On a plane trip from Atlanta to Austin I was reminded of how the simple things in life can delight me. It was snack time and with my drink I asked for the Biscotti cookie. My delight came when I opened the cookie and it wasn’t broken. So simple, yes, but I was excited none the less. What is your simple pleasure?
I’m not talking about being the boss, but rather being in charge of the things that will make you happy. While reading the August 2013 Good Housekeeping magazine, their article entitled, Take Charge, basically tells us“be true to yourself, play to your strengths, and enjoy the results.” “Tap into the personal skills that make you feel powerful and confident.”
I have been the “boss” a lot in my life. Starting when I was a high school and then when my children were young. I was a full time volunteer with many organizations; church, girl scout leader of two troops and a service unit director of 65 troops, PTA President at two schools, and president of both the band and orchestra booster clubs and various other committees. I have been the boss of many and now I am ready to RELAX.
PART ONE…
Be true to yourself… I love volunteering but I want some me time. Is that selfish? I am very fortunate that my mother taught me to sew as a young girl. My sister-in-law taught me how to sew rag quilts a few years ago. She passed away this year before teaching me basic quilting. Taking quilting classes is very important to me so that I can make quilts out of the fabric she left behind. The Atlanta Quilt expo is coming to town in September and I am excited to say I signed up for three days of quilting classes. Yep, I am very happy with that decision. That will be a great me time!
I admit that I am making things not only for myself, but my family. Someone said one time that it is very hard to stop being a mom. Doesn’t matter the age of your children. Once a mom, always a mom. Can’t wait to see what I come up with.
I will find ways to play to my strengths of organizational and leadership skills. My strenghts are many. My greatest desire right now is to be the best person, wife, mom and grandmother I can be. Liam and Rowan, my grandsons, will enjoy the time I give them.
Who knows where my journey will take me. I know I will be very happy with my results.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away” (anonymous)
Thinking back on the happy moments that took my “breath away” include marrying my husband, the birth of my 3 children and 2 grandchildren, and my son’s marriage. My children graduating from college and their success in their jobs would also be included in that list. So many sweet aahs have also helped measure my life. Those aahs are the joys of simple things in my life. I am so fortunate to have the family I have to make those aahs happen a lot.
With the building of all strong foundations, quality material has to be used. My material will be chosen on how it fits into my family. There will be love all around that foundation and a strong spirit to keep it going. Being a grandmother of two boys, Liam and Rowan; a mother of three children, Chris, Jennifer and Sarah; a mother-in-law to Mandy; and, a wife to Bill, or Billy as I call him from our teenage years, I should have plenty of material to build The House of Elizabeth Leigh.
This is the loving and high spirited Foundation of my home.
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The House of Elizabeth Leigh 