One of the best things about waking up too early is the absolute peace and tranquility that engulfs me in the magnificence of daybreak. It’s still dark outside which I find surprisingly comforting. I wrap my hands around my morning cup of tea and snuggle into the comfy couch. The heating will soon take the chill off the room, but for now I’m grateful for the soothing warmth from my mug of hot tea. A welcome silence surrounds me. The talking box sleeps on, no ringing phones to intrude, it’s time to be still – just me and my thoughts – before the daily routine kicks in and the serenity is transformed by the routine sounds of the day. No noise to distract me from the moment. I am alone to examine my soul – just me and God. I’m granted a few moments of quiet reflection. Continue reading →
Author: Anthea Tripp
A New Look for Anthea’s Anthology
Whew! It was a major project – a daunting task which I wasn’t excited to embark upon, but I was definitely ready to get it completed by the end of 2014. No loose ends for me going into 2015, so I strapped myself to my chair and computer, put my head down, hitched up my big girl panties and focused on THE ONE THING!! And now it’s DONE! Checked off the list.
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The Best Gifts Around the Tree?
The Family! All Wrapped Up in Each Other!
A big shout of gratitude to each and e
very one of you who’ve blessed us with personal friendship, and supported our business in 2014. You mean the world to us—our holiday will shine a little brighter this year because of YOU. We thank you and we wish you the kind of moments you’ve been dreaming of. We pray for a holiday filled with joy, good health and the gift of loved ones.
We’re pretty sure you’ll agree that life today is crazy busy. We lead scattered, frenzied lives running in many different directions trying to keep up with the demands of work, {the Joneses—haha!}, family activities, household chores, social events, and we attempt to balance it all with much needed personal time, FaceBook time—and you name it. It’s really insane sometimes, right? We may even feel like we’re losing our minds in our effort to keep up the frantic pace. Is the craziness really worth it? Continue reading →
Dementia Daze: I Wish I Could Wake Up
My beautiful white-haired Mother stood by her bed and froze ever so slightly. My arm was around her, gently steadying her and guiding her towards bed, so I felt her body tense against mine before I saw her stiffen – just a little – it was a subtle motion but detectable to me. Only a few seconds earlier, as I eased her weak and weary frame off the chair from the stair lift by the bedroom door, I had sensed her hesitation to pass through the doorway. My husband discreetly stood by – my rock – my hero – giving us space, but right there if needed. My Dad downstairs awaiting his turn to ascend in the stair lift. I knew what was coming next. It happened the night before, the night before that and every other night for the previous 20 days I’d cared for my Mum. “Where have I to go Anthea?”
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How Great Thou Art
We awakened to heavy rain and thunder in Austin, TX this morning! What a beautiful sight and breath-taking sound! We sure need the rain to break the drought and fill the lakes. And I crave it to cleanse my soul! SO refreshing – so peaceful – a wonderful way to start our Sunday …. Continue reading →One “Poor Me” Short of Pity Party!
It’s been 7 weeks today since my hip replacement surgery and I have to say I’m feeling great. Overall the time has passed quickly and I’ve had amazing support from family, friends and medical professionals – all of whom contributed to my speedy recovery and helped me keep my attitude positive and hopeful, despite the obvious restrictions and incapacity I faced for a while. 99% of the time I managed my feelings around the daily “ups and downs” with prayer, affirmations and picturing myself walking pain-free. All would be worth it soon I constantly told myself ….. Continue reading →Hip~Tripp~Hooray!
It’s day thirteen of the rebirth. The restoration of my right hip joint! Thanks to the Grace of God and the skills of my wonderful surgeon, the-faithful-but-worn-out-old hip-joint, that has served me well for 69 years, is laid to rest. A “bionic” joint now resides in its place, eagerly promising to serve me well as I go forward into the next chapter of life……..
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A Forever Kind of Love
Forever and a day – that’s the relationship I envisioned! I know ~ I’m a confirmed romantic but come on folks, fess up – I know most of you are too!!
Oh to find the kind of love to last for eternity and beyond. To fall in love passionately and live happily ever after! That’s what dreams are made of, right? Of course I am realistic enough to understand that love and marriage are risky and not all couples stay together due to unforeseen circumstances, but let’s just say it’s what I hoped and prayed for as a young woman. Continue reading →
A Moment in Time
I am so touched by our wonderful, loving family! It never ceases to amaze and delight me how consistently they demonstrate their priorities in life. They don’t just talk about family first – they live it. Since I’ve always believed people are more important than things, it warms my heart that our family feels this way.
If a Child Lives With ……
The longer I live and the more I experience and reflect on life, the more I understand it is an absolute miracle that our children have grown up to be such “normal, happy, healthy, productive” adults with such a capacity for love and a deep regard for others, as well as a having self esteem, confidence and belief in themselves {and God}. I admit it has to be more by the grace of God they turned out so well, than for any other reason! Heaven alone knows, as a Mom I’ve made many parenting mistakes and I can truthfully admit that raising children is one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever faced, but it’s also been one of the easiest and most rewarding!
