Life is Good . . .
~ ~ it may not be perfect, as nothing is perfect.
Life is filled with ups and downs . . . bumps in the road . . .laughter and tears.
~ ~ however it is how we deal with those bumps is the key.
Life is good when you wake up in the morning . . . put your feet on the ground . . .
~ ~ and see the beautiful sun. A very wise woman says that every day . . . my mom.
I am blessed to have beautiful sunrises that stream through my windows . . .
Life Is Good.
Life of all its twists and turns . . .
~ ~ of happiness and grief. . . of the joy of newborns . . . and the grief of losing a loved one.
However, the memories are what we hang on to . . .
Memories of my dad . . . sitting at the head of the Thanksgiving table . . .
~ ~ gazing with contentment and pride of his family gathered together.
He said that is what life is all about . . . no riches can buy the joys of love and being loved.
Life Is Good.
My dad was a simple man . . . and always encouraged us that we have nothing . . .
~ ~ if we didn’t live a life of integrity, generosity, and the love of family.
With that . . . then Life Is Good.
I am thankful that I am surrounded by the love of family and friends . . .
~ ~ and when we lose some of them . . . we grieve and lose sight of all things good.
Then there comes a friend . . . who brings you a special gift . . .
~ ~ to remind you of the fact that they are still with us.
Like a bird looking down from the heavens . . .
To the “other bird” who she often referred to as . . . the one who flies into her life . . .
~ ~ at the right time.
But she must know that I am blessed and thankful . . .
~ ~ that she continues to give me strength and perspective.
When life gets a bit turned around . . . she reminds me to embrace it . . . and live.
For, Life Is Good.
Life is Good . . . when you are blessed to have found your soul mate.
In the 2nd Grade . . . the guy who always pulled on your ponytail . . . as he sat behind me.
The guy who is a kind, loving and a generous husband, father, and ever so loved grandfather.
The one who encouraged me to make a trip on my bucket list . . .
To France . . . with friends.
A trip of a lifetime . . . which he generously gave to me.
I am blessed.
Life Is Good.
Traditions are made and some continue through generations . . .
~ ~ and sometimes those traditions can be broken . . . situations of life may get in the way . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ and sometimes it may break your heart . . . like a missing seat at the table.
However, from the lessons of my dear friend . . . my bird in the heavens . . .
~ ~ life is a gift . . . you embrace every moment . . . and do the Taylor Swift and “Shake It Off”
For, LIFE IS GOOD.
I am blessed with a son who is like his father . . .
~ ~ who lives his life with the utmost integrity and loyalty and is the best son and dad.
A guy who stands by his convictions . . . who will risk everything for integrity . .
~ ~ who did not cut his hair from his senior year in high school to his senior year in college . .
His ponytail tossing in the wind at his college soccer games. . .
~ ~ and hanging from his cap at his college graduation where he received the honor of Valedictorian.
The audience gasped . . . to see this long haired dude receive this honor.
Life Is Good.
A dad who is comfortable taking his beautiful daughter shopping for hats!….What a dad!
A dad who spends time with his daughter on camping trips with the Indian Princesses . . .
~ ~ with stories and songs by the campfire.
We are proud . . . We are thankful . . . We are blessed.
Life is Good.
I am blessed that I can spend a great amount of time with “our sweetie . . . as she lives close by.
Love our field trips together . . .
~ ~ like the “Polar Express Train Ride” . . . singing one of my favorite songs, “Believe”
For the love of a grandchild is one of the greatest gifts . . . we are thankful . . we are blessed.
Our sweetie was asked in school, to make a drawing of something that is very special to her . .
~ ~ to be placed in the art show.
She drew a picture of my sister and brother-in-law in the kitchen at Thanksgiving . . .
~ ~ and next to that is a picture of the patio area where we have our Thanksgiving dinner.
There are usually 50 people in attendance so the patio is a great place to have it.
The caption of the drawing reads:
“Every year we usually go to Ocala, Florida and eat Thanksgiving dinner . .
~ ~ and on Thanksgiving morning we watch the parade on TV”
I cannot tell you how much this warmed our hearts and needed a kleenex or two!!!
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
I wish you all a wonderful season of giving thanks . . . of counting our many blessings . . .
~ ~ and making beautiful memories and being “THANKFUL AT HOME”
Please visit these lovely blogs who have a wonderful story of being Thankful At Home.
The party started on Monday and you can catch up from the links below:
Monday, Nov. 3
Wednesday, Nov. 5
What a beautiful, beautiful post, Shirley! I loved learning more of your sweet family this way, too. Yes, life is good (and your Fall decor is fabulous). Happy “early” Thanksgiving, friend!
becca’s recent post…Our New Kitchen!
Shirley, what a beautifully written post that so comes from your heart. Your Fall decorations are as beautiful as I knew they would be. I always look forward to your posts. Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
OMG, what a sweet and thoughtful post. You made me tear up. Yes, “Life Is Good”!
Kim’s recent post…Wow Us Wednesdays # 194
Such a sweet, heartfelt post, Shirley! You are indeed blessed… love the fall decor!
xo Heidi
Heidi @decor & more’s recent post…A Peek at My Booth…
Amen to all of that ! What a wonderful tribute to your family,and I am privileged to know them all but your Dad.I needed a few kleenex myself!
Shirley, what sweet reflections on those whose lives have most impressed you. What’s that? The sun in my eyes? Oh no, it can’t be that – it’s raining today. I must have something in my eye……. :’-)
Rita C. (Panoply)’s recent post…Vintage Finds in NE Maine, PA
oh shirley- what beautiful words coming from such a beautiful woman. All who are graced with your kindness and heart are blessed. I hear your bird chirping now…she agrees.
laura@top this top that’s recent post…Why We Are Thankful….
Well-written Shirley. I can only say Amen to your lovely post.
Hi Shirley, What a beautiful and heartfelt post of thankfulness. I agree with you completely. Life is good and we have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us beyond our dearest dreams!!Your words put a tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. Well said my friend.
Wishing you a special day.
Hugs and Blessings
p.s. I mention you and your blog link in my post today. I hope it brings lots of visitors to this post!! xo
Celestina Marie’s recent post…This That and The Other!
Beautiful post and a perfect message for this season of giving thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Hi Shirley, beautiful post and beautiful family! Well said. I love how warm and inviting your home is decorated for fall too! Have a good week!
Sally
Sally’s recent post…sour cream pumpkin bread with chocolate chips
Shirley, what a fabulous tribute to your family! I agree, we are “blessed” and “life is good”! Your photos are gorgeous and your words are so dear! I have a tear in my eye! Thanks for sharing your lovely post this morning!
Betsy@coastal-colors’s recent post…An Update On The “A” Side
Shirley what a beautiful message you gave us this morning. We too have missing places at our Thanksgiving table which is sad, but life goes on. I know someday I will see these love ones again in Heaven because Jesus Christ is my savior. New grandchildren are born and little ones grow up to become high school students, where did the time go as we always say. You have such a lovely way with words and I look forward to your post. God bless you and your family during this special time of the year.
So sweet Shirley! You have a beautiful family – glad your hubby yanked on your ponytail so you could have a son who rocked on at his graduation!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage’s recent post…Creatively Christmas Book
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message. This has been a rough year for me. The reality of the upcoming holidays is hitting hard when I know the chair will be empty at the head of the table. The angel won’t go on top of the tree, he is no longer here to do that special chore. The many gifts of laughter, hugs and smiles no longer warms the room. Thank you for reminding me I have memories, 35 years of memories to fall back on. fondly ~lynne~
Oh sweet Shirley I loved reading your Thankful post! How cute your husband sat behind you in second grade pulling your pony tail. Love at first pull LOL!! Life indeed is good Shirley, enjoy your Thanksgiving this year with your family. XO
debbiedoos’s recent post…Embossed foiled dollar tree vase
Great post, Shirley. Life may not always turn out as we had planned, and there may be bumps and stumbles along the way. But from those things we grow. And as I have said to myself and to you, my friend, I sincerely believe that “things” happen for a reason. Life is indeed good. let us all be thankful and appreciate our blessings. Not just at Thanksgiving, but every day.
This is your best post ever…and you have some really wonderful posts of your beautiful home. Family and friends make our lives complete! And children and grandchildren are the icing on the cake! Wow, there are those ups and downs and twists and turns…but I guess those build strength and help define our character…despite being so hard. Sheila
Oh Shirley … this choked me up. I love this post and I agree this is one of the best blog posts that I have read. Yes each and every day with all it brings with it is a blessing. Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
Patty’s recent post…Chic and Shabby bedroom update! (and homemade febreez)
What a lovely blog of thankfulness! I always love to see pictures of your beautiful home. Your granddaughter is precious and it’s evident that she is being taught the importance of happy family times together. I’m very thankful that my family enjoys their time together. Your granddaughter looks so much like you too. I agree, having your soulmate beside you to enjoy life is wonderful.
Incredibly beautiful, Shirley!!
Pat@Back Porch Musings’s recent post…Simply Thanksgiving
Oh Shirley you beautiful post brought happy tears to my eyes. We all have so many gifts to be thankful for that are not material gifts but gifts of love, friendship and family. I really enjoyed reading this today. Thank you for sharing this with us and giving all of us here in blogland the gift of your friendship! xoxo
You are so right in saying that life is good even with all its ups and downs and bumps in the road. All of us have so much to be grateful for and forget that from time to time. I am grateful for you as well as for the many incredible blessings that make up my life.
Linda’s recent post…WPC: Descent
Wonderful tribute to your family. You are truly blessed.
pat @ life at lydias House’s recent post…Rescuing A Caned Chair
I’m working through the tissue box this morning with all of the beautiful sentiments on these posts!! Shirley this was just so lovely and a blessing to me today. You captured perfectly that ‘rub’ in life…the hard stuff with the good stuff and all of it a reminder of how fleeting our time is here on earth. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart sweet friend. You shared about all of the people who are a blessing to you but I hope you know what a blessing YOU are to everyone who has the privilege of doing life with you! 🙂
Vanessa’s recent post…Sharpie Stenciled Thanksgiving Lazy Susan
What a BEAUTIFUL post!! Although I am not part of this wonderful series, I am SO blessed too. As Yvonne said, it is bittersweet to see our little ones grow up, but I am grateful that they are wonderful adults. NOW, I have our sweet girl, Colleen and this will be our first Thanksgiving with her. I am so excited and gratful. Beautiful post, Shirley. XO
Pinky at Designs by Pinky’s recent post…~~~Fall’s Bounty Table~~~
Oh Shirley you made me cry! Even this makes me thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ohhh wow… yeah, tissues please. I think you struck every nerve possible with this amazing post.
I truly felt your happiness with every word. You have a beautiful family.. and amazing home. And unbelievable talent. And we have you as a friend.
Life is good indeed!
Shirley, I loved your Life Is Good post and your tribute to your childhood friend, Ruth. She is like a bird from heaven who reminds us to embrace life. I so miss our long phone conversations and laughter about our family.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Barbara
Such a sentimental post with such heartfelt statements. I must admit I was very moved. Love all the great pictures too
Cindy
Cindy’s recent post…Some Additions
Life is good Shirley you make it so with your warm open heart. So glad you are so happy! He chased you since 2nd grade – glad you let him catch you! I am so happy to call you friend… xx
Kelly’s recent post…Thankful at Home Tour
This is such a lovely post! Thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful Shirley. Well written from your heart. Your father did great with instilling love above all things is the true meaning to life. What a special man to have for your father. Love the pictures with your sweetie. I have to agree Shirley there is nothing like a grandchild. Our granddaughter is the love of our lives. Just when you thought you could not love anyone more than your own child they give you a grandchild. There is nothing like being a grandparent. So happy you have your grand close to spend precious time with her and give her life lessons to carry on in her own journey here just like your dad did for you. So sweet really enjoyed this Shirley.
Kris
Kris’s recent post…Chippy Salvage Candle Sticks
What a beautiful post. A reminder of all that is good in life, and that our King is still on the throne! All the praise and thanks be to Him! Our lives are full and rich when we have love.
Blessings to you and yours,
Patti
Patti’s recent post…Shoe In
Hi Shirley, I really enjoyed your post along with your wonderful home tour. I follow you on instagram (beth_christina_designs). Your design style is so similar to mine….although mine continues to need a lot of fine tuning 🙂 Thanks for the great post.
I couldn’t agree more “Life is Good”
Jordan@the2seasons’s recent post…Thanksgiving Table Cloth
Life is definitely good but the best thing is that you are so very thankful for it all…and I loved seeing all the pictures of your family. Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving Shirley!
Ann’s recent post…Thankful At Home
Oh Shirley, you are truly blessed. What a beautiful post and I have tears streaming down my face. Yes, life is good and I thank you for this wonderful post.
Mary
Mary Feguson’s recent post…Let’s Go Shopping
What a wonderful post, Shirley. Such sweet words and so well-spoken. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Julie
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns}’s recent post…Time to Get Cozy – Quilts
I enjoyed reading what you have to be thankful for at home. I agree that it’s good to take note of all of your blessings. I know how much you love spending time with your granddaughter!
What a wonderful, precious post, Shirley. My feeling mirror yours almost exactly. You are blessed with the love of family and a sweet granddaughter that you are able to spend time with as you can. BUT- the other truth is that they are all blessed to have YOU in their lives, too.
Blessings to you as you move towards the precious Holiday season. xo Diana
Nana Diana’s recent post…HAPPY (Very Belated) BIRTHDAY TO BIG J-Our Son-In-Law
this was a beautiful post…and so amazing that your soul mate found you in second grade. What a story 🙂
What a sweet and heartfelt post Shirley! Life is Good!
Mary’s recent post…Harvest Waldorf Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Shirley, this is such a beautiful post…not only your stunning photos, but the thoughts and reminders that you so eloquently wrote!! So much wonderful food for thought to pull us back from the challenges and busyness of life to reflect on all the blessings we have around us each day.
LOVE this post!!
Mary Alice
Mary Alice Patterson’s recent post…Restyling the Master Bedroom
So heartfelt, Shirley, not a dry eye here in the house. I love the way you express yourself. Very touching. Love you.
Such a beautiful post Shirley-so heartfelt. Love this post and love seeing all of your family!!
Courtney’s recent post…French Country Cottage ~Holiday Hostess
Oh Shirley, this is such a precious and loving post. I hope you have the best Thanksgiving ever.
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life’s recent post…Adding More Holiday Sparkle
Beautiful!
Many blessings,
Cindy
Cindy’s recent post…Kitchen Reveal~ish
Shirley, this brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful message, and lovely photos of your home and family!
Susan
must love junk’s recent post…More Office Changes
Oh Shirley what a beautifully written post!! I loved learning more about your family and seeing all the pretty shots around your beautiful home! Life is Good my friend!
martina’s recent post…Turning a coffee table into an ottoman
Loved visiting your beautiful rooms and reading about your family. What is the wonderful yellow on your walls? Yellow is such a mood lifter for me I might get brave and try it.
You do indeed have many wonderful blessings Shirley, as do those that are lucky to call you their friend or family.
A beautifully written and heartfelt post!
xxx
Doreen@househoneys’s recent post…Autumn In New England (and other random tidbits)
Lovely post and pictures… Lovely decorations too…