Month: December 2017

Goodbye 2017

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens6 Comments

coffee, cup, laptop, memeHello! It’s Thursday Morning again, and guess what I forgot to do?

Yes, I forgot to schedule this post.

In my defense, the violet was blooming, and caught my attention. I love when the violet blooms in the depth of winter. It reminds me that even in the midst of trials, you can still be a blessing to others–like that beautiful violet.

In my defense, I was busy pouring a cup of coffee — my first cup of the day — when I suddenly realized I had not put away the Christmas coffee mugs. But then, I realized this particular one is not too Christmas-y, and could be dubbed a “winter” coffee mug.

It was only after contemplating all this that I woke to the fact, it was Thursday and I hadn’t scheduled a post.

Hello, Thursday Morning just wouldn’t work on a Friday. But, it is still morning, though later than usual. The temperature is 13 and feels like 2–just thought I’d throw that in there. When you get to be my age, your attention tends to bounce around a little.

So, I hope you’ll forgive me that I almost missed the last Thursday post of 2017, when I had planned to formally say goodbye to 2017. Thus the title, “Goodbye 2017.”

Most of all, I hope you know how much I appreciate you, my followers, and readers. Sorry I almost forgot, but I hope I at least provided a giggle, and maybe an ounce of inspiration about the violet.

May your 2018 start out amazing. May the blessings build as you go. May you bloom where you’re planted, like Daniel in my October post.

Stay warm, and see you in 2018 with fresh, hot coffee, and (hopefully) fresh topics for Hello, Thursday Morning!

Blessings, anyone? I hope you’ll comment with your 2017 blessings.

The Year I Said I Do

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens4 Comments

coffee, cup, laptop, memeAnother Thursday Hello! This is the time of year when the days fly past so quickly, I struggle to keep up. Know what I mean?

We are just days away from Christmas, and many of you are rushed and harried, worried you won’t finish in time. Let go of some of the little things. The unimportant things no one will even notice aren’t done. Make room for the big things, like time with family. Hugs, kisses, and “I love you’s”.

Today is important to me for another reason. It’s my mother’s birthday. She’s barely twenty years older than me, so we kind of grew up together. When I was a kid in school, everyone thought she was my sister. So, happy birthday, Mom.

Another reason today is important, and probably the biggest reason–forty three years ago today, I said, “I do”. Or, maybe it was, “I will.” It’s been so long now, I can’t remember.

We definitely grew up together. I was so excited on that (long ago) day, as I anticipated what the future held for us. Two kids in love. We had a lot of fun over the years, and troubles, too. But add it all up, and the sum is still on the positive side. It still adds up to love.

When we left the church that day, my brand new husband told me he needed to stop by home to pick up something he’d forgotten. He’d forgotten underwear. I sat in the car, wondering how you could forget to pack underwear? He came back out to the car and said it was a good thing he stopped by, he’d also forgotten to pack his spare jeans.

I frowned, wondering–what had he packed in his suitcase, if he’d left out such important items? Turns out, he’d forgotten to pack. Anything. This was the first time, but definitely not the last. I would always help him pack for a trip. He tended to forget important things, like a toothbrush, or a razor.

December 21, 1974

And how many times, over the years, would we leave the house, only to return minutes later for important things like his wallet? And, just in case you’re thinking he only forgets material things–a short time after we married, he went to introduce me to someone, and forgot my name. He introduced me as, “my wife.”

We finally made it Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and spent a few pre-Christmas days in the mountains. The pass was closed because of snow, but we drove up there anyway, and joined in a huge snowball fight with other sightseers. I’m sure most of them were also on their honeymoon.

I’ve no doubt, many of you have similar funny stories you could share, and I hope you will! Leave me a comment, and join the conversation!

Now, since I won’t see you until after, I’d love to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

I hope all the rushing around and last-minute preparations add up to a wonderful, memorable event. Don’t forget to take lots of photos!

Christmas Movie Review

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens4 Comments

coffee, cup, laptop, memeHello, it’s Thursday Morning, and for many of us, the countdown is on. Eleven more days till Christmas. Rather than discuss my lack of readiness for the holidays, I’m going to take a break. Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of that, lately. It’s called “survival mode.”

On my latest break, I watched one of the new Christmas offerings on Netflix, A Christmas Prince. With many of the Christmas romance movies, you need to turn off your brain and not think too much. Overall, this movie delivered a pleasant experience. The scenery is beautiful, taking place in the fictional country of Aldovia (kind of reminded me of The Princess Diaries’ Genovia). There’s lots of snow, a couple of beautiful horses (I love horses), beautiful horses running on snow, and a prince. Who can resist a prince?

The main actors in A Christmas Prince are talented,  likable, and believable. Some of the secondary actors are not as skilled, but they’re not on screen very much, so it doesn’t matter. I enjoyed the amazing Alice Krige as the queen. I liked Princess Emily, too, played by Honor Kneafsey.

So, what’s the movie about? A young reporter (Rose McIver) is sent to Aldovia to cover the possible coronation of the new king (Ben Lamb, aka Prince Richard), if he decides to show up. When she’s mistaken for Emily’s new American tutor, she decides to use the opportunity to infiltrate the royal house and get the scoop on the situation. She meets the prince, falls in love (no wonder why), and gets caught up in intrigue.

As in most of the Christmas movies, love happens really fast. I can’t complain about that, because it happened to me forty-three years ago (Dec. 21 by the way). Still married to my guy, so I know it’s possible. Good to know.

What appealed to me most about this movie:

  • the sweet romance
  • the location and cinematography
  • the good writing
  • and whoever did the costumes (I didn’t find that listed), paid attention to detail. The queen and Prince Richard were always dressed tastefully–right down to their shoes–yes, I noticed his shoes. They looked the part of European royals. This lent reality to the scenes for me, and made it a joy to watch.

Another appealing quality: the humor infused throughout.I’m a fan of humor, it helps me “adult.”

Cons: I’m only mentioning one, though there were several: the lack of security in the castle. Again, we are often asked to leave our thinking caps on the hook when watching Christmas movies. The breach of security didn’t bother me, but I did see some complaints in other reviews. And, by the way, I chose to enjoy the good, and not be bothered by the schmaltz. Maybe Aldovia is such a peaceful place, they don’t need security? We are watching a fairy tale, after all.

A review of A Christmas Prince, from Netflix: Tasteful humor, sweet romance, an actual story with a plot, all combine to make this movie an overall pleasant experience. Read more [Click to Tweet]

Guess what? I’ll be watching this one again. I gave it a thumb’s up on Netflix. And a double “ahhh…”, right here on Hello, Thursday Morning.

What’s your favorite all-time Christmas movie? What makes it your favorite?

A Reason for the Season

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

coffee, cup, laptop, memeGood morning and happy Thursday! It’s a bit nippy outside my door, and right on time. Christmas is coming.

The movies have started, the malls are brimming with shoppers, Christmas music is in the air, along with a definite aroma of cinnamon. The sights and sounds of the season.

All the rushing around causes me to wonder, am I ready for this? Can I conjure up a Christmassy-feeling? Bake some gingery-spicey things for the aroma, decorate with pretty lights and holiday bows?

Anticipation of the shiny eyes and excited faces of the children on Christmas Eve, watching and waiting, spurs me onward. Put up the tree, hang the lights, bake the cookies.

But, am I really ready? Something’s most definitely missing.

So, I turn my shiny eyes and excited face inward, to remember the One who started it all. As He made a natural entry into the world to begin an unprecedented journey that would span the next thirty-three years.

Yesterday, I wondered what it was like for Him, looking out through brand-new infant eyes. The Creator now a creature, helpless and dependent. Experiencing one of the greatest of all natural miracles–a mother’s love.

My heart brims over with love as I prepare to make a difference.

So, in the midst of all the gift-giving and rushing about, remember what it really means. Let His love shine out of your eyes and into your little corner of the world. Give from the abundance of your heart–kind words, a smile, a hug–spread His love. Help others remember the true meaning of the season.

Jesus.

Click to Tweet: Give from the abundance of your heart–kind words, a smile, a hug–spread His #love. Help others remember the true meaning of the #season. #MerryChristmas