HAPPY FAT TUESDAY!

WHAT A DOOOOOOZIEEEEEEEEE

As I was going through old folders on my laptop, I stumbled across this:

March 25, 2010

The Ellen DeGeneres Show
P.O. Box 7788
Burbank, CA 91522


Dearest Ellen,
Last summer my best friend lost her husband and my daughter’s best friend lost her father. I have enclosed an essay I was asked to submit for a “Farm Mom of the Year Contest”. I realize this is a shot in the dark but I believe ordinary people often make this world extraordinary in so many ways. I believe she deserves to come to your show. And now for the gipper, I think John Mayer should be there too. We, these mothers just trying to be the best we can each and every day, are huge fans. I have enclosed a picture of us at a concert in OKC. Did we rock it out? Yes we did. Rebecca has the lyrics to “Pefectly Lonely” printed and posted where she can be reminded by them, be moved by them. I have also enclosed some of my blog (www.embracethegrace.blogspot.com) entries that pertain to this tragedy which has become a futile lesson to us all. You can also check either of us out on Facebook (Grace M. Calvert or Rebecca Stevens Crownover, Dumas , Texas).


Sincerely,

Grace M. Calvert

AND I PROCEEDED TO LAUGH SO HARD I CRIED.

Next I found the essay (not sure if it was ever submitted):

A person’s true character cannot be measured in times of greatness and prosperity. It is in the shadows and on the edge of darkness that your light must shine through.
“I will never truly understand why this happened, but I will not miss out on Christ's blessings because of it." And with those words, the funeral ended. A father was gone and a soul mate lost. A farm suffered and the community reeled. And until Rebecca Crownover emerged from the smoke, everyone was at a loss for what to do. But emerge she did.
Over the past year, I have witnessed a transformation beyond words. I have watched sadness turn into hope and loss turn into love. I have witnessed light.
Rebecca is truly an inspiration. Not once, not ever has she lowered her head. She is a stone pillar and soft pillow to daughter Acie. She is a listener, a hugger and a laugher. She is active in the family farm travelling to meetings across the country and being the essence of a hands-on employee, never afraid to dive in head first. She continuously supports the endeavors of our town by being active on leadership boards and offering abundant assistance to many charitable organizations. And she is a friend…..a true friend. Loving and kind and always happy to lend a hand.
You see we all have a choice. We are all faced with heartache and tragedy. A winding path is put before us each and every day. It is up to us to conquer this path in light or in darkness. It is up to us to carry a torch and light the way so others may follow. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Rebecca has ignited her family, her friends, her employees and our town with contagious luminosity.

AND I JUST PROCEEDED TO CRY.

ROUTE DU ROC

Local Natives | Who Knows Who Cares | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

"I have lived temperately . . . I double the doctor's recommendation
of a glass and a half of wine a day and even treble it with a friend." Thomas Jefferson

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC

One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs written by Shel Silverstein. Enjoy and Happy Friday:

MI COCINA

So I am having a party this weekend. Others may call it having people over for dinner since there's going to be approximately 5 people (and I might be related to half of them) but I say it's going to be a party. What constitutes a good shin dig you ask? Three 3.5 lbs. lobsters on a plane to Spearman as we speak accompanied by 20lovely oysters still in their shells, pizza dough from 575 pizzeria, lit fireplaces and fire pits, good friends and a lot o vino. Once in a blue moon (or in this case full), I will order up some lobsters and deem the weekend COOK YOUR BOOTY OFF.

It sounds expensive but it's really not. Well compared to the fresh selection of seafood at Lowe's Market. And it's fun. It's fun to do it up right and cook great food paired with even better wine.

I am fortunate enough to have a dear friend who is a chef and has cooked at some really cool joints in his day.

Me: So how is the menu coming?

Chef James: Butter poached lobster with a chile butter monte. Oysters on the halfshell with a serrano mignonette and green olive aioli. Any other requests?

Me: I think you nailed it on all accounts....

Pics to follow

SOMETIMES IT'S JUST FOREVER

My stepdad is at the Capitol in Austin talking legislative banking businasssss....

My mom just left and said, "Good night. I'm going home"...

Betty is on her way to ski in Taos with her dad and could not be more excited....

I sit alone....

Several years ago my parents made an offer on a Castle that was not for sale. In fact, not for sale at all *insert offense. But now it belongs to them. It was meant to be their home. The owner of 822 knew it should be in their care. It will be their home for the rest of time. Gina has spent every waking moment of the last 48 hours making their project a place that is home. She wants B to come home to HOME. She wants nothing more than to be at home with B.

I walked in tonight and there was a tiny table set up amongst the demolition, a roast cooking and candles aglow. He will walk in tonight and never forget the effort she has made on behalf of his happiness. A bed, clean sheets, soft curtains, candlelight and a blazing fire. It is perhaps the most romantic thing I have ever encountered *insert THANK THE LAWD I NOW LIVE ALONE AT 1107.

My heart did a back flip, tears in fact. True love? The path of true love? Bumps, bruises, forgiveness, and APPRECIATION FOR ONE ANOTHER. I'm not exaggerating when I say she lit 157 tea light candles in preparation for his return *insert "It's like he's been off to war and I'm just waiting for him". Their first night together in a new home. "Doesn't it remind you of when Mary fixed up the old home for George in It's a Wonderful Life? Don't you think about the chicken cooking on the old record player? That old home that became their honeymoon?"

My parents have been on a journey, epic I would say. Breathe it all in, let it all go. They have been there.

Tonight I sit alone. My heart swelling.....knowing that it exists.