The Instruments of the Quick and the Nemesis of the Dead

This past weekend Jared & I took a quick trip to Claremore, OK

where we visited the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum. 

This is the LARGEST private gun collection in the WORLD!

I have to say that I was excited to see this immense collection - my mind couldn't

even fathom what a collection of this caliber would even look like. 

This was such a neat place full of history & charm. If you get the chance to

see this awesome collection, you should take it.

This was posted in the museum & I loved it so much that I though I should share it.

My Arms Collection

These are man-made Tools of War or Peace, of Love or Hate
Labeled at will by man, their Creator.

Tools, ingeniously designed, used by Aggressor or Defender
classed again by man, their Maker.

Blameless, products of metal and wood, shaped by the skill of
Master Mechanics, embellished by the hand of an Artist --
condemned because of mis-use by man, their Possessor.

A mighty Protector on the side of right -- A Destroyer on
the side of Evil -- an eternal Chameleon.

Look upon them as they are displayed -- impotent Curios of a
day now past, outliving their Masters.

Let their purpose and history be forever in the eyes of the
beholder; romantic, destroying or preserving; weaving untold tales
of daring or cowardice, of chivalry or cunning. But see them as
they shall always be -- ominous reminders of sudden action --
the instruments of the Quick and the Nemesis of the Dead.

Ray Riling 1960 

Free As She'll Ever Be

If I could go back in time - I would go back exactly one year ago today & plead with Tara not to go into work early. Not today. Who knew she would fall asleep, who knew a semi would end her fate, who knew she would meet Jesus on this day.  I have so many "what ifs" and "I don't understands" - I know that everything works for the good of those who love the Lord, but I have so many unanswered questions. 

In deed, I understand the meaning of  "a friend being closer than a brother" .

Because in my life - there has been ONE.. .. . and her name was Tara Nicole Goolsby. 

Nobody really understands why I'm not over her death, they think by now it's old news, that I should get over it. But she was my bestie from the time I was born - we went through everything together. She was one of the only people that truly believed in my dreams as much, or more, than I did.  We were truly sisterly soul mates.

I am so afraid to get older without her here with me. I'm afraid of forgetting....her.

So, I'm going to list things that describe her - so that one day, when I can't remember - I wont be able to forget.

Tara is:

Loving, kind, full of life, cheerful, head-strong, loyal, witty, reliable, hard-working, gentle, influential, silly, trusting, comforting, charming, honest, unselfish, thoughtful, understanding, focused, helpful, easy going, good listener, encouraging, genuine and beautiful.

   

Now you are free as an eagle ~ Free as you'll ever be

Rest In Peace, Doll

~L

Babies & Beyond

So, I've been looking at kids that are in foster care for over a year. I fall in love over & over with the little ones that just want a mommy & daddy. There is a news channel out of Little Rock that actually shows videos of some of the children in Arkansas that needs a place to call home. So many people only want newborns, which I totally get for sooo many reasons, and the older kids are so much harder to place because they have a history & siblings. I have to admit that I am smitten with a sibling group of 6...... I know what you're thinking. I have no business with 6 children, but they are so precious & they love each other so much. The children got to go play together for a day and they were having so much fun - because they live in 6 different foster homes. The youngest is 2 & has been in foster care his whole life. I understand that there are so many risks when getting children over the age of 4 or getting sibling groups - but my heart aches for any child that doesn't have a bedroom of their own, their own yard to play "cops & robbers", or a dog for them & them alone. 

I am just one of those people that would take any of those kids into my home & just "make it work" because everyone deserves a forever home & a family that loves them.

New plants for my garden!

If anyone knows where I can get some seeds for this fabulous plant, will you let me know? I sure would appreciate it!

Fashion is what you make it ~

Everyone has their own style - I have to admit that I have several!

I don't quite fit into one category in anything I do.  Even decorating our home, I love so many different styles that I can't  box it up in one - I like to mix, match & push things to meet their ultimate potential. I have to share with you the newest member of my hat collection - when i saw it, I had to buy it (and it was on sale)!

So, to my precious predictable friends - I love you - but the next time you see those hott pumps or that edgy necklace..... try them on - you may find out that you can't label your style either :)

Happy Birthday Doll ~

Today is Tara's 27th birthday. I have been filled with every emotion today & frankly I'm exhausted.

Each time I start to tear up, I feel so selfish because I hate living without her. I know that she is in heaven where she knows no sadness or pain - but I miss her. Time is such a cruel thing ~ it passes too quickly ~ and in time we seem to forget little details of memories that were so significant to us. One year ago, today, was one of the last times I spoke with her. My whole outlook on how things can change your whole life in a split second has changed. . . you never think they will ever happen to you.  So, please don't leave things disheveled in your life, if you love someone - tell them because they wont be able to hear you after they are gone. 

 

Dearest Tara,

I bought some fireworks for tonight & fully intend to get some Ben & Jerry's ice cream

just like we always did for your birthday every year. 

I miss you & love you ~ please keep the angel choir tuned up for when I get there 

Happy birthday doll ~ Lydia 

My Southern Draaawwl

I'm notorious for finding something that I absolutely love & then try to explain to Jared how much I "need" it.

I mean, I work hard & save as  I go - sometimes I need to splurge & buy something!

Well, much to my surprise, Jared mentioned my accent the other day. I had no idea I had one - let alone one that another southerner would recognize. But he convinced me that I have a little drraaawl in my voice when I talk when he used my famous line as an example. He thinks when I start a sentence saying  "I need a ......"  it sounds like I'm saying, "Anita".          - - - Did you just try to say it too? Ha ha! 

A Small Hurdle....

Well, I went to the doctor & I lost 5 lbs. I'm ok about it. All he wants is for me to lose 1-2 lbs a week. He was very happy with my progress. I know that I could have done much better. It's so tuff. I've officially bought my 2nd gallon of Red Diamond with Splenda..... it's fine, but nothing like the real thing! I just wish that I owned a magic wand & could take care of this in a hot second ~Voila!

Headed to the Principal's Office

Well, it's been almost a month since my doctor told me that I had to lose weight.Now my appointment is tomorrow & I'm nervous. It feels like I'm headed to the principal's office. 

I started out with a bang, then the 2nd week was a little rough, I basically quit the 3rd week & now I'm trying to get going strong again before my appointment. This is hard stuff! 

I'm not exactly sure how the doctor's scale weighs compared to my scale at home.... so we will see how it goes. I'm not looking for super results..but I'm praying for at least a smaller number than last month. 

Handmade & Vintage Treasures

As much as I love new things, there is nothing like the feeling I get from something homemade.

It has a totally different feeling, more genuine & sincere. 

As a kid my mom made most of my clothes - at the time I certainly didn't appreciate it  like I do now.

And naturally, she thought I needed to learn how to sew & start making my own pieces of clothing.

 I am so thankful now that I was exposed to simple tasks like sewing, crocheting & cooking. Thanks Mom!

My point from all of this is that I stumbled upon a website that is fabulous! 

www.etsy.com

You can buy or sell items, just like you can on Ebay - but here is the catch....everything on Etsy has to be vintage or handmade. Hope you enjoy!