Shall We Dance?

The rain came in today, and as I watched it softly tap against my window, I noticed the leaves. It seemed to start with just one single leaf, swirling and swaying in unison with the rain and gentle wind.



I watched more carefully, I could see many more leaves joining in this beautiful dance that they performed outside my window.

Paying no attention to me, watching their performance, awe struck by their graceful moves, all moving in different directions only changing tempo at the hands of their conductors wind and rain.

I could hear nothing, I needed no sound.



I smiled as my breath fogged up the glass and their show took on a dreamy haze, my contribution from inside.



Every year the seasons change, its something we can’t control. It’s a process that must happen and we can either let it pass with blinders on or we can get out there and dance among the leaves with a smile.



Life mimics the cycle of the seasons. It gradually eases from one phase to another, with small subtle changes that we often overlook until we are in the middle of its term and have missed the beauty it has brought with it.



We can close our windows, lock the doors, and hole up inside or we can throw them open and let the newness in.



I feel like at times we shy away from things that change in our lives, because we feel our contribution to life is small or not important.

What a sad untruth!



We are in control of ourselves, and when we give even in the smallest way, it is just not that small.



Change is not bad, change is mandatory.

We can fight it, push it away and cover our eyes but if we peek from behind our hands we just might see the magnificent beauties unveiled before us and feel enticed to jump in with both feet.



Life blows around us as the wind, heavy at times, refreshing at others, bringing with it the wonderful unnoticed gifts like those brilliant, bright leaves.



The hues making our lives filled with color and excitement.



The rain of life isn’t always a dark and gloomy cloud. It is a cleansing.



A cleansing to our souls, a chance to start fresh, clean, renewed after our world has been bathed by its pure donation.



Control your seasons, bring in the color, jump head first into a pile of newly raked leaves, or simply provide the foggy breath on the glass. Just be sure to be a part of the change. It is a glorious feeling to welcome in the new possibilities, even in the smallest ways.



With that being said, Shall we dance?



Let’s dance in the new season of autumn, a new time in our life, a dance that we all do in different directions.



Swaying and moving, enjoying everything new around us.

The winds of change blowing in, and brushing softly against our cheeks as we drift and turn and swirl.

Here are my thoughts! Happy Day All!

TC ;)

~Ride On~

My Grandpa Ed Hardister passed away today, some years ago.

As I was sitting in the swing this morning, drinking my coffee, I replayed several memories he left with me.



The first thought was of course our love for the sea, the way we both came alive the minute our feet touched sand and the salt air we so sweetly inhaled.

I smiled this morning and closed my eyes and as the sun kissed my face I could almost be on that beach with him again.



Our last conversation was the day before he passed. I think he knew, I didn’t though, so I am thankful that I remember his last words to me. I will attempt to write them if I can hold back the tears.



‘Lil gal, you take care of that boy(Seth). You teach him like I taught you. Do what you want and nobody can make you happy but yourself. If you want something, go get it.”



I tried to probe where he was going with this and said “Well of course.” I had no idea why he was telling me all this now. What I didn’t know was that his body was consumed with cancer.



“Lil gal, Grandpa loves you, you know that. I have loved you ever since I first saw you.” His voice trembled.

“I love you too Grandpa, we will come down and see you soon so you can meet Seth.” Silence and then..

“I love you lil gal, I love ya”.

He hung up; 24 hours later he left me.



I say he left me, he left other people but that man.. oh that man was *and still is the greatest man I ever have known.



We spent more than summers together at North Myrtle Beach. We spent time together that made me into the woman that I am today.





I can safely say he is the only man I ever have known that has ever seen me as flawless.

To my grandpa I was the most beautiful, most important and most loved girl in the world. He set the standard pretty high for me on men.

Grandpa made me feel so loved and so treasured and for that I must thank him. He is also to be acknowledged for my charisma. I am very much the happy, upbeat, smiling talker that he was. That is a very good thing.

He taught me to be kind to everybody and to always offer a handshake and a smile to anyone, friend, enemy or stranger that came my way.



The most important lesson was to be secure in being me.

I had been out riding my bike that day, before I knew it I made a nose dive for the pavement and my little knee took the brunt of it.

I stumbled inside, trying so hard to be tough. I wanted to cry but my pride held back my tears.



He saw me; I hobbled over to the couch and plopped down beside him.

Grandpa could see my knee freshly scraped and also he could see the huge tears in the eyes of his little blue eyed buddy.



He spoke, not loudly, not a whisper, but firm enough to grab my attention.

“It’s ok to cry” he said.

I couldn’t, I told him, I didn’t want to look like a baby.



He kept going, “You can cry, its ok. We are all human, doesn’t make us any different, just don’t cry in front of everybody now. We all fall down lil gal, but you gotta get up, cry a little and keep on riding.”



I snuggled up next to him, in my usual spot on the couch. Cozy on his shoulder and arm, every once and a while feeling him pat my hair until I was sound asleep.

Complete and total bliss.



Countless times, sunburned, scraped, tired I would fall asleep next to him. Sometimes he would try to get up without waking me, to put a fresh sheet over my cold, little toes.

I slept even better. I had to have been smiling because if I stirred, and I peeked I would see through my have open eyes my big, strong grandfather smiling down at me.



Grandpa got sick and had to have his leg removed when I was a teenager. I think I was around 17 years old.

I couldn’t wait to get down to see him, and do our usual stuff.



There he was, sitting there on the couch watching the tube. I entered; I was greeted with that smile that looks very much like mine. His eyes sparkled.



I plopped down beside him, that man who meant so much to me.

I never got taller than him but now sitting beside him I could look him in the eyes.



His face saddened, he glanced down to where his leg had once been.

He wanted to cry but he didn’t want to look like a sissy and he sure didn’t want to look weak in front of me.



I went back in my mind to that bike crash I had when I was younger.

“Hey Gramps, we all fall down.”

“I know”, he replied. “I lost my leg lil gal, I can’t..” He trailed off.

“Hey, you gotta get back up you know”. I told him.



His radiant smile returned.

No more words.

I leaned over, threw my feet up beside me on the couch and snuggled his shoulder.

I glanced at his tan, weathered face, I saw his tears.



I said one more thing to him.

“Hey Grandpa, from here you look like always, two legs. Your shoulder and lap are still just the same”.

I fell asleep and I think he did too. Complete bliss once again.



Life is gonna knock you off your bike, its going to hurt, tears will fall, but are you tough enough to face it and keep riding?



Just don’t let everybody see you cry, especially those dumb ol boys as Grandpa called them.



Hey Gramp, I am still riding and smiling. Teaching Seth and Luke the best way I can and hey I still don’t care what people think. I hope somewhere, somehow I am making you proud, and I know I am, I can feel it.

Love you and you would get a kick out of my ring tone, its Poker Face, it reminds me of you, to keep on smiling even when I want to cry.



Here are my thoughts. Happy Day All.



TC ;)



Once Upon A Time...

Once upon a time there was a little girl who dreamed she could capture the world.
She wasn't sure how but her eyes often seemed to sparkle sitting down at her thinking spot, taking it all in, looking brightly into her future.

As she grew so did her goals. Aspiring to be a Marine Biologist, attending the college by the coast that she laid awake many nights and imagined herself in.

Life took some turns and she didn't get there.
It didn't stop her from being happy.
She grew up, she got married and she had a beautiful, little boy who without a doubt captured her heart at first sight.

Her life moved on.
A little older sitting at her thinking spot she smiled, she kept dreaming.

Hurt, pain and loss didn't deter her.

She stood there remembering the recent loss of her Grandpa. Knowing her wouled want her to smile through the tears and carry on.
She forged ahead.

Again blessed with another beautiful little boy. Her life was rich as a mother.
The daily tasks of tending to her sons brought her joy beyond measure.

The years continued to pass.
Friendships grew, people came in and out of her life.

Sickness, scars and pain found their way along her journey.

She found herself older again, staring at the ripples and her reflection in the water down at that now trusty haven she had come to reply on.

She tearfully recalled her faithful friend of the 4 legged persuasion who had followed her since she was in pigtails.
How he always gave her a mannerly nod when she glanced down at him and then they would playfully race back to the house. Two tongues wagging as they reached the front porch together.
Old Spud, best dog in the world. It never was the same without him down there by her side.

Her sons grew and there beside her on the bank they played, skipped rocks and learned to fish.
Sometimes the only thing they caught were fits of laughter and many memories.

The little girl now a woman.
She stood on the trusty pier, mourning the loss of her Grandma and her marriage.
Wondering where she was going now.
Seeking answers, hoping to suceed at life.
She pressed on.

Caampfires by the thinking spot, melted chocolate s'mores on everybody's face.
Life was simple and good.

I stood down there again the other day.
It has become quite a spiritual ritual that I indulge in pretty often.
I love to go down there at the beginning of each new season.
Breathing in the air, watching the world change before my eyes.


As I stood there the other day, I realized I am still that little girl.
Sometimes scared, very hopeful and thankfully still seeing the world with a sparkle in my eyes.

My life so far doesn't match the dreams of my youth but I wouldn't change a thing.
Take away my favorite spot and and that opinion might change but as I sat in the corner under the shade tree I almost destroyed at about age 13, trying to swing on its new limbs, I see that life is what I make out of it.

I could wallow in regrets and past hurt, but why?

Why not wear my battle scars proudly and continue on my journey with a smile.

My steps may become slower, my face weathered as the years pass, but my heart will always wear pigtails and dream big.

Thank goodness Dad and I built that pond.
It has been a stable part of my life, its hasn't changed. It is like an old friend whom I can bear my soul to without ever saying a word.

Keep moving forward,finding your spot in this in this world and he glad for every moment, good and bad.
They are what make us who we are.

Here are my thoughts!
Happy Day All!

TC ;)

From Behind The Mask

So Luke and I were looking through some of our old stuff yesterday.
We found some old favorite books, drawing he and his brother had done, a cute dress I forgot I had, his first Duke hat and many other things we took out and said 'WOW, I totally forgot about this!" in sheer joy.
At the bottom with various notes and random keepsakes I found a forgotten mask. I do believe it was my famed Batgirl mask that I used to wear when the boys were small. I had to stop telling them I was Batgirl because Seth took it upon himself to "Tell" for show and tell, when he was still in the single digits that his Mom was truly the real Batgirl.

Of course the teacher met me at the door to inform me of his creative share.
Her face tensed as I laughed and told her her in fact yes I was the Dark Knight's female sidekick.
Whoops, some people have no sense of humor sometimes I guess.

Anyway,back to me and Luke and our find.

I put it on for old time sake. His eyes lit up and we giggled, and briefly I was again that silly Mom who used to wrap in a blanket and jump off the back of the couch.

You know wearing it I felt slightly different, well not because it didn't match my jeans and tank top and looked pretty silly as an accessory to my flip flops.
I felt like a different person. Not a feeling I really ever feel.

I took it off my cherished treasure and I was simply Teresa again.

It set my mind in motion and how hard it would be to live behind a mask.
It seems to be a trend among some people to wear a clever mask and transform into a person they really are not.

I guess it's easier to be accepted as a "character" or play a role of who you wish you were.

I know I am not accepted b y all, I know being I who i really am i am often perceived as the goof, the silly girl, the class clown, but that's just part of who I am.
If you look past all that and truly know me, I am more.

I suppose certain people might like me more or accept me if I started strutting around with my nose in the air, spouting out a list of selling points, my best features and my current do gooder acts.

I refuse.
Hey, I am Teresa, TC to some and T to many and various other nicknames but they all equal the same person, just me.

I step on toes at times, I trip standing still, I snort when I laugh and I get too loud and animated when I am excited but by golly its who I am.

I never have to worry about dropping my guard or letting my mask slip to reveal a very different person.

I wonder about those people who wear a mask to the world.
So they come home, remove it and look into the mirror and wonder who they are?
Do they wish they could be whomever they were born as?

I am me, I am not wealthy, not very graceful, not snobby but I am so ok with being me. I am loving, caring and genuine.
It saves a lot of time, I don't fake an accent, put on a front or ever worry I will be found out.

If you find you are wearing a mask, take it off for a while, you may be surprised at how much people like the REAL you and most important you just might like you better as well.

Be proud, be you. Never feel ashamed of who and where you are from, how you were made, let the sincere person you hold inside out, to be free.

Now I must go, its almost dark and well I did find my Batgirl mask.. Off to Gotham City I go!!!!
Happy Day All! Here are my thoughts!

TC ;)

Going Blind

I wish for a one day we could all be blind.
Let me explain.
If we were to all have our sight taken from us for just one single day I think we might become humble in the way we truly view the world and the people that exist in our world.

Our society has conditioned us to only accept people based on a few superficial factors.
Without sight we wouldn't be impressed with the car a person drives or the pricey clothes they choose to wear.

We wouldn't be allowed to judge another human being by their looks, the ones that appear flawless and most important those that don't.

We wouldn't be permitted to view disabilities, scars, burns or any other factor a person has fought to overcome.

How would we view the people we encounter and interact with?

We would be given a chance to see them for their inner light that shines, the beauty of voice, the touch, the feeling that person gave us.

I closed my eyes before I started writing and began to paint a picture of different people I know, leaving the alone their visible appearance.
Sadly some of those people's striking good looks faded and what I saw wasn't pretty.

Then I began to look at the people who I hold close, they became even more beautiful. Not because of the color of their hair or perfect smile, but their true beauty became so clear in my mind's eye.
I was surrounded by people who have touched me by their words, a laugh, a pretty smell, kindness, an innocent giggle and a firm, loving hand to hold.

I remember sweet little Mozelle Stout who I got to know when I worked at a nursing home.
I could hear her beautiful voice singing a hymn long before our eyes ever met.

I had to be near this woman who filled the hall with such a sweet sound.
I followed it, I felt like running to it.

There in her wheelchair was such a gorgeous soul. Did I see her wrinkled and weathered and her legs unable to carry her any longer?

NO!
I saw a perfect person before me who even at her life's end still found a reason to sing.

Did she turn me away because I slipped on the wet floor and being accident prone, because I didn’t have a nurse's badge, because I didn't fit the image of a 30 something, single Mom. OH NO!

She grabbed my hand into her feeble, loving hand and asked me to sing along.

It became our ritual, we sang, we sang everywhere, and she laughed the most innocent laugh as we got too loud.

I went to her before I left that job, her kind eyes tearing up she said "Keep singing angel."

Don't worry Miss Mozelle I won't ever stop!

I saw her obituary and it hurt to know she had left this earth but she left me with a lesson and an incredible song in my heart.


Close your eyes let your heart do all your seeing for you.
When you open your eyes you may not have 20/20 vision but I think you will start to see people for what they are and not their perfect body, botox, meaningless material possessions, you will see how amazing they are and most important how they made you feel.

Maya Angelo said you will forget what people say, but you will never forget how someone made you feel.

Close those eyes today people, and after you view the world in a new way, take a long, hard look at your own reflection and see if you like who you are.

Happy Day All.. Here are My Thoughts!

TC ;)

~Labors Of Love~

I was outside starting my day last week, of course a cup of black coffee in my hand, the Spring sun warming my face even at that early hour of morning.
I was walking towards my swing ready to sit back and gain my daily perspective.
I heard a faint sound coming from across our little two lane road.

There in his crisp plaid shirt, well worn jeans, boots and a straw hat was my great uncle guiding his tiller carefully through his large, garden area.

This is a sight I have watched since I was 6 years old and my parents bought my great grandparents home next door to great uncle Edsel.

I used to stand in our fruit orchard and watch him in the early mornings smiling as he tilled the newly thawed ground and prepped the area for his big, upcoming vegetable garden.
Now here I am many years later watching him again. Now viewing it from a different perspective, not just in location which is across from Mom's house and Edsel's.
I am seeing it for the deeper meaning it has to me since becoming an adult.

Sure he could zip down to the grocery store and buy whatever he wanted, even pre cut and pre sliced, but he doesn't.

It’s a task he truly loves.
He loves going out there and digging, tending and working hard.
It’s worth every ache and pain to see the end result of his labor.
A labor of doing something he loves.
Its very simple, no fancy tools needed, he is at peace when is out there. If he catches someone looking on in his line of sight, he raises one hand., gives a friendly wave and a smile and then presses on.

I began thinking of how consumed we have become by convience and the quick way to do things.
I thought over the moments and. memories that I treasure and I quickly realized not one of them contained the easy, quick formula we have so sadly adapted these days.

Maybe I am simple minded but to me its those back to basic acts that I find so endearing and remember the most.

As a parent I could easily pay money to generate the happiness of my children, its everywhere, so why not, right?

The problem there with me is when they are my age will they remember the dollars spent or the memories made?
I can buy something today and by next week they won't even think twice about it but if I put some effort and work into doing something for them that has little or no cost they remember it vividly and with a happy heart.

As a rule usually every summer we skip down to the pond, put up our tent, gather fire wood and attempt to fish.
It has become a seasonal tradition that the boys love.
Thinking now about our camping last summer I laugh recalling Seth and Dylan with an axe, Luke digging worms and me erecting a tent without pegs (it worked btw).
Sitting by our nice fire, the dew fallen, catching fish in the almost darkness, using cheese puffs when our bait ran out, it’s a labor of love.

Sure we could pack up and hit a fun park, heck I could pay someone to take them for me, but no its kinda basic but the end result is worth the splinters, Smores burns( hot coal and hot foil hurt!) and a sleepless night in a tent with them.

They will be standing somewhere someday and it will hit them just as it did with me.
Our needs and joys don't have to revolve around elaborate costly things.
We can find the most incredible insight and love in those acts that might make us sweat, make us tired and dirty, but that were done out of just pure love.

I guess I am simple, flashy doesn't do it for me, thought does.
I am most impressed by simple and in saying simple I don't mean I am dim or slow witted and all it takes to make me happy is an empty box, but an expensive dinner and lavish gifts has less value to me than 2 hand made cards from the boys and a pecan pie from Mom to celebrate my birthday.
Labors of love, try them.. You won't ever forget them and years from now it will still make your heart smile. Here are my thoughts! Happy Day All!

T ;)

~One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. Author Unknown

~I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.Laura Ingalls Wilder

~The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

~Live simply that others might simply live. ~Elizabeth Seaton

~Just Be~

How was your weekend? Mine? Pretty laid back and quiet.

Coffee and pen in hand lets get down to the Thought For The Day!
Get comfy, put your feet up and hopefully I can bring you a smile today that will get you through Monday!

I've been struggling with something and pretty sad.So I decided to put it out of my mind today and to write about happy things.

If you know me then you know the one the one thing you can say about me is that I'm different.
I always have been.
I came out of the birth canal folded in half and the first appearance I made into this world was butt first. I am sure my Mom is so proud!
I think that set the tone for my whole life. I don't see things like other people. My perspective is usually very different. Some people have called me a dreamer, silly, goofy and even dumb.
I disagree. I think that in any situation you can find some joy and in that some people think I am not serious. I don't care what they think, I will find my joy!

I tend to celebrate my faults, they are a part of me and who I am.
I enjoy my quirks and don't care of anybody likes them or not.
I snort when I laugh.
I fall "UP" stairs.
I read backwards.
I stop and dance no matter where I am if the music is good( wouldn't you love to shop with me!)
I reapply perfume about 3 times before I go out, by gosh at least you will remember how good I smell!
I talk very loud when I am excited, no matter where I am, So what if the ER nurse, the older gentleman in the grocery store or the guy beside me at the gas pumps hear me!
I skip, yes I said skip!
I would rather you give me a bubbles and a bubble blower than a dozen roses, so that way we can enjoy them together.
I cry for people I don't know if I think they are hurting.
I'll smile and tell you I am fine just so you won't worry even if my heart is broken.
I'll be myself !
I won't change no matter how hurt or sad I get sometimes. I will be goofy and silly to hide the sadness.
Its who I am.
Take it or leave it.
Be proud of of who you are, stand tall( well in my case I hope I am not wearing those cute wedged mules I fell off of and broke my foot in).
Embrace the blessing of not being like someone else.
Leave your unique mark on this world!
Be you and if you see me in the grocery store ask to dance with me!
Here are my thoughts! Happy Day All!

TC ;)


~We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves. ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

~Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not. ~Henri Frederic Amiel

~Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you? ~Fanny Brice

~The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh