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On November 30th, Stay Home Because You’re Well Day gives us an excuse to stay in for the day. We all need a break, and it’s nice to take it when healthy to enjoy it. This idea goes hand in hand with practicing LAZY, so I’m wondering if Auntie TJ had something to do with the creation of this National Day.
Remembering back to my days of employment, I do remember taking such days on the first rainy day of fall. Only planning for a one day absence, I would wait patiently while watching the weather forecast. On that first drippy day, I’d call in sick and enjoy a random day of raindrops and solitude. Lovely in every way.
It always fascinates me that people use fake illnesses for all kinds of excuses. Instead of owning the reason for declining an invitation or duty, some hide behind imaginary Covid. It’s not a healthy idea to create a phantom illness because sometimes excuses manifest into something real. This National “Stay Home Because You’re Well Day” is a marvelous idea.
After I’d been teaching for some time, our school district instituted “No-Tell” Days. We were given three per year to use in any way we chose. When using such a day, you would report your absence without a reason. Such a delightful idea. Employees need these days for their mental health.
I also remember enjoying “Mom-Days” with my kids when they were little. Sometimes a Mom/Son day is exactly what’s needed to rejoice and rejuvenate. I know my kids always enjoyed the time spent time together as much as I did.
Being home on a “Well” day is an opportunity to accomplish tasks. But, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking the day to practice “LAZY” either. Healthy life choices come in many forms, with burn-out not being one of them. Self-care in a busy life is critical.
If you decide to observe the National Day of Healthy Rest, try enjoying any of the following things.
*Spend time with your pets.
*Read.
*Walk.
*Binge on your favorite program.
*Plant your winter bulbs.
*Put up Christmas lights.
*Write Christmas cards.
*Go to lunch with friends.
*Try a new recipe for dinner.
*Nap.
*Plan a vacation.
*Scrap-book.
*Finish your fall cleaning and organization.
*Just do nothing at all.
Whatever you decide to do today, make it your and yours alone. Tomorrow will arrive soon enough. Take a deep breath and enjoy “National Stay Home Because You’re Well Day”. Peace be with you.
My new Social Security card arrived on Saturday. If you’ve recently had the need to change your name, you understand the importance of that first step. It was necessary to wait one month before applying for the card with my new name. This gave time for our marriage license to register with the county. And so, here we are at the end of November facing weeks of the tedious job of changing my name.
Of course, this is a privilege and something I’m very lucky to do. Every time HHH refers to me as his wife to someone else, it makes my heart swell. I’m still learning to say that I am Mrs. HHH, even after weeks of marriage. After almost 40 years of being Mrs. Hurt, both personally and professionally, changing gears is mind bending.
To get the Social Security with the new name, I had to wait for a certified copy of our marriage license to come via snail mail. Once that arrived, I sent it off with my passport. They assured me all original documents would be returned. I have yet to see that happen.
This creates problems when ordering a new passport. Eventually, everything will be in the same name. Mrs. HHH.
So, in the midst of unpacking HHH, Christmas, and keeping up with twice as much laundry, meals, and cleaning, I started thinking about just what advice my Auntie TJ would give. Of course, the best advice she’s ever given, (and she gives the best), was to always remember to practice LAZY. Just practice it, because for us farm girl types, it takes some work to internalize it.
Growing up, LAZY was something you never wanted to be accused of being. Nope. LAZY was a terrible trait when growing up in the 1900’s. There was always so much work to accomplish on the farm, that anyone caught being LAZY would certainly have hell to pay. Just wasn’t done. If you couldn’t find things to keep yourself busy, Mother would help you out and assign more chores. Period.
So, for Auntie TJ and I, practice is a must. As a new wife, I’m still figuring our whether HHH appreciates LAZY or not. He’s wheels never stop spinning, but that might be situational. There is a lot to do around here.
Practicing LAZY starts with an intentional pause in your normal chores. Nothing will collapse if you stop for 2 hours. If you’re lucky, try for 4. At the very least, start with 1. During that time, choose quiet and mindful thoughts of how nice it feels to sit and breathe. In and out. If you’re bold, try staying in your pajamas from morning until night. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Stretch the hours as you luxuriate in your own space.
I used to be great at practicing LAZY. Almost sloth-like, I could stay in jammies for days doing things I loved doing while watching the snow fall. A peace came over me as I took time to do the things I love. I’m going to do that again soon, after the name is changed on ever single contact I have.
For the time being, HHH and I will be scurrying around to prepare for an upcoming small town tree lighting, lighted parade, birthday celebration and family dinner. In a flash, it’ll be our first Christmas Eve here at Winterpast. I really want to enjoy every moment leading up to that. I’m going to do it by slowing down.
Whatever you do today, take time to stop. Just for a bit. Read a book. Take a walk. Sit in the sunshine. Take a drive. Do something you love. It’ll be great for what ails you.
Oh, what a beautiful Thanksgiving! Still honeymooning, HHH and I had the best time scurrying town getting all the fixings for our first holiday dinner at Winterpast. With a twenty pound turkey for a party of five, we’ve plenty of frozen turkey for future winter dinners. From the fresh cranberry sauce to the homemade pies, no one went away hungry.
Thanksgiving Eve, we worked the entire day to empty out the last of HHH’s belongings from his house. After five weeks of moving, neither of us ever want to experience that again. The yard is mowed and weeded and all trash has been hauled away as it awaits new occupants.
Now, the building formally known as the “RV barn” and forever more known as the “Man Cave” is filled to the brim. What a super place for five brothers to root for their favorite teams while my new sister-in-laws and I can enjoy coffee time inside the warm and toasty comforts of Winterpast.
Along with all the things my new husband brought along, the Man Cave will also home to a portable outdoor kitchen we’ll enjoy next summer. At the speed at which time is passing, it’ll seem like minutes before we’re cheering for the winner of the greased pig contest at our hometown Independence Day celebrations.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving weekend without some Black Friday fun. As it turned out, there was a deal on a new television that couldn’t be missed, as well as a deeply discounted Shark vacuum. Having just joined Walmart Plus, we ordered both things on Thanksgiving Day. To our surprise, they were delivered before 10 AM the next day. One of the stranger deliveries we’ve experienced, both things were delivered by people in their own private cars. Life is strange these days with nothing as it used to be. Even deliveries.
After doing more Black Friday shopping at places you wouldn’t think of, like a furniture store and travel outlet, we came home to package the remaining turkey and simmer the left over carcass into a lovely broth for use at a later time. Our kitchen talisman observed the entire procedure and approved. All the while, football played in the background.
HHH comes from a family of five boys, all stellar athletes that still hold high school and college records, all being distinguished members of the High School “Hall of Fame”. How my new Mother-In-Law keeps their teams straight is beyond me, but she does.
Now, I came from a house of five young ladies. We didn’t ever watch football or sports, for that matter. Our television, once we had one, was parked on programs like “My Friend, Flicka” or “Flipper”. Our movie choices involved musicals or romantic comedies with Doris Day or Rock Hudson. Not football.
I’m the first to admit that I don’t know very much about the rules of the game. It doesn’t hold my attention any more than my programs fascinate HHH. I needed to find a way to make it a little more interesting. After hearing about a unique method for choosing a winning football team a few years back, I’ve made it my own. It’s simple. Just root for the team with an animal as their mascot, such as the Miami Dolphins or the Chicago Bears.
If two animals play, choose your favorite. If no animal is in the game, pick the team with the best uniforms. So far, I think I’m doing okay. HHH finds the whole thing cringeworthy, which makes the whole idea even more delicious. I will say that choosing a random team each game does make it a bit more fun. My preferred team is the Baltimore Ravens, represented by my favorite bird.
With many days left to enjoy the holiday, it’s time to get on with projects at hand. Today will involve a trip to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to handle name and address changes and all issues related to cars. Then, it’ll be on to take a photo for a new passport, because, a girl just never knows when it might be necessary to have one at the ready. Changing names and addresses are equally frustrating at times. It’s nice that we can share the pain.
Whatever you do today, get some fresh air and sunshine. Think about the reason for the season and get caught up with friends. Heck, break out the pen and send some Christmas cards. Hohoho, let it snow!!!!
Family has been coming and going this week. Some of our desert peeps are in Kentucky, while Arizonan’s have dropped in for a surprise visit. And so it goes around the holidays. Families doing their best to get together for a few days of great memories.
This will be our first Thanksgiving as a married couple here at Winterpast. Ollie and Wookie will be hanging out under the table hoping to score some handouts along the way. HHH is a master chef and has been planning our meal for a week or more. I plan to be his sous-chef, already having set the dining room for a party of five.
There is something admirable about a man that needs to cook a 20 lb. turkey for five to insure lots of left-overs. We’ll be up tomorrow morning at dark:30 to stuff our bird while waiting to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. With careful planning, there’ll be plenty of time left to enjoy the day.
On this eve, Thanksgiving 2023, having HHH in my life is the biggest blessing of all. I’m thankful for the love of family and friends that surround us all year long. I’m really thankful to be able to enjoy a Mother’s love once more in my life. The beauty of the desert that surrounds us makes me glad to be alive.
Whatever you plan to do for the holidays, please spend time with those you love. Start a list of all the blessings in your life. Once you get started, the list will practically write itself.
I plan to eat too much turkey, sleep in, and enjoy some Christmas movies. I’ll be back on Monday with more stories from my little town that sits proudly on a dusty wide spot off the interstate on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada.
One very short but interesting stop along the road from Twin Falls to West Yellowstone involved some inscriptions from long ago. Driving along, we’d notice signs mentioning Massacre Rocks State Park and Register Rock.
Located along the Snake River west of American Falls, Massacre Rocks State Park features a famous configuration of boulders along the south bank of the Snake, known alternatively as “Massacre Rocks”, “Gate of Death,” or “Devil’s Gate.”
A famous spot along the Oregon Trail and California Trail during the mid 19th century, emigrants gave this name to the narrow passage of the trail through the rocks, from the fear of possible ambush by Native Americans. According to diaries of emigrants, settlers in five wagons clashed with Shoshone just east of the rocks on August 9th and 10th, 1862. Eleven emigrants and 20 Shoshone died in the fight, which involved four wagon trains.
The remains of an extinct volcano, the rocks were often used as a campsite for wagon trains along the trail. Many emigrants carved their names and dates on the rock face, now protected by a shelter. The actual passage through the rocks is now Interstate 86 along the south edge of the park.
Look closely at the picture above. H. Chestnut signed the rock on August 20, 1862, just days after wagons fought with the Shoshone. How many children sat and read by these rocks, resting their feet after running alongside the wagon trains all day. Of all the things we saw on our honeymoon, this is one that still haunts me.
Troubled by conflicting accounts, I found actual diary accounts to read for myself, after so many have rewritten the facts. History is most interesting when one can find first hand accounts of events that took lives. There are those that believe any talk of massacres were just tales of the wild, wild west. Of course, the Native Americans were the most peaceful of peaceful. The settlers had nothing better to do than kill as they traveled through. Read some actual journals where truth is written on both sides.
Here’s a suggestion. First, go out into the desert on a moonless night, at least 20 miles from the nearest town. Then, only protected by a thin blanket, sit on the ground and listen to everything from breezes to coyote howls. After having listened to stories of attacks all day long and near the point of exhaustion, wait for the attacks to come to your wagon train. Staying alive took courage, stealth, and quick reflexes of people from both sides.
Just this week, there was a televised statement from a Native American man that no indigenous people ever scalped anyone. All-rightly then. Gotta love historical accounts of 1862 rewritten in 2023.
How could there be an actual count of men, women, and children killed in the action from either side? I’m sure both sides embellished stories that never happened, while those accounts too horrendous to tell died with those at the scenes.
In the diary of Henry M Judson 1862, he mentions, Jas Crawford, J Adams, John Walker, A. J. Cassidy and many more were wounded. I’d much prefer to read their journaled accounts to thoughts of historians writing today. As a writer, I’m thankful to Mr. Judson and other settlers for taking the time to write down their personal accounts of their journey.
Massacre Rocks — present day
Windmills???? In such a sacred place???? I hope H. Chestnut and T.J. Wilcox understand. I also hope they understand the need to hide their “Register Rock” behind chain link fencing to prevent defacing. Our world is certainly a mixed up place.
Register Rock, IdahoSnake River near Massacre Rock
As Thanksgiving draws closer, remember your own ancestors and the bravery it took to survive and thrive in our beautiful country. The sacrifices they made to start new lives in the west were breathtaking. Bloodshed and illnesses be damned, the pioneers of 1862 had set their goals. Taking time to carve their names in rocks, they’re still remembered 161 years later by two honeymooners.
Although still considered the wild west by some, I wouldn’t trade my life on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada for anything. Hope you feel the same about your home town!
After the weeks of careful planning, our wedding day came and went without a hiccup. Our guests are still talking about the best wedding that happened on that beautiful October evening. It was truly an event to remember.
Early on, we had a few ideas for a blissful honeymoon. Some had suggested it might be silly to take one but that though never crossed our mind. Of course, we’d enjoy a honeymoon. Deciding on the destination took a bit of time. Many honeymooners choose the largest towns in Nevada. Those certainly weren’t a fit. We’d planned a trip to Maui, but, Maui burned, no longer an option. We’d considered the coast, but those plans didn’t come together like the rest of the wedding.
One evening, I mentioned my favorite place in the world. WYOMING. Our plans quickly came together. Although sharing a bit of Yellowstone with Montana and Idaho, 96% of the park lies in Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park in October would be the backdrop for beautiful memories as a brand new man and wife.
After searching online, we chose a little cabin in West Yellowstone. Not too far from the grocery store and restaurants, this little home would be the perfect place to begin our new lives together. We’d drive there, taking time to stop whenever we’d like, just like HHH had promised me we would as we danced to our song one night while we were making dinner.
We’ll follow the rainbow Wherever the four winds blow And there’ll be a new day Coming our way …Keith Urban
Our little town is 550 miles away from West Yellowstone. We’d need to stay the first night in Twin Falls, Idaho. This was a bonus, as I’d only driven through Twin Falls once, never stopping to see the falls.
After taking Sunday to enjoy breakfast with our kids, worship with our church family, and open presents at Winterpast, we were ready to hit the road on a bright and sunny Monday. The weather was perfect as we drove east on the interstate.
Before we left, I took some water based paint and wrote “Just Married” in big letters on the back of our luxurious ride. It’d be fun to see who would make comments along the way. Little did we know, it would spark some of the highlights of our trip.
After driving for a few hours, we decided to have breakfast at Sid’s in Winnemucca. If you are ever traveling through, do stop. They have the friendliest staff and the best food we’d eaten in a very long time. My white “BRIDE” fanny pack didn’t go unnoticed, as many shot smiles our way. It’s weird to blast along at full throttle for weeks and then STOP to live in the present.
Did you ever take a walk through the forest? Stop and dream a while among the trees? Well you can look up through the leaves right straight to heaven You can almost hear the voice of God In each any every breeze
You got to stop and smell the roses You’ve got to count your many blessings everyday You’re gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road If you don’t stop and smell the roses along the way …… Mac Davis
Back in the car, we talked and sang familiar songs all the way to Idaho. On the way, we entered into big-sky plains, still green from the rainy year. The conversations were easy as they always are between us. There were no cross moments, no tensions about the raging war, no mentions of new shootings. Just miles and miles of peaceful driving.
Traveling through the high desert, we saw miles and miles of nothing. Not an antelope or deer, although there were overpasses built just for their migrations. No highway patrol to ruin our moods. Just wide open roads on the way to Yellowstone.
Overpass for deer migration…….. Note the footprints on the walls. These save lives, both human and animal.
We had lots of time to talk about plans for HHH’s big move to Winterpast, which is occurring as I write this blog. Moving, contacting businesses, and changing one’s name are three things that add to the stress of the moment. Top that with preparing a house for a lease, and you could see there are many stressful things that could have distracted us from our fun. Didn’t happen.
That night, settling into the “Best Western Plus”, we sat in our comfy clothes while watching the World Series.
Watch a little, talk a little, watch a little, watch a little, Snack, Snack, snack, talk a lot, watch a little more.
That is how HHH and I spend our days together. With sports playing in the background, there’s always something interesting to question, share, or laugh about. Thank goodness for the pause feature on YouTubeTv and a patient husband that uses it often.
Well, that sums up the first day of the honeymoon. Romantically perfect for us in every way.
Whatever you do today, think about planning a road trip. You don’t need to travel far to discover beauty in the surrounding area and also in your travel partner. Be part of the great migration, even if it’s just for a day.
Since August 28th, 2022, when I first met this wonderful fisherman who is now known as my Hubba-Hubba-Husband, I’ve been given a precious blessing from God. Having spent many hours in deep conversations about his plans for me, I would often ask God for a strong Christian man to enter my life. He blessed me with HHH.
When we first met, we shared many interesting conversations. One of the more serious ones involved our mirrored desires to honor God before all else. Through widowhood, the single life, and dating, God guided us to that very moment when I walked down the aisle into my new life as a Christian wife.
Our minister had asked what song we’d chosen for the processional. There were so many on the list. Of course, we could’ve gone traditional with “Here Comes the Bride”, but that didn’t see right.
“Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flats was a contemporary front runner. Its lyrics spoke of the hard times through widowhood both HHH and I had experienced before finding true love.
“That every long lost dream led me to where you are Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars Pointing me on my way into your loving arms This much I know is true That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you
I think about the years I spent just passing through I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you But you just smile and take my hand You’ve been there, you understand It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true” Rascal Flats
We’d already decided on that song, until another made us both cry. It’d be the perfect song to play as I walked down the long aisle towards the man with the bluest eyes and the smile of home. The song was The Prayer, The English Version song by Mikalene Ipson and Eric Dodge. Although their were other versions by more famous people, this version fit the time and place.
The Prayer
I pray you’ll be our eyes and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe.
I pray we’ll find your light and hold it in our hearts. When stars go out each night, Remind us where you are.
Let this be our prayer when shadows fill our days. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace.
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
A world where pain and sorrow will be ended. And every heart that’s broken will be mended. And we’ll remember we are all God’s children reaching out to touch you while reaching to the sky.
We ask that life be kind. Please watch us from above. We hope each soul will find another soul to love. Just like every child needs to find a place, guide us with your grace. Give us faith so we’ll be safe. Mikalene Ipson/Eric Dodge
With no time left for last minute changes, the time had come. CC burst through the door.
“It’s time.”
It was time to exit my hiding spot and look once more to the late afternoon Nevada sunshine, nearly finished for the day. The overflow room was filled to the brim with smiling friends and family that were excited to finally see me.
Just me. 67 years old. Wrinkled. Hair, some would say is way, too long for a lady of my age. Standing behind the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I’d have picked myself if they’d been blooming at Winterpast. The retired teacher type who loves gardening, hoodies, jeans, hot coffee, and tall UGG’s. The desert gal who spent the last year falling in love with HHH, who just happens to be in the top 1% of great guys!. Now the Spanx-i-fied bride, feeling the prettiest I’d felt in many, many years, both inside and out. Just me.
Our song was playing. HHH, The Mayor and the Pastor were in place. CC was already floating down the aisle in front of me, and then, it was my turn.
I tried to make it all the way to the aisle without doing anything outrageous, but then, there SHE was.
MISS FIRECRACKER!!
MY MISS FIRECRACKER!!! I have talked about her so often that HHH knew her without an introduction for SHE is the SPICY ONE that no one can miss. Her smile fills the room. I knew she would be there, but seeing her was the best surprise ever!! There was nothing else to do but stop and give her a hug on my way down to HHH.
Family and friends were there, waiting, as the song finished and it was time to get married.
HHH and I wrote our own vows. His made me swell with pride and then it was my turn. The crowd found it humorous that with all my intense planning, I managed to forget my glasses at home and had to borrow his. I think it won’t be the last time he’ll help me out when I’m without.
We promised all the traditional things Bride’s and Groom’s do. We did decide to leave out the part where someone might think it appropriate to object. No objections or rude comments would ruin OUR magical day. Besides, no one would be so rude as to attend a wedding that they weren’t celebrating! At least not anyone with manners.
At that moment, there was no one else in that crowded chapel except HHH and me. With one very sweet kiss, it was done. As Man and Wife, we exited the chapel to “You are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder.
We were both surprised that the husband and wife don’t sign the marriage certificate. Only the witnesses do, so The Mayor and CC handled that for us.
Married, there was nothing to do but head to our reception, and about all that, I’ve already written. We enjoyed cake, threw the bouquet, tossed the garter, and enjoyed every second until the party ended. Memories that will warm our hearts for as long as we live.
Whatever you do today, remember your own wedding day and the sweet memories that unfolded. There are only a few days in life as precious as the one in which you marry the very person that you cannot spent another day without. HHH and I are so blessed to have found one another in this, the last and best chapter of our lives!
Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back Monday to fill you in on our honeymoon travels.
When I opened the door to the little playhouse in which I would hide, there was something for which I wasn’t prepared. THE MUSIC. Our Pre-wedding playlist was playing through a little speaker as well as inside the church. All of a sudden, the songs we’d chosen as soothing “Pre-Wedding” tunes were playing one last time. The thing was, they weren’t so soothing at that moment. This would be one of the last times I’d listen to them.
Tears welling up, so many thoughts raced through my head. 1988 and the last time I’d been a bride. Four long, hot summers traveling on my journey as a widow. 2023 and the very last time I’d EVER be a bride again. So many memories, hopes, and dreams all tied into those six little songs that would play for 20 minutes 45 seconds before the “Down the Aisle” song would play.
Squinting to look out of a lace-covered window, I could see key people in my life as they arrived. There were so many people, I doubted that those inside would even pay attention to the music, which made me a little sad. Each song held special memories. Left up to him, HHH may have chosen a differently, but he agreed to the final selections.
All alone in this little house, there were minutes to calm myself as a few stray visitors who were in the know came to offer support. Of course, CC was nervous as a cat running back and forth to check with Da Girl who had come from so far away to help me with my hair and calm my nerves. My two life-sisters, chosen from the minute we said “Hello”, came to support and love me.
You’re probably curious about the music. You might even want to listen to some of the songs yourself. Here are the songs that made the cut.
The Thorn Birds — Henry Mancini
If you are a woman of the 80’s, you probably remember a “mini-series” on television. Many of my friends need only to hear the title “The Thorn Birds” and drift away to a sheep ranch in Drogheda, Australia. The theme song is one of my favorite musical selections, regardless of the fact the movie, in today’s politically correct world, seems a little creepy.
Better Together –Luke Combs — Well, I had to put one GUY song for HHH
A 40 HP Johnson On a flat bottom metal boat Coke cans and BB guns Barbed wire and old fence posts 8-point bucks in autumn And freshly cut corn fields One arm out the window And one hand on the wheel
Your license in my wallet When we go out downtown Your lipstick stained every coffee cup That I got in this house The way you say I love you, too Is like rain on an old tin roof And your hand fits right into mine Like a needle in a groove
Would just sound better together And probably always will Like a cup of coffee and a sunrise Sunday drives and time to kill What’s the point of this old guitar If it ain’t got no strings Or pouring your heart into a song That you ain’t gonna sing It’s a match made up in heaven Like good ole boys and beer And me, as long as you’re right here
3. Can You Feel the Love Tonight — Elton John
There’s a calm surrender to the rush of day When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away An enchanted moment, and it sees me through It’s enough for this restless warrior just to be with you
There’s a time for everyone if they only learn That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn There’s a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours
Can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer That we’ve got this far
Can you feel the love tonight? How it’s laid to rest? Oh, it’s enough to make kings and vagabonds Believe the very best
5. You are the Sunshine of my life — Stevie Wonder
“You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”
I feel like this is the beginning, Though I’ve loved you for a million years, And if I thought our love was ending, I’d find myself drowning in my own tears
You must have known that I was lonely, Because you came to my rescue, And I know that this must be heaven, How could so much love be inside of you?
You are the sunshine of my life, yeah, That’s why I’ll always stay around, You are the apple of my eye, Forever you’ll stay in my heart
6. Chapel of Love — The old version, which is the ONLY version
Fall is here, the sky is blue, whoa Birds all sing as if they knew Today’s the day we’ll say “I do” And we’ll never be lonely anymore
Bells will ring, the sun will shine, whoa I’ll be his and he’ll be mine We’ll love until the end of time And we’ll never be lonely anymore
Because we’re goin’ to the chapel And we’re gonna get married Goin’ to the chapel And we’re gonna get married Gee, I really love you And we’re gonna get married Goin’ to the chapel of love
7. A Thousand Years–Christina Perry
Heart beats fast Colors and promises How to be brave? How can I love when I’m afraid to fall? But watching you stand alone All of my doubts Suddenly go away somehow
Time stands still Beauty in all she is I will be brave I will not let anything take away What’s standing in front of me Every breath Every hour has come to this
I have died every day waiting for you Darling, don’t be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more
And all along I believed I would find you Time has brought your heart to me I have loved you for a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more
While I stayed hidden in the little playhouse, CC helped seat guests while The Mayor helped calm HHH and his nerves. Finally, everyone took their seats, while waiting for me. All the while, I fought back tears listening to beautiful music in the little playhouse, alone with my thoughts.
It would be moments now. Just moments until CC burst through the door.
Over the past month, we’ve enjoyed receiving pictures from our wedding guests. Every once in awhile, we’ll be surprised with another batch of digital memories. Some people couldn’t wait to share on Facebook. Others sent them privately, for our eyes only. I must say, some were excellent and others cringeworthy. But, all of them reflected the day one moment at a time.
The funny thing about photographs is that they point out one’s worst faults. I never realized how easily I could be identified as a teacher. Oh my. I should practice listening more. So many pictures showed me in the midst of another story. But they also show every human emotion there is. Tenderness, happiness, shock, awe, and the silliest dance moves.
One thing is for certain. Our guests all had a great time at the reception. The food looked wonderful, although I only managed to have one piece of turkey on a delicious roll. The cake looked divine, although the only piece I enjoyed was the one that HHH fed me so careful not to get a drop on my dress. By the end of the reception, there was nothing left, so I guess the food and cake were a hit.
Thinking about pictures in general, so much is lost through them these days. Attention to the present moment is lost when taking selfies. Attention to all the little details that one could absorb through other senses is lost as one reinspects the pictures taken moments before. Other than the professional photographer, I was happy to enjoy guests that weren’t stuck to their phones, but engaging with each other.
The next worst thing is that digital pictures might as well not exist. How many times does one look at a particular day 3.5 years ago to examine the 35 selfies taken that day? Probably never. Change a phone and forget to take the pics? Well, too bad. Years of enters and interactions, gone. I hate cell phone pics. If I can’t remember a special day in my brain, it’s probably not worth remembering.
The afternoon of our wedding, all the kids and families arrived. Shined up, one grandson wanted to know if there would be any other captive children at this shindig. Actually, there were going to be many kids. That seemed to cheer him up.
Then, my dear friend, the flower lady, arrived with the most breathtaking bouquet I could have imagined. I swear she listened to my every desire as I told her what I would like.
“I want my bouquet to look like I walked through a fall garden and created it that morning. Nothing structured. Just natural beauty. “
She created a bouquet proportionate to my body, while complimenting the color of my dress. Embracing the essence of fall, I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect.
CC’s corsage was one that she wore on her wrist. Intricate and lovely, it had many different flowers that nestled against one another in a tight pattern. Although I never explained CC’s dress to the flower lady, she absolutely nailed the colors in her dress, too.
As soon as the photographer arrived, we moved into the gardens of Winterpast. That day, the Nevada sky didn’t disappoint. With the lighting at the perfect angle, the last of the fall blooms gave us some color with which to work.
He began his magic by spending time photographing me from every angle possible. The victories and losses over sixty-seven years show when you are being photographed in harsh sunlight. Just one big mass of squints and wrinkles on one very happy woman. The only saving-grace is that while they might not be the best pictures I’ve taken throughout my life, they are much better than the ones we’ll take on our 20th anniversary. For that, I can be sure.
We took pictures of the different family groups. Even the rings got their own photo session. And then, there was one last picture of all of us together.
As the minutes evaporated, it was soon time to make our way to the church. I’d almost forgotten to reserve a parking place for the bride. Gosh, if that space hadn’t been reserved, I might’ve needed to park at the Tee-Pee Bar and Grill on Main Street and walked.
Someone questioned whether I was driving myself to the wedding. Well, who else would’ve done that? My car needed to be there to take us to the reception. Just like the rest of the wedding, if HHH and I wouldn’t have taken charge and run with it, the wedding wouldn’t have happened. Weddings are a little different when you are the one planning AND paying.
So, off I set with my bouquet balanced in a vase full of water between my bridal knees. Nothing could go wrong with that, right? Luckily the short drive was uneventful. As I pulled in front of the church, the word was sent out that the BRIDE had arrived. HHH was escorted away, while I could safely run to my safe spot. Those minutes were precious. The last minutes I’d ever be single again.
My safe space at the church happened to be the children’s classroom, which was nothing more than a very small utility shed. There, with the music piped in, I’d wait until it was my turn. Through a cloudy window, I could hear HHH greeting guests. Thank goodness, he’d arrived on time.
Was he just a nervous as I was, sitting alone in that little playhouse? I suppose he was. But then, that’s recorded in another set of photographs of that special day. You’ll just need to come back tomorrow to learn what happened next.
Throughout the planning of the wedding, it seemed the stars were aligned for the perfect outcome. Needing a venue, we found the golf course clubhouse could be rented for $75 an hour, (including staff). Searching for flowers, we only needed to call our dear friend at the flower shop. Photographer? A professional walked into our life agreeing to do the job. Friends and family? They were ready to celebrate.
Every detail had been considered and planned except for my hair.
Up or down?
My salon experiences ended in 2020 when all the hairdressers shut down because of Covid. With no opportunity to whack off the locks, they grew. After four summers, my hair is longer than it’s been in decades. Long, straight as a board, and a beautifully appropriate color for my age. Grey with God-given highlights.
Just yesterday, someone commented about how lucky I must’ve been the 70’s. So true. My hair was Cher or Marcia Brady straight. It’s really the only way that I can wear it with any success, as it is truly course, thick, and straight. All the more to experiment with.
On most days, you’ll find me with the mess tied on top of my head in a pony tail or bun. There are many reasons for this, the main one being the Zephyr winds blowing across the high desert plains of northwestern Nevada . They can blow at a moments notice, making it impossible to see very well with a mop of hair flying in the eyes. The next best reason is that it’s just easier to tie it up.
It would probably be a great time to wear it short again, but at this time in life, I really, really like it long. It matters not what the masses think. I like it the way it is, long and straight. Besides, in the winter, it is super warm. No kidding.
So, when my dearest friend (who’s happened to cut my hair throughout our 40 year friendship) came prepared to style my hair for the wedding, she curled the entire mass. I’m told it looked beautiful. I can tell you one thing for sure. It was voluminous.
As my dearest friends worked over me in the bathroom, curling and teasing, I know one thing was certain. The women surrounding me were the ones I love the most in this world. They were there supporting me on my most special day. Rather like an Autumn version of “Steel Magnolias”.
They were also supporting me four summers prior when a different kind of celebration was held at Winterpast. VST’s celebration of life. The same women came to the rescue to help me through that week. Thank goodness the reason for their presence was filled with sheer happiness on my special October day.
Of course, it’d been necessary to slither into some Spanx. For goodness sakes, whoever dreamt up that contraption had some evil intentions. No matter the position in which you start, by time you are into the Spanx, you have done some interesting contortions and gyrations. No one was allowed to watch that show, but for those of you that remember the day I got stuck in a wet, long-sleeved swimsuit, the situation was similar. I started out dry but worked up a little sweat until I was tucked into the thing.
With something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, the time came to slip on my beautiful royal blue wedding dress. The prettiest dress ever, it was chosen because it was HHH’s favorite color. Completing the look, sparkling navy flats that ended up being the most comfortable part of the ensemble.
Everyone ooh–ed and ahhhh-ed as they do for every bride. On that very afternoon, with loved ones surrounded me, at that moment I felt they just might be telling the truth.
That morning, I never developed nervous jitters or doubted my decision. I continued to think about that very long aisle and the wonderful man that would be waiting at the end of it for me.
I must say that this last month has been the happiest, busiest, and most carefree month I’ve had in decades. Maybe ever. Married life has been everything I hoped for. I couldn’t have married anyone more deserving of the precious title “My Husband”. I love you, HHH!
