Wilma's Grace

8 Track Flashback

2009-08-20T10:51:00.004-05:00

Remember 8 Track tapes?
Oh Yes....those bulky boxy tapes you had to have a case to cart them around!

This has been the rainiest Arkansas summer I can remember in a long time. Usually this time of year we are crunching across the grass, hosing the dust off everything, and carefully observing the burn ban by county!

Listening to the thunderstorm the other night memory carried me back to pilfering through Dad's 8 track tape collection. Staring endlessly at the machine that magically played the tapes and hearing Eddie Rabbit sing "I love a rainy night". I am amazed at how far we have come from records to 8 track, cassette tape, on to C.D. ( which I thought would be pinnacle for a while). Now everything is digital....I don't mind...Kind of like it actually. I am a techno geek in disguise!

Still needing to update my T.V.'s to flat screen...I wonder what will be next? Everything seems so convenient and compact...what will be the next frontier? I am anxiously awaiting! Still can't help loving all those childhood memories.The first was a portable record player with a casr for all my fave 45's...The Micheal Jackson Thriller album cover, Prince 1999, boombox christmas for me was the coolest. Had to carry it everywhere...til I got tired of hauling it around!

Graduation yielded a huge stereo cabinet with 100 watt speakers and U2's The Joshua Tree! My kids have ipod nano with Mp3's....so do I! Love the flashbacks though...great memories. Dick Clark is famous for saying " Music is the soundtrack of your life" ...So true. Each song represents a particular point in time. That is really cool to me.

This week my son started Jr. High at the same school I attended. Of course, I made him a power point map with all classes marked with stars! I am totally a techno geek! Walking down the halls sparked all kinds of memories from that time period. Almost like when you go into an old historical home and can almost feel the energy that has passed through it.
Enjoy these moments...create many more.
In Wilma's Grace
Stephanie

Bless the child....

2009-06-16T07:16:00.002-05:00

Bless your children for generations to come...

Family can be one of our most treasured assets. People who love us unconditionally and are there for us in times of crisis as well as just hanging out and laughing.

Getting to know your family and keeping in touch with them on a regular basis is more of a blessing than I ever realized. My children are feeling those blessings now and I couldn't be more thankful!

Keep in touch with loved ones! Check on the elderly in your family, stay involved in their lives and draw them into yours. They have so much wisdom about life ! What an advantage to have someone who has walked the path you are on before to give you insight on your journey.

I have made a point recently to check in on my grandparents more often. Remembering the many days and night I spent with them as a child, I want my children to know more about them and understand how strong the bonds of family are. Where they come from will help them get to where they are going!

As we go out into our crazy world this week don't forget the ones who got us here! Draw from their strengths and give them a new take on life from your perspective!
I love to watch my kids soak up the love and knowledge from these amazing people!

Have a great week!
Call your Grandma!!!

In Wilma's Grace
Stephanie

The Proof is in the Pudding!

2009-06-07T09:03:00.003-05:00

Amen!

You have heard the saying " The Proof is in the Pudding". This is more true now than ever! As I struggle to balance life in this world and my walk with Jesus Christ, I have to constantly remind myself of this very thing. I believe with all my heart in the Lord Jesus Christ, that I am here to benefit his kingdom. When I look around and see others who don't put Christ first I usually say a prayer and feel kinda sorry for them.

This week like so many weeks before it I am struggling financially. The things I used to take for granted I now covet! Trips to the salon, shopping (discount of course), and great vacations are on hold! Now every penny must be thought about and put to good use. I have been thankful for these times for the most part because they strip me down and I find out who "me" really is.

Without these struggles I would not have developed the relationship with Christ that I have now. Still, when I see others doing so well and shopping, going on these vacations, landscaping, etc. this week I have had to remind myself how blessed I truly am, how great God is, and how without fail through my faith and serving this will be the greatest life I could possibly have!

Jesus Christ is the proof in the pudding! We can stand on his word and promises without fail! I am amazed at how my human frailties seep through at times! I still on a regular basis have to look in the mirror and counsel me. LOL! I just wanted to share these thoughts...say a prayer and remind us all we are living the greatest adventure ever with Jesus, and that is the best pudding I could ever ask for, Bless you all. Have an awesome week!

In Wilma's Grace
Stephanie

Happily Ever After?

2009-05-27T14:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Endings are a true blessing!

I have several friends who have gone through divorces in the last few years. Watching them struggle with the many facets of losing their spouse, guiding their children through through these choppy waters, and maintaining their own emotional well being has been a great learning experience to say the least.

These last few weeks in both cases I am so happy to see them overcoming these circumstances and rising above! It truly is light at the end of a long devastating tunnel. My heart is so full for those of you who come through this scarring journey stronger and looking at life through a much different perspective. Appreciative of the smallest things, craving normalcy and the comforts of home.

These precious people have found others that have overcome similar situations and are ready to try again! Yay! Two people coming together appreciative of one another and careful to lay a foundation that will not erode with time, that will endure and be respectful of how short and wonderful this life is.

Those of you out there who are going through this journey or at the end of your rope contemplating.....There is light at the end of the tunnel. I have watched these people lose the loves of their lives, hearts broken, mentally and physically exhausted move on, rise above and find love again.

Heres to all of you who start over, rise above, and begin anew. Life is a precious gift, please don't waste it. Life is meant to be enjoyed...growing...changing...challenging...loving..creating...stirring..and most of all blessing others with your faith and wisdom!

In Wilma's Grace
Stephanie

Mr. Roger's Neighborhood

2009-05-20T16:17:00.013-05:00

Mr Rogers Neighborhood
was such an inspiration
when In was a child!

Along with Captain Kangaroo
and Sesame Street These Icons in Children's Television will forever remind me of lazy childhood days where there was "no worry"!

In Wilma's Grace
Stephanie
www.kiddlediddledee.com

Littlest Pet Shop Birthday!

2009-04-06T07:57:00.004-05:00

Saturday morning a friend of mine gave her daughter a birthday party in the park. It was one of the best birthday parties ever! Not too long, not too short...just right.

I love birthday parties...especially well thought out, planned, and executed ones! The kind I can never seem to manage. Other peoples parties in particular, ones that I just help with!

A birthday is a magical day as a child. Anticipation for that one day of the year this is totally your own. Anything can happen and everything usually goes your way....the universe balancing the world in your favor on your own very special day!

Watching the children anxiously awaiting the next game or craft was such a blessing. They began with face painting...kitties, puppies, and even a monkey. Next they got to decorate bags with stickers, markers, colored pencils, and sticky foam letters!

Then it was time for the puppy chow down! This was the most exciting game as they were eating like puppies, on their knees, hands down...faces in bowl! Children always energize me! They have a way of showing you the world from a fresh pair of eyes...they teach us as much as we teach them. God gave us such a blessing with children, one that returns itself over and over!

I can't wait for the next birthday party!

Stephanie

American Idol Title! Who will make the cut?

2009-03-25T18:10:00.016-05:00

Who will be the next American Idol?

This Question has fans chomping at the bit week after week! Fox has cornered the market with this fast paced reality show finding America's top vocals and showcasing them every week letting it's viewers decide who stays and who goes!

This season the judges have the option to save someone from going home. So far they haven't used this lifeline! Who could be next to receive it?

Click here for American Idol Karaoke for Wii!

American Idol Top Ten!

Well, we are down to the final ten Idol Contestants! This long haul all the way from try outs until now has been exhausting for me...But so worth the wait!

Here are the Top Ten Contestants for American Idol, Season 8!

Season 8 Top 10

As season 8 of American Idol wraps up we will no doubt be on the lookout for next season's highlights!~

With a cast that has equally talented and well deserving candidates, watching them grow and wondering what they will bring to the stage next is one of this shows best features!

Danny Gokey running in the top fave spot with his "Joe Cocker" sound and his unrivaled background has fans pulling for him all the way to the finish line.

Lil Rounds with a voice hammering out tunes reminiscent of Aretha Franklin herself! A baby girl and family depending on this big break to change many lives! Pap was a rolling stone!! You go girl!

Scott Macintyre amazing us as he takes on this great challenge without the aid of sight and flawlessly entertaining us all the while!

Megan Joy, who is an absolute joy to watch brings an awesome energy to the stage that lightens the mood and stirs the hope in everyone!

Kris Allen, the favorite from Arkansas,(my home state)! Go Hogs! Has a following that should keep him belting it out all the way!

Allison Iraheta!!!! 16 years old!!!Papa was a Rolling Stone!! Awesome!!! Unbelievable! This girl should be there until the end!

Anoop Desai! Fabulous vocals! Great Range! loved the smooth mellow tones this week!

Adam Lambert! Turned it all around tonight!!! Clean cut! Smooth soft vocals! Go Adam!

Michael Sarver...Power vocals! cranks out the sound! Working class guy turns it out!

Matt giraud...Soulful sounds with am impressive range in music and style!

American Idol has become an obsession all over the world! Check out these great buys on American Idol Karaoke for Wii!

Click here for American Idol Karaoke for Wii!

Check back next week for more Idol Chatter!

American idol,Kris Allen

The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield ...Review

2009-03-24T13:52:00.006-05:00

A review of:

The Thirteenth Tale
By Diane Setterfield

A tale delicately spun as if the author had insights from centuries of writing!

The Thirteenth Tale is a unique story told through the eyes of Vida Winter, a best selling British author
nearing the end of her life. Choosing Margaret Lea, a younger biographer and book seller who she feels will finally unveil her hidden past. Vida Winter has spent her life telling tales, it is up to Margaret to draw out the truth from an experienced story teller with a soul scarred from years of pain and false truths.

This story is told from such an original angle it kept me pining for more all the way till the end! The beautiful English countryside to mysterious gardens, old money, and a family history sure to captivate even the pickiest of readers. This one will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I can't wait to see what the next novel will yield!

Stephanie McInturff

The Nano, The World's Cheapest Car, Debuts in India

2009-03-23T14:53:00.001-05:00

Defying doubters, Tata Motors launches the Nano subcompact with a sticker price of less than $2,000. Is this the future of auto manufacturing?

read more | digg story

A Journey through the looking glass...

2009-03-21T12:31:00.005-05:00

As I look into the mirror what do I see?

I see many generations of women who came before me. Recently as I was evaluating myself(a complex self diagnostic!) I realized that I am a clone of my grandmother! Like a ton of bricks falling into place all at once a loud resounding gong! You are Wilma Grace!

I love my mother with all my heart! We have a blast when we are together. Our personalities though similar in some areas are very different. It is great to talk through things and listen to what she has to say. I feel like I am with a sister I never had. A road trip to town with my mother(Cathi), my aunt (Brenda) , my cousin (Christina), myself and Wilma Grace will yield an afternoon of nonstop laughter and lessons one can only experience! Grace being the leader of our troop! On any given occasion she will most definately exclaim to one of us " I am still your mother"! Althought this doesn't really pertain to Christina or I we get the point anyway!!!

The other day when I was visiting my grandmother I notice many similarities in our thought process and patterns of behavior which we always get a good laugh over! It has never occurred to me how much alike we are until this week!

Thursday evening I attended a gathering at a friends house. We decided to all get together, simple, no frills, a few drinks and finger food! It was fabulous! We talked about our lives, told stories, laughed, and reflected on how women should fellowship with one another on a regular basis. Sharing details of our lives connects us and gives us a checkpoint of what other people are feeling and experiencing.

I remember being younger and feeling very disconnected when my kids were babies. I didn't talk to adults on a regular basis! My concerns and fears seemed to spiral out of control and overwhelm me. If only I knew what the range of normal was for that time period in my life!

My grandparents house was always a place of refuge! On both sides, my mothers and fathers, I had wonderful grandparents! Childhood memories of farm life, creeks, breakfast in bed, homemade hot cocoa, and journeys into town to shop are so vivid I can't believe that was over 20 years ago! I identify with Wilma Grace so well because I am soooo much like her! My dad's mom has given me the gardening, cooking, old south genes for sure! My dream for retirement is a farmhouse, large pond, orchard, canning, wide brimmed hat....I'll stop here! Ha!

Wilma Grace taught my mother, my aunt, and myself so many things! Observing her and laying a foundation for the future without even realizing we were doing so. She is always our checkpoint for how to act in any given situation, including losing our temper! I have recently mended the fence with a neighbor I hadn't spoken to since last June! I was just telling my mom and grandma it wasn't a big deal I never see her and aren't around her enough for it to matter. That day God placed her BAM! right in my lane at the grocery store...unavoidable! We said hi and started chatting as if nothing had passed between us. I looked up and said O.K., O.K., I hear you Lord!

As I carry myself from day to day, I am reminded almost from hour to hour what would Wilma or Mary do? Both my grandmothers seem to handle everything with such beauty and grace...(Wilma's Grace seems the perfect title for this blog) !

Wilma has always poked fun at her alter ego..(Grace). We have blamed that alter ego for everything from burning rolls to saying inappropriate things to others...including my grandfather! Grace could get away with things that we would never dream of. She would just exclaim it was "Grace"! As we would all laugh until we hurt!

I feel very blessed to know such wonderful people. That they have influenced my life in such profound ways never ceases to amaze me. We can learn so much from the women in our lives. They have lived through it all. The Journey that we are now taking has been traveled by many. On this journey it would only benefit us to listen to the ones who have gone before us and the ones traveling with us.

From this day forward I am listening, gathering, and always learning from them. Pick up the phone, send an e-mail, or drop by the friends and family that shape and have shaped your life....It is the healing we all need to feed our souls!~

Thats all for now...
In Wilma's Grace

Stephanie

The Gathering! Hanging with the Girls!

2009-03-20T11:03:00.002-05:00

March 20, 2009 by Stephanie | Edit

Tune into your spirit by connecting with people who share like interests, beliefs, and children!

I love to hang out with friendly faces and graze! Last night I was invited to a friends house for a gathering. New friends that I know in passing but haven’t ever socialized with . I was fed spiritually and mentally by sharing stories and thoughts about our daily lives!

We were all commenting on how important it is for us to connect with one another. Grounding yourself with others who will listen , comfort, laugh, and share advice with is such a blessing! One that regenerates itself over and over again! A gathering doesn’t have to be fancy and cost a fortune. We usually wait until a special occasion or feel like it has to be over the top!

Call up some old and new acquaintances , invite them over for a glass of wine or Pitcher of Margarita’s! Simple mingling sharing experiences and laughing at life can be such an outlet or “Therapy” if you will! We are planning on making this a monthly event! Very casual, come if you can and if you can’t ….no pressure!

Here is a recipe I took to the gathering!

Tex Mex Chicken Dip

2 cans white meat chicken breast

1 can rotel

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 block velveeta cheese

Cumin powder ( 3 shakes)

cayenne pepper powder ( 3 shakes)

Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Chopped green Onion

Cube Velveeta and put in microwave safe mixing bowl.

Add Mushroom soup, rotel, and chicken….stir

heat until thoroughly smooth! add cumin and cayenne powder.

Sprinkle cheese over the top, thick layer!

Sprinkle chopped green onion over the top.

Add black olives…any topping appealing to you!

Gather, Graze, and Enjoy!!!

Stephanie…over and out!

Freak your garden!

2009-03-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

Trick out your Terra Cotta, forage for unusual containers!

Spring has almost sprung!

I love to make things look unusual! My favorite thing to do is use something not for purposes intended. Decorating, planting, and even sewing with things you would not generally use for that purpose.

As spring has forced us to move forward I look to new ways to freak my garden inside and out! Here are a few recipes for aging Terra Cotta that yield amazing results.

Age Terra Cotta

1 cup Lime powder ( from your local garden center)

2 cups water

stir and brush over entire pot. After pot is completely coated spray with water bottle on stream setting letting the lime solution run off.

Allow to dry and sand lightly here and there until you reach desired effect.

Moss Method

Plain Yogurt

Moss Spores ( local garden center)

Stir gently and apply thin coating to entire pot. Allow to sit in the shade for about 10 days. You will see moss beginning to grow!

Stain Method

Liquid or gel stain in a darker color ( Walnut is recommended)

old rag or t-shirt

Dip cloth into stain, rub into pot. Wipe away any excess stain. Continue rubbing into pot until desired effect is achieved.

A collection of pots in various stages of aging will warm up your garden and make visitors feel like they have been there for years!

Also, find unusual containers for planting to add interest to your garden or centerpieces. My next project I am using an old wagon the kids tore up and placing it on top of my entertainment center for an herb garden! Aging smaller clay pots and planting my favorite herbs in them. This will be an ideal sunny spot and be visually unique!

Check out this link for more gardening ideas!

Home Hydroponic Gardening

Thanks!

Stephanie