I’ve always loved Van Morrison’s music, especially their song, “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Maybe it’s a favorite, because it reminds me of happy times and the wonderful, relaxed moments of summer. And, being a brown-eyed girl myself, makes me fond of it, too. 😉 Enjoy your Tuesday! “Do you remember when we used to sing Sha la la la […]
Originally posted on Meals With Mel:
Hi everyone and happy Monday! Things have sure been busy here in Texas recently and when we are not busy we’ve been out of town. Recently we took a lovely trip to Virginia to meet up with a good blogging friend of mine, Tonya, from Fourth Generation Farm Girl. So here’s a little peek at…
Here’s the thing: As we get older, we come to realize that our parents are people, too. They’re not perfect, because no one is. They’re human beings just trying to help their children make sense of the world and learn to contribute in a positive way. I’m fortunate to have a father who taught me the value of self-respect […]
“Don’t accept that what’s happening is just a case of others’ suffering, or you’ll find that you’re joining in the turning away.” ~David Gilmour, songwriter Pink Floyd
“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ~Lao Tzu
Y’all knew it wouldn’t be long until the disco ball showed up again. 😉 Today’s tune is a fun twist on Aretha Franklin’s classic, “Respect.” Singing this version of the iconic song is Melanie Amaro, a Virgin Islander-American, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1992. Amaro grew up singing gospel music in her church and went on to win […]
*This is simply an account of a personal experience. I shall not debate any aspect of politics, religion, or cultural issues on this blog. Disrespectful comments will be deleted. Thank you. Not too long ago, I visited a quaint town north of the Rappahannock River in Virginia—a place with lovely architecture, scenic views, upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants. One day, as I was exploring the town, I decided to go into one of the art galleries. I entered and exchanged a few niceties with the salesperson. Accustomed to tourists, she asked where I was from. “Virginia,” I answered. “What part of Virginia?” she probed. “I live between Roanoke and Lynchburg,” I said. To which she responded, “Oh, you’re from the other Virginia.” Let me just say…..I knew what she meant. Her tone and facial expression conveyed arrogance and superiority. It was a comment that carried a negative connotation regarding a particular view of the political, religious, and cultural identities of people living south of the Rappahannock River–what some historians call the “grits line.” I glanced in her direction and smiled. Because, y’all know in the other Virginia, many of us are taught the old adage: “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” So, I continued to walk around, viewing the artwork silently. As I made my way through the gallery, these questions crossed my mind. “Is she trying to be offensive? Or, bless her […]
Cuddles and coffee with Clementine and Dash: A great way to start the day! I love quiet mornings spent with these two sweeties. Joy really can be found in simple moments. Here’s wishing you a wonderful weekend! 🙂
San Gimignano, Italy “Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic.” ~Jack Layton Former Member of the Canadian House of Commons (1950-2011)
“La Vie en Rose” is a song that expresses the bliss of being in love. It brims with pure emotion and beautiful sentiment. To me, it’s one of the loveliest songs ever written. “La Vie en Rose” or the English translation, Life Through Rosy Pink Glasses, was released as a single in 1947 by French singer, Édith Piaf and is one of her most famous and beloved songs. Édith Piaf, also known as “The Little Sparrow,” became an icon of France during World War II. She was a symbol of French passion and tenacity. Piaf’s signature song was about finding love after a trying time, and many people saw it as an anthem of hope as it was released shortly after the end of World War II. “La Vie en Rose” is about a state where everything appears rosy and cheerful because of being in love; thus, creating a feeling of “wearing rose-colored glasses.” When I hear it, I think of it as something more. It isn’t just a song about romance; it’s an anthem of love for life, especially when everything around you is considered a source of joy. Here’s the thing: Life through rosy pink glasses isn’t about being foolishly optimistic. Instead, it’s about a state of bliss, where one is truly able to see things in a positive light. So, here’s to life in pink! “La Vie en Rose” performed by Catherine Carraway Quartet
My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.
fourth generation farmgirl 