How We Met

At the ripe old age of 27, I had just gone through a divorce and was feeling kinda lonely. Our local newspaper used to have a personal ad section where one could place an ad and be assigned a voice mail box. Interested persons could call the listed phone number and access the voice mail box to leave a message. Well, I placed an ad. Actually, I placed a couple of ads. The first one read something like:

Scarlett seeks her Rhett – SWF yada yada yada

I had a strategy when I would respond to the fellas who responded to my ad.
Step 1: Use a payphone to return their call in order to prevent any weirdos from finding my residence through Caller ID.
Step 2: If he sounded nice, agree to a meeting. If he sounded strange or had strange ideas, end of conversation.
Step 3: Meeting the fella involved some deception, yeah yeah, I know….what a way to start a relationship, but I felt justified due to the many weirdos I had met. Anyway, they would usually suggest meeting over a cup of coffee at McDonald’s or Denny’s.

I would tell them to meet me outside by a newspaper stand, or something else that I had previously chosen, at a certain time. I would tell them I’d be driving a brown Chevy Nova. The truth is, I was driving a tiny baby blue Toyota Corolla. When I pulled up in the parking lot, I could spot him looking for me. He wasn’t hard to miss. If he looked a bit odd or creepy in anyway, I kept going and never looked back. Since he was looking for a Chevy Nova, he didn’t know it was me. He would also never hear from me again. I justified this move by telling myself that I’ve been stood up so much, why not turn the tables a bit?  What's good for the Gander is good for the Goose, right?

If he appeared to be an okay guy, then I would stop and go through with the meeting. I’d explain the different car by telling him my Chevy Nova had issues and I had to borrow my sister’s car or something like that. It wasn’t exactly a lie. I did have a Chevy Nova sitting in the back yard at my dad’s house. It didn’t run anymore. I hadn’t driven it in over a year.

Okay, so, we’d meet and talk etc. Usually, I’d see him again once or twice but then I’d find some flaw I didn’t care for.


Fast forward a year, I had placed another ad. This one read, “Husband Wanted” and I listed the specifics I was looking for in a man.  Things like, "must make $60,000 + per year", "must love children, pets, and outdoor activities, etc". You know, specific criteria that he must meet for the job of being my husband. Sort of like a classified ad for a new employee.  I got a LOT of replies to this ad and to my surprise many were from police officers or men in other areas of caregiving (i.e. firefighters, paramedics, etc.). BUT there was this one man who called and left a message on my voice mail. There was something about his voice, about the way he spoke with calmness and assurity that attracted me.

I called him back, using my previously mentioned telephone routine. After a few pay phone conversations, I felt comfortable enough to give him my home phone number. For two weeks, we conversed every night after I put my then 7 y.o. daughter and 1 y.o. son to bed. Finally, he asked me to meet him for dinner at Mulate’s. I was so excited! MULATE’S! I was so impressed! He was the first to ever suggest a REAL restaurant vs. Denny’s, McDonald’s, or Waffle House! Although I was a little hesitant, I agreed to meet him. We prepared ourselves for a disappointing first meeting….well, I did anyway. We decided that if “sparks” didn’t fly, we could still consider ourselves good friends having a dinner together.

At 8 p.m. that Friday night, I drove up in my little blue Toyota Corolla. I saw a nice looking gentleman sitting on the tailgate of his pick up truck in the parking lot, under one of the lights, just as I had requested.  I parked across from him but positioned my little Toyota so that I could adjust my rear view mirror to check him out a little more while I touched up my lipstick.

I looked around the parking lot and didn’t see anyone else looking like they were waiting for someone. I decided this must be the man I had been conversing with on the phone. That …. and the fact that he was sitting on the tailgate of the truck he described to me.

Finally, I got brave enough to exit my car and approach him. He was looking at his feet. He was wearing cowboy boots, Wrangler jeans, and a nice striped Wrangler western style shirt. No hat. He was a bit taller than me and made me feel small and delicate. So far, so good!

So I walk up to him, ducking my head a little to look up at him and I say, “Are you the one I’m looking for?”. He looks up, smiles at me with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes, places his hand over his heart, and replies, “God, I sure hope so!”. Wow, that was it. I was sunk. Right then and there!  I had passed the point of no return!

We went into the restaurant and took our sweet time eating our dinner. I can’t remember what he ordered, and I can’t remember the name of what I ordered. However, it was fried catfish smothered with crawfish etouffee’. Yummy! We ate some, danced a little to the music that was provided by a Cajun band, and we talked a lot more. He asked me about my Toyota and why I was driving it instead of the Chevy. There was just something about him….I told him about my scheme. I didn’t feel the need to lie to him at all. Just tell him the truth, openly and honestly. Though he didn’t approve of a false beginning, he did understand my position.

We had previously agreed that if there were no “sparks” when we met, then we would end our date and consider that we had made a new friend. If there WERE “sparks”, we would continue with our time together by going to see a movie. As we left the restaurant, I was feeling a little like this attraction was only one-sided even after the positive beginning to the evening. He was walking ahead of me, not beside me, and I was beginning to turn toward my car. As I took a few steps in that direction, I told him that it was nice to have met him and I said good night. He got this “What?” look on his face before reaching for my hand and asking, “Weren’t we going to see a movie?” to which I replied, “Well, sure, I guess!”

Leaving my car in the restaurant parking lot, we rode in his truck off to the movie theatre to see Forrest Gump. I had already seen the movie three times but I was looking forward to seeing it again with him. We arrived at the movie theatre a bit early. We bought the tickets and went to our seats where we waited until the lights went down and the movie began. While we waited, we had yet another deep conversation …. about footwear! All kinds and styles of footwear!  Boots, tennis shoes, sandals, heels, hiking shoes, etc.  During the movie, since I'd seen it 3 times, I kind of knew the script a little and kept leaning over to say the words just before the actor said them.  He didn't say anything to me about it but kept giving me one of those  "I'm gonna get you back for that" looks.  After the movie, we went for dessert at yet another restaurant, walked on the river walk downtown, and spent some time at the casino. Suddenly it was 3 a.m.!! It was time for this Cinderella to go home!

To make a long story short, we were married on his birthday, Nov. 15, 1997. He said he couldn’t ask for a better birthday gift. Now isn’t that just the sweetest thing!?

Faith of the Christian Heroes

I recently rented The Hiding Place about the holocaust experiences of Corrie Ten Boom. As I watched the movie, I thought about the end times and what's in store for Christians of the future. I let fear get the best of me and I began to be anxious.

I wondered if I am a strong enough Christian to endure what Corrie has endured. Am I strong enough to see God's hand in the tribulations? Am I strong enough to offer forgiveness to those who wrong me? I don't know. I've been told that God gives us the strength needed to endure troubled situations. I guess I would have to be in the situation before I know whether or not I'd be able to endure it and I wonder if I be able to spread His word and lead others to Him in such a situation.

I also wonder if I'm even truly saved. I grew up in church (thanks to my Mom). I even remember spending some fun times in the nursery!!! When I was 16 years old, I said the "sinner's prayer" and I asked Jesus into my heart. I sincerely meant it at the time, but then life got in the way and I was distracted with a boyfriend (later my first husband) and children. Years passed, I went through divorce and remarriage. Now, I'm a church musician and as such am in church constantly. Every week I hear the sermons and read the scripture references. Honestly, I'm sure I could do more about my Bible reading.

Anyway, in reference to my "am I really saved" question....I once heard Micheal Youssef speak on that. He said something to the affect of giving a gift and having the recipient continually question it. He said that after a while the gift giver may feel insulted that his gift wasn't so well received. For example: I invite someone to my house for a steak dinner. They gratefully accept but a few hours later they phone me up and ask if I really meant it. Then I would reply, Yes I really meant it and they'd be satisfied with that answer yet would still phone me up a few hours later to ask me again. This would go on and on but eventually causing me to feel like they haven't truly accepted my invitation.

Well, I certainly don't want to be that kind of gift recipient. I have no intention of insulting my Lord. I guess I am one of very little faith when it comes to my salvation. It's just one of those things that make me say "hmmmmm" once in a while.

Play Day

The girls and I got up early this morning and made pancakes in anticipation for our trip to the River Center to see "If You Give a Pig a Pancake and other stories". They were so excited to be attending their first ever play! Little Bird sat mesmerized throughout the entire performance! Afterwards, we drove home for lunch and a nap before leaving the house again for dance class and church. Whew, what a day!

If you get a chance, go see one of these little plays! They're too cute! In fact, King Tut will be playing tomorrow, November 6, 2008. Then, The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe will be on stage on March 4, 2009 followed by Aesop's Fables on March 31, 2009. All plays begin at 10 a.m. Oh, and you can click on the links to go to a Theatreworks page where you can download study guides for the plays.

Coon hunting

Today is my daddy’s birthday. I need to go get him a gift or something. He can’t stand to have someone buy him a gift. If I ask him what he would like for his birthday or Christmas he’ll respond with something like, “If you HAVE to get me anything, a piece of fruit would be nice.” So, today, I plan to stick a candle in an apple and take it to him.

I’d like to share with ya’ll a little tidbit about me and my dad. I’m the oldest of 4 children. Mom had us all within 6 years. I wonder how she kept her sanity! LOL

My dad is an eccentric sort of fellow. He enjoys backpacking, camping, and just about anything outdoorsy. When I was growing up, his hobby at the time was what we called coon hunting. I still vividly remember my first hunt with him.

I recently found a poem of sorts that my dad had written and I’d like to share it with ya’ll. It really describes our nights in the woods.



“Music of the Night Woods”
by S. Gilford Bush

The night is bright, the air is cool, and the wind lay down.
We loaded the mules, Ruth and Seymour, followed by the hounds.
We picked this night, with much delight, of a full moon
to enjoy the sport of pursuing some raccoon.

As my daughter and I pull out of the driveway and head for the woods,
I think to myself, “What will it be tonight?
A waste of time or a hunt turned good?”.
We continue driving on for thirty minutes or more;
anticipation and excitement starting to soar.
We enter the woods and turn down the old, familiar road,
then to the end as far as we can go.
Off with the engine, and out for a listen,
not wanting to turn the dogs out on some one else.
We hear no other, and the dew on the grass is now starting to glisten.

We quickly turn loose the hounds, Eagle, Beulah, and Cricket, too;
putting them down a ditch that runs through to the old slough.
It isn’t too long before we hear the hound Cricket,
open with a bark in the middle of a thicket.
There’s no telling what she’s running, she’s young you know.
It could be a ‘dillo or maybe a toad.
Now she seems to be on the old logging road.
She’s quiet at last and I begin to wonder,
“Where are Eagle and Beulah? Have they gone yonder?”
It’s now been a while, ten minutes or more,
so I say to my daughter, “Let’s unload the mules, Ruth and Seymour.”

And we ride down the old logging road, hoping to hear,
Maybe they’ve struck and gone too far,
when down deep in the woods we hear Eagle’s cry, loud and clear!
Tightening saddles and getting the lights, we’re ready to start.
It sounds like Eagle has struck a good track and now Beulah is in there, too!
Do I hear Cricket? Is she coming back to us?
No, she’s definitely in there with the team,
coming along real well, it would seem.

Now, it’s picking up and the race is on!
They’re headed northeast and will soon be gone.
We prod the mules, can’t take too long, they’re moving on.
They have old ringtail on the run!
We stop and listen to the music. Oh! What a thrill!
I wonder, “Should I have brought my gun?”
They’re gaining on him now, closing in for the kill.
Now they’re headed north into water and bad terrain.
Alas, do I hear thunder in the West?
Yes, I see lightening also! I sure hope it doesn’t rain!
Who cares what weather comes, this is the best!
Through the briars we go, hoping to not stir up a wasp nest!

We stop and listen; it’s been thirty minutes now or maybe an hour.
Seems as if the race is still on and now headed west.
I know they’re across some water.
“Oh, well, I guess we get to go swimming, too!” I jest.
We’ve been in some bad places before, so it really doesn’t matter.

Do I hear a change of the tone? It’s been awhile and I think they’re due.
Yes, I do believe that’s a locating moan, come from my dogs of blue.
As I speak, I notice a change again as Eagle and Beulah begin to tree.
I hope its right and they remain. Now I hear Cricket and we hurry to see.
Through the mud, briars, water, and vines
we go to our destination of the beautiful treeing sound.
They’re definitely locked up tight; it would seem so,
as we get close to see what they have found.

On top of a ten or twelve foot long snag,
lay a huge ‘coon with eyes of bright!
I’ve seen some beautiful things in my life but, Oh, what a sight!

Eagle, Beulah, and Cricket, too;
All treeing solid, looking for fur to chew!
We hook the dogs up and start out.
We’ve had a good hunt, that’s what it’s about.
There’s never two times that it’s all the same,
when we come out to chase this elusive game.
Back through the briars, vines, and muck;
then to the old logging road and back to the truck.

Now after many hunts I have come to believe,
as we look back at the raccoons we did leave,
Not to measure the enjoyment of the hunt by the amount of game you kill,
But rather, by the music, to be blunt, and lest we forget, the dog’s skill.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Creative and Frugal Dating Ideas

After having just finished a bible study at church (Men are like Waffles, Women are Spaghetti), I felt inspired to share a few ideas on creative dating. If you’ve read any of my earlier posts, you will find that I tend to whine about my husband’s faults. However, he has his good points too. After all, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with him if he didn’t. He is a good man and provider for our little family. He’s also pretty romantic and makes time for us to have date nights at least once a month. Here are some ideas for other couples out there who have gotten tired of the same ol’ dinner and movie type dates.

1. Go Hiking. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner.
2. Pretend you’re looking to buy an expensive house and go to open houses. You may want to research for some ahead of time.
3. Explore a local flea market.
4. Get disposable cameras and go sight-seeing in your town.
5. Ride the bus around the city.
6. Have a dinner of miniature foods. Eat on small plates.
7. Read children’s books to each other at the library.
8. Have a progressive fast food dinner (Breadsticks @ Fazoli’s, Salad @ Wendy’s, etc.)
9. Create thank you cards and mail them to servicemen.
10. Go to the parish courthouse and watch a trial in session.
11. Take a tour of a local factory. Call ahead for an appointment.
12. Go out to breakfast on a weekday before work. To save even more, take breakfast with you for a picnic.
13. Go to a wedding reception for someone you don’t know.
14. Take a nature walk and collect bits of what you see. Make a collage or vase arrangement.
15. Use the internet to find an interesting museum.
16. Donate blood together.
17. Go to an interesting location like a gazebo, a park lake, or parking lot and order a pizza.
18. Buy flowers, take them home, and make arrangements together.
19. If you have a downtown area in your city, hang out there on a Saturday. Visit a café for lunch and browse the shops.
20. Fly kites.
21. Be kids again. Play hopscotch, go to a park, order happy meals, etc.
22. Put together an obstacle course or crazy Olympics.
23. Go to a conservatory if there is one in your area.
24. Take a drive – If you live in a big city, drive out of town to a more rural location. Have a picnic or eat at a small café.
25. Watch the stars. You could go on a normal night or plan ahead to see a meteor shower or comet.
26. Go to a farm where you can pick your own fresh fruit. Take what you picked back home and make a pie or other dessert.
27. Write a script for a short movie, play, or musical. Videotape your production and watch your performance together.
28. Go to a performance at your local bookstore. Borders and Barnes & Noble both have small musical groups performing periodically – and it’s free!
29. Attend the local high school’s musical.
30. Chalk attack someone’s house. Use sidewalk chalk to write funny messages and draw silly pictures on the driveway and walkways.
31. Browse art galleries. The galleries that sell their art are usually free.
32. Take a visit to your state’s capitol. Take a guided tour, or just walk around and read monuments.
33. Go for a bike ride.
34. Go to a public place. Take turns painting pictures of each other, while the other person poses as the subject.?
35. Take a video camera with you and interview people off the streets. You could make it funny by asking questions everyone should know the answer to, like: “Who is the vice president of the United States?” You might be surprised at the answers you get!
36. Play a sport together (tennis, soccer, basketball, etc.)
37. Volunteer together at a homeless shelter or food bank. Look for listings in the phone book or call to ask if they need help.
38. Take turns teaching each other something new. For instance, one person could teach how to change a flat tire, and the other could teach how to make a favorite dessert.
39. Find a muddy area, dress in shabby clothes, and have a mud fight.
40. Go to a poetry reading. You could even participate if you want to.
41. Wash your cars together.
42. Play video games.
43. Go to the mall or a thrift store and try on outrageous clothes that you would never buy.
44. Have your own decathalon. Some ideas for events are: hula hoops, jumprope, foot-racing, crab walks, etc.
45. Have your own private dance in a parking lot. Turn the music on in your car and leave the doors open. (My honey actually did this in the middle of a country road on a sunshiney day...the song was Tracy Byrd's "Keeper of the Stars!")
46. Go to a video arcade.
47. Feed the ducks at a lake.
48. Have a night-in watching a romantic movie and feeding each other strawberries.
49. If you don’t have kids of your own, borrow someone else’s! Take a kid to the park to play!
50. Visit waterfalls – Put a map together of nearby waterfalls and spend your day hiking to each one. Bring a picnic lunch and eat beside a waterfall. (Tunica Hills has waterfalls!)
51. Go Fishing in the Dark – Head out on a boat for romantic fishing by moonlight.
52. Spa Night – Have a spa night together, complete with massages, oils, and sensual bubble baths.
53. WalMart Toys – Go to a 24 hour walmart late at night and play with the toys and chase each other around (with toy guns, etc.)
54. Garden Together – Get outdoors and dirty. Gardening is peaceful, relaxing, and a perfect activity to share with someone you love. If there’s still a chill in the air where you live, move the gardening indoors. Plant something together and watch it grow, just like your love for each other. Awwww.
55. Ice Skating is always fun!
56. Football on TV – Pick up some takeout and cuddle on the couch during the game. Sneak a kiss for every first down. Or, for every point scored, take a pc of clothing off!
57. Play Tag – raise the stakes a with a game of strip tag. Whenever your tagged – a pc of clothing comes off!
58. Visit fountains – Put together a map of all the fountains in your city or a nearby bigger city then spend the afternoon visiting each fountain
59. Race remote control cars in the park – Winner picks your lunch date..
60. Send your honey on a scavenger hunt with him/her ending up at a hotel for an evening of romance for the two of you

There’s also a couple of really cool websites for you to browse for more ideas. Check out http://www.lovingyou.com/ and http://www.coolestdates.com/. Enjoy your time together!!