water and a boat was being used to evacuate people and things. MANY homes were filled with water and many others had basements under water from the Flash Flood.

My Aunt has said on NUMEROUS occasions: "It's a good thing we care about people and not things." Our victory over our basement seemed miniscule in the sight of the homes just down the road.

~~ I wrote this more than a week ago...and have been reminded on numerous occasions of the MEANINGLESSNESS of "things."

Things that matter...

2014-05-19T09:42:00.001-04:00

In my usual rush as I emptied the dishwasher and I dropped my favorite mug. It is cracked and leaky and I found myself actually feeling mournful about my mug. A simple piece of pottery.

Then, I thought of all the close people in my life that would give anything to have a broken mug.

My friend whose mother has only months to live. (I HATE CANCER.) She gives praise for STOPPING and enjoying TIME. Precious time with her Momma.

My friend, whose 22 year old nephew was killed in a boating accident Saturday and gives praise that he died doing something he loved so very much.

My friend who lost her entire HOME this past Wednesday evening to a tornado in our little village and gives praise that her beloved dog was spared.

Our dear, friends who are STILL without a job but give praise that the money has not yet run out.

I want to put aside those selfish things, be grateful for all that I have and serve wherever I can.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
---Mahatma Gandhi

A PHO kinda day...

2014-05-14T15:11:00.000-04:00

Spring has arrived in the Midwest and with that are gray skies...lots of rain...and regular tornado warnings. It seemed a VERY good day to frequent our favorite Vietnamese restaurant for some Pho. Pho...well...the broth alone is a sheer act of genius and in my opinion impossible to reproduce at home! Luckily we live close to this little restaurant! I like mine loaded with bean sprouts and cilantro while Bob heats his up to dangerously HIGH levels of goodness!!!

They have added these tin lanterns to their decor and I LOVE them! Would like to have some for our back patio!

TEN things

2014-05-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

I have been spending an inordinate amount of time here. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite places! Good people. LOTS OF NEEDS and plenty of work to do!

I find that taking photos of messy/gross areas is a GREAT way to ask people for assistance. Anyone know someone that does concrete work? For FREE?
This is my next BIG project to tackle.

FINALLY...I can walk barefoot in the grass!

Our favorite (VERY OLD AND FALLING DOWN) church was purchased and completely remodeled...we visited the other day and seeing it in all its GLORY was medicine for my soul!
AND, it did not smell like mold!!!

For the FIRST time since we have lived at Killeny Glen the Lilacs are blooming!! I love them!

Bob and I found ourselves on the After Prom Planning committee...wow...it is a TON of work...but
... SO MUCH FUN! Great kids...we will be partying ALL NIGHT. (There WILL be coffee!)

At auction this week we had a full figured dress form. She got LOTS of comments!
The "good old boys" LOVE to make comments! I am always happy to see a hippie chick!

Another auction observation this week...check out the guy with the doggie back pack!
I have seen pups in purses but NOT a back pack!
I USED to "scoff" at such a thing but now that we have Rudy the Papillon?
Maybe we NEED one of those!!!!

This sweet girl had a birthday this week. She truly is amazing and I am NOT partial!
I love the photo with Phoebe the kitten doing a selfie with her!

Do you like Tervis Tumblers? Haven't tried them? Oh! You should!
They TRULY keep your drinks SUPER COLD and they are GUARANTEED for life!
YEAH for WARM weather!

Have a GREAT weekend!

2014-04-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

HI.

Hope you are all well.

I have not had time to read or write in blog world. I am TODAY. Yep, I AM!

Spring has arrived. (Although our forecast indicates SNOW tonight - please tell me how that is?!?!?)

Our weekend brought opportunity to be OUTSIDE...barefoot...no coats....BLISS. The creek moss is beautiful...and playing in the water is always welcome.

The Daffodils in the Enchanted Forest are blooming.

We are finally seeing the browns and grays of a LONG winter disappearing.

Birds are preparing to set up housekeeping.

And, as always when I am outside, Gizzie, our CEO, shows up to assure me she has everything under control at Killeny Glen.

I so enjoy the winter...but with the long and COLD winter we had this year I am TRULY thankful for spring.

Happy Spring.

To see...truly see...

2014-03-12T12:47:00.001-04:00

I'm suppose to help her.

She is homeless...separated from her family...spending her nights in the shelter and her days at the library. Her belongings limited to a couple of bags. The library is warm and she can use the computers there to find potential living situations, maybe a job. Her meals are sporadic. Yet, she sits in the shoppe and animatedly talks with us, sharing bits and snippets of her life. Not an easy life. She eagerly tries on some new jeans as she has lost a great deal of weight in the last six months. As she feels more comfortable she helps herself to a cookie and tries on some jewelry. Her beautiful, long hair shines in the sun through our old windows. Our antiquated shoppe doesn't seem so shabby with such good company.

She came to us because Julie* (one of our volunteers) started a conversation with her that ended up in a hug and the promise of some new clothes and fellowship.

I am suppose to help her...but she helped me today.
My life is FILLED with blessings and she is one of them.

*name changed

KEEP OUT

2014-03-03T13:54:00.000-05:00

So gated communities are set up to keep those we do not want IN...OUT...

And, do the gates keep out all the... "bad guys?" The "riff raff?" The "evil doers?"

I am too quick to draw lines.

I am too quick to judge based on appearance or circumstance.

The people that have blessed me the most are those that I have grown to know through unusual circumstances. Oftentimes uncomfortable circumstances...out of my "comfort zone" due to my complete ignorance.

I do not want to close the gate to learning and growing and loving new people.

Open the gates.

Random Acts of Kindness

2014-02-21T10:14:00.002-05:00

Betsy at My Five Men has been inspired and is also inspiring others to do random acts of kindness...the pay it forward kind...no matter how big or how small. Betsy reminded me of a post from long ago where I had passed a long a coupon to a dear woman one day in the line at the store. She touched me deeply and reminded me that even in the midst of a joyous time of year...there is much sadness.

I was waiting in a rather long line at the art and craft store today. As I waited my turn I did what I often do and watch people in line and those around me. I find myself "filling in the blanks" about these people I do not know...

~that man holding embroidery thread looks grumpy 'cause his wife sent him out to get one more skein of blue to finish the baby bib for their great nephew out in California...
~that little girl has a birthday gift card and is gleefully waiting her turn to pay for her Crayola craft set...

The lady directly in front of me looked to be 70ish and had a sweet, soft face. She turned around to look at something and she seemed sad and distant, deep in thought. I noticed the only thing she had was a beautiful Christmas wreath. It had been crafted in the store with pine cones, holly, berries and a gorgeous antiqued Christmas ribbon with Cardinals on it. My mom enjoys Cardinals so I was intrigued at how pretty the wreath was. Then, I remembered that I had a great coupon for any hand crafted wreath. I pulled it out of my purse and asked the lady if she would like to use it. She smiled and graciously took it thanking me. I told her how lovely her wreath was...and she said she had bought it for her husband. As we chatted I discovered that her husband had recently died and she would be spending her first Christmas without him. He had been a lover of birds, especially Cardinals and she was tickled to find this wreath and planned to place it on his grave later today. By the time it was her turn to pay, I knew she had recently suffered through her husband's lengthy illness and then death. I completely understood why her sweet, soft face seemed so sad and thoughtful to me...she was buying a gift for him.

I am thankful for this lady today...amidst the beauty, joy and excitement of celebrating Christ's birth there is also sadness...I pray I will remember those that hurt ALL the time but especially at this time of year.

If you are interested in joining in or would just like to read about some other acts of kindness, pop over to visit Betsy at My Five Men!

Originally published 12/08

RIGHT NOW...

2014-02-14T10:09:00.001-05:00

I am obsessed with chocolate/banana smoothies...OH SO TASTY...and good for you too!

I LOVE this pink and orange fleece...it has been COLD, I have worn it a LOT.

Thrift store find too...double love!

This little fellow is RIGHT under my desk, at my feet...I love having him there.

Have I mentioned we have LOST OUR MINDS over this fur ball!?!

Comfort food...with the cold temps we needed a large pot of chicken and noodles.

Reading yet another EXCELLENT book! I HIGHLY recommend it.

Feeling a bit melancholy that basketball season is almost over. These two are cousins and friends. Caleb graduates this year so their last year on the team together. Such fun to watch these two young men grow. They are PURE joy.

I have decided that it is IMPOSSIBLE to train a cat. (I am stubborn) I do NOT want her on my bed...but...there she is...

Celebrating Valentine's Day today...love to wear my Valentine apron and make treats!

Have a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

and weekend!

February FOCUS

2014-02-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of energy. I have a LOT of plans.
I LOVE lists and organizing and GETTING THINGS DONE.
I attach myself to the miniscule and the details of work and daily life.
Yet, I still oftentimes lack...

FOCUS.

I want to LEARN to focus and give FULL ATTENTION to what is important.

I don't want to make diet, exercise and CRAZY NEW YEAR resolutions of ALL I am going to accomplish in 2014, as I do not think that is realistic for THIS chick.

But what I AM going to do is focus my attention on what is IMPORTANT to me and let many of the little things slide. My kids are growing at ALARMING rates...we will be into empty nest phase before we know it...I want to FOCUS on people and NOT on things.

Improving my FOCUS,

THAT is my mantra.

To see...truly see...

2014-02-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our village is full of hurting people with many needs. We pretend they do not exist or maybe, that is too harsh...we do not realize the depths of the needs.

He came in the shoppe for the third time...always very tentative until warmly greeted with smiles and welcome from the ladies volunteering. He smiled - never talking.

He looks through the shoppe with great interest. Each time he visits our refreshment table 2 or 3 times taking a cookie and a drink and enjoying every bite.

On the first couple of visits he picked up an item or two and purchased them...no more than a couple of dollars. On his third visit he gathered up several items of clothing and tried them on. Pleased with his choices he headed to the check out counter.

It was then that we realized he was hearing impaired. He carefully explained that he had little money but wondered if we would set his items aside and he would pay for them as he is able. It was explained to him that he could take his clothing with him right then and there would be no fee that day.

He was humbled, appreciative and thoroughly surprised.

He then took a piece of paper and wrote:

"Do you have any food?"

Our village food pantry was closed this particular day. A quick phone call to the pantry found two ladies restocking and reorganizing the pantry and they gladly gathered up supplies for this unassuming man.

This is the purpose. This is why we work so hard.
I sure hope he comes back.

The trash heap to treasure photo dump...

2014-01-31T13:45:00.000-05:00

I needed to "dump" some of the photos on my phone...I find things on it sometimes I am not sure about...and treasure every one.

A "selfie" by my sweet teenager...she was bald until she was three. I love her.

Nate's dog, Luka, was getting a bath and I am SURE Thunder the kitten was mocking him!

I love Nate's apartment... it is cute.

My kids LOVE to spray Reddi Wip DIRECTLY in their mouths - so, Aunt Lois got them all their OWN Reddi Wip in their Christmas Goodie stocking! A HUGE hit.

I love this pic - Rue chasing Gizzie...she gets SO annoyed with him.

The donations are POURING in for the new shoppe and keeping me hoppin!

These Knuckle heads make me laugh.

Kitten SWEETNESS.

Love this photo of my cousins Clint and Caleb with Mitchell. It has been an awesome season watching them play ball together.

I am NO photographer but I love taking photos to remember all the sweet (and NOT so sweet)

moments! ENJOY your weekend!

Fullness of Joy

2014-01-27T14:44:00.000-05:00

I attended a funeral today.

The funeral of an 85 year old man who is part of a "sister" family to my mother's large family. A man I admired and respected. Our large family grew up alongside his large family. It is bitterly cold but the sun shone brilliantly upon the snow...a gift to his family.

The funeral was held in the beautiful, old church that I frequented as a child but have not been in for many years. It was a joy for me to be there and be a part of the celebration of his life. I sat in that church many Sundays as a child holding the old, gnarled hand of my Mamaw. It is filled with warm memories that bring tears to my eyes.

Hearing and singing along to the old gospel songs....with piano and guitar as accompaniment...
listening to the "Praise God!" and the "Amens" of various attendees was so familiar and dear.

It is and was a cultural and spiritual experience that has left so many churches today.

A refreshing reminder to me that God is present. God is working. God is hope.

Yep...I am one of them now...

2014-01-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

I have always claimed I do NOT like little dogs. They bark and yap and in my experience it is the LITTLE dogs that end up biting. Give me an 80 pound Golden Retriever any day!

Bob and I text back and forth throughout the day and I sent him THIS PHOTO the other day:

And then....it HIT me...
You see I was on my way to pick up the little kids from school...and of course, sweet Rue wanted to come with me...
and I put him in his little coat...
yes...I said coat...
and talked baby talk to him about going "Bye Bye" with me
and it just hit me....
I am one of THOSE people now...I am one of them...
I may even need to buy a LARGE purse/satchel and stuff his furry body down in it and go shopping.

Well,

maybe not...

The Little Shoppe

2014-01-21T17:21:00.002-05:00

I have taken on an enormous new project. Although racked with problems, obstacles and many naysayers it has been a work of joy on my part. I have met MANY new people and faced many new challenges in an area I have NO expertise. It was a stretch from the start but a good stretch for this control freak chick. We started with quite a nasty MESS. An ancient building needing MUCH repair and NO money.

We have opened a tiny second hand shoppe that benefits our little community. Everything is for sale...but the BEST part is that we meet the needs of those who have little or nothing as well as those who have a love for second hand shopping. Many folks come in simply to sit and chat, drink a cup of fresh coffee and nibble a home made cookie never buying a single thing.

I love to see the people who have NEVER bought a second hand item in their lives...it is hard to walk in the door...but the moment they find a treasure that speaks to them I can see them smile and I know they will be back! We even have a dressing room (thanks to my wonderful Dad.) You can see my new friend Rebecca and I trying it out below!

My favorite story so far is a single mom who was struggling and her kids needed Sunday "dress up" clothes for the Christmas concert. Specific things...two dresses, shoes for two darling girls, a spiffy outfit for a little boy...and as we looked about the shoppe...we had the RIGHT items in stock AND they were festive and magical JUST what the little ones (and their sweet Momma) wanted for their concert.

My passion for this project has taken up much of my blogging time but I will still be around here and there and certainly look forward to visiting all of you!

Various and Sundry

2014-01-10T11:58:00.000-05:00

Two very good guys helping their Dad with a bit of shoveling! IT SURE WAS COLD and GRAY!

Nate breaks things...it is a regular thing for him to ask me to fix something for him. He loves this water bottle that he dropped and broke. I am outta super glue...looking for something to glue it up with...Bob will CROAK when he sees this photo...NEVER underestimate the fixing power of Jute String and Duct Tape!

I step on Legos at least ONCE a day...they hurt if you are in bare feet. Now, that we have added a little Papillon to our house...I am now stepping on his toys which he REFUSES to leave in his tidy little toy basket!

All the Christmas decorations are put away except our Christmas Book Box...I cannot EVER get enough of the Christmas stories. We add one to our collection every year. This year it was

The Gingerbread Pirates

and it is a GREAT one!

See this blanket? It is FRESHLY washed. Our home is blessed with LOTS of cozy, soft blankets...but for some reason the kids are attracted to THIS one...it is belongs to Bob and I. We do not smear nasty things on it...sneeze on it, eat on it, drag it all over the house...leave it on the floor for the pets...GET THE PICTURE? So I will do a photo RECORD of what it looks like...fresh and clean.

KIDS...back away from that blanket!

I love Chicks and Hens. The pot I had on the porch did not do well this year...but when I brought it inside in the fall it has just gotten HAPPY.

Maddie loves "projects" but is famous for leaving messes after completing her work. Hmmm, came home to paint all over the sink and Phoebe (the calico) cleaning up...

Have a GREAT weekend!

Yes I know....it is COLD.

2014-01-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

Cold and snow are dominating all conversation, news and social media to the extreme! After having two weeks off for Christmas my kids are STILL pleased to get "the call" saying that school is cancelled due to inclement weather.

I for one, am thankful for another couple of days to finish all the projects that I procrastinated doing over what SEEMED like a LONG break with plenty of TIME to get it ALL done.

The suspension of SCHEDULE, APPOINTMENTS, WORK, PRACTICES and BALL GAMES - - the daily rat race due to weather is....

A GIFT.

Over the last 18 days...while I procrastinated over the "TO DO LIST" I got to to play games, bake cookies and other holiday delectables, run around, go to parties, spend qaultiy time with my favorite people...I even got to enjoy lots of good movies and read long anticipated books while snuggled up to my sweet husband.

I am grateful for a WARM house and content kids to have for the best of company.

Stay warm friends.

The good life...

2014-01-02T15:05:00.000-05:00

2013 ended in a whirlwind and started in a whirlwind and it is GOOD.

Papillon Fun...

I wanted ONE good photo of Sam before his Christmas Musical...

Quality time with the people I love most...

We attended AMAZING concerts and enjoyed each one.

We wish YOU a wonderful year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We have a few SHORT days left till back to work and school...see you next week!

Eh.

2013-11-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

I have heard lots of opinions about Christmas merchandising and decorating LONG before Thanksgiving and how OUTTA HAND it is... I really have been unruffled by all the hype. Christmas seemed MONTHS away.

Then, a friend of mine posted on FB today that she had brought home 22 boxes of Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joe's. If you like chocolate mint these babies are only around for a short time and when they are gone they are GONE. I can pass them by...but my family? They go nuts over them. SO, maybe I WILL buy early? (I will NOT be buying 22 boxes.)

Then I saw this nifty tree and I do love re-purposed decorating ideas...

Then we got a bag of these beautiful OLD bulbs and ornaments at The Shoppe and I think they are WONDERFUL. (I have GOT to tell you about The Shoppe!)

When I got home from an out of state trip THIS was neatly dug in preparation for our annual root ball Christmas tree...THAT excites me!

Our family has fallen in love with Nate's Companion/Therapy Papillon, Luka...I ordered these darling painted cards for Nate to give out this Christmas...what's not to love!? (Find these at Etsy.com)

I am REALLY looking forward to a LONG Thanksgiving weekend next week but will embrace the Christmas season too!!!!

Didn't we just HAVE Christmas though?

The plan.

2013-11-12T15:48:00.002-05:00

In our first home I put things up on the wall that I was NOT happy with...I disliked seeing lots of blank wall space. Subsequently I found myself detesting what I had placed on the wall but not changing it.

Fast forward to our moving into Killeny Glen. I vowed I would never hang items on the wall that I did not love in some way. Our foyer/entryway at Killeny Glen is large and somewhat cavernous...as much as I do not like this stark, large stair case I did not know exactly what I wanted hanging in such a big area.

Over the last six years I gathered clippings and bits of ideas from various places and finally collected exactly what I wanted...then I solicited the help of a handsome handy man to help me out with the hanging of my foyer wall plan. He is precise and fastidious in the way he does things so I knew he would be the ONE for the job. (He also fears ME doing it as I have a fondness for jute, duct tape and "eye balling" things!)

Bob's fancy new ladder was just right for the job.

Bob had two furry assistants always at the ready.

I collected each item with care. I found all the frames at auction or thrift stores.

I love that each thing is specific and has meaning to our family:

needlepoint "K", our favorite hymn, music from Nana, my favorite photo of our children, China, etc.

I thoroughly enjoy this grouping each and every day.

Worth the wait!

Fall thoughts...

2013-11-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

We have thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of fall this year...gorgeous colors and fall experiences...I never grow tired of looking at hundreds of pumpkins waiting to be chosen...

One of the countless blessings of being a mom to five kids is the beautiful and VERY unique relationships each child has with his or her siblings...the love that they show each other never fails to enchant me...

The perfect pumpkin chosen...it brings a great sense of satisfaction. Sam loved this photo since the Angry Bird on his t-shirt looked like it was about to GOBBLE up his pumpkin. BOYS - love them!

This tin can robot dummy was such fun...isn't she awesome??

The colors of fall...are truly miraculous.