Right move

Can life be more unstable? Turning on the news shows us areas of the world where there are unimaginable horrors. This is a time in which all the world should have at a minimum food and fresh water. Not so.

So am I shallow to worry about my own situation? Problems such that we have never known, with no one to turn to. I see the worry etched in long lines on my husbands face. An overwhelming sense of helplessness tries to overtake us. All of our options are being weighed.

The opportunity has presented itself for my family to move back to Texas. It is an option that is under serious evaluation. Since moving to Missouri some 14 years ago, we have never felt at home. We have missed our children terribly. The relationships that we thought we would find here have never came to fruition. In fact, family relationships were probably stronger before the move away from Texas.

There are a lot of things to consider. The pull of Texas is strong. Right now, I think it is time to go home.

Sister Friends

Perhaps you have a preconceived notion of what a sister friend. A biological sister that is actually a friend you say? A friend you love like a sister? Goodness, what would form that relationship anyway? In this world, a sister friend is a beloved female person that should have been your sister from birth. Through no fault of your own, she wasn't included in your biological family.

I have a few sister friends. I treasure them. I turn to them in times of need for comfort and support. Recently, I have come to treasure one particular sister friend so much. I send her these lengthy crazy notes, filled with my turmoil and uncertainty. She replies with such focus and clarity that I am sure it flows from the hand of God instead of from her heart to mine.

Melody, even her name rings of a joyousness. So many things in my life seem to parallel hers. Things from our hearts at any rate. I treasure her. I don't know that if she realizes just how important she is to me. Just the thought of how much she cares and the brute force of her messages is enough to make even the most cynical among us realize that there is love to be shared, and that God is actively working in our lives.

If you were not born into the family of your heart's desire, then create it. There are people out in this big wide world that will give of themselves. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to find your own Melody sister friend.

Mark who?

My husband, Mark, is working hard with his new real estate broker -- Remax Gold -- to build his business. If you know of anyone who is thinking of buying or selling their home, vacation cabin, business, etc., he would certainly appreciate the contact information. Of course you can call him at (314) , but he has a web site that you can also contact him through. With this application, you can provide more information than is possible with leaving a phone message. Here is the site url: http://markvbradley.com/

Superbowl 2010

How could we not have collectively rooted for the New Orleans Saints? I am not even a fan of football, but I still watched this game. Very cool. A much needed boost for their town, and perhaps those among us that need to be reminded that out of despair can rise greatness. I am so very happy that they won -- and that Drew Brees won MVP. How sweet was that picture of him in tears hold ins baby? Congratulations to the team.

An introspective view

One flash in time -- and the moment is gone. How many times in your life have you allowed that one flash, that one moment to cause a course of action for the rest of your life? One small moment, perhaps a seemingly insignificant moment, to chart your course.

Perhaps this introspective ideal is more pertinent to the middle-aged and elderly. However, young people can benefit also -- simply by acknowledging that these single entries into the diary of life may predict the outcome(s) of some future incident. Parents often try to steer their children away from these moments, especially the more difficult ones. Having lived through them already, the parent can assist the child in perhaps taking an alternate course, and thus avoiding the introspective moments of doubt.

Some life-lessons must be learned from experience only, no matter how much others want for this not to be so. If only I had said this, or only if I hadn't done that, then life would perhaps be so different. The thing is, one can't tell just by looking at the path sometimes if it is the best choice, or even the easier of the choices. The life lesson here is to not to allow your life to be rule or directed by those moments. Give a great deal of consideration to them if at all possible. And live those moments to the fullest.

New job for Mark

As many of you know, my husband, Mark, has recently made a switch in careers. He is currently working for ReMax as a real estate agent. He is working on a website, which he says is up, but bare. I don't even have the link to it, but I am sure that it is forthcoming. You will for certain have a link here.

In the mean time, Mark -- OK we -- sure would appreciate any referrals. If you know anyone buying or selling within our region, please send give them Mark's information. The best way to contact him at the moment is his cell phone: (314) 680-2103. If the property is something that he feels would be better in the hands of another agent, he would certainly be able to hand it over to someone very capable (I am thinking of commercial real estate).

In addition to calling Mark, you can certainly leave comments for him on my blog or email either one of us. Thank you so much.

2010 Grammy Awards

Grammy Awards 2010: Paris, Prince and Blanket Jackson along with Lionel Ritchie after receiving a posthumous lifetime achievement awards for their father, Michael Jackson.