Challenge - Day 30

Post a picture of someone you miss.

Once again, I cannot limit myself to just 1 photo. I miss both of my dads - my stepdad, Harry, & my daddy.

Harry died suddenly in his mid 50s eight years ago. It was devastating; I was devastated.

Daddy was sick when he passed away, but that does not diminish the hurt. And that was 3 years ago.

You know the saying "you don't know what you've got til it's gone"? Well, that is definitely true. Although I did appreciate them while they were alive, their little quirks that seemed bothersome back then, I would give my right foot for today.

I miss them. Period. End of sentence. End of challenge.

Harold Eugene Pauley, 1946-2002

Curtis Dale Good, 1936-2007

Challenge - Day 29

Post a picture that can always make you smile.

That's fairly easy. A pic of my hubby and/or my kids. We'll go with kids acting goofy, which is fairly often. Capturing it in picture is a tad bit rare though. I'll see what I can find.

Well, they're not being all playful in this photo, but it is a picture of my boys, taken last summer. I love them to pieces, even if they know how to push every single one of my buttons.

Challenge - Day 28

Yes, I may be a day or 2 late in posting "day 28," but I'm trying, folks.

Post a picture of something you are afraid of.

Well, I think I've already posted pics of hating snakes and my insecurity of being alone, but I guess I can fess up to one more flaw.

I am afraid of being wrong. To me, it means humiliation, every one staring at me. And I don't like that. How do you capture that in a picture?

Challenge - Days 26 & 27

Post a picture of something that means a lot to you.

My Williams family, Ben's side. This picture was taken last year on our ski trip to Steamboat. We had such a good time, we're going back this year!

Post a picture of yourself and a family member.

How about a picture of all of my immediate family! That's Hudson (about an hour old), Grayson (age 3), and Jackson (age 4.9). And a much younger (or younger-looking anyway) Ben and me. It was almost 9 years ago, and boy, do I look different. But this was the beginning of our complete family. No more kiddos. Just a dog or 2 added to the family.

Sorry for posting 2 days at once. It was just easier that way.

Challenge - Day 25

Post a picture of your day.

I'll call this post "Mom's Taxi Service."

I spend a lot of time in my car, or SUV or land yacht or big o' truck, as you might call it. With 3 boys in 2 different schools (3 different schools beginning next fall), I drive some or all of them there. With 3 soccer practices weekly, usually all on Thursdays, I drive there and back. Don't forget soccer games, usually on the weekend, but some week-night games too. Then there are the numerous doctor appointments we can't seem to get out from under. And back home again. Now, throw in a Target or Walmart trip, mix it with a little Kohl's or the mall, and don't forget my trips to Sonic, and you've got my day. (And I almost left off Tom Thumb/Kroger.)

By the way, I love my big SUV. Yes, it's a gas guzzler. Yes, it can be a pain to park. But, it's roomy. It can fit all the soccer gear or $250 worth of groceries. It doesn't crunch the corner of science fair boards, either. The only thing I'd change is the color. Burnt orange! Go UT!

Challenge - Day 24

Post a picture of something you wish you could change.

Answer: my weight.

Challenge - Day 23

Post a picture of your favorite book.

I haven't read a book all the way through in I don't know when. I used to sit down and read a book cover to cover in a day or two. Now, I just have amassed a collection because I think I'm going to be in the mood to read. I enjoy reading, or used to. I think I still do. It's just the ADD or business of life that gets in the way. Like Rebecca, I'm going to post 2 pictures. 1 represents the so-called trash novels I mostly prefer. The other was a college assignment that I fell in love with.

Deceptions by Judith Michael. Classic novel about twin sisters who switch lives and then things go awry. Good junk, typical of what I read (when I do read). I have reread it several times. Favorite trash author, though, would have to be the deceased Sidney Sheldon. I've been reading his books since before I was a teenager. I just don't enjoy reading BOOKS for social or political reasons. However, I do like quicker reads like magazines or articles on the more valuable, poignant, topical topics.

Richard Wright's Native Son. The main character reminded me of a friend. This read was required in some upper level English course in college, and I just got/understood this book. (Richard Wright is also responsible for penning Black Boy, if that book sounds more familiar.) Maybe growing up in rural Arkansas helped put me in Wright's shoes (with race issues); maybe I just enjoyed his knack for writing. Whatever the case, I currently own a copy of the book with the intention to reread it someday.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I also enjoy a good Edgar Allan Poe story. However, I can't stand Shakespeare. I just DON'T get him. I'm amazed I passed high school English where his writings made an appearance. I distinctly remember skipping the read of Hamlet (required over a long weekend, which is a ridiculously short time allotted to read that play) and opting for the Mel Gibson movie instead. Hey, I still made an 80 on the test.