Sunday Morning Walk Thoughts...

Fredericksburg, Texas

As I took a pre-dawn walk through the neighborhood this morning, basking in the wonderous feel, sound and smell of glorious autumn, my mind was quickened to the thought that I am truly on a journey. A journey of continually searching for God and what that means in my daily life. I'm a 'God Chaser' as my my old friend from the teenage years, Tommy Tenney, would say. And through this journey I've come to realize it's not about rules or constraints, nor is it about unreasonable limitations but, rather, it's about freedom. It's about seeing my 'wants' become reality. It's about coming to realize that when the writer said 'I shall not want,' not only was he was speaking prophetic words, but he was speaking about me. Daily, God is supplying not only my needs, but my wants, also. I want to love with abandon. I want intense passion. I want to know that in all my relationships something exists beyond the visible. God knows my wants even better than I do and, in His perfect timing, they will be granted.
I love pondering the possibilities before my life, what could or will be, and what the necessary steps are before I see things begin to happen. I love the simple pleasures He has placed as mile markers on my journey. Pleasures such as long and straight-from-the-heart talks with my good friend Elizabeth, evening prayer walks in the summer, gathering the harvest from my awesome little garden, Saturday morning bike rides to Carlito's for a Mexican breakfast, the joy of finding the perfect gift for someone I love, spending hours in the bookstore (the new and improved libraries!), cool mornings and crunchy leaves in the fall, learning about love and life from those who seem to have found their way, the awe I feel when viewing His magnificent mountains, long aromatic & candlelit baths, being home alone with no tv or phone, just good music or a good book, and connecting with another heart. I am learning how to love, how to live, when to speak and when not to, when it's time to gather the stones, when it's time to let go. I'm learning surrender, forgiveness, discipline and, greatest of all, patience. I'm neither brilliant nor eloquent, but God has been exceedingly gracious in allowing me to cross paths with a few wise people along the way and I try to draw magnificence from all I've learned from them. And for that, I am grateful.

Old Love

Here are some things we know to be true about love---the most transforming, ennobling, life-affirming and self-transcending emotion any of us will ever feel.

Love shows itself in the long run. What we feel at first for someone we might want to marry could be love, or merely a transient passion. Only over time do we come to know that love is real. Loves requires sacrifice, patience, listening, compromise and most of all, courage--the courage to reveal yourself utterly to another human being. It takes only a moment to breathe heavily, but a long time to know if heavy breathing is born of love.

Love is not in you, but between you and the one you love. Love is not an idea, but a relationship, the force that bonds you together. In that space between you and your beloved, a brighter light shines than the one that emanates from your own soul. Because love is between people, it cannot be merely contemplated, but must be acted out and sustained so the bond never breaks.

Love is the only emotion that inoculates you against the cancer of selfishness. Love brings you out of yourself and your own obsessions into a world where you find yourself by losing yourself. The sacrifices people willingly make for those they love would never be offered for any other reason.

Love is the glue of families. Families don't exist to help us learn to love others, but because we love others. The love we learn in families is the greatest gift and most important asset we bring to our work in the world. In the best families, parents give more love than they need to receive. Children from such families grow up overflowing with with love, then slowly discover the reason they were loved so much: so they can love their own children the same way.

There's a special beauty to old love. People blessed with long marriages, and those lucky enough to see the children of their children's children, know secrets about love the rest of us can't comprehend. Old love is not just deep; it is wise, patient and knowing. The beauty of old love is the beauty a smooth face can never know. Old love is the closest thing to the way God loves us all.

Ain't nothing like the real thang.....

I'm a nationally certified labor and delivery nurse, as well as lactation consultant, and I still get a laugh every time I run across this picture....

Changes

"Eat close to the source. The healthiest food doesn't come in a wrapper."
Quote by Terri Trespicio

I always try to schedule my annual medical exams around the time of my birthday, simply because that way it's easier to remember when they are due. My list seems endless right now with many appointments to meet:

1. well woman exam-----done
2. mammogram----done
3. bone density test----scheduled
4. annual eye exam----need to schedule
5. dental exam----done, but need a follow up

I recently read of someone who does not join the masses in making well intended new years resolutions but, rather, acknowledges and initiates lifestyle changes on her birthday each year. That sounds like a grand idea to me, and since the big 53 is just around the corner, I suppose I should give a little thought to some changes I could benefit from. Believe me, I won't have to ponder long before having quite a lengthy list before me!

As all southern girls know, especially those of us who are known to be wonderful cooks, as we mature, maintaining our desireable weight can be quite a difficult feat. We make biscuits, but it doesn't just end there. We slather them with REAL butter and delectable homemade preserves...and, of course, bacon or a little left over spiral sliced ham is a must have to go along with it. We make cornbread and sweet tea almost daily, prefer fried over baked, broiled or boiled, and we make the best gravies and sauces you'eve ever tasted. We have good intentions of eating more vegetables and less meat, but.......we just have to have a little bacon grease in the pot of beans 'less someone thinks they're 'missing something!' Holidays finds our tables groaning beneath the weight of the buffet. And birthdays? You'll never find a pound cake with fresh fruit on the side in our kitchen! No siree. We make scratch cakes full of butter, sugar and eggs. Red Velvet, Italian Cream, Better than Sex, Triple Fudge and Humingbird cakes, just to name a few. Layer cakes. Loaded with finger licking cream cheese icing to go along with that scoop (or 2!) of the phenomenal, Texas's own, Bluebell Ice Cream. Indeed, a southern kitchen is one of the best places this side of heaven!

But the truth is this: God has provided us with all that we need to maintain our bodies in optimum condition, and with a little creativity, we can prepare some marvelous meals using His provisions. If we take small steps and try to eat food as close to its natural state as possible, we are doing our bodies a favor. Example: the Bible speaks of 'fish on the fire', not crispy fried fish laden with tartar sauce. Olive oil can replace Crisco oil. Herbs---basil, rosemary, thyme---can substitute for what's missing when we cut down on the salt. We can actually make a gourmet fish entree when we prepare it in this manner. After eating wheat bread for the past 20 years I can't imagine switching to white bread. And If you haven't tried stevia, oh my, you're missing out on a marvelous herb. A little pinch of stevia in your coffee or tea is every bit as sweet as sugar...with ZERO calories. And it's cheap, too. I always have a little patch of it growing in my herb garden, along with various mints, chives, garlic, sage, thyme and marjoram. I know the right things to do, but I must discipline myself to enforce the change. That, with about 30 minutes of walking or cycling each day sounds like a good resolution, however, it will be such a huge change from my current life style that I don't think I will be able to implement another change anytime soon....

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 29

from the field to the market, a rainbow of colors, unimaginably fresh and delicious...

Happiness is summer time grocery shopping!

39 Wonderful Nuggets of Knowledge

These wonderful tips were passed on to me by a dear friend and I thought I would share them. I love this!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in the year before.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and PRAYER. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend some time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water... Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. FORGIVE EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING!

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD (or inner truth, for those who aren't spiritual) heals almost everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to Death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 5

Happiness is finding relief for the mid-life crisis.

Can you spell power surge?

LiFe GoEs oN!

The Blatant Thoughts of Andy Rooney...

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, here are the thoughts of Andy Rooney regarding women over 40:

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game , she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting. Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her. Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?', here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Good Thought

Sunset as seen from my Dad's front porch, Lake Sam Rayburn.


"Sunsets, as beautiful as they are, are a dime a dozen,

but you are filled with the breath of heaven,

made in God's image." ~Joel Osteen

Looking Ahead...With Anticipation

In light of the many times I am tagged with requests to let others know my feelings and assorted details of my life by answering a list of questions- I've devised one that I hope may be interesting.... not that you need to answer anything here but, what would your answers be to these questions?

I'm learning that, sometimes, there are no seemingly right or wrong answers in life- that each decision leads to the here and now, where there are always more questions and answers holding everything needed for the moment. I wish you a blessed New Year, a safe New Year...and a New Year filled with Love and Peace and most of all, filled with Jesus.


1. In one word describe your expectation for the year 2008.

Favor---the God kind. I believe and expect that God will bless the relationship I have with the man He sent my way and shower us with His favor.

2. If you won the lottery tomorrow, who would you give the first dollar to?

I would give God the first ten percent. He can do more with the remaining ninety percent than I can do with the whole.

3. If you had to choose fame or fortune, which would you choose and why?

Fortune. Fame comes with too many pitfalls. Fortune would allow me to bless others who come my way.

4. What three words would you want associated with your name in memorial?

Faithful, loyal, loving

5. What does the word “time” mean to you?

Time is an illusion we use for our benefit when it suits us least.

6. What three guests (anyone) would you invite to a dinner party?

Assuming my significant other is already present, of course....my mother, my friend Mike Hayes and author Mark Hanson, a phenomenal man whom I had the pleasure to meet in 1983 while in Napa Valley.

7. Name one work of art or literature you wish you would have created.

Proverbs. My absolute, all time favorite of the favorites.

8. What is your one weakest point of character? Your strongest?

My weakest is probably patience; my strongest is definitely loyalty, hands down, no doubt.

9. What one quality would you most like to give to your significant other?

His qualities are overwhelming and abundant so anything I could offer would be but an extra portion. But, perhaps a little extra patience wouldn't hurt. After all, he may need it with me along!

10. If a life affects all others, who would you say yours least affects? Most affects?

Least affects: I believe one cannot say, not knowing which of our actions has the most rippling effect. I believe a simple smile to someone can and does change the world.

Most affects: My beautiful grandaughter, Savannah and, of course, my patients.

11. BONUS: Are you where you thought you would be when, ten years ago, you thought of your future?

Yes and no. I have changed, the world has changed and like John Lennon said, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I am happy even though I feel I have much to discover, create, and more to experience in love. I am healthy, gainfully employed and have a roof over my head... all is well; all is getting better. I'm favored of God and, yes, all is truly getting better--one sweet day at a time....

A Happy Kind of Day....

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.

Savannah Chelsie, my love, my life

A Page From the Journal---Hurricane Rita

October 2, 2005

I woke early today, while it was still dark outside. The street lights have been snuffed out by the wrath of Ms. Rita and even the sight of headlights is rare. The silence is almost eery. The city--for the moment--is declared "closed," and actually, I think it may even be illegal for me to be here. But I've chosen to maintain a low profile and stay put. The few officials who are aware of my presence come by to check on me at odd hours and that's been wonderful. And they always come bearing gifts--bags of ice, cases of juice and water, non-perishables. I've got lots to do to restore my property to a state of orderliness and evacuating will only prolong the progress. There's a gazillion leaves to rake and bag and dozens of branches to drag to the curb but as the sun comes up it becomes hotter than hell in this humid aftermath so I must utilize the early morning and late evening hours to complete my tasks.
As I walked across the cold concrete driveway, I noticed the sky was still full of stars. Walking further, an owl greeted me with a full and resonant hooting sound coming from the woods behind the house. This quiet nightscape was actually full of sound, of fresh and damp morning air, of an endless starry sky that seemed to wrap me into itself. I was at once enfolded in the presence of God, unable to feel any boundaries. What an awesome feeling of divine love. What a comfort to know that this enfolding happens not because of who we are, but because of who He is. Not because of our personalities, our deeds, or our intentions, but rather, it's all about Him. In this moment of pure holding, in a moment that seems all too brief, I recognize the person in me that came into this world full of possibility and destined for joyful unveiling and manifestation. This person within is sheltered and usually hidden beneath the thick layers of indoctrination of who I usually see myself to be, beneath convention and programming, beneath all the shoulds and oughts, and all the plans that were made for me by my family and culture. In this moment I feel the pure lightness of this self, the unbounded freedom inherent in my entity. This – my original self – how do I describe her? Well, she is open, naked, uninhibited. She is inquisitive, receptive, and responsive. Though at times unaware of self, she views her intimate world to be emanating from her very self. She is not separate from others; indeed everything she sees seems to be an inexplicable extension of herself. She hungrily searches for eyes, for glimmers of knowing recognition in others. And when she feels this recognition her whole body responds with joyful exuberance. She reacts with amazement at the simplest of miracles. She knows God in a personal and real way, therefore, she knows what real love is, and each day she prays for multifaceted prosperity in her life and in the life of the yet unknown man who will one day be her covenant mate.
In the immediacy of this moment, this fresh moment standing enveloped in darkness, I am alert and conscious, engaged in the immensity of God's magnificent creations. The reality of my smallness is unveiled just as the early light illuminates the low fog rising in the nearby woods. Little me - I am so small, just a speck on the planet, yet not insignificant. I remember who I am. But greater than that, I'm reminded that He knows me better that I know myself. What an awesome God he is. What an awesome plan I believe He has for me.

Life at the Cottage....

Rita-baby


Romeo

Sometimes, when I'm really tired or downhearted, I feel overwhelmed by my duties and it seems they outnumber the hours of the day. So, a few days ago I began to think about what I could do to decrease my responsibilities and increase my leisure time. While working on this grandiose plan the thought occured to me that perhaps I could sell my 2 African Grey parrots. Romeo, the 12 year old, was given to me about 5 years ago-- a rather nice gift from quite a nice gentleman. I became attached to 'Rome' and a few years later I thought he deserved a pal--thus enters Rita-baby.

Rita-baby arrived days before Hurricane Rita slammed my city, hence her namesake. She's faired well as I struggled to maintain life for 3 weeks without such luxuries as electricity and well stocked grocery stores. She proved to be quite the survivor.

These two are quite a pair. They're rather picky eaters, but they love to eat organically---Granny Smith apples, granola, cheese, peanuts in the shell and salad. No bagged food for these two. They'll toss it out the bars piece by piece. They love to chew up their toys and they've mastered the art of escaping the cage---though they're not brave enough to go any farther than a stroll up the sides and across the top.Honestly, these little feathered guys don't take up a huge amount of time but, they do take a little time---especially if you want them to be articulate. And articulate they are. In the quiet hours of this predawn morning I opened the back door to be greeted by non-stop chatter. Simple bird talk. "Good morning Andi." "Watcha doin girl?" "Praise the Lord!" "Hey Uncle Jarad!" "Hush Andi!" "Let me see!" "Where's Savannah?" Each comment accented with relentless giggling bird and renditions of a ringing phone.

They make me smile in spite of any confusion and despair that's going through my mind right now. How could I let these little guys go? Would they wonder where they are and why I'm not around? Would they still be fed the things they love? Would they cease to speak? These creatures really are little miracles. And they're a nice part of the family unit of this cozy cottage. And they never fail to make me laugh. Somethimes they whistle as though they're calling a dog and Andi, who hasn't figured it out yet, goes jetting to the cage to be greeted by hysterical laughter. She looks puzzled and walks away, only to be tricked again within mere seconds. Ahh, for lifes simple pleasures.

Maybe, just maybe I'll re-think that plan and try to cut a corner or two in another area.

T.G.I.F.

After being a day shift nurse for 23 years I decided to take the plunge and transfer to the night shift. I'm a labor and delivery nurse and when I was offered a lucrative shift differential to work from 7 pm to 7 am three nights per week I accepted. I found the pace of nights to be much more subdued than that of the day shift...most of the time. Overall it's been a great trade off---a whole lot more money for a whole lot less stress--- but the really enticing factor was the idea of having more daytime hours at home. I'm a genuine nester at heart (see my Nester post from Sept. 2006) and nothing makes me happier than having lots and lots of time to feather and 're-feather' the nest. I have a nice little stretch of off days :) so from 7 am Friday until 7 pm Tuesday THAT-- nesting!--is exactly what I plan to do. I can hardly wait to begin....I'll take a nice, long aromatic bath, then jump into my favorite Victoria's Secret pajama bottoms with my UT tee-shirt and Croc's. I'll put on some nice, smooth jazz and light my favorite candles before going through each room of my little cottage, fluffing this and rearranging that, until I am perfectly satisfied that my abode feels like a welcome haven of peace and rest. I'll be sure, of course, that there's a lot of love scattered about and that I've strategically sprinkled a wonderful little trail of 'niceties' along the way to pamper and please all who enter the door. In my sweet little cozy kitchen I'll concoct a delectable, homemade organic pizza with fresh basil and tomatoes from my garden.Or maybe some wonderful tacos from the fresh mahi mahi my son caught. I'll check the classifieds for a 'can't miss this one' estate sale going on. Maybe I'll get lucky and find another old treasure like this: I'll scrub and perfume Andi and recruit a little help to move the big pots containing my citrus trees. I'll make a few plans for my soon coming cruise :) and I'll lie on the sofa with my favorite comfy quilt and read a good book or watch a movie. I may even squeeze in time for my coveted monthly foot massage and pedicure, then go for a leisurely stroll through the arboretum..falling love with every flower I meet.
On Sunday I'll go spend some time with God in His house and then have a nice little lunch with a few of the ones I love most of all. I'll drift off Sunday night feeling safe and secure and happy and fulfilled in this life with which I've been blessed. THIS is what I call a wonderful weekend and I can hardly wait for it to begin.

Lady Bird Johnson 1912-2007

We lost a great Texan yesterday, former First Lady 'Lady Bird' Johnson. There's no doubt we didn't all agree with the politics of her husband, LBJ, but one thing we can all agree on is the fact that she did an absolute phenomenal job beautifying the state of Texas with wildflowers. It's hard to see a Bluebonnet or Indian Paintbrush and not think of Lady Bird, and I have a feeling her legacy of these gorgeous, colorful wonders of nature will continue forever. Lady Bird was quite a wonderful cook too, and many of her recipes are treasured standby's in the collections of quite a number of Texan's.
Lady Bird was quite a character---graceful and dignified, yet, a pretty down-home soul at the same time. There's a Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in the 'hill country' and in the springtime there's even an 800 number that lets the nature lovers know when the flowers will be blooming at their peak. The hills of Texas are truly ablaze with color each year, thanks to Lady Bird and her program which provided for the distribution of thousands of pounds of wildflower seeds to be planted along the highways of the great Lone Star State.
So, farewell Lady Bird. Though you are gone you are truly not forgotten. Many thanks to you for adding such beauty to our state. Because of your efforts our highways are absolutely glorious. You were indeed a true daughter of Texas and you will be missed greatly.

Day 43

It's kind of hard to imagine that parts of our nation are enduring temps in the 120's. Today marks the 43rd consecutive day of rain in Texas. Yes, that's correct. It has rained every single day since the 25th of May. Some days it's slow and steady all day long, other days the downpour is heavy with winds that remind one of the dreadful Hurricane Rita we experienced in 2005. But regardless of the type or amount of rain we get, one thing is for certain....we've come to expect some kind of rain every day. Luckily, my gardens are all built up and the drainage is good so the flowers and vegetables are flourishing from the natural water.

In fact, I've noticed a big difference since they've ceased surviving on water from the sprinklers. The lawn feels a bit boggy at times and, unfortunately, the grass is also reaping the benefits and growing in leaps and bounds. I recall summers past when I fussed so much about how high the water bill was as I worked dilligently to maintain nice gardens right smack in middle of the drought, so, I'll bite my tongue rather than express my dismay. There's always tomorrow.

This Diamond Ring Doesn't Shine For Me Anymore...

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the beautiful diamond ring that sits in a little turqoise box in my lingerie drawer. True, I have more important things to worry about but, it's time to make a decision regarding the fate of this once treasured gem. It used to be my most highly prized posession--- lovingly created just for me---and I wore it with a pride and respect unlike any I had ever known... prior to that phase of my life. But the winds have blown and the tide has shifted and now it represents nothing more than platinum and stone and the potential of a little something to put aside for a rainy day. I suppose I could have it redesigned and wear it but I'm not a jewelry person and besides, it was never intended to be jewelry anyway but, rather, a symbol of something spiritual and real.
Having said that much, I guess I know what my next step will be. My little cottage is about due for the 'mother of all purgings' and this sound like a mighty fine place to start.

Juneteenth and Quilts

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves seeking freedom escaped by way of the Underground Railroad, the discreet network of people who helped slaves escape to the north and to Canada. Those who went south and guided people north to freedom were known as conductors, with Harriet Tubman being the best known.

While the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863, news didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865; and two years later the Freedmen's Bureau organized the first Juneteenth celebration in Austin.

Quilting lore says that the hefty handmade blankets played an integral role in the Underground Railroad, guiding slaves to freedom and warning them when danger was near. These 'freedom quilts' held secret messages and were typically made by conductors in Kentucky and Mississippi for slaves passing through by way of the Underground Railroad.

Specific quilts would be hung on the porches of homes along the way to relay a message to the slaves that they could visit there, get a lunch and then get on the Underground Railroad and move toward freedom. Each quilt relayed a specific and strategic message that was vitally important to the success of the journey.

There is indeed something very nostalgic about a quilt and, even today, each hand-stitched scrap of fabric tells a story, whether it's a dress remnant, a piece of dad's tie or a scrap of granddad's old trousers.

Texas artist Earline Green, whose grandmother made these handmade treasures, first learned about the stories that quilts tell after reading "Hidden in Plain View" by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard. "There were a lot of things I discovered in the book in terms of hiding information that I used in my own work," she said. "I would give hints in the title what was going on in the quilt."

And that is precisely how conductors on the Underground Railroad were able to conceal their messages, too, thus enabling those in bondage to continue on the journey to freedom.

In Green's work titled "A Safe Place," which depicts people guarding a child in an abusive situation, she uses two of the same symbols - a log cabin and a drunken path. She said the log cabin with a yellow center was a symbol to move forward. If the center piece of fabric was red or black, it meant danger ahead.

The 'drunken path patch' was used to tell those on the Underground Railroad to take a path that zig-zags, like the gait of an alcoholic, Green explained.

Quilts, it seems, are oral histories stitched in time. They also symbolize prayers patched together and, often, a kind touch and warm embrace.

I Am From....

I am from Sunday School then pot roast for dinner and prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings. I am from I'll fly away oh glory and Oh how I love Jesus and Hold to God's unchanging hand. I am from lean not on thine own understanding but trust God.

I am from afternoons of Leave it to Beaver and Donna Reed and Father knows best. I am from walking across the room to change the television channel or be content with one of the three channels that is on. I am from Elton John and Beatle albums and Earth Wind and Fire and Carlos Santana eight track tapes.

I am from posters and black lights and french vanilla candles. I am from Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neil, Love Story and 'love means never having to say you're sorry.' I am from mood rings and promise rings and his class ring dangling around my neck on a chain.

I am from save your babysitting money for that brown suede jacket with miles of fringe. I am from teachers monitoring if my dress is too short or my boyfriends hair is too long. I am from go back to your room and put on something 'decent.' I am from laborously ironing my long curly hair every morning so I can look like everyone else.

I am from crocheted blankets and handmade quilts, old black iron skillets and my granmothers Singer sewing machine. I am from try it on in the store then come home and create it. I am from why would you buy it when you know you can make it.

I am from if it's worth doing then it's worth doing right. I am from don't say anything if you can't say something nice. I am from you'll never understand until you have children of your own.

I'm from headaches and tears and sobs in the bathroom as I struggle to understand or be understood. I'm from smiles and laughter because I can and I am.

I am from church camp and friends I hold dear to this day. I am from friends who love the Lord and love me too. I am from the confusion that stems when the things that seem right go wrong and when friends who know God seem to turn Him away. I am from the baby boom age from Alexandria, Virginia. From the young couple who were told this pregnancy, too, will never make it. I am from the Grace and Mercy of God, who never gave up on me. I am from Him.