Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Little Things

Growing up in the hollow, we always had a bottle of Hot Sauce on the kitchen table. Momma and Daddy both would use it on just about everything. We didn't have a lot of 'store bought' dressings. Mom would always make her own cocktail sauce or salad dressing. And, she would always add a dash or two of Hot Pepper Sauce. She said it gave the dressing just the right 'kick'.

Our tastes change a lot as we grow older. As a child, I didn't have much of a taste for it, but I've grown to appreciate the different flavors of Hot Sauces. Have you ever tried a southern appetizer of bologna and crackers? Daddy loved to top it with a drop of hot sauce. We'd share a cracker or two while Momma was finishing up supper. To this day I can't see that without thinking of him. Isn't it wonderful when we have good memories? Often it's the little ones that stand out. We live day to day and take life for granted while reaching for the next big thing. When really, it's all the little things you do along the way.

Have a blessed day!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

A Dog's Purpose

A friend recently sent me this in an e-mail and I just had to share it with everyone.

A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old
Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed
so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane , who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.

He said,’ People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,’ Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps now and then.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Dancing Bear Lodge

I recently went on a trip to the Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN. I went with my mother, and my step-father for Easter. Living in Mississippi it wasn't too far a drive. We departed from our house after activating our adt security in mississippi and arrived around 11:45AM while our reservation was at noon. Since we had a few minutes to kill we decided to take some pictures of the surrounding scenery which was quite breathtaking. The Dancing Bear Lodge is right at the base of the Great Smokey Mountains. Near the Dancing Bear Lodge there are many small shops run by locals where you can usually find a good deal on a unique gift. When the time on f or our reservation arrived we entered the restaurant. The Dancing Bear Lodge is uniquely decorated. Its one of a kind decor makes you feel like your enjoying a home cooked meal in a log cabin. For their Easter brunch, the Dancing Bear Lodge started with an appitizer dish of assorted artisan breads followed by fresh fruit. They served your choice of two different main dishes, steak and eggs, and salmon. The Dancing Bear Lodge is a great place for a holiday meal or a family get-together.

This post by my cousin Shana Sable.