Tag: childhood

The Right Light

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We toured the backroads of our lives. Mom was driving, Dad singing, and other family members and I enjoyed the views. Memories have become less melancholic. Rather than sadness, serenity swept over me. Recollections of my childhood, family functions, and the best, my own sons and times in this area, brought me car-abiding comfort. Focusing on the setting light, I thanked God for supplying me strength and stamina.

Just like the sunflowers on Sunday evening, my mature muscles keep me facing the direction of a new morning; new mercies and light. All the years I kinked my neck and twisted my back seeking the better bright will pay off. A harvest is happening. The light is right.

Sunflower Field, Billings MO-K.L. Hale

In the morning, all the sunflowers will face east, the direction of the rising sun. As the sun moves, so will the sunflower heads to follow it. But as summer turns to autumn and the sunflowers get big and ripe and heavy with seeds, they will stop moving. Until they are harvested, they will face only east. (Nargi, 2021)

Only young flowers “move” to face it throughout the day. Once they reach maturity, they stop sun-tracking—their blooms forever turned eastward. Attempting to understand the function of heliotropism in young sunflowers while mature ones stay static remains a fascination for many scientists. Recent studies suggest that sunflowers share a common mechanism with human beings, circadian rhythms organized around a 24-hour day. Scientists hypothesize these circadian rhythms—behavioral changes associated with an internal clock—explain sun tracking in young blossoms. (Do Sunflowers Always Face the Sun?, 2020) 

Unlike these flowers, my rhythm is off. No explanation is needed as to why. Unlike these flowers, I will keep my neck stretching for the SON light at all times. Maturity maintains my muscles; I can rest before harvest. Are you growing and bending to the right light? Are you in the mature harvesting phase? Will you accept the love and light that keeps your head high? You are loved.

Have faith💚

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Thank you for remembering me in your thoughts and prayers. It’s so humbling. I will continuously share my gratitude like a broken record! Last Friday’s blood draw revealed I need to continue growing platelet levels. If approved, I’ll receive more shots beginning soon. In two weeks, I will meet the surgeon via Telehealth. My friends and support group meet each Wednesday. They have become such a mighty force in my friendship circle. My learning and support have been boosted (just as we hope blood continues to do)! I have several friends, either newly diagnosed with cancer or are battling other life-threatening situations or circumstances. I found out last week about a very young patient who was recently diagnosed with this cancer; another friend has breast cancer. My daily prayers are with them and all of you; no matter the situation. Each day, no matter what, I keep things in perspective. It may not lessen the pain or challenges, but I stay grounded. I’ll give out grace like chocolate chip cookies! Due to advancements in imaging and technology, more are being diagnosed. Also, due to those things, many are living longer lives. I pray you are all living your best lives. I’ll keep focusing on all the good. Faith is working.

Bibliography

Do Sunflowers Always Face the Sun? (2020, January 2). Retrieved from Ripley’s : http://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/sunflowers-face-the-sun/

Nargi, L. (2021, October 12). Why do sunflowers turn to face the morning sun? Retrieved from Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/why-do-sunflowers-turn-to-face-the-morning-sun/2021/10/11/5a815d2a-255c-11ec-8831-a31e7b3de188_story.html

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K.L. Hale

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

©2020-2023 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Sunflower Field, Billings MO-K.L. Hale

I Approve This Message

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My name is Karla Hale and I approve this message.

Thinking about primaries? Right now I have a primary focus-preservation. Preservation of my memories, mind, soul, and body.

Memories

A streetlight near our house reminded me it was time to go inside. It was 1970-something. We biked, walked, explored, and always had something to do. Finding creatures was my favorite. Furry, hard-shelled, squiggly, snuggly, the cuter the better. “Mom, can we keep it/them?” The songs from “Grease”, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Reeves, Queen, Conway Twitty, John Denver, Michael Jackson, Eagles, and a host of others echoed in the brown-shagged carpeted bedroom. Shaun Cassidy and Leif Garrett covered the Tiger Beat and the T.V. Guide was simply fine! Re-runs of Gentle Ben and Flipper, Little House on the Prairie, Johnny Quest, and Scooby Doo were indulgences. Church on Sunday, family around the table, the river, softball, a cafe on the corner, and the Book Mobile were all stand outs!

The 1990’s are my most special-motherhood. Early mornings and late nights. A love that you can never describe. Two little boys brought delight and love. Giggles, books on the lap, camping, ballgames, dirt, and yes, tough things. Puzzles, Legos, trips, movie nights, homemade pizza, and cinnamon rolls with gooey kisses! A classroom, kids, and a career. Adulthood abducted me. Motherhood was still my dream come true. The 2000’s roared in–wait, we’re still here (Y2K?)? Technology tackled time (and still does!). Motherhood and school defined me. Amid it all I still tried to laugh. There were ballgames, family gatherings, graduations, special hugs, and talks at nights. Motherhood seemed to end as abruptly as it began. Becoming a Grandma came around a decade’s corner. My heart grew even larger. 💕

Mind & Soul

Years working with amazingly different personalities, revolving relationships, trying to unwrap the unexplainable, diving into learning, and still dreaming all widened my mind. I’ll never stop learning. Minds may imagine things in ways that are not reality. My mind managed the best it could. My soul longed for simplicity. Simplicity soared from my complexities. The ups and downs ushered utter understanding of the longing in my soul. It went deeper than a career, 3-bedroom home, and the “stuff” collected that littered my life. The feelings of abandonment, misunderstanding, and desiring to be everything to everyone suffocated my safety. Letting go of the litter, brushing off the brutality of the brokenness, and absorbing acceptance sanctified and satisfied my soul. My Creator was there all along. Love lived in me. This realization, coupled with simplicity in small things and spaces (including a 300 sq.ft. R.V.) rallied my resolve! Political affiliations, dress codes, unrealistic expectations, forced feelings, pressured partnerships, and accumulation of assets never propelled my peace. Contentment came with courage. Courage to leave behind the confusion that came with miscommunication. Courage to step off the ride of resentment (when I wanted to remain). The courage to love anyway.

Grace. It grows you. It’s essential I not absorb the hate talk, toxic tones, and artificial authenticity. My soul sighs when I think of my Savior. Will we ever slow down to savor the sacred? The sweet? The sincere? Will we reach across divides and deepen our understanding? Can we bridge the gaps of gloom with gladness? Can we create cordial? Can we reach the ruthful? I know who can.

Vote with your heart. Live by your heart. Walk with heart. Listen with your heart. Speak from your heart. Open your mind and make way for the merciful and the meaningful. Use your mind to neutralize the noise; your soul to secure and serve.

images by Getty

I’m Karla Hale and I approve this message.

Have faith💛

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Embracing imperfection with faith, fresh air, and flannel

K.L. Hale

Featured image credit-K.L. Hale-other images created by K.L. Hale via Canva. Verse images by Getty.

Have You Heard of Net Yet?

Thank you for joining my journey. I’m currently on a chemo break! It will end with appointments this Thursday and chemo beginning Friday (simply the first two weeks of each month is how it’s fallen). At the end of this 3rd round scans will be scheduled. Decisions will be based on results (continued chemo, radiation, etc.…). Overall, I feel I’m managing the treatments very well. Like we all experience in life, there are moments of strengths and weaknesses. A new doctor is addressing blood glucose levels. I’m still learning all I can about this cancer. The experiences of others provide knowledge and comfort.💛 Small “chunks” of time work to accomplish tasks. It’s taken me two days to complete this small post. Something we should all consider-does your family know your wishes in case of an unexpected event? I found out that Missouri is a state that offers a Beneficiary Deed. With this, because I’m single and do not own much, probate will be avoided. This took a couple of hours to navigate-the paperwork, small prices, and now a future trip to the County Recorder’s Office. A will? An advanced healthcare directive? If you already have them in place you may want to revisit to ensure accuracy. Out of fairness and love for your family, please share your wishes. Once this is complete you will have a better peace of mind. FYI-I’m not planning on NEEDING these soon! 😊 For those living alone, I understand. If you ever need support, please use my email at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Due to my circumstances, I may not be readily available; just as it is for texts and calls. I’d advise a “S.O.S. team” in case of emergencies (a few family members or neighbors/friends in close proximity). Cancer is like a full-time job. I’m still on the first lap! I’m expecting superior results and take one moment, one hour, and one day at a time. I’ll not stop adding to my bucket list. I’ll not stop praying for you and sending my best wishes always. Thank you for being here. You are loved.💛

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

John Maxwell

To Hale and Back

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“Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

As I gaze at the changing elms and maples around me I am reminded of their strength.   Even with broken limbs coupled with the loss, gain, and change of leaves each season, one thing remains strong-their roots.  As do mine.   I am a Hale.    

The memories of my visits to Grandpa and Grandma Hale’s doublewide are soul-secured.   Although the distance between us was less than 20 miles it still felt like a long trek.   Enjoying the journey over the rolling hills I knew we were close when the four females would all bend briefly right with driver Dad.   It’s just ahead on the right after the grocery store.

Amidst their home were many others they sold.  The smell of each “new” one still stings my thoughts and eyes (ah, the smell of the formaldehyde)!  Alas, I’ve discovered my first love of trailers!

The gas station sat next door.  Grandpa delivered propane and proudly wore his uniform (he had his name on it~I wanted one too). Grandma was the cashier.   How lucky were my sisters and I to “run” a register?  Even more fun was pecking the business calculator (note: even when my own two were young they loved playing with this. Although Grandma didn’t like having to replace the paper all the time).   One-time Grandpa didn’t seem so happy about us girls “helping” in the station.  We took our grape Nehi’s and scurried out (or did Grandpa escort us?). 

When the family would gather a crew of cousins would mob the chow table. If it were a Sunday night us kids would hit the floor in time to hear the beginning of “The Wonderful World of Disney”!   If lucky enough, I caught “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” before it.

The spare room kept us kids when the parents needed to get away.  There were times we got “caught” going through Grandma’s scarves and shoes.   But I loved most the signet ring Grandpa wore.  Adoringly we called it his “bubblegum” ring (don’t ask me why we named it that).  They had the perfect snow hill. Grandma would throw our wet clothes in the dryer, just like Mom did, so we could warm up quickly and return to the drop.

Once we were painting our nails (a very rare thing for me)

“Don’t get nail polish on my leather divan,” Grandma ordered.  Well… it happened.

“Which one of you did it?”

Silence.
(twins never blow the whistle on one another).

“Girls! God knows who did it even if you don’t tell me!”

One of us responded, “But he ain’t gonna tell you!”

K.L. Hale

Ouch! Sorry Grandma! “We love you!” “Isn’t it time to make homemade donuts?”  “Can I vacuum for you?” Quick diversions and hugs of remorse segue nicely into another memory making moment.

It was 1984 when they moved to OUR TOWN.  No more winding roads.  They were just around the corner from me (this time a right and then a left bend).  All I had to do was walk left to my parents.  We lived on Chrysler Street (where I grew up).  It was called the “horseshoe”.  How blessed was I that I lived in my family circle? 

Many years of Christmas breakfasts, croquet contests, garage sales, cook-outs, and table conversations were had at that house.  Grandpa would have his scanner playing (along with the baseball game on his radio) and Grandma would curl her legs like a pretzel sitting cross-legged on the couch.  Grandma always remained flexible and fashionable, Grandpa steady, hearty, and with a first-class laugh.  The two of them resembled Bonnie and Clyde in one of my favorite pictures.

My family is a forest.  Within it are so many exquisite types of trees.  Our pipeline of root systems keeps us connected.   Although sappy and alone at times we will not be uprooted.   I am a Hale.

Afterword:

 It was June of 1964 when Larry Hale (my Dad) married Darlene Wilson (my Mom).    Darlene’s sister Connie married Steve Hale in 1967.  Grandpa Hale (Gerald) was Larry’s father.  Harold Hale (Gerald’s brother) was Steve’s Dad.   Two Hale first cousins married Wilson sisters.  You should see the look on faces when the “double” cousins try to explain it.

From “A River and Honey” to “To Hale and Back” my family is my everything.  The ones we have lost are forever in our hearts and daily thoughts. The Hale’s and the Wilson’s- I am a piece of everyone of them in some way.  May my faith stay unfaltering and my roots keep me forever grounded.

K.L. Hale
In honor of Mac Davis-I’ve always loved this song.