Thanks to everyone who left comments on last week’s posts and felt the loss of our Tippi along with us. I cried while reading your words and feel blessed to have Tippi’s passing remembered by so many.
Since last week’s posts were so sober, I thought it would be a good time to share some happier pictures/stories this week.
Tyris Washington, the keyboard player in our church, owns a large music school in Charlotte and teaches voice and keyboard there.
He and Steve have been playing together in our church’s band and he has been so impressed by Steve’s playing that he has invited him to join the teaching staff at the school as a part-time instructor. Steve taught several students in Manteo and loves the teaching/mentoring process, especially when it involves music. He is definitely pumped about another opportunity to teach.
I got to have lunch with two incredible friends who I have known for many years. Can you guess who they are by this picture?
No? I didn’t think so.
Does this help?
It took us a minute to get into picture-taking mode but we eventually succeeded.
I have been blessed beyond measure with these two daughters of my heart. As we ate lunch, we cried, laughed, told stories, and shared our hearts. I was reminded all over again how much I love them.
Three of the many things I appreciate about them are:
They are both active, empathetic listeners which is number one on my “friend qualification” list.
They are both so funny, each in their unique way. Each of us took turns telling funny stories about jobs we’ve had that didn’t work out and we laughed so hard at each others’ dramatic tales.
And the last thing I love is that they are both wise beyond their years. Sometimes one or the other of them will say something and I want to say, “Excuse me. May I check your birth certificate? Your insight makes you sound like you’re 102.”
To have two dear daughters who are also dear friends? I am blessed.
in an earlier post that Sarah recently turned twenty-nine. Recently, she got a late birthday surprise–a breakfast prepared by her brothers-in-law.
They showed up at Gage and Sarah’s apartment with all the fixins’ for a delicious, celebratory feast. She is definitely blessed in the brother department: first Nathan and now five more brothers. In addition, one of her brothers-in-law recently got married so now she has another sister.
Steve and I have had this table in our various kitchens for about 20 years. We’re glad it’s staying in the family.
is staying busy teaching at a Christian academy and working part-time at Trader Joe’s. He is on TJ’s art team and did these drawings for the store’s front windows.
I’ve always known art was not my strength but it was confirmed when playing Pictionary once with a group of folks. I was trying to draw a donkey and someone guessed, “Is it the United States?”
Um. No.
People like Gage amaze me.
to have joyful things to write about after a really hard week. (I told Steve my eyelids feel chapped from crying so much.)
Life happens. Loss happens. Grief happens. And yet joy and the good things of life continue on.
I am grateful for the good.
What about you?
Would you consider yourself gifted or not-so-gifted at art?
Are you a fan of Chick-fil-A? If so, what’s your favorite menu item?
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this week?
I for sure am no artist, I can picture things in my mind but they don’t translate onto paper, etc. I love Chick-fil-A, usually an original sandwich with extra pickles and waffle fries. But I’m sad the ones in our area no long allow you to ask for “extra crispy” fries, which is the optimum way to eat them while dipping in ketchup and Chick-fil-A sauce.
How neat that Steve will get the opportunity to teach/mentor aspiring musicians again! Whether musically, artistically, with words or behind a camera lens, the entire extended Smith clan is so very talented.
I hope you all have a better week this week.
Sue Ellen,
I didn’t know you could ever ask for extra crispy fries. I definitely would have done it! I never use ketchup; just that wonderful Chick-fil-A sauce!
Thanks for your encouragement about Steve’s new position; he’s very excited!
You know one of the things I liked most about this post (among other things)? When you said “at our church” it made me happy you have found your church family! Happy!
Karen,
Thanks for rejoicing over “our church.” I know you and I had several conversations about that so you know how important finding a church was for us.
Well said my love.
Thank you for your encouragement, husbandly person! 🥰
I liked your “donkey” versus the USA… makes me smile, so funny. I can relate.
Glad the Lord made tears and laugher to accompany us thru this life.
His Comfort-er is always near us.
Ruth
Ruth,
Glad you enjoyed the donkey/USA story. Wish I had inherited dad’s gift for art!
Yes, life is not complete with laughter AND tears.
You guys have had more than your share of tears and grief, especially over the last several years. I’m continually amazed by the way you choose to look for the good and to be thankful, even in the midst of the most difficult of life circumstances. Respect. ❤️
I could just hear the laughter and imagine the sweet fellowship during that lunch with your sweet daughters. I wish with all my heart I could have joined you girls!
I am just over the moon 🌜 about Steve’s new opportunity. Talk about the perfect job that fits his skill set with music and teaching! That school will be ever so blessed to have him.
How sweet and thoughtful of Gage’s brothers to do the birthday meal for Sarah. It looked delicious! And Gage’s window art looked amazing. I too missed the impartation of the artistic gene, but I sure am grateful for the beauty given to us by the people who have it.
Since our sister, Ruth, turns 60 on Friday, I’m looking forward to getting together with her for a little birthday outing! Wish you were here to join us!
Love -n- hugs,
Deb
Deb,
Wish I could join you and Ruth, too. You are the only Campbell kid left in your 50’s. I hope you feel very young with the oldster siblings you have.
Yes, I’m thrilled about Steve’s opportunity, too. It’s not just time with the students, which is important, but getting to know the rest of the staff. Good things ahead!
Thanks for all the encouraging things you had to say about this post; encouragement is definitely your gift.
Sounds like a joyful and peaceful week.
I don’t consider myself gifted, but when I work very hard on something I can sew and paint pretty good. I think it comes easy to gifted people.
I am not a big fan of Chick-fil-a, I think their sandwiches are a tad pricey. I do love their waffle fries and won’t turn down a cookie!
I am looking forward to heading to ArtPrize which is a big art contest in Grand Rapids MI. I try and go every year. Never see it all as it is too much to take in, but I love the experience. Talk about gifted artists, that is a lot of gifted work to see. Gage should check it out.
Patti,
Yep. Their waffle fries dipped into Chick-fil-A sauce is the best!
The ArtPrize gathering sounds amazing. I imagine there is inspiration around every corner. Gage would definitely be in heaven if he ever got to attend.
Oh I am not gifted in the art department. My dad is a wonderful artist and I so wish I had gotten some of his talent. However, my sweet granddaughter Millie is extremely talented in that area and we have many of her works framed in our house.
I’ve never eaten at a Chick-Fil-A. Now that we live near a city that has one, we’ll have to try it.
Looking forward to a family get together on Friday to watch the Nebraska football game! Oh and hopefully some rain this week!!
LeeAnne,
How great to have original art in your house from your granddaughter! So sweet.
Yes, you definitely need to hit up a Chick-Fil-A. For fast food, it’s really quite good.