Horsing Around with Socksie

/ Anthea Tripp

Chandra-horseIt’s been a while since I thought of Socksie and many years since she was part of my life. Isn’t it fascinating how the mind works? One thought led to another and there SHE was – she simply popped into my mind as vividly as if it were today!

As a little girl growing up in post-war England in the 1950’s, life was fun – at least it was for me. I know my parents must have struggled monetarily after surviving the war and the aftermath that resulted in rationing of certain foods, difficulty finding housing and work, and a multitude of other challenges, but I was oblivious to all that. I was a happy, adventurous child in an England where it was the norm for neighborhood kids to play outside together until well after dark, free and “running wild” to explore the wonders of the small world in which we grew up. It was rural, it was safe and it was a simpler life.

A beautiful time. Continue reading →

Moments of Reflection

/ Anthea Tripp / 3 Comments

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 →

A New Look for Anthea’s Anthology

/ Anthea Tripp

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?

/ Anthea Tripp / 2 Comments

 The Family!  All Wrapped Up in Each Other!

A big shout of gratitude to each and eWrappedUpinChristmasvery 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

/ Anthea Tripp / 9 Comments
HandsJPG

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

/ Anthea Tripp / 1 Comment
how great thou artWe 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!

/ Anthea Tripp / 1 Comment
pitypartyIt’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!

/ Anthea Tripp

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

/ Anthea Tripp

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!! 

AntheaBeachOh 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

/ Anthea Tripp / 1 Comment

Family BridgeI 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 I were to choose any kind of legacy to leave behind, it wouldn’t be about success and power, or creating wealth, or sports prowess or how much stuff one can accumulate in a lifetime, it would be a “Legacy of Love” – all about instilling the value of people. That people are the real treasure in life. When all is said and done, nothing is more valuable than relationships that bloom and flourish and create living memories. Memories that last an eternity. And it seems to me though memories may fade with age, the feelings surrounding the memory endure.,…..

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