Balloons over Bristol!

Did I mention earlier this week Jane Marie was scheduled to visit this weekend? She finagled her boyfriend, "Himself", into organizing a bike ride in Wales then a visit with his University friend who now lives in the city so that we could have a day to hang out. Perfect day! We enjoyed the delights of a sterotypical "Girls Day Out"... shopping, eating, gossiping, etc. The evening we spent in classic Bristol summer fashion, picnicing on the Downs overlooking the Bridge and watching the mass launch of Bristol's Famous Balloon Fiesta and attended the Night Glow on Ashton Court Estates. So fun! Photos are above and below... the first is courtesy of Josephine who joined us for the picnic and the video is to give you an idea of what the Night Glow was like and how silly JM and I are when we're together. [smile] Yay for experiencing the real Bristol and for a fun weekend with a friend!

Just, Margaret

See "Worth Your While"

Today (and last night) I'm with my BFF Jane Marie... exploring her English home, meeting her English boy for the first time, who I will say is pretty great, though I don't plan to tell him quite yet. [smile] Having so much fun. Loving the comfort of being with someone who knows me so well. Tomorrow off to research in London, but to tide you over until then check out this post by said best friend at her blog Worth Your While... might be helpful in putting our friendship in perspective. I will add that for as much as we are different we do share several loves, which I've listed below:

CHOCOLATE (today was a 5 truffle day for us both)
ADVENTURE (hey we are both ex-pats)
GRITS (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the south out of the girl)

... there are more but as these are the most relevant for today's events that's all I've got for you now. More later.

Just, Margaret

Just in case you were wondering

Yesterday was awesome!!!! I'm just a bit happy about it all.  First I have to say the weather didn't cooperate totally... it was fairly raining when JM and Blair arrived, but most of the day we just experienced a cool breeze and that funny mixture of misty fog that I've grown to know and love (not really, but I'm being positive).  [smile]  Still it was like the old cliché... "nothing was going to rain on our parade."  I do think I need to apologize for walking them all over the city and up crazy steep hills.  I didn't realize how much work it is to walk around the city of Bristol or how many hills we have until I had guests.  (I'll try to be more gentle on Janell and Emily- my cousins- when they come next month.)  Apart from walking up and down hills in the rain, we talked, ate, just were.  The joy of having friends like Blair and JM (and the rest of The Nine) is that conversations just pick-up right where we left off.  Blair's Vandy friends were also really fun to meet and call me geeky or nerdy, but I totally loved the tour of Bristol Methodism I received as a tag-a-long.  I will say it was my 4th or 5th tour of the city, so I feel fairly confident in my ability to now act as an ambassador. [smile]

After a great dinner at Wagamama's, we put Blair on the train back to Salisbury- they actually close the gates where she is staying and we didn't want her to be locked out- and then up to the pub with JM and to meet some of the HistArchs and a MALA.  So fun though Blair was missed.  JM decided to leave the next day so she camped out on my floor and I think we stayed up an extra hour just talking about really random things, but that's old roommates for you.  Today we had what can only be called a "girly day"- shed a few tears watching the Grey's wedding episode (she hadn't seen it), had rose and vanilla cupcakes and lattes for breakfast.  Then window shopping in and out of local shops including the OxFam bookstore where I volunteer and The Mews-the wedding dress boutique mentioned in an earlier post (I repeat, just window shopping-thought JM's himself, aka boyfriend, might like clarification). [smile]  We did spend just a little money at a bead shop, but I am getting 2 custom made pairs of earrings out of the deal thanks to my crafty friend.  Then more talking and window shopping and lunch.  Finally around 3PM I put her on the train home, with promises that we'll get together again soon and promises that next time I get to meet Himself in person, which I'm totally going to hold her too even though I hear he has weird tastes in socks. (I do hope you know I'm only kidding Ian. [smile])  

So a good two days, which have actually left me recharged and ready to do some research.  Especially when I know Saturday will mean that I get to see Blair again in Bath.  BTW thanks for all the comments yesterday... it means I'm totally winning in "The Great Blog Popularity Contest" going on between me and JM.  [smile]

Just, Margaret

Reunited

Two of my best friends in Bristol... priceless.  To say I've been anticipating today is an understatement.  Showing them around, eating out in some of my favorite places, sharing my ex-pat life with home. I'm mostly looking forward the opportunity to just to be the me I am with my best friends.  Not that I don't feel like I can be myself when in Bristol, but there is just something about being with people who really know you that makes it so much easier, you know.  Today is a gift and I plan to enjoy it to the fullest.  

Just, Margaret

2 out of 9, soon to be 3

[diabolical smile]  My master plan to get all "The Nine" to become expats with me is working out just as I hoped.  So maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration... some of the Nine already settled into lives in the States (homes, jobs, appendages*), but today the UK becomes the home to one of my other halfs... or ninths. [smile]  Jane Marie- roommate of 4 years, best friend since freshman year- is moving here!!!  And in 3 short days another "bestie" Blair will be in the country too!!!  Can you tell that I'm excited?  U.K.- Consider yourself warned.  Beware "The Nine" invasion!

Just, Margaret 

*Appendages in "The Nine"-speak equals husbands.  Sounds harsh I know, but its really a term of endearment. 

3rd Anniversary

Some of you know what tomorrow is because you share this anniversary with me, others are celebrating the event for the first time, and still others are celebrating with many more years attached.  Tomorrow is LaGrange College graduation day.  I remember that day really well... lots of excitement, lots of tears, lots of hugs, lots of goodbyes, then lots of packing, and more tears driving away.  It was a good day.  You know, though I think I almost enjoyed the day before better, well, specifically the night before, the last night in my college dorm with my best friends.  Amidst all the boxes we all felt so excited.  It was electric.  The idea that our lives would change completely the next day I guess was in the back of our minds, but I just remember the feeling of enjoying to the fullest that last night of college.  It was a special time.  Congratulations on those of you joining the ranks of LC alumni tomorrow!  Enjoy your last night to the fullest.  

Just, Margaret

P.S. Maybe you've already read this, maybe not, but a recent post by a best friend reminded me this day needed to be celebrated.  That second picture is of that special last night.  

Nine Ladies Dancing

The surprise worked.  In fact I think Blair was actually stunned, she just stood there for a minute with this dumbstruck look on her face.  I'm so glad I went early... I pulled off a surprise, got to see an old friend, spend a few extra hours with The Nine, and *drum roll please* got to eat in my favorite place in LaGrange- Peking.  [yummy] Peking is our college place... feels like it never changes, in a good way.    

Later Friday night and then Saturday morning the rest of the girls began to arrive.  Everyone was able to come this time.  And to quote Megs, "this was the best gathering since college we've had yet!"  Full disclosure:  She says that every time we get together.  But this time I kinda think she might have been right.  We ate great food (really phenomenal- I'll work on posting some of the recipes later), enjoyed fellowship time, and exchanged thoughtful ornaments in three beautiful homes (Megs, Katie, and Noelle all have homes within a block of each other- perfect for our progressive dinner).  The ornament exchange was so fun and its strange how even when we draw names the right person always seems to receive the right ornament.  Before the meal, some of us got a chance to walk around our college campus again... it's only about a mile from "the Nine compound." [smile]  We even happened to run into our freshmen year dorm RD, Ms. Kirby, who let us revisit our old haunts.  All around the best day and a half I've had in a long time.  It sounds so corny, but sometime you really do need to go "where everybody knows your name."  On the way back home Saturday night I was listening to a new mix tape Blair had given each of us and when this song "You don't know me at all" started to play I realized that if you count "The Nine" as one entity I can count on two hands the number of people who actually really know me.  And I'm so grateful for the time I can spend with them.    

Thanks to the appendages for taking photos... yes we call husbands of the Nine "the appendages."  Now that I think about it we kinda have our own language.  Maybe we should publish a dictionary. [smile]

If you want to get some perspective on the weekend or just see more photos, check out these other blog posts:  Blair (December 2oth and 21st) and Katie.

Just, Margaret

Surprise!

I scheduled this post earlier today so I wouldn't blow the surprise.  Decided to head over to LaGrange early for an extra night in town with my best friends, aka The Nine.  Instead of emailing or phoning (I actually don't have a phone on this side of the Atlantic any more anyway) I decided to simply show up at our favorite place.  Picture their surprised faces and all the awesome hugs exchanged.  Oh I can't wait. [smile]  Let you know how the reunion goes at the first of next week when I will hopefully have at least one new group photo to share.  

Just, Margaret 

Around the table

Today is Thanksgiving in the US and I'm here in the UK missing it.  Thanksgiving is such a special day and I've tried to explain it more times than I can count to my international friends, but each explanation seems to come up wanting.  Thanksgiving is a day when we as a nation give thanks for our birth, survival skills, ect., but that's just part of it.  And really I have to say its a very small part of my family's celebrations.  I do remember as a little girl dressing up as a pilgrim or Native American (although at the time we still used the term indian) at school complete with the pilgrim bonnet or indian vest homemade from a paper grocery sack and either a wide brim collar or feather in my hair, but it has been a really long time since I've actually thought about Thanksgiving in those terms.  

As I contemplate Thanksgiving today, I envision a large table with my family seated around it smiling in the glow of having eaten their fill (and some overfill) of the bounteous feast prepared by the hands of my grandmothers, mother, aunts, along with help from a man or two I'm sure.  Now as they sit and think about the day one of my grandparents is sure to initiate the long held tradition of speaking our gratefulness aloud.  Each member of the family is ushered to say what they are most thankful for this day.  Much thanks will be spoken for the meal and the hands that have prepared it.  Others will remark about the people in attendance and I'm sure my Grammy or Mom will say something about the family who could not be gathered with them this year.  And to close a reading from the Bible or poem chosen by one of our many United Methodist pastors in attendance and read by one of the now grown-up grandchildren, then a prayer, and perhaps even a hymn.  

Then the meal will end and many hands will make light work of all the straightening up the kitchen and eating areas.  Leftovers will be put away waiting to brought out later that evening and the day after for more repast.  And it may seem like the end of a holiday, but it always seems to feel like the beginning.  Its a lovely holiday and a tradition I intend to keep even while celebrating on this side of the pond.  So I've asked members of my friends and family to join in around the table early this year to share what they are grateful for so that I can now share it with you.  

Liz, a fellow Young Adult Missionary serving in Hong Kong

-Communication.  Being so far from my family, my boyfriend and other loved ones, I have realized how hard we have to work at communication.  It is a gift that should never be overlooked.  

-Solidarity.  It sounds funny, but being in an international community, every time we find something that we connect over, it brings our worlds a little closer. When they miss their families, I understand the pain of separation.  When I'm frustrated with a language I can't grasp, they can tell their own stories of language mishaps.  Laughter, tears, dreams, hopes- they are all the same no matter where you are from.  And that is comforting.  

-Every year I celebrated Thanksgiving in the States, we always say grace over the food- reminding us to be thankful not just for abundance, but for the ability to acquire food, to prepare it to our liking, ect.  Last year, I was humbled with a single meal, nothing related to traditional holiday foods (think tofu and rice), and solitude.  And it made me think of all those who work hard everyday to harvest the rice, to prepare the tofu, to raise the chickens, grown the vegetables... their hard work is to our benefit.  And for some reason, last year it hit home even more that my food comes from the hands of individuals.  To be thankful for their hard work and dedication to cultivating food. 

Barbara, family friend

-the chance to start over every day!

-that the Lord is my Shepherd!

Sally, family friend (claim to fame:  being my dad's first babysitter) and fellow LaGrange College Alum

-The presidential election of Barack Obama which few of us could have dreamed of back in the 60s. 

-Knowing your [mine] family and learning more all the time about being Christian from them since 1957.

-Being married to Albert for 47+ years and sharing in ministry with him across the conference and general church.  

-Our son Dennis, his wife Kim, and their three children. 

-LaGrange College and what it has meant to me for more than 50 years.  

-Good friends across the entire world.  

-Opportunities to travel.  

-Living in a country where I can worship as I wish and come and go at will.  

-Having enough money to live comfortable and being able to share with those less well off.  

-Health and the opportunity to grow old.

Uncle Tim, my dad's brother and one of the many ministers in our family (this is a selection from his weekly email newsletter to his church congregation)

-The grace of God that is beyond all logic and understanding.  It is that grace which primarily defines my life.  The most important core value for me is to figure out creative ways of sharing grace. 

-The joy of reading a good book.

-The profound wisdom of children.

Grammy

-I'm thankful that my number one grandchild is getting a chance to fulfill her childhood dream of studying archaeology at Bristol University no less.  

-I'm thankful that we have elected a president who believes that we can be one and is concerned about all people.  

Granddaddy

-I am thankful that I was born into a Christian home.  

-I am thankful that God provided my Margaret [i.e. Grammy] at just the right time.  

-I am thankful that God has provided me with the resources to do some giving to others.  

-I am thankful for new beginnings. 

-I am thankful for our seven grandchildren.  

Daddy

-Always thankful for my family.  

-For good food, pumpkin pies and good soup and peanut M&Ms (you would think that after all these years I would get tired of them, but I don't), dark chocolate, and coffee.  

-For good music, like James Taylor.  

-For my guitar.  I enjoy making music.  

-For a yard to work in.  

Mama

This year I have been especially reminded of my wonderful heritage and for this I am very thankful.  Through my family and Bill's family we have parents very committed to marriage and family life and the Christian faith.  I am so grateful for the long life and good health of Elick and Margaret, my parents, (Grammy and Granddaddy) and John and Bertha Nell, Bill's parents (Mom and Pop).  After helping to clean out the John and Bertha Nell's household as they moved to Macon, I was reminded of many years even before our parents' generation of the love and gracefulness of faithful life.  For those beautiful gifts in my life, I am truly thankful.  

The Nine, my best friends

-Reconnecting with old friends.  (Meghan)

-I'm thankful for blogs.  They are another wonderful way to keep in touch.  I like writing mine and reading others.  I makes me feel connected. (Katie)

-Our house:  I remember when Meghan got her house.  Chuck and I walked by it one day, and I remember us saying how much we would like to have a DASH house one day.  I honestly never thought it would happen.  (Noelle)

-The opportunities I have to work to really get to know my kids and what they struggle with. (Courtney)

-The internet! How many times have we said that in the last year?  Yes it is easy, but it allows us to be in relationship.  I was sitting in class the other day and we didn't have an opener that week (something to center our thoughts).  The discussion leader told us about an exercise that AA and other recovery groups use.  She asked us, "Do any of y'all write grateful lists?"  (They ask recovering individuals to remember life is more than addition.)  I perked up in my chair and slowly raised my hand.  "Each week," I responded.  The class looked at me with amazement.  I smiled and explained our weekly routine.  It happens because of the great invention that is the internet! (Blair)

-Charlie Brown- my fave four legged friend. (Jane-Marie)

-Being able to do the Turkey run on Thanksgiving morning with my sister, mom, matt's mom and dad and matt!!!  It is going to be so much fun... it is a 5K downtown. (Laura)

-For friends who appreciate my appreciation of cadavers..... of rocks in our heads..... and of other such 'weird' things.  (Amber, med student)

And me... what am I grateful for?  The above individuals and the revelations that their demonstrations of thankfulness bring to my faith journey.  Thank you all for participating.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Just, Margaret

Georgia On My Mind

So the last couple of days have had me thinking of home and Georgia quite a bit... at the beginning of the week I received a pound cake, yes a homemade pound cake, in the mail from my Grammy.  I literally could not believe it, but leave it to my grandmother to defy the postal service.  I mean I thought it was awesome when I received pecan pies in the mail when I was living in North Dakota, but I never expected to receive a cake in the mail.  And of course it still tastes amazing!  I shared it with some of my housemates and I think I've convinced them all that they need to visit Georgia if only to get another piece of pound cake from my Grammy.  (I will say in addition to care packages of grandparent love, I also had the treat on Monday night of receiving a lovely Skype call from Mom and Pop.  So much fun to speak and see them at the same time.)  It has turned into a week of care packages... yesterday I received one from my friends in Louisiana.  I was almost in tears while I read Kayla's letter begging me to come back.  And the Twizlers were a special treat as I've not been able to find them in the UK yet.  I also have to say a thanks to my faithful blog readers in Louisana... I'm so glad to know that you guys are following along on all my adventures.  It really makes me feel close to you.  

Then this morning I received an emails from Blair and Megs about a recent post on Blair's blog Curbside Conference.  It was all about my friends (the girls, The Nine, ect.  I've talk about them at least once before).  Lovely post and the best part is that the sentiments could have been written by any of us although I have to give Blair props for her eloquence.  I especially loved how she wrote about "living in overlapping forms"- thats exactly how it feels.  And the post that inspired her by Sara brought up such great memories of college.  After checking my email and feeling so close to my fellow alumni, I noticed that the predicted temperature here and in Warner Robins, where my parents are was exactly the same.  So as I walked to class, I imagined for a bit that I was walking through Georgia.  It is so nice to connect in small ways with home.  Especially since Thanksgiving is coming up so soon.  

Anyway, there are so much about my archaeological adventures yesterday that I want to share, but as my photos aren't loaded on my computer yet that will have to wait for tomorrow.  

Just, Margaret

Inspired

Today my college roommate- Jane Marie- and I went back to our Alma mater, LaGrange College, to share with the faculty and staff about what we are doing now.  Kind of an inspiration for the new school year kinda thing.  So we put together a slide show... we ended with the slide below with the thought that our administration, faculty, and staff have changed the world because of the difference they have made in the lives of their students.  

I decided to post this yearbook type page from the presentation of us, well, for two reasons.  One is that I've been meaning to add a photo of these best friends for a while.  We were good friends in college (we graduated in 2006) and have continued to communicate with each other weekly.  They are a vital part of my life and I'm grateful for their friendship.  And I'm also so inspired and proud by all the good they do.  As you can see below, we all work/have worked/or studied social service fields.  They are incredible and give me hope.         

Just, Margaret

P.S. I'm the person in the red shirt and the captions correspond clockwise or counter clockwise from there.  

I am so happy!

For the second time in two days I've had one of those epiphany moments when I realize how happy I am... to be me, doing the work I do, living on this campus, being a member of this community. That's as specific as I can be, but isn't contentment one of the best gifts to receive. Even knowing that I only have five full days of work left and that I will be leaving this place that has become my home, I remain content with my present and hopeful for my future. I've moved so many times in my life and this is the first time I've felt so much at peace. I think its a sign that the whole process is being guided/lead/ordained.

Each week my best college girlfriends, "The Nine," and I share a list of at least five things, events, people, circumstances, etc. for which we are grateful. It's a process that isn't always easy, but always rewarding. This past week or two a trend has developed. We have all expressed our gratitude for each other and email. As one of the my friends wrote, we all live relatively quiet, inconspicuous lives, but sharing our stories with each other makes them feel extraordinary and special! I'm so glad I have them with which to share my joy.

Just, Margaret