Milestone May

Between the miles along Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, to the miles I’ve traveled in my journey, it’s easy for me to call this new month, “Milestone May!” Needless to say, the folks in my town have plenty of opportunities to celebrate this first weekend in May!

Yesterday’s “kick off” included a visit from the 3rd hour of the Today Show! It seems they enjoy Andy’s Custard as much as us folks in S.W. Missouri! Between concerts, car shows, and celebrities, this month is off to a great kick start!

In the heart of downtown Springfield, Missouri, inside the historic Colonial Hotel, a telegram was sent on April 30th, 1926 giving this road its name! Route 66 (the Mother Road) changed the map of America.

Public domain image of the Colonial Hotel-Springfield, MO. Wikipedia Commons
Courtesy of Special Collections, Missouri State University (thank you, Anne, for all your help!)

May Maintenance

While the rest of the city is kicking around the annual festival, seeing and listening to the roar of classic engines, I’ll step into May, not for any highspeed momentum, but for another month of maintenance (with a move).

Those classic cars require specialized care; so do we! Maybe my “kicks” won’t be found on the open road–but they continue to be found in the steadiness of treatment and the mendedness that only comes when I slow down.

I’ll keep allowing the Great Physcian to work under my hood!

One hundred years for a highway. Over halfway for me-and four specifically on this new section of my road!

Memory Lane

Route 66 is lined with more than just neon sign and diners; it’s paved with decades of stories (I’ve enjoyed hearing them this week!). Whether it’s a childhood road trip in a station wagon or a sunset drive through Springfield, did you ever travel the 66? I’d love to know which ‘mile marker’ in life or on the road holds a special place in your heart!

What a milestone May! Filled with maintenance, mercies, mendedness, and the Mother Road. Whether you’re cruising through a smooth season or stalled in a season of repair, I’m so happy you’re here with me!

Do you know how loved you are? Keep the faith, my friends. ๐Ÿ’š


My Maintenance

I’ve been currently parked for much-needed maintenance, but my spirits are revving. For many days, I was stalled.

Last Thursday I had my 4th round of PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy). Targeting cells that are overexpressed on the tumors, this treatment was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of NET (and prostate cancer at my hospital). It was a long day, but the hard part wasn’t until 18 hours after. The nausea and flu-like symptoms hit harder than expected.

The fatigue shocks me! But I’m realistic and will keep my engine healthy with good fuel.

My faith and the gas that God provides IN ME keeps me going. I’m better off traveling the slow roads. It’s healthier and more meaningful!

Friends, it’s difficult for me to keep up with messages. Thank you for showing me such MERCY. Your prayers and support have helped me tremendously.

If you know me, you’re aware I don’t focus on what I can’t do–but what I CAN do. May will include a move to somewhere smaller and easier to manage. Also, another maintenance routine. Through it all, I’ll attend a parade or a car show if I can. Wander through a musuem if I have enough gas to go, and always stay in my patterns of praise and prayer. The best will be to travel the highway to spend time with my kids and grands.

Remember your maintenance this May and everyday! Even if our physical momentums are minimalized, may our spiritual and emotional momentums keep moving full speed ahead.


Springfield Celebrations & Route 66 Sights

Andyโ€™s Frozen Custard: Since the Today Show crew gave it their stamp of approval (again!), grabbing a treat is a perfect, low-energy way to join the local celebration.

Route 66 Festival Vibes: Even if you aren’t walking the whole route, driving through downtown to see the classic cars and neon signs can be a great way to feel the “Mother Road” history.

Birthplace of Route 66 Mural: If you’re near the Colonial Hotel site or the History Museum on the Square, there are some wonderful spots to sit and take in the local history without needing a lot of “gas in the tank.”

NET Cancer Friends and Supportersโ€”I’m thrilled to announce that we have a fantastic new mug and t-shirt available in the store! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who is enjoying these products! I would absolutely love your feedback, and if you’re up for it, feel free to share a photo too!

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

More Flannel with Faith! ๐Ÿ’š

A Night to Shine, Part 2

When the night ended I was asked, “How do you think it went?”

Volunteers, such as myself, high school, and college students, had the honor of of escorting and accompanying the royalty for the evening. We were told to “dance as if no one is watching!” The dance floor was magical, magnetic, and meaningful! There was more hugging, dancing, gathering, and laughing than I have experienced in nearly two years. The food was delicious and served by amazing volunteers. For three hours the rest of the world’s problems didn’t exist. Kings and Queens, and their caregivers, smiled through the night. It was a celebration of life oozing with positivity-no panic, no pandemic. It was THEIR NIGHT TO SHINE.

How do I think it went? It was a night I’ll never forget. ๐Ÿค

“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”

โ€“ Robert M. Hensel


Have faith ๐Ÿ’š

https://chancesofstonecounty.org/

Respect & Repeat

Iโ€™m finally starting to see through the โ€œblog fogโ€. After journaling my own thoughts for years and aspiring to one day publish, I began this site with low expectations. Not on you the reader, but for myself. I had lost confidence in beginning new challenges. The feeling of defeat seemed to creep into my mindset. And then I became a part of the WordPress community. The salve of encouragement and the daily dose of comradeship has soothed the sting of our new reality.

Encouragement is the trait that seems to naturally be a part of me. Isnโ€™t that what we should be in life? Encouragers? We all have gifts and talents. And it seems the blogging community, in addition to sharing their own writing talents, thrive in encouraging others. No, my writing isnโ€™t going to be everyoneโ€™s โ€œcup of teaโ€. No, my beliefs may not align with everyone. But yes, we are all human~and the kindred spirits seem to congregate.

The Liebster and Ideal Inspiration Blogger Awards

There are many opinions about awards. And for the sake of time, I understand. When I think back to my first year teaching I remember fondly the veterans who helped me build on the small steps of success (and oh boy, do I recall those who taught me quickly, and a bit painfully, how NOT to motivate others). For me, accepting these awards, as I begin my life in the blogosphere, is an important step to recognize other โ€œnewbiesโ€ and respect the chain of gratitude.

In a struggle to find balance between the layers of current life and create a writing routine, the acceptance posts can seem daunting. Yet, I believe them to be the jumpstart to fertilize the rich soil of dreamers like me. So to those of you that have thousands of followers and are following me, thank you. Iโ€™m humbled. And to those that have just started and have fewer followers, be encouraged and thank you for joining me. With time, and faith, connections will occur. Itโ€™s only human.

I want to thank Janet @ endless-rivers.com for nominating me for the Liebster Award. It is really humbling~sincerely it is. Janet has been a wonderful supporter and I encourage you to check out her site. You have to know her story! Itโ€™s truly an inspiration. You must know how she became an overcomer. ๐Ÿ’š


RULES
โ€ข Thank the blogger who nominated you, and provide a link to their blog.
โ€ข Answer the 11 questions given to you.
โ€ข Share 11 facts about yourself.
โ€ข Nominate 5-11 other bloggers.
โ€ข Ask your nominees 11 questions.
โ€ข Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post

Answers to Endless Rivers questions:

  1. What is your greatest life lesson so far? Iโ€™ve had so many. Keep going, keep my faith, ultimately God has me.
  2. Whatโ€™s your favorite Car Karaoke song to sing? All of them~but rap! Music is my life ๐ŸŽถ
  3. Name one habit you would like to quit, and one you would like to start? Stop apologizing so much and start a habit of writing more each week.
  4. What has been your greatest challenge in the past month? Life hasnโ€™t altered too much in regards to social distancing. However, not falling into the fear among the masses has been challenging. I keep faith and reality in my holsters at all times.
  5. Share one thing youโ€™ve never shared before about yourself. I love counting things. Itโ€™s weird.
  6. What are you most afraid of? Distracted drivers and hate
  7. Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Yes! Iโ€™m a twin!
  8. Whatโ€™s missing in your life? Being near my kids and grandchild. But I know theyโ€™re in my heart and Iโ€™m thankful for technology. Otherwise, Iโ€™m beyond blessed.
  9. What is the number ONE thing on your bucket list? Visit Jerusalem
  10. Would you rather camp or do a five star hotel? Camp!
  11. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Iโ€™m an ambivert. I had to be extroverted in my career and can handle small spurts. But I love my alone time and do not like big crowds.
Thank you Rising Star โญ๏ธ

It is such an honor to humbly accept the Ideal Inspiration Award from Rising Star โญ๏ธ @ idealinspiration.blog He is truly a well of positivity! From resources to help your site, to beautiful pictures, and ways to just do daily life and /or grow your business! Please check out the site.

Answers to Rising Starโ€™s questions:
  1. What is your best inspiration source? The Bible and my journals. There are many inspiring authors/bloggers that I read that inspire me.
  2. What is the main purpose of your blog? To encourage and inspire, but also to share a bit of my RV life and legacies in my own family.
  3. What inspires you to write? Simply stories of faith and also deep thoughts about the human mysteries.
  4. How often do you write? Not enough right now! But I try to publish once a week.
  5. What is your best time of creativity? It hits at different times and a lot while Iโ€™m trying to sleep. Lol.
And my nominations are (insert drum roll)…

Each and every person on this list has impacted me. If you need encouragement please visit them. Nominees, do not feel pressured to accept. I only want you to know the impact youโ€™ve had on me.

In lieu of answering 11 questions choose 11 words that describe you (it could be a noun, adjective, verb,….any word that is YOUR word). For example, two of mine would be music and nature. Thank you to all of my followers and readers. You truly make the blogosphere ~and this writer~feel encouraged.

Have faith ๐Ÿ’š