"When I was a kid...."

I couldn't believe I was saying this....I sounded just like my momma!

She said it everytime we visited this place. I was ever so glad when she didn't refer to her past.

We climbed the dusty, gravel road with bumps every few inches. Our 2007 Dodge minivan hasn't known roads like these before!

I soaked in the sunshine and enjoyed every crook that road led us down. My mind flew back to the years I'd wandered down this same road as a kid with my cousins. Dirty feet and soggy clothes from swimming in the creek all day and eating hot dogs, marshmallows...just junk, pure junk!

I peered over at my curly girl and her brother remembering that this land was completely foreign to me as a child, too. I was raised in the city with Walmart and a Mall near our house. At that time, I didn't know if I really liked this sort of country life-style. Maybe the ticks and mosquitoes liked me too much, or it could of been the fact that my Uncle Les and Aunt Wanda made their kids do the dinner dishes. We called it a vacation, but for me it was important life lessons that I now appreciate! Whatever the case, it was only until we were leaving to go home that I realized how much I truly enjoyed myself.

Aunt Wanda's fresh, brown country eggs were always more tasty than those bought at Kroger. I couldn't stand the sight of a raw, skinned catfish after we caught several. But the taste, after they'd been fried, was unbelievable!

Today I peered out the kitchen windows of Uncle Lester's cabin at my boy fishing on the dock of Little Black and my heart swelled with memories. This cabin had undergone many nice changes since I slept here as a kid, but it was still a part of my childhood. I remembered the beach and floating down the river on a raft. I wanted to sink back into those times for only a day.

And, here I go, saying it just like my momma, "When I was a kid...." I smiled knowing that my kids could care less about my goings on. But whatever the case, let me say it anyway! :)

Selah....continued

Day 5 at Granna's

"Adore"

Every female on this planet wants to feel that they are adored by someone. Camilia had written. Though over a century later, Selah felt the fervency of that statement. Even as a newborn babe, a girl knows if she is being loved and adored by her parents. She must feel wanted...needed...loved. Camilia's words made a lasting impression on Selah.

Selah felt stronger today. She was sitting on the wicker porch swing sipping iced tea and devouring the next volume of Camilia's diary. Katie was sitting neatly on the braided rug beside Selah's hand bag. Granna was working on the front porch giving her miniature poodle, Sassy, a good bubble bath in the metal washtub. Sassy was obviously enjoying every scrub.

"Granna, did Grampa make you feel adored?" Looking up from the journal, Selah asked inquisitively.



Granna paused to think for a moment. Grampa had been gone for four years now. "Grampa sure loved me an awful lot, honey." Then she spoke quietly, "I loved him, too. He was a man of respect and honor." Then she thought a little more. "Say, you may not completely understand what I'm telling you right now. But throughout time women have desired to know that their Prince Charming on his white horse lives only for them. That's why there are so many romantic stories of princesses!" Granna smiled. She continued, "There's been alot of disappointed wives when they discover that soon after the ceremony their man wants to go fishing....without them!" Now Selah was laughing. Sassy barked in delight as she jumped from the wash tub and shook off water all over Granna! It was a sight!



Although, sprinkled with Sassy's bath water, Granna was enjoying the entertainment. She sat down beside Selah and smoothed her blond ringlets between her fingers as she whispered in a more solemn voice, "Never expect too much from those you love and you'll never be disappointed. " Granna took a sip of iced tea and continued, "Honey, Jesus adores you...He made you so unique and special. Always remember that He will never disappoint you." Her words touched a tender place in Selah's heart. She knew it was true.

"Come on, Say, let's go make some ice-cream! My neighbor just brought me a bushel full of fresh picked strawberries and I just know they are gonna be delicious in that cream!" Selah closed the much admired journal and picked up ever observant Katie as she and Granna went in the house arm in arm grinning at the prospect of homemade ice-cream.

(to be continued)

Selah....continued

Day 4

Warm Peppermint Tea, A Diary & Rest

Sweat beads dripped down Selah's forehead as she threw the quilt back and sighed.

The worried look on Granna's face was exchanged for a smile of relief. "Honey, you've been shivering like a frog on ice for the past two days. Your Granna is thankful this fever's finally broke." Selah gave a weak, tired grin.

"Sorry I came and got sick on you, Granna."

"Don't you fret about this, Say. Getting sick is just an unfortunate part of life! God puts an amazing 'fight back' in each of us...and that's what you've been doing. I sure don't know what brought it on, except that maybe you just needed to rest..here at Granna's." The smile was back along with a warm cup of herbal tea. Peppermint tea. Selah's favorite.

Granna closed the door behind her as she went back downstairs.

Selah pulled herself up in the soft bed and leaned against fluffy pillows. She looked over at the pink Wild Wonder rose bouquet...the bright sunny window with shades partly drawn...her nightstand with Bible close at hand.

Hmmm...the last thing I remember was going to bed cold...really cold. Wonder if Granna's called Momma yet? Oh, I hope not! She'll worry about me. Selah's thoughts were whirling as she happened to notice an old book laying on her night stand under her Bible. The book looked worn and well read. She picked it up and, out of curiosity, opened the yellowed pages.

Looks like a diary. Wonder who.....Oh, it says here....Camilia Elaine Staten. I remember Granna saying that she was Ivey's sister. Selah began to read.

"October 6, 1889 'I peered through this upstairs, bedroom window of my sister Ivey's house. The sun shines through as I see him very distantly working in the garden....' " Selah drew in her breath as she wondered who he was? She remembered Granna had informed her of that Aunt Camilia never married.

Selah felt a tinge of guilt over reading someone's private writings, but curiosity got the best of her and she continued.

Selah turned on the lamp beside her bed just as she finished reading the first volume of Aunt Camilia's diary. Oh my, I must have been reading for hours! This is was so intriguing that I just couldn't put it down.

She giggled as she read about Camilia's teenage twin brothers trying to paint Ivey's kitchen...paint spilled everywhere! Tears filled her eyes when she discovered the love that Camilia had for him was never returned. He was never revealed by name. Although, Selah had a full description of what he looked like and even his reserved personality.

Camilia's handwriting was very flowery and exquisite. She must have been beautiful! Selah imagined her to be as beautiful as her name. I wonder if she knew God. Her last thoughts were interrupted by Granna's entrance.

"How are you feeling, Say? You look better." Granna had brought up an enticing tray of chicken and dumplings, buttermilk cornbread and a tall glass of fresh lemonade. Selah's eyes lit up, "Thank you, Granna! I'm starving! I hope it was alright that I've been reading Aunt Camilia's diary. I just finished it."

Granna touched the old book. "I left it here for you, honey. There's so much history there. You need to know who you are." Selah didn't quite understand that statement. Granna continued, "Your ancestors have left each of us a rich heritage. Something to be proud of! I'm bringing you the next three volumes of Camilia's diaries. She very carefully documented much of our family's history during that time period. Camilia died young, but left a lasting legacy in diaries."

As Selah tasted the delicious dumplings, she pondered in her heart....It's so sad to think that Camilia didn't get to have children and live a long, happy life! She sounds so creative and interesting.

Granna explained that she had all Camilia's diaries safely stored in the attic. Ivey had put them there when Camilia passed away. She wanted to preserve as much of her sister's memory as she could. Granna promised that Selah could take them home with her to read and study if she wanted to. Selah excitedly agreed that she would be very careful and return them as soon as she finished reading them.

Selah was still left with the question when Granna kissed her good-night, I wonder if Camilia knew God?

(to be continued)

Thank God for FREEDOM!!! Happy Fourth Everyone!!

"Selah And The Special Dress" will be continued next week....

Have a happy and safe fourth of July!!!


Consider real freedom:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is LIBERTY!!!

Love you all~





Darla

"Selah And The New Dress" continued...

Day 2

"Granna's Rose Garden"

Granna tenderly touched Selah's blond curls as the last shades of light disappeared from the tree tops.


What a day! My little angel is sleeping so soundly.... Granna remembered the tea party she and Selah had enjoyed by the rose garden. With heavily scented yellow cabbage roses to the left, an inviting table set for two was complete with warm country peach tea and vanilla tea cakes. Of course, Katie accompanied them. Katie went to all of Selah's tea parties! She was given to her by Granna as a birthday gift three years ago. Her weathered skin and fading gingham dress showed the special affection Selah had for her. She sat still and quiet on the patch work quilt beside the wrought iron bistro set where the two ladies immersed themselves in friendship, tea and stories.



"Selah and Katie, I want you two to know that this very rose garden was planted many, many years ago by Grandmother Sadie's mother, Ivey Elizabeth. Because of careful pruning and much attention over the years, it has not only survived, but thrived into a lovely, delicate garden. The red tea roses in the back are named after President Lincoln and the white and yellow cabbage roses were planted by my momma, Ona. The pink tea rose on the far right is named Wild
Wonder. I planted it the day you were born. See how tall and beautiful it has become? Even since last year, it is yielding more blooms! Mmmmm...smell it, doesn't it have a delightful scent? Those are the roses I chose for the bouquet in your room."

"Granna, what is the oldest rose in your garden?" Selah asked.



"Well, Say, we've replaced many of the older bushes, but the lavender florabunda rose has been here since great Grandmother Ivey planted it. It's name is Enchanted Evening. Here, take one." Granna gently plucked off one of the luscious blooms and handed it to Selah.



"Granna, how did Enchanted Evening survive all these years?", Selah's curiosity was obvious. "Well, honey, your question is a good one. I asked my mother the same thing! Your great Grandmother Ona answered me this way. 'When you love something so dearly, you are willing to do whatever it takes to preserve it. My mother Sadie was always very careful to water the Enchanted Evening first because it represented something her mother, Ivey Elizabeth, loved.' So, Selah, it must have been the love that we've each one had for our mother that has provoked us to care for Enchanted Evening. It's kind of like a heritage of love. Momma picked a rose from this same bush and explained to me the importance of loving one another. From that, she pointed out that we show our love for one another by taking care of one another's needs.....

just as we've done for this rose." Selah was speechless. She marvelled at the memories Granna shared of the Enchanted Evening rose and how special their love for one another really is.....from generation to generation.


"Oh, Granna, that's so beautiful." Selah whispered.



Back in Selah's room, Granna shook her head and smiled remembering today. She gently pulled the warm blanket over Selah's shoulders. She quietly thanked the Lord for this time she shared with her granddaughter.


"Lord, let these moments be special ones. With Your crowning approval, I ask that Selah's heart be opened to Your Way. Please help me to be sensitive to Your timing this week. I've waited eight years for this! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I ask these things, amen."

Granna kissed Selah's soft cheek as she rose quietly from the bed and dimmed the lamp as she slipped out the door and down the stairs.




(to be continued)

"Selah And The Special Dress" Day 1

Dedicated to my favorite Curly Girl, Anna Elizabeth Kaye.

Day 1

"Selah visits Granna"

The sun streamed through the window into Selah's (Say-la) room. She opened her sleepy eyes and stretched her arms wide as she flung the soft, pink comforter to the side. Her eyes glanced at the clock, "It's 7 o'clock in the morning....a whole week with Granna!!!" She dressed quickly and neatly folded the covers over her white princess bed. Selah carefully straightened her room, smoothed her blond curls into a pony tail and headed for the breakfast table.



Half-way through her cereal, the phone rang. It was Granna. "I'll be there in 20 minutes, honey. You be ready!"



Eight-year old Selah had waited weeks for this day to come. She had packed her suitcase the night before and could hardly sleep for excitement.





A honk announced Granna's arrival. After good-bye kisses to Mom, Dad and her older brother...she was out the door!





The winding, country road to Granna's house was dotted with wildflowers and canopied by beautiful trees. After a mile or so, it turned to a gravel road. Selah looked at Granna and asked, "Can I run the rest of the way, Granna?"





"Of course, Say!" It was Granna's special nickname that made Selah smile as she unbuckled her seat belt and hopped out.





Granna's house was unique and unlike any other she'd ever been in. It had antiques of years gone by and wooden floors that held the scars and scrapes of many generations of children. Granna and Grampa had moved in that beautiful old house when her 92 year old, Grandmother Sadie, had needed someone to move in with her. It had been in the family for well over a century. Although remodeled and refurbished, it's large, three-story structure still held a distinguished appeal to it. Selah loved hearing the stories of Grandmother Sadie's adventures. The stories of the wishing well on the back of their property was her favorite! Grandmother Sadie had been born in that house and so had all nine of her children. Years of family heirlooms and treasures were stored high up in the attic.





Granna's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread and usually a homemade pie or cookies. The cabinets had been replaced a few years ago with sturdy oak panels polished nicely. Granna always took special pride in her kitchen and her cooking. She never allowed a dirty dish to lay in her sink very long! She had taught Selah how to knead the dough and shape the bread before putting it in the oven.





Selah carried her fire-engine red suitcase to the top of the stairs. Her room was ready for her! It was a small room with a large, bright window overlooking the rose garden. The walls were pink and white stripped and there was a feather bed on the left that was so soft, Selah would dive in, sinking down in shear delight! Granna had thoughtfully placed a bouquet of Selah's favorite pink roses on the ornately carved antique dresser. The scent of the her freshly cut garden roses was delicious!





A whole week here! Hmmm....wonder what Granna has planned? She pondered as she neatly placed her clothes in the tall, white chest beside her bed. Selah carried her Bible to the night stand on the other side of the bed and whispered a simple prayer that this would be a week to always remember....





(to be continued)

Happy Birthday To My "Wonder Woman"

There is an amazing woman that I'm privileged to know and love.

She likes soft, flannel sheets.

Her favorite restaurant is Outback...the 14 oz. Ribeye.

A few of her favorite things are vegetable gardens, heavily scented cabbage roses, baby chicks, pet rabbits, her grandchildren, her Momma and a table covered in Southern Comfort food!

Her house if filled with photo albums, framed pictures of her grandchildren and their artwork.

Call her anytime and she will have a complete meal ready and waiting for company in less than an hour!

She has those envious "smiley wrinkles" from years of positive thoughts, words and actions.

She cares deeply for everyone.

She doesn't have time to be a "neat-freak" or OCB...she's too busy sewing little dresses for granddaughter's baby dolls, fishing with her grandsons or taking video clips of the latest little one learning to walk.

Does she have enemies? I don't know of any and I don't think she's aware of any. She just couldn't bear the thought of having one. Oh, I'm sure there are those that envy her resilience and kindness....I have, myself, at times! But, she has always managed to find the very best in everyone.

She is loved by many.

I've often wondered what is the emotional make-up of this incredible lady that makes her so unique from all the others?

It must be her unwavering unselfishness.

She lives for others. She lays no claim to her own way...her own wants...her time. And the most amazing thing is that she does it all with gladness. As if it were a privilege to offer her help.

She is a pleasant person, not one that is moody. In the thirty-some years I've known her, she's had very few down days. Gone through hard times? Plenty of those, probably more than her share. She just doesn't let it affect her enthusiasm for life!

Only the tired eyes reveal how she truly feels. "I'm fine" is her answer to how she feels 24/7. (I love this one!)

Her attitude is not ruled or dictated by hormones!

As with the increasing number of people now days, She doesn't rely on medication to be content or happy.

So, what is her secret?

Is it her deep relationship with the Lord? or is she just naturally born this way? I wish I knew. Believe me, I've wondered about this one! It must be a combination of both.

She is a rare individual. One that is unforgettable.

To her ten (#11 is in the oven and due in a few months) grandchildren, she is a Queen! She doesn't spoil her grandchildren, she only corrects them when absolutely necessary and very lovingly and gentle. I don't remember her ever criticizing or raising her voice at any of my children.

She looks like a "Memaw" and isn't ashamed that age has slowly crept in her hair or drawn lines on her face. Her self confidence is not lacking. She doesn't have to try to look thirty years younger. She's content to be in this season of her life.

Memaw's house is not a three story mansion decorated with silk and tapestry, but her place is a palace to my children and the most desired place to be. Offer them a week in Hawaii, Disney World or Memaw's house....it's an easy choice for them! (Think that's an exaggeration? Ask 'em....I just did!)

Today is her 59th Birthday.

We celebrate her beauty, inward and outward, this day and commend the beautiful lady that gave birth to her, Granny Mary, for giving us a gift from heaven.

Charnelsa Kay Diller, I am blessed to call you "Momma".

Happy Birthday!

I love you!