My hubby is guest writing this post on Memorial Day.
Today, we celebrate Memorial Day. It does not sound right to me when someone says to me “Happy Memorial Day!”. It is not a happy day, but a solemn day and a day of remembrance. Too often we get caught in holidays meaning that we must head to the mall to check out the latest sales; we must be barbecuing the pork steaks, chickens and ribs; and heading off to someone’s house for a party. But let’s take a moment to remember what holidays are really about, not just Memorial Day. Christmas has gotten to the point now where it is all about giving and receiving presents and Thanksgiving is about eating too much, watching football and getting ready for the next day’s shopping adventures.
Today is Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor the men and women who sacrificed their life so that we could live in this country. The foundation of the United States has always been a country where people come to so that they can be free – free from government oppression, free to choose their own religion and free to speak their own mind. Men and women of our armed forces have gone to war to preserve that freedom for over two hundred years. Many of have fought and paid to keep that freedom possible with their life. They gave their life so that you can have a life of freedom. It is quite an amazing testimony to their commitment to what they believed in and to this country. Let us never forget them or their sacrifice.
My wife’s Uncle Fred and Uncle Thedo served in the United Sates Army. I am grateful to them for their willingness to join the Army and preserve my freedom as an American citizen.
Uncle Fred serving in the United States Army
Uncle Thedo in his full Army uniform
Also my father served in the United States Army. He too served to preserve the United States as a beacon of freedom for all the world.
May is my birthday month and it has been awesome. One day is not enough for me to celebrate so I have decided to make it a month-long celebration. Part of the this year’s celebration included a day at the Shaw Nature Reserve, about an hour from our house. We walked four miles through wildflower gardens, prairie lands and wetlands. We had a blast on such a beautiful day. I wanted to share some photographs of the adventure. Even though I am a ‘girly-girl’, I do like to be ‘one-with-nature.’
JT and hubby
We saw a family of turtles as we started on the trail through the wildflower garden.
Turtles
The Butterflies are so pretty.
Butterfly on coneflowers
Getting a picture outside the Bascom House.
Bascom House
The coneflower meadow was so lovely that we had to take a picture of it.
Coneflower meadow
Walking with my hubby makes me feel so thankful and joyful. When I look at God’s creation I know that I am so blessed to see such beauty.
Waterlilies
So green, just beautiful.
On our way back to the Jeep we saw a turtle in the water.
Turtle
And some beautiful white flowers and, oh my, a bumble bee.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and remember it is not about the barbecues, the parties and picnics. It is about the soldiers who gave their life, fighting keep our country free so we can have the barbecues, picnics and parties. Take a moment to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and your country.
Happy Mother’s Day to two special ladies who are in heaven. My Mother and my Grandmother. Two special ladies who impact my life. I don ‘t say they were … because they are in my heart forever.
I learned so much from them and thankful that they will always be in my heart.
My mother didn’t like being in front of the camera so I don’t have a lot of pictures of her. Below is a picture of her graduating from high school. This is a favorite of mine.
Jt's Mother Graduating from High School, before heading to San Francisco
This photo is not in the best shape but it shows how lovely she is to me. My Mother will forever be in my heart. She is a smart, confident, strong woman who encouraged and pushed me to be the best.
My grandmother, a stylish lady. The picture below is a dear favorite of mine. She’s a hard working woman who did anything for her children. She’s a strong woman.
Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers whether you have children or you don’t have children, whether you birthed a child or have not given birth to a child. We all have a mother.
All the pet moms, aunts, great aunts, people in your life who are like a mother to you.
I pray that everyone had a great Resurrection Sunday! Today was a full day. I thank you Lord for giving us your Son Jesus. He is risen!
I have on all black because I serve in Helps Ministry in the computer ministry. I can brighten up in my accessories though.
We dress in black because we are behind the scenes.
JT in black
My bright blue bag is from Maxx New York. My Blouse is from Denim & CO. and my pants are from Isaac Mizrahi for QVC. Those Isaac Mizrahi pants are so comfortable.
We played this video at my church and it was so good I posted it here.
You still have time to enter my Giveaway!
I am collaborating with MarketPlace Handwork of India to offer my elegant readers the opportunity to win a $100 gift card to spend on their site. Please visit the MarketPlace Handwork of India website and leave a comment below on this post, on my blog, letting me know which item you like best. Please note, that this giveaway is only available to residents of the United States.
Please submit your comment by Sunday, April 15th and I will randomly choose the winner on Monday, April 16th.
I am so honored to have my blog selected for this week’s Links a la Mode from the Independent Fashion Bloggers group.
A big shout out to Jackie Clark with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for writing such a wonderful and inspiring message to all the women who are battling cancer, to let them know that they can still look pretty and fashionable in spite of what is going on.
The turn of the season can trigger a serious need to purge, refresh and recharge our style. While the sun shines brighter and each day gets longer, our bloggers are finding fashion inspiration everywhere they look. From runways and designer collaborations to hip-hop and the Hunger Games. From gardens and fairy tales to rainbows and relics of beautiful starlets past, this week’s Links a la Mode is just a peek at what’s making bloggers tick this spring. Enjoy!
THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MARCH 29TH
Arash Mazinani: 5 Things The Notorious B.I.G. Taught Me About Personal Style
All of us, in one way or another, have been effected by a loved one or a dear friend battling cancer. My mother passed away from cancer in 1994. My mother inspired me to dress the way I do because she truly was a stylish lady.
I have a guest post for you today by Jackie Clark, who does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Lovely ladies, we know that every woman wants to feel good about themselves. Jackie discusses how to stay positive and how to not to let cancer or anything get you down. Often I talk about fashion; but to me, it is more than just clothes. It’s how you feel inside. The clothes are an adornment that accentuates all the good qualities you already have inside. Please remember that having a good attitude is such a feeling of empowerment.
Whether you are battling cancer, feeling depressed or not having a good day; I have a verse for you. It is Joshua 1:9 (AMP) – which says, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Here are the words of wisdom from Jackie Clark ….
Whether it’s mesothelioma or leukemia, dealing with any type of cancer can be difficult and depressing for most women. Cancer weakens the immune system and depletes energy levels. Instead of going out with your friends at night, you just want to stay at home by yourself. Having cancer can also wash your skin out and make your hair fall out, which can make you feel very unattractive.
Even though cancer is a terrible disease to have, you shouldn’t let it get you down. You should stay positive and go out with your friends every once in awhile. You should also keep up with your appearance, so you feel beautiful and confident when you go out in public. In addition to wearing makeup and wearing a wig, you should also wear the latest fashions. For example, you can wear a halter dress when you go out on a date or a pair of skinny jeans when you go out with your girlfriends.
Wearing the latest fashions does not mean you have to spend a lot of money on designer brands. You can save a lot of money on your clothes by bargain shopping. Look in the sales ads to find out which days certain stores are having sales. If your favorite store’s sale day is Sunday, for example, you can save up to 50 percent on some clothing items that day. It will make you feel good to get so many clothes for a cheap price.
LRS look page http://www.qvc.com/
After you get a cancer treatment from your doctor, you will likely feel weak and tired. Give yourself a day to rest. Then, spend a day bargain shopping with a close friend or two. Shopping for clothes will make you feel much better after getting a treatment. Don’t hesitate to try some clothes on in the store and model them in front of your friends. Ask them which outfits look best on you. Then, choose the outfit that looks best on you and wear it out the same night.
Don’t let the disease keep you from wearing the latest fashions and looking your best. Let you inner beauty shine out with a cute new top or your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Remember that you are beautiful, despite your cancer diagnosis.
Side note from Jackie regarding her article:
I feel that the reality of cancer treatment whether it is chemotherapy, radiation or surgery is grueling. A woman going through cancer knows the pain and exhaustion of treatments. I purposefully keep the tone of these articles light spirited as to encourage women to feel strong and beautiful despite the challenges they are facing. I am not a doctor and my articles are merely to show women that cancer doesn’t have to define you. The article of course is exaggerated, but I do that on purpose. I know several cancer survivors personally and they have all come to me saying how they would take their last bit of energy and fix their hair or wear a lip gloss during treatments. One mesothelioma survivor would put diamond earrings in before each of her appointments.
My writing is intended to inspire women with cancer. They are by no means prescriptions or Things To Do once diagnosed. Each article should be read with a grain of salt because cancer varies, treatment varies, and women are all in different places in their lives. Some are survivors, some are recently diagnosed, and others are mothers or daughters. I hope that readers take the nuts and bolts of my writing which is feeling beautiful despite cancer and follow my tips and suggestions when able. Even if a woman is at her worst she can say just once even to herself ‘I am Beautiful.’ Saying this can truly help her through her next round of treatments. Beauty, Strength, and Confidence are all connected and for this reason I write to inspire women during their toughest challenges.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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