Lovely As Lilacs Was This Day In May.....

When thoughts of this past Saturday swim in the think tank, that's what I'll remember. It was lovely as lilacs and also the colour of my Cousin's wedding party. What a beautiful day, we were blessed with and a terrific time was had by all. The Bride (my first Cousin on my Father's side) is a beautiful, loving and very lively lady. She had hoped to be married a few years ago, before her Father fell ill and passed on but that wish washed away. I'm sure glad the dream of her perfect wedding didn't. The youngest of four children and the only girl among them, Shonna, like myself, has a slight stubborn streak in her and can be down right determined when her sights are set on something. It's one of the things I love most in her personality. As I lay these lines here, the mind grounds make back to our childhood, I'm reminded of their family pet, Seamus. An Irish Setter that had silky, shiny, strands of hair. Kind of like my Cousin did on Saturday. Now Shonna, if you're reading, please take no offense. I mentioned Seamus not to compare hairs, Hahaha!, but to share in how I do think you are like your old dog, in another way. Remember how you kids wouldn't let that poor dog alone?, you all put that pooches life to the test!. I can see it like yesterday, you four, saddling and spurring that Setter up!. Ahhh dearly departed, Seamus!. She always came back for more and was devoted to her loving family. Just like you, lady!. You're Daddy was and I'm sure, still is, very proud of you, we all are.

Like most elaborate, elegant events like this one, we all wanted to look our Sunday best, personally, I think we pulled it off, perfectly. Of course no one looked better than the Bride and I was happy to see her stunning self as she slowly stepped down the aisle. Did I mention, I was one of the very few to not see her dress before the big day?. It was well worth the wait and words don't do justice to how wonderful she and her Groom looked. I take from that day so many marvelous moments and memories made in them. Funny moments like, me stressing about the silky bows not sticking to the pews; I'm certain my dead Daddy and Uncle kept knocking them off!. I had only two jobs for this wedding and the bows got the best of me!. To seeing all of my loved ones laugh and love every second we shared. I don't think anyone who attended would disagree with me when I say, the terrifically touching dance with the Bride and her Brother's, was the most wonderful part. Though my eyes were never dry for long during the day and through the night, a lot of folks shared eye leaks with me as she danced with her oldest, middle and then youngest Brother. The kicker in the ticker was seeing pictures of days passed with their Father, playing on the projection screen behind them. Yup, I have tears typing this now. Another awesome moment was witnessing the Bride's Mother and her Uncle (her Father's Brother) walking Shonna down the aisle. Seeing so many people that years pass in between time shared, was a treat and it was extra special that some of my Husbands family was also there. The same family I once lived above. A treat indeed!. The food was fabulous and I will be finding out just where they get those little potatoes from. A sundae bar was set out and even poutine at midnight!. My Son's couldn't wait for that part. Desserts were made by a few family members and I was pleased that my oldest Son along with my Sister, added edible excellence. Dancing, chatting, laughing and feasting were things we all had fun doing. I'll always think of the efforts you and others made when looking back on May 25th 2013. Thank you Shonna and Marty!, whatever the price you paid to pull your big day off, we all enjoyed everything!, I hope it was worth it to you, we thought it was.

In ending this entry, I'd like to make mention of my Cousin's kindness and consideration. They should be on their Honeymoon now but instead are helping care for one of her Brothers, while he heals after a short slice under the knife. Things like that make my blood pumper pound proudly for my loved ones!, take a bow you two, you did done good!. With that, I'll say sayonara, for now and leave these lines with a few photos from the festivities. Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may this day find you filled with love and laughter. 

A Special Start To Summer.....

Yippy, skippy, dippy do!, it's here, FINALLY!. Today marks the official start of Summer for me and it looks like this day is going to be lovely as the lilacs that live outside my door. Ahhhhh!. It feels so good to be back in the warmth of the sun and I plan on sucking it up. Before I get into why today is so special, I'd like to share with you what's taken place in the time that's past since my last entry here.

I'll start with a stumble. As you may recall me mentioning, I stopped gnawing on my nails and was doing dandily with it. Sadness and uncertainty stepped in and I'm not happy to be typing of how I've fumbled (smacking my hands). Blue I've beaten myself over it but today I will stop the self sternness and attempt anew. You might already be aware of how hard and unforgiving I can be, with myself but tripping and trying again is something I'm gaining strength in. Okay, enough of all that, on to the sunnier say so's. Mother's Day this year was spent much the same way as several others that have passed. Many of us gathered at the nursing home to be with our Memeness. Though she has seen better days, I'm good and grateful that we were able to share another one with her. She slept most of the time but we were all pleased to see her eyes open a few times. Hubby Bub was able to snap a quick shot and I'll add it at the end of this entry. Though it's not a perfect picture of her, I'm peacock proud to be her Granddaughter and enjoy sharing pictures of the loved ones in my life. Our gentle and generous Aunt purchased food for everyone and we enjoyed a fine feast, chicken, potato salad, dinner rolls coleslaw and cookies were all consumed and it was a gift to be granted a meal that I didn't have to make. Thank you Auntie Sword game, my Husband insists our Aidn had five pieces!. I sure enjoyed it and the left overs were just as delicious.

After leaving the nursing home, on we went to my Mothers house. My Sister was going to make the drive for Mother's Day this year but decided to stay home and extend efforts for upcoming events. She is always living life like a shiny spinning top and no one can stop her, secretly, I hope she never slows down. Ever organized and living life in a very lively way.  Anyway, as always, she is missed when we gather and she isn't present. We stopped in for a brief visit to give my Mom her gift from the boys and I knew she would love it. Last month  while we were out with her, she spotted a beautifully coloured bowl but didn't end up buying it as her Husband felt the cost was to much for such an item. I'd like to add that he bought a blue fish and all the furnishings for it, that same day. She did give him grief when he mentioned his desire in buying the little blue gilled guy and brought up the bowl, again. I laughed knowing that I bought the bowl for her with thoughts of Mother's Day in mind. We didn't stay long but seeing her smile and go on about her gift was sweet enough for me. The gifts I received from our Son's were the best parts of my day. My youngest made me a card and gave me a cup coaster that his teacher knitted for each classmate. He was so excited and even hid it up in his room until the big day, seeing his excitement is always the most excellent, for me. Our oldest Son also extended effort and he was very thoughtful and unique in his gift. I absolutely love grape ice cream and there is a store close to where we live that sells some of the best. When I opened his gift I thought he had purchased this pail of ice cream from there. Nope, he did not. He made it, well, sort of. He started with vanilla ice cream and added grape flavoring. I am still savoring each spoonful but have had only a small amount each day since he gave it to me. If I devour it all in a weeks time, I'll be an even bigger beach ball before Summer even starts. Such simple yet superb surprises!, thank you boys, I love them!

It's been busy around here and this week we were able to make the trip to be with my Nephew for his thirteenth birthday, the big boy that towers over six foot tall man is now a teenager!. I can't believe how my Sister and I are Mothers of a teen. So far I don't have many complaints and I'm certain she doesn't either. My Sister's Son is a smart, sharing Sir and I'm certain he will be a marvelous man in coming years. His party took place at a local hotel that boasts of botanical beauty throughout the pool area and has a waterfall and water slide for aquatic enjoyment. We've being to this place a few times before and always enjoy going back. As usual, my Sister made sure that everyone had a good time and the efforts she puts into everything she does, always amazes me. We hadn't told our children that we were going and it was a surprise when they came in from school on Tuesday. It's hard to surprise our kids because one of em always hears something from someone but this time we were able to pull it off and that was a gift in itself. Many of my Nephews closest friends were there and it was a real pleasure seeing them all together enjoying everything the day had to offer. Our Mother and Step-Father were also there and I'm so glad we could be together for the celebration. Thank you for inviting us to join you, we had a great time and can't wait to see you again, soon.

Back to the blog title....
Today is the birthday of a fantastic friend. We had plans of celebrating at her house but her schedule has changed and we'll have to do it at a later date. I couldn't accept not giving her a gift today because we can't be together so I decided to offer her up this entry until I can spoil her right and proper, in person. This woman is very special to me. We met nearly two decades ago and enjoyed many a fine moment. Then we lost touch and have only reconnected in the last few years. She's helped me many times, like when I had my surgery and she stayed with the kids. Always extending efforts for others. She's someone I can count on to share smiles, selflessness and super sized servings of belly shakes!. Like my Sister, she has such a sunny way of seeing life and she's another one I'd like to clone for this planet we play on. Jenny, you know how much you mean to me and I hope in the days to come I can express it even further with edible efforts, good company and many helping hands to assist you in work or woes. We love you and hope that this birthday is your best one ever!. Take a bow lady, you amaze and are adored by so many, I raise my mug to you, now and look forward to us spending more time together this Summer. The last two have been super and we all enjoy every visit with you, your Hubby Bub and the pack of pooches. It's May 2-4 weekend woman, I hope it's wonderful for you! Happy Birthday to one of my finest friends!

Well that looks long enough for me and I'm sure your sight seer's will agree, thanks for reading whats in the mind grounds and may well health and happiness be ours, today.

Internal Agony, External Efforts.....

In a few words, that sums up what's stirring inside myself. Though I'd like to be able place blame on it simply being Monday, I would be lying through my large load if I tried tossing that out here. I know why I'm struggling with internal agony today and I'm attempting external efforts by typing out my thoughts. In the past it's proven to help when I'm in a miserable mood. Though I realize I may be thinning my reading herd by offering up my ugly thoughts, I do this blog for myself and no one else. Well, except when I add one with sweet say so's about someone special to me, then, it's for them. Today, it's all about this single soul. That last short sentence sunk my sap sucker even lower than it already sat. What selfish, sad say so's those were. Oh well, out with it I'll get to and hope that it helps me when I'm through.

What's wrong with her?, may be what you're inquiring mind is curious about. I'm frustrated and fueling the fire by beating myself blue with expectations that haven't delivered delight, to me. Haha, did you understand that?. I should go further into detail, shouldn't I?. Yes, I should but I'll keep the heart of it silent because of respect I have for those involved with my agony. Besides, I told you this was going to be about me and for the love of life!, it will be. All that really matters in the miff of it is that I'm harboring hurt handed to me through the hands of ones I care for. Sometimes I really struggle with the actions of others, it stings more when they don't care to make any effort over what I've asked from them. I continually tell myself  "you can't change anyone or make them conform to your commands". It's never that I can't make someone do what I want, that bothers me, it's always the "why don't they want to do it for me" part that puts me in peril. From the moment I know my request is relinquished, my insides ignite the engine for internal agony to begin. I blame and belittle myself for what they've failed to finish. Not even considering why they may not be comfortable in the request. Instantly I tell myself how if I was better in this or that way, they would want to give me what I want. Looks a bit childish doesn't it?. I'm well aware of that, thank you.

Anyway, I know how hanging on to the hurt from it, can only hinder my happiness so I'll make external efforts to turn it around. There have been many marvelous moments since I last typed here, I'll tell you about some of them. My Cousin who will be wed in a couple weeks had her bachelorette party recently and I was pleased to be part of it. Thirteen of us gathered for dinner and then an evening of hen pecking and happiness. My Sister is the Maid Of Honor and made sure that we all had a good time. Our Aunt also helped out and we all enjoyed their efforts. The restaurant chosen by the Bride To Be was one I had never dined at before. It was a delicious meal and everyone echoed of the edible excellence. Once at our next destination, the hotel at the casino, we watched as our Cousin opened all of her gifts. Seeing her smiles and laughter that night was a present that each of us would leave the next day with. We then played a few games and had fun right up to the wee hours of Sunday morning. I took a few pictures but failed to remember snapping more shots as the night went on. Everyone had sorted out sitters for their children and the whole lot of us were spread through every space of the two room suite. I wish we could all gather like that every few months, it's always so much fun spending a night with fine females. The blushing bride seemed to really enjoy herself and it was great to see her step away from the stress of the coming big day, for the time we were there. We were even able to get our mermaid on!. After we swam and swapped stories of our lives, back to the hotel room we went for more girly giggling. I was often seen leaving as we were right across the street from the Detroit River and I love the night view of the city, I'm also a smoker; that's probably the more truthful reason. It had been a beautiful day for us and the weather outside was wonderful and welcoming after a long drawn out Winter. I could almost taste Summer in the air and was pleased when the warmth came to us in the coming week. A couple others joined me on a few visits to the water and it was nice to spend time with ladies I don't always see. The night ended when only two of us were left with eyes open. As her and I sat outside thinking of how nice it would be to go back and restart the night, I was filled with fineness of the day. How lucky I was to have a loving family that enjoys spending time together. It was a perfect day and I pray that my Cousins coming wedding will be the same.

Well I'm glad to say that I've failed here, failed in keeping this blog entry all about me. I love when I'm able to fail in this way and I've made myself feel better because of it. No one wants to read or hear about someone whining and that's where my words would have went, had I wallowed in it. Besides, I rather enjoy beaming about others and think we should all spend more time doing just that. If you were able to read this far, thank you!. I may type my blog for me but I always appreciate any eyes caring to see what I have to say. Included are two pictures from the party and a song that's serving me sweetly today. Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may this Monday be the start of a wonderful week for us all!