Thankful Thursday:) The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Edwin Osgood Grover

“Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows.”

*********************

I’m sitting here with a glass of wine, listening to Christmas music, and reminiscing all the treasures and pleasures of Christmas past, hopeful for better and brighter days to come. Merry almost Christmas, my friends.

I haven’t been here in McKinney for the past five years, always in Chicago, so I was excited to share my Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve. I have so many friends and traditions. One of my traditions is painting an ornament for my local fire station #5, but since I’ve moved and I have a new fire station just a few blocks away, I make one for both stations, #5 and #9. This year, because Crazy Covid has put a damper on my baking and sharing, I put together some awesome “hot and spicy” gifts to take over along with an ornament and some baking treats. Of course, some Bernard’s Gourmet Foods Salsa for the star attraction.

My friends at Starion #9. I know their Christmas tree will enjoy the new addition.

Station #5. I saw Captain Floyd walking past when I dropped off the gift. I’ve been dropping off special treats and gifts at #5 since ‘04. They’re not my local station anymore, but tradition is tradition. Thank you all!

After I stopped at my fire stations, I went over to the Chateau Retirement Community. I had called a few of my friends that I used to greet at the door at St. Gabriel’s. They were so happy to hear my voice, so I decided to go over and drop off a surprise gift for them too.

Miss Marilyn was so surprised to see me at her door. I miss these sweet ladies so much.

The only thing, the layout over at the Chateau is SO confusing. There are four different building groupings with all kinds of wandering hallways. This young lady was working, but was kind enough to escort me to each door. She said she didn’t like having her picture taken, but this is sweet Sophia, who was my guiding light. I couldn’t have done it without her. I thanked her profusely.

By the time I left my final appointed rounds, I was feeling so invigorated and wonderful. I had just walked in the door, when I received a text from my new neighbors across the street. They wanted to stop over with some homemade cookies and a sharing plate. I am so blessed.

Earlier this afternoon, I received a package from my friend Vicky Hodi, back home. I knew it would be her homemade baklava and delicious cookies. So far today, I’m living on hot tea, cookies, baklava, and wine. Life is good, my friends.

Yes, I am truly blessed. My granddaughters called to FaceTime with Gamma. Even though I’m far from family and old friends and the world is crazy right now, I feel like the luckiest person on the planet,

Merry almost Christmas, my friends. Wishing you health, happiness and joy.

Thankful Thursday:) Happy Thanksgiving

Neal A. Maxwell

“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”

****************

When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t help but think that Thanksgiving isn’t just a day on the calendar. Thanksgiving is a way of life, and I am thankful for my many blessings, my beautiful family and my wonderful friends.

I received an early morning phone call from my friend Mandy who lives in California. She was in town visiting with family, and she asked if she and her husband Tim could stop by for a visit. Well, I was delighted. I haven’t seen her in a couple of years or more. What a wonderful surprise. I jumped out of bed and frantically started baking a batch of brownies and cleaning up the kitchen. I was so excited, I forgot to take a selfie of us …that’s not like me. So, I stole a photo from her Facebook page. So good to see you Mandy and Tim. Thank you for the visit.

After their lovely visit, I needed to walk the dog and gather up some last minute things. I called my sister Jo Ann, to wish her a happy birthday. Her birthday happened to fall on Thanksgiving this year. When she answered the phone, I started to sing, “Las Mañanitas” in my very poor Spanish. (That’s the traditional Mexican birthday song.) She laughed, but appreciated the effort.

Then, I gathered up my brownies and Snicker peanut butter pie to take over to the Sherri and Michael’s. Here’s the cool story about the Murphy’s. When I opened my Facebook page this morning, there was a photo from 2013 of the fireplace at my old house, and a little blurb about what I was thankful for. The actual truth was, I was a total mess that year. It was my first Thanksgiving alone in 60 years.

I was going through a traumatic divorce in 2013. I was alone, afraid, and devastated. I was still married, but living alone in that big house while it was for sale and on the market. My not so discreet husband had moved out, living in a brand new condo, and was busy making Thanksgiving dinner for his girlfriend, the waitress from his country club. Those were not good days, but I was still thankful. I was thankful for my family and friends. But, I was still a big mess.

I’ll never forget that year. My friend Sherri Murphy had invited me over for Thanksgiving because she new I was alone, but I politely declined, Thanksgiving, to me, meant family, love, laughing, great food, and making memories. I felt blindsided and broken. That Thursday morning, I looked at my Facebook page and there was a cheery picture of Sherri Murphy’s beautiful kitchen, all decorated with pumpkins and the beautiful table settings. She posted a picture of the name tags she was making for each plate, and she said, “And I have one here for my friend Toni. I hope she changes her mind and comes for dinner today.”

Well, I cried like a baby, then later called Sherri and asked her what time I should be there. That’s when I realized that I WAS part of a family. Family isn’t always about blood relatives. It’s about the people who love you. I do have a wonderful family, but they live far away. But, I am truly blessed because I also have my McKinney family. They are right here, and I know I’ll always be part of their family.

Six years later, here I am. Life is good and I can honestly say that I am happy. I’ve been invited to the Murphy’s every Thanksgiving, and several other friends have invited me over too. But, I’ll never forget that day in 2013, and that place setting that said “Toni” on it, and I know that I’ll always be part of the Murphy family. I love you guys!!!

Family means love, laughing, great food and making memories.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

Friday:) Forever Memories of Mom

“It seemed like forever ago, like we’ve had this brief but still infinite forever. Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”

― John Green

************

It was one year ago today that we said goodbye to our angel mother. My memories of this beautiful lady will last forever. I feel blessed that my sister and I were there to hold her hand, just as she always was there for us, every day, every minute.

This is a bitter-sweet day. Mostly sweet, because Mom lived over 90 years, bringing joy and giving love to everyone she knew. The bitter is not being able to talk to her every day and hear her joyful voice and hear her silly laugh.

This morning I went to Mass and Adoration and thanked God for giving me the most amazing mother in the world. I felt her presence and love when I lit the candles beneath the painting of Mary Our Mother.

There will never be a more wonderful mother in the world, and I only hope that her love and guidance will help me to be a good mother, grand-mother, sister, and friend. I love you Mom. I miss you every day. ❤️

Now, those are beautiful memories.

Theme Song Thursday:) Child of Mine

Child of my child, and heart of my heart

Whether together, or miles apart.

A grandmother’s love is what it implies

It’s grander each day, and just multiplies.

The warmth of her heart will never grow old

The gleam of her eye, more precious than gold.

Stars up in heaven could never outshine

This child of my child, now child of mine.

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

I find that a poem can often express ten thousand words in just a few lines. As I sat for hours holding my second grandchild in my arms, it made me realize that the more children and grandchildren you have doesn’t divide your love, but rather multiplies your ability to love. There’s something very special about holding the child of your child. And, I look forward to living long enough to hold their children in my arms. Blessings are only multiplied as the years go by. My wandering thoughts inspired a poem to express how it feels to be a grandmother.

This has been a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. When I try to count my blessings, I realize that I can’t count that high.

Carole King’s song “Child of Mine” is the song that I chose for the mother/son dance at my son’s wedding. I softly sang it in his ear as we danced. And now, I softly sing it to my grandchildren when I cradle them in my arms.

Friday:) Follow Your Heart

“The harder you look for love, the harder it is to find.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

Last month, I wrote a story about the heart shapes that I find on my walk. Sometimes they are air pockets in the concrete, or tar stains in the street, or dried up worms. The day I decided to search for some hearts to photograph, I could only find six heart shapes. The harder I looked, the less I found. Normally, I see so many. The point is, I was looking too hard.

So today while I was walking, I glanced down and saw a heart. Hmm… I decided to just count the shapes as I walked. They didn’t have to be perfect, they didn’t have to be on the street, but most importantly, I was just going to count them and be on my way. No looking for perfection, not searching desperately for the shape, not stopping to take the perfect picture.

Guess what happened? I noticed heart shapes everywhere. I walked for over an hour and just counted and kept track in my head. Instead of 6 hearts ❤️, I counted 65 hearts ❤️. Yes, 65.

You know why? I wasn’t searching. I wasn’t looking for for a perfect heart. I wasn’t just looking at the ground. I was just enjoying my walk and enjoying the day. I even noticed one in the clouds above me.

So, always follow your heart ❤️ and remember, “The harder you look for love, the harder it is to find.” Words of wisdom to live by. Enjoy the walk, enjoy your life.

Tuesday:) Toni’s Tip of the Day…Practice, Practice, Practice

“Art is like love, and love is like art. Both require patience and practice.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

*********

“You don’t need to justify your love, you don’t need to explain your love, you just need to practice your love. Practice creates the master.” 

― Miguel Ruiz

*********

Art is like love, and love is like art. Both require patience and practice. On this  Valentine’s Day, I decided to practicice my love of art. I don’t paint as often as I’d like to. I get wrapped up with the day to day, mundane trivial pursuits of life. So today, I took out my watercolor paints, paper, brushes, and scoured through my hundreds of photos for a reference to practice. I sat down without television, phone, or any distraction. I chose this reference of cardinals enjoying the cool evening and a full bird feeder. 

Remember, a photo is just a reference, guide, or suggestion for a painting. That’s my excuse, and I’m stickin’ to it. 

This photo was a bit dark and monochromatic, so I decided to brighten it up a bit.

Practice, practice, practice. I know I need a lot more practice, but each step leads me closer perfection. Practice makes perfect. I’ll never be perfect, but will enjoy myself on the journey.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends.

Friday:) Family~ Four Generations

“I see the reflection of my heart and soul in your eyes.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

***************
“What kind of legacy will you leave behind? What will your children and your children’s children say about you? How will you be remembered? Will your life and decisions have inspired others to do better? Life is too short to postpone it – choose to be positive today.” 

― Lindsey Rietzsch

***************

My mother has been my inspiration, role model, and best friend all my life. She has always been there for me. This famous quote from Abraham Lincoln best describes my relationship with Mom. “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” 

I’d like to think that I’ve been a good daughter. I was blessed with two children of my own. Hopefully, I have been an inspiration, role model, and friend to my two sons. They are both talented, smart, and caring grown men. (I know they got that from me.)

Now, my eldest son has recently become a father. I am so excited for him and his lovely wife. There is no question that he will love and cherish his child, and will be an excellent role model to his new baby daughter. 

I can’t wait to get a photo of all four generations together. Coming soon…I hope. This will be a very Merry Christmas.

I look forward to the next generation.

A Very Thankful Thursday

“This is a place where grandmothers hold babies on their laps under the stars and whisper in their ears that the lights in the sky are holes in the floor of heaven.” 

― Rick Bragg

***********

Today was a very special day. I held my beautiful granddaughter in my arms for the very first time. My first grandchild, it was love at first sight. When my son put this angel in my arms, joyful tears tickled down my cheeks.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This picture is worth a million words or more.

Now, this picture is beyond a million words. Priceless!!!

She’s smiling at Grandma.

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”
― Brian Tracy
************
Sharing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an extreme pack-rat, hoarder, and craft-a-holic, but if I have the opportunity to share my vises with others, I always do.

One thing I enjoy doing is sharing little toys, books, or of course, my brownies and cupcakes with friends and strangers. While I was going through a closet the other day, I came across a bag of tiny Matchbox cars. I think some were from when my boys were little, or I bought them at a garage sale. I often pop a few trinkets or lollipops in my purse, so when I come across a crying or fussy child, I ask the parent if the child could have the diversion. Other times, I see an adorable child that could use a smile.

Today, I saw the cutest curly-headed boy at the bakery, so I reached in my purse for a shiny Matchbox car to share. The little guy was rather shy, but his mom handed it to him and she recited the mother’s mantra,”Now, what do you say?” The tiny voice mumbled, “Thank you.”

His eyes lit up as he nibbled on his cupcake and held the car tightly. That’s what sharing is all about. Share with friends, family, and neighbors, but don’t forget…random acts of kindness are especially rewarding.

Montage Monday: To All My Peeps and Friends

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.”
― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
*************
I agree Miss Austen. It is not in my nature either. I spent a very jammed packed busy week with so many of these wonderful friends, and I would do anything for them, and they the same for me.

Good Friday started off my weekend baking frenzy. I baked 6 dozen large cupcakes and decorated them for “my peeps” and firemen friends, and 4 dozen mini cupcakes. All were well received, and it was my extreme pleasure to make so many people smile. This makes my heart soar. I don’t do things by halves, more like by the dozens.

A week in a peek.