Mama Says: Happy Birthday, Aleta!

So, thirty something years ago, I headed to the hospital yesterday. Twenty seven hours later, on July 31, Jackie and I became parents. We did not know ahead of time what the sex of the sex of our child would be. You must remember, this was before routine sonograms, so I never had one when I was pregnant with Aleta. But I always felt like it was going to be a girl. I remember the doctor telling us it was a girl, looking over at Jackie, both of us with tears in our eyes. We were thrilled!! Surprisingly, Jackie was hoping for a girl also. And Aleta was born on Jackie’s mother’s birthday, which was kind of neat, since I was born on my grandfather’s birthday.

Thus began our parenting journey, a journey that we both enjoyed. Aleta was an only child for almost 8 years. In so many ways, she is so much like me. Bless his heart, Jackie tried to make her a cowgirl, alas, with little success. He started when she was about 18 months old. He put her on his old (Old, old) horse, Tiny, holding onto her. Tiny kind of bucked, Jackie grabbed for the horse, and Aleta went tumbling off the back, and ended up with her first black eye. He bought her a horse when she was about 6 or 7 and tried so hard to get her to like riding. She was bucked off, and that ended her life as a cowgirl. Aleta did not subscribe to the belief of getting back in the saddle after falling off. We camped a lot when Aleta was young. We visited and camped at the state parks, because Jackie was a park ranger. Jackie taught Aleta to ride a bike, and we would ride the bike trails at the parks. Generally, we would ride single-file, with me or Jackie in front, Aleta in the middle and the other in the back.

Our trips to Paines Prairie gave Jackie the idea to build Aleta a playground. My one request was that it be built on the side of the house or in back of the house. I knew Jackie so well, it seems. I came home and found him building in the front yard. Everything Jackie did, he sort of went over the top. He talked about building a swing set. This project sort of grew and grew. We had a swing, a swinging bridge, a two-level balance beam, monkey bars, and a two-story fort with a fireman’s pole to get down from the second floor. I must say, a number of kids (and several adults), enjoyed that play area over the years.

These were just some of the things I was thinking about as I contemplated Aleta’s upcoming birthday. As I said before, we were thrilled to become parents. I hope both our children know how special they were to us, and how much their father loved them.

It’s odd how time passes so quickly and how life changes. It all seems like yesterday. At any rate, parenting has been fun. And I’ve discovered that I enjoy them just as much as adults.

I wish for my daughter a Happy Birthday. Aleta, may you have a blessed, fabulous day.

Sunday Obsession: Twisted Sisters

Photo taken from the Twisted Sisters Amelia Facebook Page

Y'all know that I love a good, Southern shop.  If ever you find yourself in North East Florida, a smidge north of Jacksonville, this is a Must-Stop-At.  It has a little of everything!

I have bought hats, accessories, monogrammed bags (Yes, they monogram here).  They have clothing, such cute beach wear, and also have a ton of home goods stuff.  It also has a ton of cute gift items.  It's adorable.  Y'all simply must stop in.

Twisted Sisters is located at 402 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, 32034.

Saturday in the South

A few photos of our Girl's Weekend thus far...

Girl's Trip!

Image found on tripoto.com

This year, possibly more than any year before, has felt like day-after-endless-day of monotony. It’s such an odd sensation to be so content in some aspects of your life, and so incredibly restless in others. Maybe it’s a 30 thing??

Thankfully, my best friend has been feeling the same. She just gets it. So, as we have done so many times before, we are off on adventure to remedy the restlessness! We are off for a girl’s weekend!

Have no fear, I don’t foresee us coming home with wild stories as we have in the past. But it will be oh-so-nice to get away for a little while, relax, and hopefully come home rejuvenated.

I know that I’m hoping that in the time away, I’ll have some time to reflect and possibly make a decision about the upcoming months.

My bags are packed, and we are hittin' the road, folks!  Our sights are set on Fernandina!

Toodle-oo!

XOXO,

Aleta Kaylee

Rolling Oaks Country Store

So, y'all, I get really excited when new things come into our little area.  Last week, mom told me about a new little country store that had opened up on 26.  Mrs. Cindy Jo had run a story about them in the newspaper, and Mama was itchin' to try their subs.  Well, I think last Wednesday or Thursday night, she brought one home for each of us.  It was delicious!  Mine was cajun turkey (ever the Poultertarian lol).  But she also brought home a bag of S'mores chocolate covered pretzels.  They were amazing.

Of course, I had to go and see this place for myself.  Off we went on Saturday afternoon.

Now, let me just go ahead and say, I was amazed at all they had.  Not only did they have a deli counter with a ton of options for sandwiches.  They had every jam/jelly you could imagine.  Baked goods galore.  Freshly made bread and rolls.  Pies, cookies, cupcakes.  A honey pot for you to bottle some local honey.  They had soup mixes; barbecue sauces; specialty mustards; and candy galore.  They had cheese; roll butter; coffee and teas.  They even had specialty soaps, goats milk soaps, etc.  And there is more still to come.  They are still working on their inventory.  It was amazing.

This little store is a tremendous asset to the community.  For those that live out in the Waccasassa area, who may not want to venture out to Trenton, it is ideal!

It's located at 6880 SE SR 26, Trenton, FL 32693.  It's on the left just before the caution light.  Y'all, let's show them some love and support.  Stop by and check them out!

Wordless Wednesday: Where in the World is Aleta headed now?

I'll give you one hint...This is a photo of Centre Street...

image found on tripadvisor.

Ahhhh...but the question shall be answered Friday ;)

Storm

Her thoughts were like the clouds rolling in.

Much like a Summer squall,

Coming in quick without any forewarning.

The waves hitting the shoreline in ever heavier rhythmic succession.

The sand was dancing in swirls along the beach.

Her mind was cluttered, and the panic was setting in.

There hadn’t been any time to sound the alarm.

Things that had at once seemed so effortless and light,

Were now fiercely daunting.

Thoughts were consuming her brain.

What should she do? Where should she go? What should she be?

The questions boomed like thunder. 

The air was thick, almost suffocating.

The pressure bearing down on her.

The waves were rising.

She stood there, taking it all in.

Looking out at the sky for some guidance.

The center of the storm would either bring perfect clarity or utter chaos.

Mama Says Monday

So….my daughter calls me the Slacker. Can you believe it? Y’all might recall about a month ago I was sick, so sick. I had a stomach bug with violent throwing up and an upset stomach. Not the best subject for a blog. But I can’t stand to throw up. If I throw up, I consider myself on my last leg, don’t bother with an emergency ride in an ambulance to the hospital, just go ahead and call the funeral home. This was a big concern of mine when I had cancer and was taking chemo. I didn’t want to be sick and throw up. I prayed long and hard about this matter. And I believe in answered prayers. I was never sick during chemo. Let me rephrase that. I never threw up. Which was such a blessing for me. However, never let it be said that God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Because, while I never was sick to my stomach, about 30 minutes before my first chemo ended, I had my first bout with an upset stomach. I made it about 15 miles from the cancer center, when I had my husband stop at a Hardee’s for another bout. And such was my everyday life for next six months plus. Be careful what you pray fervently for, because I got just what I asked for. And don’t get me wrong, I am certainly not complaining. I could, and did, deal with that problem easier than vomiting. I just had to make sure of a nearby restroom. And I continued to work most days. God is surely good!

But I have been plagued with a stomach bug twice in the last month. In fact, this past Sunday, we came home from vacation, and my back was killing me. That lasted a couple of days and then I had one good day, and then the stomach bug hit again. Look up that funeral home number again and keep it handy, I might just need it.

So anyway, Aleta tells me I can’t be a slacker again. No excuse will work. She is crackin’ the whip and I must write. 

While we were at Daytona, we got the opportunity to go to Aunt Catfish’s Restaurant. Ironically, this is one of our favorite places. Ironic because none of us like seafood. But they have an amazing Sunday brunch. The first Sunday, we had my aunt with us. She had never experienced Aunt Catfish’s. I think we have a new convert.

My Aunt Jean and I, enjoying the beach.

But let me tell you why we love this place even though we hate seafood. There is a fishcamp area with baked beans, coleslaw, cheese grits, and wonderful cinnamon rolls. Then there is the salad room, with 3 walls of salad fixins and a chocolate fountain in the center with fruits, marshmallows etc that can be drizzled with the chocolate. O heavenly day!! Then there is the buffet area, where there is lots of choices from mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, fried catfish, catfish filets, hush puppies, bacon, sausage, ham, baked turkey, macaroni and cheese, eggs benedict, and a couple of veggies. Now while I proclaim that I don’t like seafood, I do so love hush puppies and theirs are absolutely the best. Beyond the buffet, is the omelet and pancake station. Here you can pick out the items that you want in your omelet or pancakes. They offer specialty pancakes like Hummingbird pancakes with pineapple and banana and nuts, and Bananas Foster pancakes. I can’t remember all they offer, but they sound wonderful. I must admit I have never made it that far. Maybe next time.

Rheba was working that first weekend, so she didn’t get to go. We took my aunt home on Tuesday (because she had a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday) and picked Rheba up. We felt really bad about Rheba missing out on a trip to Aunt Catfish’s, so we stayed an extra day so she could go. Now, we have always gotten there after 11:00am but decided to go earlier this time so we could start home sooner. It has always been busy, and you would have to wait a few minutes, but it was never very bad if you got there before the church crowd arrives. We arrived before 10:00 and figured there would be no problem. Wrong!! Longest line we have ever encountered. We had to wait about 45 minutes (we were told we might have to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes) but as usual, it was well worth it. But one little tidbit, the baked turkey doesn’t come out to the buffet line until 11:00. Also, if the brunch I described didn’t float your boat, you can always order off the menu (you know, the seafood stuff).

The only drawback is the brunch buffet is only offered on Sunday until 2:00, so if you are not in the area, you miss church. But I understand from some of my seafood loving friends that it is also a wonderful place to dine any other day. Can’t wait until our next trip!!

Until next week,

Cynthia Kay

Sunday Obsession: Stationary

Y’all, technology is great. We have the ability to communicate right at our fingertips. 

That being said, I am old school in some ways. I’m a sentimentalist. I prefer a handwritten letter or a card to an email. Always. 

Well, you know about my love of cards. Finding the perfect card for someone always makes me happy. But along with cards, I love stationary. Especially monogrammed stationary. I don’t know why, but it just screams “Southern” to me. 

In my better days, I would pen a letter to loved ones and mail them out. Receiving a letter in the mail (that isn’t junk mail, or a bill) always makes one feel special. I just loved doing that (and when things settle down, I hope to start that back up). 

My cousin, Chris, is excellent at making all of my hare-brained schemes a reality for me. I have sent him ideas in the past, and he has designed some nice stationary for me. The photo above are some of the ones he has made for me in the past, as well as gifts I’ve given friends.

**Shameless Plug** If you have any stationary needs, need personalized recipe cards made, or vinyl work done...The Gilchrist County Journal is your go to. Ask for Chris!

The big breakdown...

I hate to cry. Like…I hate it. I know that it’s just a normal way to express emotion...but with myself, I relate it to weakness. I know, I know. Probably shouldn’t be that way. I should let myself be human. Whatevs.

But, alas, this week, I’ve had the big breakdown. The big, ugly “I’m almost 31 years old and what am I doing with my life??!” breakdown. Yes, Lord, it wasn’t pretty. Thank God for my best friend, who had to talk me off that ledge.

Ironically enough, every time I have “the big breakdown” that ends in my shedding a few tears, something pretty drastic tends to happen.

But my best friend said this to me, and I would like to share this with y'all.  She said, "The Universe did not put you in this spot to stay.  You are able to change.  If you don't like something, figure out what you can do to change it."

Completely solid, sensible advice, right?

I’m not going to elaborate on what is changing at this time…but just know that some changes are a’comin’. I will fill you in in the upcoming weeks.

Hot Mess

Photo Credit: Jenn Lazos

My hair is a rat’s nest matted on top of my head. I’m stretched out across my couch, dressed in my slip. Mascara has started to smear under my eyes, which emphasizes the bags silently and restlessly forming underneath them. My face badly needs to be washed; but there I lie, unmoving. Although I am far from being red carpet ready, there is beauty there. Unintentionally, this would make a fabulously inopportune photo op. After all, I am, almost laughably, a vision in white.

The silence encompasses me, leaving me painstakingly with my thoughts. And my memories flash like an old-time picture show.

My heart is hurting, but my mind is hopeful. Gloriously, I realize that while I can’t see it at this particular moment, Scarlett O’ Hara was right, “Tomorrow is another day.” I’m sad, but overwhelmingly hopeful.

And I am here.

I am alive.

I am honest.

I am feeling.

I am beautiful.

Even in its messiest form.

---

This was written September 30, 2014.

Beach Pictures 2017

My sweet Aunt Jean and the oh-so-Sassy Cynthia Kay

Mama and Beeb

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Wordless Wednesday: Miss Scarlett

Y'all, Facebook may surely have it's downsides, but it does keep us in contact with our loved ones.  My cousin lives in North Carolina, but she continually brightens my day when she posts pictures of Miss Scarlett.  I am certain that you can't look at this little Miss and not smile.  So, this is me brightening your day, folks!

Photo Credit: Keshia L. Rice Photography

Photo Credit: Jenny Rowland

Photo Credit: Jenny Rowland

Photo Credit: Amber Looney Photography

Photo Credit: Amber Looney Photography

Photo Credit: Amber Looney Photography