CLARISSA'S CORNER

Last night, Jeanette and I went shopping for "all" of those last minute vacation essentials. After several hours of shopping, a large Donatos pizza, and a cherry Icee, I think we were exhausted and the sugar in the Icee went straight to our heads. How else can you explain two gals taking pictures on the kids rides at the mall? And for the record, this time, the pictures were Jeanette's idea!!



I am so ready for this long weekend away..I know there will be lots of laughter with friends, good food, the Phantom of the Opera (so exciting - my first opera) plus I get to see my brother and his family. There will be waterfalls, lakes, cityscapes, mountains galore, shopping, and ocean waves. What more can you ask for in a vacation? So, hopefully, there will be plenty of blogs along the way!!

Anticipating Adventure...Blessings to you! "C"

As I was looking through pictures preparing for my Father's Day tribute, I came to an unsettling realization: I have very few pictures of me with my parents, even as a child. I have thousands of pictures of nature, sights around the world, special occasions like birthdays and holidays but very few individual photos of just me and my mom or my dad. How could that be!! So, I made up my mind (family members - please don't say I didn't warn you) there will be more posed family photo shoots!!!


And I have already started...Father's Day! Celebrating dad, taking him out to eat, opening presents, spending time together, everyone all dressed up...the perfect setting for pictures!

What about you? Do you have any pictures you need to take? Don't put it off until tomorrow...start today...right now!! Time slips by so quickly.

Until next time...joy 2 u! "C"

In a world where there is seemingly a great lack of true fathers, or even mentoring father figures, I count myself very blessed. So I would like to take a moment to tell you about the "Fathers" in my life.

My dad, Clyde Buster Hodge, is a great example in all the roles of life of just what a father, husband, pastor, provider, employee, and now grandfather should be. One of several children growing up in the coal mining towns of Southeastern Kentucky, he knows what it is like to grow up poor, to do without (and not even know you are doing without), to be hungry and to make sacrifices. Maybe this is the reason he can identify so well with the needs and people of our small town, especially the youth on the streets.

He proudly served his country in the Army overseas during the Vietnam War. Being drafted was quite an experience for this country boy. One moment he was getting on a bus in Cincinnati with no idea he was actually being drafted. Then a few hours later calling his mom from Fort Knox, Ky as a member of the military. His travels to New York City and Germany have made him leery of plane rides to this day. The next time he wants to fly is to his Heavenly Home.

My dad has always been a worker...sometimes working two jobs and attending Bible school. No matter the job, whether on a construction site, in a factory or at the Depot, he never complains. Even around home, he is always busy..piddling around the garage, cutting firewood, transplanting the garden, or working on one craft or another. His most recent favorite pastime is making Kentucky Skeeters.

But, even more importantly, my dad has been called to be a Preacher and a Pastor. He has a desire to see the Lord move mightily in lives and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has driven buses, taught Sunday School, preached on the streets, even donned the costume of K. C. the Kentucky Klown. Most recently, this love for the Lord has even meant riding a Skateboard just to keep it "Real" for the youth. (I don't know if he has recovered yet but can you put a price tag on eternity?) We are never surprised when he says he's going to run to church to turn on the heat or air...this just means he is going to spend sometime with the Lord praying, seeking his will and studying. Hardly a Sunday afternoon goes by without finding him with his Bible out searching for the Word to encourage his congregation.

Some of my favorite memories are traveling with my family whether it was camping, on vacation, or church conferences all over. My dad has always been supportive of his kids and our latest 'thing': who can be the first kid to see the Indy Speedway or hey let's drive to Nashville in the morning to see a Mime program! Thanks for being such a great support! I love you, Dad!

Not only a great father, he is also now privileged to be called Grandpa by three precious little boys. Needless to say these guys have Grandpa wrapped around their little fingers.

Speaking of these guys brings me to another Dad who deserves notable mention: My brother, Kevin. My brother and I are as different as night and day but how many sisters have a brother who will change her flat tire after a long day at work and while still on call. Every time I watch him interact with his boys, I am filled with awe. I used to worry that he would work "too much" and miss the "moments" of the boys' childhood years. So it does my heart good to see him fishing with the boys, crabbing in the canal, playing basketball,(or baseball or soccer), enjoying a rousing game of UNO or Candyland, or just snuggling up watching a movie together. I am so proud of you, Kevin! Happy Father's Day!

Both of my grandfathers passed away when I was only a babe. So growing up, Kevin and I were surrounded by Great Uncles who filled in the gap. Granny's brothers: Uncle Joe, Uncle Robert, Uncle Eli, and Uncle Nelson were all special to us. But my Uncle Joe was probably the closest to being a grandfather figure to us. I have lots of memories of evenings spent eating Chef Boy R D pizza and watching Dukes of Hazard, Hee Haw and "Who Shot JR?" or fishing at Evas. Uncle Joe was a wonderful bluegrass musician playing the guitar and mandolin. Oh, and he was quite particular about just how his cut should be cut. But perhaps my most precious memories are the Sunday mornings I was privileged to take him and Aunt Dorothy to church. It was a sacrifice but I've never regretted the early mornings and long drives. Although sick and unable to drive himself, he still desired to worship and enjoy the sweet fellowship of being in church.

Being a good dad in this day and hour requires wisdom from above, a healthy dose of discipline, unending love and a great deal of patience. So to all the men reading my blog, whether a father or a son, I pray you will be honored this weekend.

But before I close this post, I must confess that although I am richly blessed, my life has been surrounded by those who were not and are not as fortunate to have a dad like mine. Maybe your father has passed away and the loss is deeply felt on this celebrated day. Or perhaps your dad has forsaken, failed and disappointed your family, abusing the title of Father, and you want to skip this day altogether. I would like to tell you of our Heavenly Father who sees just where you are today and He Cares for YOU! He is not one untouched by our cares but the One who bears our burdens. He not only wants to see you succeed and dream big, He has even bigger desires for you. He formed your life. He has been with you through every moment, through every tear and every heartache. I pray that you will not judge him by the choices of your earthly father but give him a chance to show you the love of a Real Father. I pray you will come to know Him as the One who loved you so much that He came, He died, He rose again and He has prepared a Place for You with Him for all Eternity.

May you find peace in the Saviour...until next time! "C"

FABULOUS!!! Breathtaking!! Inspiring! Heart Touching! From the first harmonious note to the last slide of the fiddle, the ladies of Celtic Woman, their backup singers and musicians gave an awesome performance. Every time I heard the "next song", I said, "This one is my favorite" and then another would begin. I just couldn't get enough!

As everyone knows by now, I have a great love for fiddle music and this pixie-like dancing fiddler is one of the Best! She has such high energy that you are caught up with her in the excitement of the music. (I still have not figured out how her long golden hair did not get all tangled up in the strings - I can only imagine if I tried that!!) I sure hope there are some fiddlers and bagpipers in heaven. I so enjoyed the words of hope, encouragement, and affirmation heard throughout the evening. There were love songs for the romantic such as True Colors and Have I Told You Lately (that I love you) which were endearing. Sail away, Sail away is one of those "catchy" tunes that you find yourself humming ALL NIGHT LONG!

But the special tribute to America for accepting the "Celtic Woman" into our hearts and homes followed by "You Raise Me Up" was just stupendous. Here is a link to the video on Youtube so you can share the moment with us. Don't forget...you may need to pause the player to hear this video!



Then, just when we thought we could stand no more, we were privileged to share in an encore...three more songs! Who saves the best to last? But it was Awesome! (I just adore artists who preform encores...it feels like they have the desires of the patrons at heart!)

Of course, no Girl's Night Outing is complete without food! I mean Really! So we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A and a Fruista Freeze for a late night snack. Those Strawberry and Pina Colada flavors are so addicting! Beware! :) I am so thankful and complete blessed to have shared this wonderful evening of music, memories, and peals of contagious seemingly unending giggle sessions with the best of my friends, Jeanette and Anissa.

Until my next adventure..God Bless you is my Prayer! ~C~

Our office has been working very hard for several weeks preparing for this past weekend's two day auction. Finally, after the long day was finished, we breathed a sigh of relief at another job well done. So what else is there to do...tired, hungry, and more than little giddy, we gathered at El Cazador's for a late supper. El Cazador's is our local Mexican restaurant and one of our most popular eating destinations!



Sitting around the tables surrounded by my co-workers and their families, it felt goood to take a deep breath and just relax. As I enjoyed the chatter of young voices mixing with the conversations and laughter, I couldn't help but think of where we've been and how blessed we are with the recent engagements, graduations, birthdays, and arrival of lots of little ones. Oh, and let's not forget our newlyweds! But, recently, we have also suffered the loss of some close loved ones who will be sorely missed. As I listened, I also know behind the laughter are worries, loved ones facing illness, and decisions galore ahead.

But, for this night, for just a few moments, we can forget all that and enjoy the moment of fellowship! It was fun watching the Mexicans trying to "get" Jeff with the Extra Hot Hot Salsa, embarassing Danetta with a Happy Birthday Seranade and watching all the antics of the children! So I was overcome with a heart of gratefulness and overwhelmed with my blessings! I pray you, too, will remember to count your blessings this day!

Until next time...joy 2 u! ~C~

There, I've said it! I know that you were probably ready to finish my sentence with the dogs, the teens,the skaters, the tweens, probably anything but the Oppossums! One of the ladies, Sheryl, recently rescued three babies about two weeks ago - Larry, Curly and Moe! However, Larry and Moe have now become Laverne and Shirley (according to internet research). These little gals are a big hit with everyone but their main interest is in the bottle. I can't believe I am saying this but they are really cute (I mean for an oppossum!)and comical! Two momma cats have tried to adopt them but the babies are happy with the bottle!



I am always amazed at how much there is still to learn about life and living things!! What an awesome creator who thinks of all the intricate details!

Joy 2 U... "C"

What could be more relaxing on a lazy Sunday afternoon than to find a nice sunny spot(one not too hot, not too shady)with a good book? What a life!

When suddenly to my wondering ears, what should I hear? Was I napping? Was this a dream? But, no, it was the thrumming of hummingbird wings. I was so excited at first that I could not even get the camera to focus (oh, and yes, I realize I am "one" of the "few" who just happen to have a camera nearby even while relaxing!).



I'd never had a "Real" opportunity to photograph hummingbirds so instead of relaxing, I laid aside my book for a hummer photoshoot! It was getting hot so the little guy (or gal) keeping coming back for the sweet nectar of the hot pokers giving me plenty of practice..both with camera settings and patience! I hope you enjoy these pics as much as I enjoyed taking them.!

As I was driving home Friday night, I had a view of the most awesome full moon and realized it was time for the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls. We have visited several times trying to see this event with little success. With the full moon and clear skies in the forecast, I thought it was time to try again. I am so glad we did!!

With the assistance of some helpful photographers, I was finally able to get some pictures of the Moonbow. To say I was excited may be an understatement but I think my excitement may have become contagious with our group. However, my neighboring photographers was probably wishing I would leave already what with little guys "helping", a contrary tripod, and lots of exclaiming aahs and oohs over each picture. I should be embarassed however it was such FUN!!!



I wonder now that we are a little more experienced with "Moonbows" ...who can I talk into going with me next time? Hmm!

I was having "One" of "Those Days"..actually several in a row the last couple weeks and I needed something to brighten my day! Then thanks to my sister-in-law, I received a special something..suddenly a grin grew in to a smile which blossomed into a giggle, then uncontrollable laughter. So I just had to share the antics of my nephews and their dogs with you.



Remember, laughter is as good as medicine! Hope you enjoy this dose of good fun! I feel better already and I hope you do, too!!

Joy 2 U! Until Next Time.. "C"!