For probably a year or so, my mom has had her eye on a new sewing machine. A new, expensive sewing machine. She and my sister developed a plan to justify spending that much money on this machine that does EVERYTHING. Among other magical sewing things that I don't understand, the machine embroiders and monograms.
So they've launched a business and it's doing really well so far! Since I have no sewing skills, other than being able to sew a button on, the only contribution I could make was helping them name their new adventure. Spoonful of Stitches was born. Check them out on Facebook!
They can applique or embroider just about anything....like Onesies, Dresses, Diaper Covers, Shirts, Towels, Blankets, Umbrellas, Bags, and Bows. They're perfect for a personalized holiday gift or one-of-a-kind outfit for those holiday cards! Christmas is only 88 days away!!! And as busy as they've been, you better get your order in early.
They have adorable applique designs for the holidays....
My favorite monogram design of the moment....
Clemson/Carolina Gear.... My mom made this adorable monogrammed pillowcase dress for my niece....
Last month, my Westside High School Class of 2000 met for our 10 year reunion. I have to admit that I was very hesitant to go. Especially since I would be going alone. With the evolution of Facebook and social networking, I've already reconnected and stayed in touch with my some of my classmates.
I already feel pretty distant from most of the people I graduated with. Maybe because I've been gone from my hometown for so long. I never "ran into" anyone from high school during my stint in DC. I've never worked professionally with any of them, and I don't go to church with them. Most of my close friends from my hometown that I've stayed in touch with, didn't go to my high school. But I went to the reunion anyway.
I decided it was something I just needed to suck up and do once every 10 years. Especially since I have been so disconnected since the day we threw our graduation caps in the air. In the end, I'm glad I went. It wasn't anything crazy, but was nice to see the familiar faces and pick up right where we left off.There's something special about the people you grew up with. All the first days of school, the field trips, the middle school dances, the high school football games, and proms that we went through together. I hope another 10 years doesn't pass before I see some of these folks again!
I've blogged about the Concert of Hope and Remembrance before. My parents were involved in the creation of this benefit concert 9 years ago.
Shortly after my stepbrother's accident, the Cancer Association of Anderson decided to dedicate this year's concert in memory of him. I was asked to say a few words about Randy at the concert. I didn't hesitate in agreeing to do so. It seemed like something I could do for my family. I don't have a lot of experience public speaking, and it freaks me out. But this cause and dedication was bigger and more important than my public speaking jitters.
I knew immediately what I wanted the theme of the speech to be. Several nights when I couldn't sleep, I would pull out my black notebook and just start writing. After those first few weeks though, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. I had 4 months or so to worry about it and would finish it later, when it didn't hurt so much.
I carried that black notebook with me everywhere. To the office or on my weekend trips, just in case some profound inspiration hit me. I didn't open the black notebook up until 2 weeks ago. I was a little worried knowing I was pressed for time and still needed to practice it. This was an opportunity to speak on behalf of my family, to our friends and the community that has held us up and supported us through everything that this kind of grief brings. I had to do them proud. And I had to do Randy proud.
Just as the music and preparations turned out to be part of the healing process for my parents and stepsister who were participating in the concert, this speech became a release for me. I didn't realize it until the speech was over. But when I sat down after giving my remarks, I felt at peace. Since a few folks sitting behind me when I gave the speech didn't get to hear it well, I'm posting it here.
"Headed Your Way"
This Concert of Hope and Remembrance has become a very special and meaningful part of our family over the last 9 years.To have this year’s concert dedicated in memory of our dear Randy is an overwhelming and humbling honor, but also a truly bittersweet moment.
I first want to recognize the members of our “family system” (as Rev. McKinnley eloquently described us) that are here tonight.So bare with me for a second as the Brady Bunch doesn’t have anything on us!Randy’s Father, Bob and stepmother, Carla Heritage (who is a 10 year breast cancer survivor.)Randy’s mother, Judy, and stepfather Woody O’Neal; Randy’s older sister, Robin, her husband, Greg, and their children, Caleb and Sarah Madden; Randy’s brother, Ryan, his wife Lindsey, and their very special baby Bella (Bella was born just hours after Randy passed away.) And then there are us step-siblings.Ashley and her husband Kyle Anderson and myself.Lastly, I want to recognize our grandparents, Buck and Shirley Palmer (Shirley is a 50 year cancer survivor and Buck was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemo treatment.)
I thought about what Randy would think about all of this tonight.I think he would want me to give credit and recognition to his dad and step mom for the incredible job they have done each year to make this concert such a success.He would also want me to acknowledge each and every cancer survivor and fighter with us tonight.And finally he would probably pull me aside….and say, “Becky, do you think there will be any cute, single girls there?!”
Last year’s concert was the first that Randy attended.He was very impressed and in his own words written in a comment on my blog he said, “Just wanted to say that I was also blown away by the concert this year. I told dad that it's always a blessing when you get a chance to worship in a situation where you didn't know you would.”
Almost five months ago, when we were in the depths of our grief, I was sitting quietly in a room with my stepfather.He was scrolling through his cell phone and found the last text message he received from Randy.He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “Randy’s last text to me was- ‘Headed Your Way’.”
Those three simple words echoed over and over again in my head.Later that afternoon, as I drove away after visiting Randy’s grave site, I thought to myself, “now we’re headed YOUR way, Randy.
Upon more reflection, I think it’s safe to say that Randy lived his life with a “headed your way” attitude.That was certainly the theme of many of the memories and stories that have been shared about his life.When his Pop, as he called you, needed a fishing or hunting partner, or help with your many electronic challenges, Randy was “headed your way.”Mama- when you cooked too much of your delicious homemade meals, he was “headed your way.”Judy- when you needed a good argument or challenge, or someone to protect you, he was “headed your way.”Woody- Randy’s sincere happiness and appreciation was “headed your way” when you married his mom.Robin- when you got stumped on a math problem or trivia question, he was “headed your way.”Greg- when you needed someone to go hunting with you numerous times before FINALLY killing your first deer, Randy was “headed your way.”Caleb- when you wanted to learn how to play the guitar, Uncle Randy was patiently “headed your way.”Sarah- when you needed a playmate at the beach when none of us wanted to get in the water with all the jellyfish, Uncle Randy was “headed your way.”Ryan- when you were a kid and got tangled upside down learning how to climb a deer stand, he was “headed your way.”Lindsey- when you wanted the groomsmen to wear pink in your wedding and despite his grumblings on this matter, Randy put on the pink and “headed your way.”
Ashley- when you won the Golden Apple Award last spring, Randy’s excitement and congratulations were “headed your way.” Kyle- when you sometimes needed someone to match you in sarcastic comments, Randy’s clever remarks “headed your way.”And when I needed someone at the last minute to help me move on a rainy Saturday afternoon, he was “headed my way.”And finally, Bella- when you needed a guardian angel to see you into this world safely, he was “headed your way.”
Tonight, we hold Randy’s memory close to our hearts, remember all of our loved ones that are no longer physically with us, and are truly inspired by the survivors amongst us.
I want to share a beautiful passage that a friend wrote about carrying on after losing a loved one. I think her words sum up our mission for tonight’s Concert of Hope and Remembrance.She said, “I promise to always tell stories about you, to share your legacy with strangers, to widen your footprint on this earth. I promise to strive to do something remarkable each year for you. Because you were remarkable. Because you didn’t ask for this fate. Because nothing is quite so large as death, not even a light as bright as yours. Because without candle holders and torchbearers, you become just the dark that took you and not the light you left us with.”
Tonight is about spreading the light and peace that HOPE can provide.Through each song that is sung, each note that is played, each word that is spoken, and each candle that is lit, I know that HOPE is “Headed Your Way.”
Front Porch Friday is coming back! (Again.) Told ya I'm turning over a new leaf.
I think I've mentioned before that I want a puppy. I want one bad! Being a renter, moving, and roommates have kept that reality from happening over the last few years. I'm holding out hope that it'll happen soon, and I already have a Braves-inspired name picked out. But for now, I'm living out my puppy craving through my friend!
Meet Buddy, the puppy my friend Bryan adopted from Pets Inc.
Yeah, yeah....I'm an inconsistent blogger these days. And I've used up a lot of excuses so let's just say I'm going to try to do better! It's a new month and I'm turning over a new leaf in honor of the start of fall. In all honesty, it has only been in the last month that I'm starting to feel settled in Columbia. The previous months are a bit blurry.
Here are some fun filled facts about September:
September begins on the same day of the week as December every year, because there are 91 days separating September and December, which is a multiple of seven.
Click here to see all the quirky holidays this month brings. I think I'll celebrate Better Breakfast Month, Honey Month, and Self Improvement Month. Because I need to eat a better breakfast, I've been meaning to buy some local honey just for the fun of it, and one's self always can use improving!
September's birthstone is the sapphire. The meaning is clear thinking.
In the interest of clear thinking and the fresh start of a new month, here are some other links of inspiration!
A Beautiful Ripple Effect has some free, colorful, and original desktop wallpapers. Get rid of that boring background and add some pretty to your PC! Thrifty Decor Chic has a Fall Inspiration Post and Linky Party to gear you up for your autumn decor. I added my Acorn post from last fall.
Shira's Adventures in South Africa are still going on! She's updated her blog with new stories. I'm so excited for her, but just might be already counting down the days until she's back in the U.S. of A. I miss her TERRIBLY! For the birthday boys and girls this month, I thought this balloon birthday wreath was adorable. Wouldn't it be so cute for a classroom to put up when it's a student's birthday?
