My Life List

Okay...this post comes with a warning. I just finished reading an incredible book by Lori Nelson Spielman...called  The Life List. You can guess that it has made me very reflective. That was my BEWARE REFLECTIVE warning !!!


Without going into the full story...a must read....it made me wonder what my Life List would have been at fourteen years of age. In some discussion at the end of the book the author shares that she had made such a list, and found it years later. Many of the things she had done, but alas...many she hadn't. She further stated that between fourteen and the mid twenties our dreams do change...not because they aren't good dreams but that we have so many other influences enter our lives that make these changes happen. I'd like to quote that part: quoting Lori....


"I chose fourteen in part because that was the age I wrote my life list. I also think fourteen is a pivotal age, that sliver of time between childhood and womanhood. Sadly, what we gain in maturity is often offset by a loss in confidence. I was a high school guidance counselor for eight years, and it was always sad for me to witness the students' gradual loss of dreams-especially my female students. I'd have girls come see me their freshman year full of hope and confidence. They'd tell me they were going to be doctors, lawyers, astronauts. But for many of them, something shifts in those next four years. They lose their mojo. I hate to say it, but all too often it was a boyfriend who changed them. I saw girls morph into the person he wanted her to be, and forget their own dreams. Now, I'll see my old students-these same girls who had big dreams-working at a local convenience store, having forgotten all about that young girl with big dreams. At fourteen we dare to dream of things that at thirty-four we have abandoned."


Okay...I haven't found any life list from my early teens....kind of wish that I had. I became a teacher..partly because of my sweet old teacher neighbor, Mrs. MacDonald who said I was the Durnford girl who should be a teacher. She saw something in me I guess ! As a young girl there were probably lots of other things that I could have done...a teacher I became and I did love that work.


I converted to a new religion as a young twenty year old. That kind of makes sense to me as I had always been reflective on who God was, and why He was needed in my life. Finding the Gospel of Jesus Christ answered that reflection/dream and gave me great direction and purpose to my life. Some of my immediate friends, and social life changed with that decision. In the process of conversion, I received a very special blessing called my Patriarchal Blessing which has certainly been a part of my life journey, and that almost feels like Elizabeth's motherly input to Brett in the book. This blessing has made me reflect on the dreams/ blessings that Heavenly Father has made available to me. It has been an amazing direction in my life.


LOVE...Marriage....how puzzling these can be for us all. I was no different. I actually ran from my husband when he first pursued my love and attention. I do remember that change of heart on my part when I allowed my heart to give him a chance. He showed me the queen that he felt I was, and in his own quirky ways he still does. After thirty-eight years, do I wonder if he was the right one....heck yes....but when I did chose to marry him I also made the choice to make him the one.
We have had so many good and not so good experiences between us.....but HE is the one. We created four amazing children, and our lives have been blessed beyond measure. Love will always have mystery for me.


MOTHERS....I had the best Mom...I miss her so deeply that when I pause to think about it, it hurts like it was only yesterday that I watched her leave this world. While she wasn't quite like Elizabeth in the book ( I loved this character)...my Mom was always there for me. She didn't solve my problems but she was aware of many of them, and I always felt her love and unconditional support. How I wish that I could go for a walk with her, or sit and watch Wheel of Fortune with her....such memories.
I will acknowledge that I feel closest to her when I attend the Temple. I almost feel like I can hear her, and sometimes see her. I always want a closeness to my children. Interestingly, when I think of each of my children as individuals...I recognize a different relationship with each of them...some closer than others...It will be my 'rest of life' mission to get closer to each of them, and for them to always feel of my love and support.


Well, the day is passing by and I could reflect so much more on my life, dreams and decisions. I have a good life. I have been blessed in so many aspects of that life. Could it be different..for sure !However it is my life and I will continue to reflect at moments like this and then head off to face another day! The present...that's what they call today. A 'gift' for sure, and I'm grateful for what it will bring my way.


Go read this book...well written ( her first novel), a bit of foul language ( just warning) that was sadly appropriate to the situation ( never could understand why foul language ever is needed)
Enjoy today and say thanks for the gift!!!


PS...I had some photos to upload but computer is giving me grief....I'll ignore it for now...sometimes the best ploy!!

OBSESSIONS and OBITUARIES

Do most people develop obsessions during their lifetime?

I was wondering that this morning as I looked at my collection of scissors. I have a lot of scissors and I even have a scissor holder on my desk. I have some that are attached to lanyards to wear around my neck when I sew. I have labelled some with JO....used just for sewing; JOP for paper cutting; my little red ones for cutting sticky tape...and a special pair to remind me of my dear friend Connie ( we bought the same pair when I made my first visit to Washington)  These are just a few.

 

 

 Ones on the right are my Connie scissors

Obsession two....ribbon. Oh how I love ribbon. My card making has created this obsession.....as well as paper...stamps....punches.... and so much more.

I used to collect baskets too....but that got really cluttered.

 

 

I am building a fine stash of homemade cards, as well as saving any homemade cards that I receive. 

 

I have a fair stash of fabric. 

 

I didn't photo the Rubbermaid containers....oh look more ribbon 

My old teaching partner has me collecting snowmen


I probably have a few more....but that's all of my obsession confessions

My second thought today is obituaries.....

I will admit that I have a fascination for reading obituaries. I'm fascinated with how they are written and what information families share. Lately I've been thinking that I might like to write my own obituary. I know that is weird!!!! Truth be known I think it's a cool idea. Now I haven't got it officially all written....but it might go like this

Well everyone....I'm on my way. This journey here on earth ended on  ( insert date). ( I'm debating the age and reason for death part....but it will probably get inserted} My life has been a blast. Highlights to my appearance was the fact that my dad ( Jack Durnford) was ill and didn't know that I had arrived for over 24 hours. I came prematurely. Dad was also ill when I married Bill....so Dad will probably miss my arrival at the pearly gates. I was born to goodly parents...Jack and Mary Durnford, who I expect to have an amazing reunion with soon. I had five siblings...Jack, Julie, Eric, Dianne and Glenn. They have been great kin. I married Bill O'Hearon in 1975, and then again in 1977. Ask a Mormon why that happened! Speaking of Mormons...while I loved my roles as wife, mother, and teacher....I also treasure my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you want to honor my life at all, forget the flowers, and invite two Mormon missionaries to your home.  They will have a very precious bit of news to share with you!! DO IT

I will miss so many of you...most especially my dear children, Michael, Kathy, Karen and Laura....their spouses...Keah, Jeffrey, Brandon, and Jeremy....and my exceptional grandchildren...Jessica, Sarah, Jacob, Georgia, Cooper, Finley, Emmy, Olivia and the yet unborn. You have made being a mother the most rewarding calling on earth. To quote my amazing mother....Be kind to each other.

That's all for now....See you on the other side!!
( please note revisions may come ...if I don't die first)

So I went to add a photo or two....and discovered a photo obsession....took 47 since yesterday...so grateful for digital technology....so I'll insert a few above and then just add the rest....most photographed kid in the neighborhood !!!

 

 

 Bedtime snack...we had a back to school sleepover

sneaking in some Downton Abby...obsessed...maybe

 

 

 Sleepover movie time...Snow White....she giggled out loud every time that the dwarfs appeared

 

 

 Oh the wicked witch!!!

 

Hooray the prince arrived and the kiss worked

 

 Monday morning smiles and hugs

 

 

Smoothies....good to the last drop 

YES...I am adorable

 

 

So is this cute girl in the mirror 

 

 

 

Wasn't true love with Aladdin....just tasting him for the stew pot

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day...and tell your family that you love them

I'M A REGULAR

Once upon a time some one told me that I'm one of the 'regulars'. Now they were referring to me being fairly constant at sharing my Testimony at church. I wasn't sure if I had been complimented or what.....but the statement has stayed with me for sometime ( obviously). Today as I sat in church and the time arrived for the sharing of Testimonies ( happens first Sunday of each month) I realized that it was good to be a regular. I can be a regular because I have nurtured my Testimony on a very consistent basis and that has made me a stronger person.

My testimony is very precious to me. As we sang the Sacrament song today ( Upon the Cross at Calvary) I felt such a deep gratitude for the life of the Savior, and what his sacrifice is to me. I don't always have the mind set, or capacity to always understand, but the Spirit has on many occasions, such as with this song, that He loves me and He is my Savior. I needed to share that witness, and I'm glad that I did today.....I'm a regular!!

Looking back on the past few days.....we've had Cooper in hospital with pneumonia, our first real blizzard ( leaving Olivia and Karen with us for two nights), a chilly day at the Temple ( boiler down), then our furnace broke, a lovely dinner and visit with Aunt Julie, Bill, Bert and Sharon at the Haas'. Delicious chowder dinner, a fun game of 99, lovely cake which we turned into a birthday cake, church this morning, a good Sunday School lesson ( first of the Old Testament), inspiring RS.....and a peaceful afternoon ahead of me. Grampy came home from the hospital today.

Last but not least been making more cards and got myself hooked on Downton Abbey.

 

Card making is so satisfying

 

Newest Disney Princess....Elsa

 

 Watching the storm

 

 

 Movie watching on a very snowy day

More Cards

Warm cinnamon buns during the storm

 

Happy Birthday Bert 

 

 After the storm