Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

The Gallery Pics are just a few shots I didn't share during the week... just in case!

RANDOMNESS - I've been re-evaluating A Simple Life and it's purpose the last few weeks. In only 15 posts, I will hit big ol' number 500! That's right! I will have written 500 posts. To me, that is a lot.

I will also celebrate my second year of blogging October 19... a few short days after my 500th post.

When I first began blogging, I had several specific purposes.

1. I wanted to share Josh's story. I wanted to help eliminate the stigma associated with any and all mental illnesses. To be honest, the stigma is so enormous and my little part of the world is so very small, I feel there is still much to accomplish... and so I will continue sharing this story with anyone who stands still long enough to listen.

2. I wanted to talk again. Because of the isolation the illness can cause (for the entire family), I needed to talk and talk and talk after over two years of not talking on a regular basis... but I did not want to feel like I was burdening anyone. A Simple Life is a perfect place for this. If you don't want to "listen," you can move on to the next paragraph. No pressure! I still feel the need to talk and talk and talk, and I like not burdening others... and so I will continue to do so.

3. I wanted to share my passions (family traditions, Christ-centered birthday party ideas, resources, etc.). I have been able to do that over and over again WITHOUT making people's eyes glaze over... and I will continue to share ideas (mostly borrowed) because it's one of my favorite things to do!

4. However, I want the third year of the blog to be a little different. I want it to be fun, but also productive and goal-oriented.

After much thought and consideration, beginning October 19, 2010 until October 19, 2011, I will be attempting to "tackle," "do," "experience" and/or "accomplish" 20 items on my "100 Things To Do Before I'm 90" List.

That's right! I'm absolutely, positively copying the movie Julie & Julia... but without the cooking! Please know these are not serious, life-changing, earth-moving activities. This portion of the blog for the next 12 months is intended to be fun!

And while I know there is so much sadness and heaviness and exhaustion and sickness and busyness in our lives today, I do want A Simple Life to be a place you can visit and "smile" from time to time. I really do.

First thing Monday morning, I will be revealing the 20 things I will be attempting to accomplish in a short 12-month period. I hope you'll be with me for each and every one!

And, yes... I'm going to zip-line sometime DURING THIS YEAR! I'm already doing the research. There is a place in Fort Payne which looks promising and six locations in Georgia. Basically, I'm asking about fatalities. (It's funny, but most zip line establishments don't like that word!)

Weekend Happenings

It's VOLLEYBALL all weekend, Baby! Roxie has a volleyball tournament beginning tonight and ending sometime tomorrow evening. If she finishes in time, Mike, Roxie and I will "scoot" over to Jacksonville to watch The Boy march. However, if our games run too long, Austin will have a fine cheering squad. Grandmother, Aunt Bev, Katie, Zac, Melia and her family are all planning to attend.

Josh is also going to the game and spending the night with Austin in the dorm. That should be fun/interesting!

Sunday, Roxie and I will be attending Grandmother's church for Senior Day. Austin and Josh will be coming straight from Jacksonville that morning to meet us at her church. (Mikie will be doing our church "job" Sunday morning, but he will make it in time for "dinner on the ground.")

After church and dinner, we'll head to the house... but I have absolutely no idea what we'll be doing. We'll just have to wait and see! (I'm kind of leaning toward the "nap" scenario. Yes. I'm definitely planning on that happening!)

Have a delightful September weekend. I hope all goes according to your plan. Don't forget it is Share the Love September! Don't stop encouraging, loving and lifting up the people around you! Next week I'll be sharing the 20 items from my "100 Things To Do Before I'm 90" List. I'll also have the contest details for the last Mystery Bag Party, and much, much more.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda