This is our home in Wichita Falls, North Texas. We have experienced the biggest snow in years and it happened this Christmas. It helps to grant such a beautiful quiet peace that love and joy of the birth of Jesus Christ gives to all. Stand still in the snow, listen and know that He is God. Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Pooles
in Wichita Falls, Texas
May the love of Christ enter your hearts
and Peace be with you all!

My neighborhood is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the city. We are fanatic about decorating for the seasons. Down the street lives a lovely lady who is an artist by profession. She lies claim to the most wonderfully decorated tree in a yard. She has a crew to work deligentally to create this masterpiece of lights. We wait to enjoy it every year.

Holiday Greetings to all!

Twenty-seven family and friends expected for dinner...Happy Thanksgiving from the Pooles.

I think that I shall never see, a thing as lovely as a tree.

Down the street from me there is a home with a great sculpture in the front yard. Texas is known for furious thunderstorms. A couple of years ago we had one and lightning struck a beautiful 80 year old huge Oak tree in this neighbor's yard. It split the tree in half. They did not want to remove the trunk so they had a chainsaw sculptor create two dogs on top of the trunk from the wood. One dog is an English Whippet which represents the aristocratic dog and the other is a Terrier which represents the everyman's dog. They sit up looking so regal and proper together. What a wonderful tribute to remember a wonderful old tree.

Thank You Dr. Linda Rindhardt

Weeing in the pond with the fish and the frogs.

This is a little print I just had to have. I found it in a cute shop in Granbury. Texas. It was done by a french artist possibly early 1900's and is also signed. There is a slogan at the bottom in French. I cannot read French but will research. I have it framed and hanging in my little half bathroom under my stairs. It is old and done in pencil therefore is a little difficult with details. I love it.

Come Back To The Five And Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean

A wonderful and fun store to shop. Long ago and now no more. This was definitely not your Walmart. Shopping was care free and easy. Everything you wanted was not stacked high up on shelves or in the isles but displayed on flat counters which divided products between glass sided sections. Remember? This is a picture of my mother Mary Belle on the right and her sister my Aunt Georgia Lee. They both worked at Woolworths in Arkansas. What a great place to have had a job!

Love Note Perhaps...

In a little brown box in the back of a little book store, I found some old postcards. This particular one intrigued me mainly because I couldn't read the language. Is there anyone out in blogland that can translate this for me. I am so curious!!

Ah Sweet "Mystery"

A couple of years ago I found a Louis Icart piece of art in an antique shop. I fell in love with his work. I remember seeing his art when I was growing up. I then decided I wanted to start a collection. Among others I have three signed pieces and this is my favorite. It is called "Mystery". Please let me share it with you and I will add others later. He always painted the most beautiful women from the 30's era. This picture is from my master bedroom.

I know it's Thursday.........but what day is this?????

It has been a while since I posted. I have had one of those crazy summers. Haven't been home long enough to even rest in between. Trips, vacation, more trips, overnight guests, two weddings out of town, and this weekend another wedding. Then I have surgery coming up. So if you have been visiting, please bear with me. I will be back in a few weeks.....Shelia

Mary Belle

While cleaning out some picture drawers I found some pictures of my mother.Please allow me to share this picture and a few thoughts that flooded back through my mind. She was a wonderful mother, very strict in every way from a sparkling house, caring for her children and was a great cook. She could be overbearing at times also. I realize now just how obsessive compulsive and anal she was about a lot of things. It was simply 'her way or the highway'. She ran a very structured household. She was always well kept. Her hair in place, make up, nails done, and I thought she was so pretty. I remember the blouse she is wearing in the picture. It was a coffee color. She wore red lipstick and kept her hair up in curls most of her life. She loved to talk on the telephone with her girlfriends and I would stay close so I could listen to the laughter in the conversations. She had Lupus and passed away away in 1997. Now every day I find myself with so many of her same traits and habits. There is a saying that states , 'You are your mother's daughter'.I resolve that I am, except being the great cook. And I'm fine with that!

Let's be hussies before it's too late!!!!

Now come on girls, haven't we all wanted to be a hussie at least once in our lives?

Cherished Moments for James Drew

Someone once said, "Any man can be a father but it takes a special man to be a dad." Someone who makes every day a great experience for his five year old son. He is always there to answer a question, especially the 'why' ones. Sitting him on his lap in front of the computer to teach him something or just to watch Daddy work. Shopping for extra small garden gloves and a 'flower shovel' so he can help Momma plant the daisies. Then, on his day off, when Momma is working, he shops for fabric. And, by hand, designs and sews a costume for his son's little program at school. Scrunched up with his little boy on the bottom bunk bed together watching a Superhero movie: this time seems so trivial, yet it makes such a meaningful memory that will last a lifetime. This is the caring and endearing dad that helps form the pillars of character needed to mold a little boy into a fine man. Then, the love and respect for each other can never fade. Happy Father's Day to my son-in-law, Trey!!

Friends, I am going on a trip, will be home in about two weeks. You will see me then. As ever, Shelia

This is my new summer coif.....don't you love it!!!

The Most Cherished Of All

Hold dear to your motherhood. There is absolutely nothing in all the world that is more special. To be a mother is a blessed honor and gift from God. Being a mother is like joy flowing forever from your heart. Love, caring, tenderness, tears, laughter, heartaches, and wonder are all emotions that are presented to a mother . She will realize her life will never be the same as before but the blessings to come will be so worthwhile. The attributes, and motherly instincts God provides for her will make her strong and well prepared for the most important job on this earth. But she must always remember to live that her memories will be a part of her happiness. And lastly, to forever love the Lord and look to his guidance.........HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my daughter Mary Lindsey.

Lip Rouge Galore.....

Lullaby for Baby

Good night sweet baby James. The Sandman has made his visit and you are on your way to dreamland of goodness, innocence and not a care. Comfort and to be satisfied makes you a happy baby. The angels watch over your slumber. The Lord loves you and you know you are loved by all. So sleep tight sweet baby James.

Senior Prom 1960...Oh What A Night!...Frank Where Are You Now..

He saw her.She was sitting three rows in front of him in the same box in the theater. He was completely entranced. He couldn't look anywhere else but at her back. Her beautiful back. She had the skin of a China doll and her posture was perfect sitting in the chaise longue viewing the stage through her opera glasses. In his heart of hearts he was compelled to make her aquaintance. He must! He was so enthralled with her image he took his camera out and took her photograph. The house lights came on and people were suddenly everywhere. As he caught his breath he thought he saw a glimpse of her black lace dress in the crowd. He tried to get closer but sadly lost sight of her. He returned to his box seat and waited. When the opera began again he would not miss his chance. The performance began. She did not return. He realized all he had left was a lasting ethereal dream.

The Shop

Notice the big apothecary jars.

One of many used for essential oils.

With Spring early upon us, my thoughts go back to my trip to Ireland. We visited a wonderful spot of beauty that was unbelievable. Taking a day trip on a very narrow country road in County Clare for miles of lovely scenery we suddenly came to a sharp turn in the road with an arrow sign pointing to The Perfumery. We were all to curious and could not pass that sign. We turned and found ourselves down in a little vale with a luscious smell in the air. A gorgeous flower garden, tea room, perfume factory, and a shop beckoned us to stop. We discovered a fantasy world.The scents of the flowers, butterflies and birds were a sight to behold. We knew fairies were all around but were hiding from us. You can stroll about at your leisure and the peace and tranquility itself was amazing. By the way, for a note of interest, no big tour buses bustling with people and stirring the air with carbon monoxide fumes from the tailpipes are allowed. Too dangerous for the flowers. The Burren Perfumery is situated on the West coast of Ireland and has been a family run business for more than three decades. living and working in the pristine environment of the Burren is a daily reminder of their philosophy which is to create gentle, plant based fragrance and body care products of the highest quality. There were cordial people there to guide you through, answer questions, and of course sell you their wares. We had a fabulous time and could never forget such a great little part of the world. Everyone should definitely add this to their bucket list.

Always remember

God doesn't give you the people you want, he gives you the people you need, to help you, to lead you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

Cousins Rambunctious!

They like worms, roly polies, crickets and dirt. Snips and snails and puppy dog tails. Giggles, wiggles, sunshine and bugs. Cookies, candy and all things sweet. There is that special relationship of being a buddy and pal. A lifetime of sharing this special bond. One of trust, love, and friendship forever. But right now, in this time in their lives, it's fun, frolic, fantasy, and fascination of all things real and possible in their world. How wonderful and grand it is to be little boy cousins.

Honorable Expressions

There are many items on a police officers uniform that are interesting and impressive to a civilian. Such things as weapons and tools of the trade to keep law and order and all citizens safe. But I believe the first and most important symbols on that dark navy uniform is a group of color bars pinned on the right shoulder of the shirt. That group of bars represents dedication, courage, and honor. These show real expressions of integrity and good character. We also realize that the officers have earned them and we know we are safely in good hands. The group of bars in this picture belong to my son.

It's A Tuesday Day

As I skip out my front door in my cute little flippy skirt to begin my day, I look around and see green and sunshine everywhere...then I awake and smell the coffee...thank goodness that was a dream this 66 year old grandmother was having. But...on the other hand, it IS a beautiful spring day. No skipping!...No flippy skirt! Darn, that would have been fun...sigh!

An Afternoon Stroll in a Little Irish Village

Ireland has the most delightful little country villages. The locals would probably call them towns. The appeal is so compelling.....like a storybook. Narrow streets and sidewalks, beautiful and colorful buildings and shops. All with a sense of another little world of it's own. Flower boxes in every window.....a little pub/cafe on every block. you can even order take away ...in America . it would be take out. What a pleasurable experience to spend the day. My daughter Mary Lindsey and my niece Jennifer, though younger, enjoyed the culture.

Erin go braugh!

St. Patrick's Day will never mean the same to me after visiting Ireland this past summer. Seeing is believing. It is the most beautiful, serene land one could ever imagine. What makes it more special is to know that my ancestry began there. After spending nine days in this lovely, heavenly corner of the world, I was forever changed. Now, I am consumed in all things Ireland.

What a special day to begin my blog journey. This is a forum where I would like to share my musings and interests. I'm beginning my blog with all things Ireland. Come along and let's discover...

Galway Bay

I love to study history and the cultures of other countries. The most fasinating for me is anything about the Emerald Isle. I have read every book and story I can get my hands on about the Irish. There are so many wonderful historical novels written, published and ready to read. My latest fav is called Galway Bay. it is so real in it's interpretation of the strength a family struggles throughout the potato famine and then having to immigrate to America which was certainly not easy adjusting to this new life in a strange new world.You learn of of the closeness of family keeping their beliefs strong. A lot of Irish language is used along with their true compassion for their heritage. Worthy of reading.

A Rose and a Baby Ruth

Photo via FlickR

A Rose and a Baby Ruth for each and every one of you. The age of innocence. That song from my youth, by George Hamilton IV, evokes memories of simple times, freedom, young love, and the carefree Americana vision of that time period. That song has always represented those things to me. I am a very nostalgic romanticist and I have so many thoughts, ideas, and musings that I can not wait to share with you. Please let me do so!