Category: families

I’m Thankful for Thanksgiving

On By Betty OwensIn Christmas, dinner, families, family, Grandmother, holiday, Thanksgiving, travel, woods

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I have a confession to make. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s a beautiful time, when families gather together. We live on a small court and like us, many of our neighbors have lived here a long time. As the holiday approaches, extra cars are parked in their driveways. Their children have arrived.
I remember those days, when we packed up the car and left on Tuesday night, or Wednesday evening, to drive the seven hours to Mom and Dad’s. It was a special time filled with hikes in the woods, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and of course, the main event: Thanksgiving Dinner. Mom spent days preparing and finally, dinner is spread on the table and we sit down. 
Yes, it was over in minutes. But we lingered around the table, laughing and talking. Clean up meant time spent on my own with Mom as we put the food away and washed the dishes. We put away all the special things she only used on holidays. We reminisced about past Thanksgivings, and loved ones now gone. Our sleep was sweet, maybe because of all the turkey we ate, but also because we were tired from all the activity. 
If you ventured out on Thanksgiving evening, stores were closed. Restaurants were closed. Ghost town. And I liked that feeling. Families gathered together to celebrate. They weren’t working. They weren’t shopping. I was reminded of my childhood, when Sundays meant darkened store windows. Even the grocery stores closed on Sunday, the traditional day of rest.
Those days slipped away and now you can buy groceries on Sunday. And if you forgot cranberry sauce, you can buy it on Thanksgiving. I guess it’s convenient and the stores make more money, but it makes me sad to see these old traditions slip away. And now, Christmas has encroached on Thanksgiving. 
Yes, in a way, Christmas has always out-shined Thanksgiving. When I was little, I was happy to see the back of Thanksgiving, because I knew Christmas was close behind it. Now, I want the days to linger longer. I want to enjoy Thanksgiving and then turn my attention to Christmas. But I realize it’s a personal choice. Christmas lovers all around me already have their houses decorated. And there’s really nothing wrong with that. 
Their emphasis is still on celebrating families, and that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Taking time to be thankful for the year’s bounty. I’m thankful for all that God has given this year. Like so many others, we’ve been through some things. But in the midst of all that, I can be thankful for God’s provision throughout our time of need. He’s brought our family together in a positive way and helped us overcome our difficulties. 
When we sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner this year, we’ll have so much to be thankful for, beyond the food that is set before us. Each individual sitting at our table is a part of something so much greater. When all the pieces come together, we are whole, and we are blessed. 
I hope your Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. Thanks for stopping by!

photo credit: cafemama via photopin cc

The Things We Remember Most

On By Betty OwensIn children, families, Fathers Day, grandchildren, humor, Smile2 Comments

My dad was a funny guy. He was the youngest child of four and his father died when he was only two, so he got away with a lot of stuff. Sometimes he would get this mischievous look in his eye and I’d know he had something up his sleeve. I especially loved to watch him interact with his sisters, when he’d tease them or startle them with a silly noise. They’d laugh and often launch into a quick dance. Yes, a dance––usually swing steps.

Dad’s been gone for nearly seven years, but I still see him occasionally, in the smiles and antics of my sons as they carry on the humor and mischief. They’re fully grown and two of them are dads now. I know for certain they cut up with their kids. Sometimes becoming a kid themselves for a brief moment, enjoying the luxury of a full-on belly laugh or just a knowing smile.

My husband was only twelve when he lost his father. He didn’t really know how to be a dad, but some things just come natural. He put forth his best effort and as all dads do, he has a few regrets about those years. He often wishes he’d spent more time with them or hadn’t taken everything so seriously. We’ve got three fine sons these days. All of them living good lives and serving God. No complaints here.

This Father’s Day, we plan to spend time together. I’m sure there’ll be those moments of reminiscing. One thing I know, there will be laughter. If you have a father in your life to celebrate, do it. Celebrate the good things, the shining moments, the best times. Those are the ones worth remembering. All the other stuff, well, you can set them out at the curb and let the trash pick them up. Time is precious––life is precious––don’t waste it on regrets.

There’s still time to drop me a note if you’re interested in a free ebook. Fay Lamb is giving away a copy of Stalking Willow. If you read romantic suspense, you’ll love this one. And it could be free! Comment here or find me on Facebook.
As always, thanks for reading!

In the Black and White ‘Fifties

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens, Bluetick coonhound, Dogs, families, Happiness, hound, humor, momma's cooking, Writing

Living in an imaginary world can be difficult. Especially when it’s a world that existed in the past. I’m listening to ‘fifties music, watching old black and white movies––and noticing their footwear, by the way. I’m pushing my memories back as far as they’ll go, and trying to remember the sights and the sounds of the era.

It was so much easier writing fantasy, because nothing in that world existed until I created it. I experimented and I had fun. I pulled out dreams and wishes and wove them into my stories. The land and the characters are loosely based on reality. 

But that could also be said of my work-in-progress; the historical. The characters are loosely based on people I’ve met. I love their language, because it brings back precious memories of some of my favorite people. The time seems enchanted, because it comes straight off a page in my childhood. A simpler time. Not so evil, and filled with violence as it is now. 

Sometimes, I have to remove my rosy glasses, and gaze past my perceptions into reality. There was violence. There was hate. There was prejudice. There was a strict moral code and an active class system.  Things never discussed in polite company. Lines you did not cross. Ugly signs on doors, limiting who entered. Trouble brewing beneath the surface.

And then there were long, lazy, summer days, homemade lemonade and ice cream. No one asked what was in the hot dogs they served at picnics. I loved my patent leather Mary Janes and my puffy crinoline skirts. I loved tire swings and playing corncob jail and kick the can. 

So I’m weaving all of these things into this story-in-progress. Pulling out all the stops and telling the story as it flows from my heart. At regular intervals, Samson lopes into the scene and provides warmth and maybe a chuckle or two. If you’re wondering who Samson is, read last week’s post. 

I’d love to hear some of your favorite memories, if you’re old enough to remember the ‘fifties. Please drop me a line. 

Thanks for reading,

Happy Holidays!

On By Betty OwensIn A Gathering of Eagles, families, Happy Holidays, Jael, Lady of the Haven, Prince artist, sneak peek3 Comments

As promised, I have uploaded a major portion of the cover of A Gathering of Eagles —the artist’s rendition of Prince William du Frain, in warrior garb. In A Gathering of Eagles, the prince is called into action and must travel a great distance in pursuit of an enemy who threatens all he holds dear. You’ll notice a portion of Jael’s face in the background, with her beautiful blue cape.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful holiday, enjoy your families and drop by again next week when I “sneak another Major peek” at the cover art for A Gathering of Eagles, the second Lady of the Haven novel!