Sit and listen

You never know everything about family.  There is always a reason to sit and visit, ask questions and listen to the answers.  Just last Saturday, we of the Montgomery clan gathered to celebrate Grandpa William's 85th birthday.  Aunt Grace took the opportunity to phone family far and wide and turned the shindig into a family reunion.  It was wonderful!  I met some family members for the first time and renewed acquaintances with others.

For those of you who don't know me, you have no idea how ironic it is to hear me say "I had a great time" regarding a gathering of people.  I avoid gatherings of people whenever I can.  I like people one-on-one but in large groups I am overwhelmed.  This gathering had a benefit, however, in that it took place at a state park near our home.  So, after lunch and a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" (not kidding here, we sing it in four part harmony), I took myself outside to a picnic table to enjoy the sun and avoid the crowd.

To my surprise and delight, family began to trickle after me.  I found myself surrounded to cousins and truly enjoying myself.  In fact, this blog is in part due to that conversation.  One of the cousins has a blog on this site, 1000BlessingKisses, and I encourage you to check it out.  Her whimsical and thoughtful posts remind me that life is worth infusing with love and beauty.

Anyway, we were chatting about growing up and someone mentioned the skating rink.  This led to reminiscing about the iconic dessert from said rink - the Dusty Miller.  Oh, be still my beating heart, Dusty Millers were the only reason we ever wanted to go to the rink.  It certainly wasn't to skate, at least for me (I couldn't skate).  Because I had a chance to sit and listen, I learned that on her blog this cousin has a recipe for Dusty Millers.  How, you might ask, does she know how to create this simple yet memorable treat?  Because her husband's family owned the rink!!!!!!  Can you believe it?  All this time they have been married and I had no idea. 

So, I am glad I was able to sit and listen.  I'm thankful my family finds me and surrounds me even when I pull back.  I'm very thankful I now have the recipe for Dusty Millers!!!  Thanks, Jeny, for your comments and your blog.  Check it out at www.1000BlessingKisses.blogspot.com

Use it or lose it!

Good morning!  I welcome you to my blog Midwest Meaderings.  This will not be a focused blog, aimed at sharing recipes or design topics.  Rather, this is a slow mosey through the day - a chance at peaking in on bits of my life.

Why would I share bits of me?  Well, at the risk of sounding like I'm currying sympathy, I suffer from chronic fatigue and muscle pain with a hefty dose of brain fog.  It would be easy for me to sit back and watch life slip away while trying to avoid pain and tiredness.  But life is worth more than that!!  God gave me this incredible gift and I need to do my best with this gift.  These days are my "2 talents" (see Matthew 25:14-30 for this parable from Jesus) that I need to invest and increase. 

Hence, this blog. . . a chance for me to work my mind and a venue for counting my blessings.  I refuse to sit back and float through life.  I refuse to allow my mind to rot from inactivity and wallow in self-pity.  I'm going to feel bad physically.  This is an unavoidable reality for me.  I might as well feel bad because I've done something fun and useful. 

What can you expect?  Brief forays into my mind, glimpses of my family, and thoughts on how wonderful life really is.  No, this will not be a Bible study or devotion.  Be prepared, however, for Jesus to pop up unexpectedly.  (He does that, you know.) 

Welcome to my blog.  I hope you enjoy your walk through Midwest Meanderings.