One of my best friends loves the word, "lagniappe". I've never heard it before until Susan began using it a couple of years ago, I think. I'm not even sure how to pronounce it, and can never remember what it means, but Jim and I saw this little shop in Bay City driving home yesterday, and I had to pull over and snap this photo for Susan. I love you, my friend!
Susan, my prayer for you today is "lagniappe".
My friend Jana and her husband have been working on their new home since the Fall, and I went today to see how they're coming along. They're doing the work themselves--and living in the midst of what's been chaos. But it's finally coming to a place of enjoyment. They still have a lot of work to do, but IT'S FINALLY A HOUSE!
I loved the walls that met me when I walked in--wooden walls that have been painted a soft mossy green, then distressed. This is the "great room", and it feels really great, since they haven't gotten the cabinets in yet, but they're coming! They're scheduled to begin cabinet work in two weeks--so they won't be washing dishes in the bathroom sink much longer. BUT they now have ROOM to spread out! And Jana was so relaxed. She's here at the coffee bar, while our mutual friend Susan (Red) looks on approvingly. Susan helped Jana paint and sand the walls. It looks so good, so fresh and soft!
Later we went for a ride and came upon "the bull"--apparently this big guy finds Red interesting, but he seemed a little intimidated by the buggy today! He's one BIG DUDE! Jana and hubby Morris have quite a spread--something like 400 acres! Lots of room for cows and bulls and buggies to "mud hog" through. We didn't mud hog, but we could have after all the rain we've had!
But today was lovely--warm, blue skies, and good friends. This is "fairy lane"--I swear you can almost see the little fairies flit through the trees, and you can almost hear them laughing and saying, "Catch me if you can!"
Red was driving the buggy, and seeme to have a difficult time getting into reverse! It was funny!
Here's Jana (on the arm of the chair) and Red back inside Jana's little house. Lots of windows, and lots of comfort!
Pictures are out of order, so now we're at the back of the property, where we discover that Varner Creek is out of its banks--the water is high. We park for a while and just listen to the birds and the sounds of a beautiful spring day in the country.
More cows. They don't belong to Jana and Morris, but they range on their land. They seem to find US curious! :)
I loved this beautiful old tree. Bridge to Serenity is a wonderful place with lots of charm and very good energy. It was a restful day, and it felt good to just relax and "be" with good friends. Jana, I love your house and your place, and I'm so glad "the end's in sight". Blessed Be!
Meet dear friend Ellen! Such a sweetie! She's a new teacher--first year--so she's off for spring break, and she gave me an afternoon! What a treat! Ellen and I have been friends for years. And we have a little bit in common--her daughter's name is Sheila, and my granddaughter's name is Ellen. It was a tad confusing a long time ago, but we finally get it. Ellen, I'm glad you came over. Come see me again soon...
Meet Sr. Lois, one of my favorite sisters at the Cenacle. If she gives a retreat, I am there! :) She taught our class today--Spiritual Direction Using the Enneagram. Sandy, one of my classmates, is explaining some new technology to Sister. Sr. Lois also loves new technology--she really gets into powerpoint and all the computer driven magic that happens when she pushes a button! :) Sr. Lois is a permission giver to the explorer in all of us. She's empowered me to push the edges when I've wanted to. And she's helped me not be afraid. I love her dearly.
And here's another one of my favorites sisters, Sr. Alice. She's my spiritual director. After class today I got to go talk to her for a while. She's held my hand and loved me tenderly through all kinds of things for nearly 3 years. She's unshakable and unshockable, two very valuable assets to have in a spiritual friend. I know she's prayed for me often. She's probably fretted over me a bit, too, but she hasn't let it show. She has remained constant, and I love her dearly, too.
Rosie, Mary Jean and I visited the Planetarium tonight for our 2nd night-time sky experience together. We saw Orion last month and Moonscapes tonight. No, those aren't marshmallows! :) They are "pretend moons". And our heads are "pretend earths", and there was a demonstration that explained why we see different phases of the moon each night. Very interesting, and very visual.
And this big machine gives us pictures of the night sky from our Clute location. I've lived in this area many years and never visited the Planetarium until last month. Thanks Rosie for inviting me, and Mary Jean makes a fun 3-some! I'm learning something new--again! There's so much to learn and life is so short!
Shall we try to build a fire??? It's windy, but it seems the thing to do, so we plan on building our fire at the circle. Guess what? We DID! :)
Liza joins us for a little while--another soul sister. The connection was palpable. We are connected. It's always a treasure to find another part of our "pack".
This is what I felt all weekend--an open door, and an invitation to "live joyfully"!
Now we are 4! Linda got here later in the day--now the party can really begin! :)
Two of the most beautiful women around--I love you ladies--especially early on a very cold morning. Two of my "sisters"...one's still on the way, but she'll be here soon, we hope! 
Another cold, rainy day, but this time, there's something special to really warm the heart. I met one of my dear friends, Jana, at the Center this morning to show her the art exhibit , then off we went to have a bite of lunch. A cold, dreary day warmed by friendship. That's a gift!
"Sisters" for life. I love you Jana! You make my heart sing!
Lake Jackson's Very Own Polar Bear Club
Here's Kay--Kay doesn't go far without her coffee mug. She's a joy in my life, too--one very special lady!
This is my mom (in front) and Melda--saying, "Come in Renee--the water's fine! My mom and I can't believe we've stuck with this for nearly a year. We're both feeling so much better, and now my mom has a social life! :)
This was taken before we "took the plunge". The hardest part is talking ourselves into getting in the pool. Here's Erika and my mom--you see Carl in the background. He's our brave male--our very own "energizer bunny". Guarantee, he'll be in the water first trying to convince us, "It's great!"
See? I told you so!
Meet some of the members of my CHRP team (Christ Renews His Parish Team). We've been together as a team since June, 2004. Some of us got together tonight and celebrated a big step forward in life--Diana is about to be 50 (next weekend)! The 50's have been some of my most significant years, so I was very eager to send her into this time with a big "hoo-rah!" Above, from left to right, Trisha Langner, Cassie Tijerina, me, Diana (the BD girl) Miles, Peggy Robinson, and Mary Jean Adams, having dinner at Red Snapper Inn, Surfside, Texas--one of Diana's favorite eating spots!
Later we got together at friend, Rosie Estrata's house in Lake Jackson. Here's Mary Jean, Trisha, and Diana--CHEERS! :)
Someone gave Diana a blessing by baptizing her in the spirit (of champagne, that is), and Peggy sops her head so that she doesn't drip on Rosie's carpet!
Momma Diana with son Troy--who by the way, won his tennis tournament this afternoon. Good luck tomorrow, Troy!
What a special group of people--Rosie Estrada (we partied at her house), Gina Childress and hubby Steven came in from Houston (glad they're back in Texas!), Trisha, Mary Jean, Peggy, Diana, and Cassie. We're missing some of our team members, but maybe next time!
And one more shot of the birthday girl! She looks great, doesn't she! Welcome to crone-hood, Diana. The best years are ahead girlfriend! Life only gets better!
