The Memory Tree

Well, this is it..the last day of 2014, a time for reflection.  My dreaded task this morning took me on a tour of memories.  Taking down Christmas trees...I hate it!   I get so excited about decorating for the holidays; but, let's face it..it's a sad task taking it all down.  It's like, "Okay, the party's over...nothing to look forward to until Spring..or snow, whichever comes first."  

Okay, back to the tree.  I'm usually in such a hurry putting all the ornaments on the tree in November that I don't always take the time to appreciate the history all those treasures represent.  So today, I did.

First of all, not all ornaments make it on the tree every year.  Some are too fragile to subject to the errant tail wagging of a ninety pound dog, or the curious fingers of "littles."  There are the Shiny Brites of my childhood...the ones with the indentations in the glass, holding snow people & little bottle-brush Christmas trees.  Or the rainbow glass one with a tiny church etched on the side from my husband's childhood Christmas trees.

Call me sentimental, but I kept all the little plastic apple ornaments that said Merry Christmas from Miss White, or Mrs. Johnson until they were too warped and cracked by the years, or more likely...the summer heat in the attic.  And then there's the plastic trumpet & cleft note from Eric's & Daniel's elementary days of band and choir.

I can't forget the little clothespin drum major ornaments that mom & I painted.  The glue on their black pom-poms has loosened so their hats sit sideways.  There's also the blue and mauve wise men on camels looking for baby Jesus...gotta love the 80's.  LOL!  Crafty girl that I am, I have years-old beaded ornaments with hot-glued gold braid sticking out like prickly cactus. Those get stuck in the middle of the tree--out of sight. One of these years, I'll repair them before they get returned to the attic.

There are remnants of ornaments..like the cascading crystal bells purchased pre-1979 in the over-street mall in downtown Charlotte.  One or two of the fragile bells are long departed, but those that remain get hung on the tree.  A tiny bluebird on a nest, once part of a larger ornament given to me by my husband's brother, was rescued once from the branches of our live tree--at the curb.  If we hadn't found it in time, believe me..the next Christmas I would have missed it!  


A few more of my favorite ones: a cross-stitched ornament that says, "Daniel, precious gift from God" made by my friend, Janice, in 1978.  I treasure the acrylic "crystal" ones my mom gave me; especially 1982, when Eric was born.  They were probably promotional items, maybe they came with cans of coffee, or some other household item.  We have a brass Hershey's kiss that my in-laws brought back from Hershey, Pennsylvania.  There is the fishing ornament from a tree we decorated for my father-in-law's grave the first Christmas after he passed away, and the little ornament Teresa made the same year..with a picture of Mom H & Pop H kissing under the mistletoe. Oh, how I miss him!  More recently added are the ornaments representing engagements, weddings, and births of grandchildren.  My last addition, this year, are a set of quilted snowmen that traveled over 3,000 miles cross-country in a suitcase...while the more precious family was left behind.

Oh, I've only touched the surface of the memories "un-decorating" a tree can bring.  Words and thoughts were clamoring around in my head, just begging to get out.  The dreaded deed is complete.  I am satisfied..for now.

Happy New Year!

Copyright 2014
Laney's Musings

Sentimental Me

After my father died several years ago, we did some remodeling to the home I lived in from the time I was twelve until I married at twenty-one.  One of the first things we replaced was the old kitchen door that opened to the small brick and concrete back porch.  The top half of the door had panes of glass, while the lower half was made of solid wood panels.  I don't know how many layers of paint were on that door.  Over the course of over forty years, I remember it being white, yellow, green, and gold.  I probably don't remember a few other colors in between.

For most of those forty years, an ugly, black dial phone hung by the back door.  It was the only phone in the house.  As a teenager (way before cellphones), I stretched the phone cord as tight as possible so I could sit on the little back porch and talk without being overheard. In our little house, the kitchen was the busiest, and noisiest, room in the house.  One of my best friends lived right across the street.  We rode the same bus, walked home together from the bus stop, then we'd talk on the phone for hours about our day.  Go figure!

There were always frilly little curtains, usually made by my mother, hanging on the window of that backdoor.  I can see her now--looking out the window, laughing and talking on the phone with her sister, Lottie.  Lottie lived in Belmont, about 20 miles away.  There were no long distance charges for calls to her, but calls to Mama's sister, Ollie, about 35 miles away, incurred charges.  Therefore, they only called each other in an emergency, since the call might cost them thirty-five cents. Ha ha ha!  All of them are gone now.  Oh my, how things have changed.

I would like to know how many times Mama carried heavy baskets of wet clothes out that backdoor.  Without a clothes drier until the late 1970's or early 1980's, she hung clothes on a line spring, summer, fall, and winter.  I've helped her bring in clothes that wouldn't dry on damp, winter days when they were frozen stiff.  We'd hang them over the backs of chairs to dry.


So many memories!  You must understand.  I just couldn't bring myself to part with it.  Without argument or question, my husband salvaged the bottom half of the door. But, whatever would I do with it?  I had no idea.  So, it's been stored away for years, just waiting.   Then I saw the photo on the right on Pinterest...half of an old door with shelves and hooks and drawers.  I love, love, love it!


My parents' door, with memories still attached, has been resurrected to a new purpose by my handyman husband.  The photo on the left is our version. We just hung it today and I love how it turned out!  All it needs is a black dial phone with an extra-long cord.  Of course, I have one of those, too.

Copyright 2014 Laney's Musings

Calculators & Measuring Sticks

Does life get in the way of things you want to accomplish?  Have you ever daydreamed of inheriting millions from a long-lost relative and, with the windfall, built an orphanage in a war-torn country...or financed research that cured cancer, Lou Gehrig's Disease, or Alzheimer's?  I have to admit, I am guilty.  It's fun to dream big dreams, even when they seem beyond the realm of possibility.

But, the reality of life is this...most of us will never inherit millions.  But, are we charitable with what we currently possess?  The Bible says in Mark 9:41, "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."  Isn't it wonderful that God doesn't assess our gifts with a calculator or a measuring stick?  He knows our intentions.  He discerns our motives. He provides our resources. He understands our heart's desire.  

"And He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”The poor widow who gave all she had." - Mark 12:41-44 NASB 

During this holy week leading up to Easter, consider Christ's gift for you.  He gave EVERYTHING:  His life, His relationship with the Heavenly Father.  He lived a life without sin, but He willingly took on our sin, guilt, shame, condemnation, and punishment...on Calvary's cross.  

His intention was to become the bridge between us and a Holy God.  His motivation was love. His resources:  He was the only perfect sacrifice.  His heart's desire is for us to believe, love, and trust Him for our eternal destiny.

Copyright 2014
Laney's Musings  

Elusive Springtime

The calendar says we're four days into spring. That means all winter stuff remaining at Laney's Treasures was removed and replaced with more spring-like decor.  So, that's how I spent my Saturday afternoon. How about you?

I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for warmer weather, sunshine, flowers, birds, and butterflies. This winter seemed longer and harsher than in years past.  Maybe it's just the fact that I am getting older, and only look forward to one good snow, and we've had several. Usually, in this part of the south, we don't even get one. This winter has certainly been an exception.  School kids have several days to make up for inclement weather closings.

I think Old Man Winter plans one last 'Hoorah'!  Although it's officially spring, weather forecasters are predicting snow on Tuesday.  Ugh!  I really hope they are wrong.  I am looking forward to spending Wednesday with grandson number two.  It hardly seems possible he's turning four this week.  I am loving having my son's family only thirty minutes from us now. For several years, they lived three hours and two states away. In less than two weeks, our youngest grandson will celebrate his first birthday.  He's walking, jabber-talking, and like his daddy at that age...into everything!  It's so much fun watching all four of our little grands personalities develop. I think I was created to be a grandmother.  It's God's way of allowing me to redeem myself from all my parenting mistakes.

I joined a book club at church this month.  I love to read, and It was fun meeting new ladies, sampling some yummy snacks, and discussing the book we all read.  In my newbie excitement, I've already purchased and read the book for April's meeting. Since I usually read several books a month, I'm afraid I'll forget the story line before our next meeting.  (Come to think of it, I've already forgotten the names of the characters!)  Oh well, I'll do a quick review the day of the meeting.  Or...I could just sit, smile, and nod my head, while nibbling on the snacks.  You know, it's all about the snacks, anyway!

I hope his week's return to cold weather doesn't kill the daffodils, forsythia, and peach blossoms.  They are just beautiful!  It is so nice to look out our patio doors and see touches of yellow and pink, instead of drab shades of brown.  Soon the snow-white irises will make their appearance, with the day lilies and dogwood blossoms following in succession.  Late March and early April is probably my favorite time of year.

Remember to take time and really enjoy this season leading up to Easter.  Winter and spring are symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of God's son, Jesus Christ.  As the trees and flowers blossom with new life, grasp the truth that God's Son conquered death, hell, and the grave, so that those of us who trust and believe in Him will not perish, but have life eternal.  The verse below takes on new meaning when you replace the words "our" and "we" with "my" and "I".

"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Copyright 2014
Charlotte Laney

Providence or Coincidence?

In the book and movie, Anne of Green Gables, middle-aged brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert want to adopt a boy to assist them on their farm.  The twosome are surprised and dismayed when Mrs. Spencer at the orphanage sends them a gangly, red-haired girl whose imagination and temperament land her in all sorts of trouble. Years later, when Anne is all grown up and boarding the train for college, Matthew says to Marilla, "Mrs. Spencer made a lucky mistake, I guess."  With tears, Marilla replied, "It wasn't luck; it was Providence. He knew we needed her."

You may wonder, exactly what is Providence?  Theologian, J. Vernon McGee, explained biblical Providence as "the hand of God ...in the glove of human events." In other words, God's extraordinary intervention in people's lives.

Sometimes, God providentially weaves people into our lives for His purpose.  Maybe it is to meet the love of your life.  My parents were born and lived in the same western North Carolina county in their childhood years, but met and fell in love years later in the small town of Clover, South Carolina.  If God used a pastor, relative, friend, or perfect stranger to introduce you to a relationship with Jesus Christ, was that only a coincidence?  I have been amazed to make contact with someone who's experienced suffering similar to my own.  Their life's story enabled them, and sometimes me, to offer counsel, comfort, and hope..or just a shoulder to cry on when all seemed lost.  

Sometimes God protects us in ways we can't begin to fathom.  Years ago, I know God's Hand stopped a sliding eighteen-wheeler just inches from crashing into and over our car. We were in five o'clock traffic on a Friday afternoon, when suddenly all cars ahead of us came to a complete stop.  The truck driver was apparently distracted for a second too long.  All lanes were blocked and we had nowhere to go.  I still recall the sound of his wheels locking down, the screeching of tires.  All we could do was look in horror in our rear-view mirrors, breathe a prayer, and brace for impact.  Impact that miraculously didn't happen!  My husband and I looked at each other...and KNEW we'd been spared by the grace of an Almighty God who holds our very lives in the palm of His hand.

Last week much of North and South Carolina was shut down by a winter snow and ice storm that lasted for over three days.  In the south, most of our cities don't own snowplows.  We don't generally need them.  When it snows, we stock up on bread and milk, schools close, people stay home.  In a day or two, we know all will be right with our world again.  This storm was worse than we've had in decades.  The bulk of the snow, sleet, and rain occurred on Wednesday, the day most area churches meet.  Instead of the main sanctuary, on Wednesdays our church meets for dinner and mid-week service in the Fellowship Hall.  Church was cancelled to protect members from danger on icy roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.  At 3:15 p.m.....this is what happened!  

Yes, it is sad!  Although we just recently joined with this body of believers, I'm sure there are wonderful memories that were created there. It's possible the storm caused the collapse; but perhaps the storm only set into motion a cancellation that saved lives of men, women, and children.  The collapse might have occurred with or without the weight of snow on the roof...at a time when the building was filled with worshipers.  But on Wednesday, no one was in the building; no one was injured; no one was killed.  Coincidence?  I don't think so...  I prefer to call it Providence.  

It may take months to clean up the mess and rebuild.  But people are more important than buildings. As our pastor so aptly said this morning...the Church is not the building.  We are the Church.  

Copyright 2014 Laney's Musings

Mom Beckie

My mother-in-law, Beckie, will be 93 in April. She is sassy, funny, and never meets a stranger.  She's retired several times, the last time when she was 90.  She's slowed down a bit over the past few years, both physically and mentally.  It's been difficult giving up her car, and the independence of coming and going as she pleases.

We still play cards with her almost every Friday night.  I'm sure it's the highlight of her week; so much so, that she naps so that she can stay up late.  If she doesn't have it on already, I'll go and get her fuzzy blue housecoat.  She stays colder now than in the past.  She'll always ask if we've eaten...even though we always have.  Then she'll ask if I want some coffee.  In other words, she hopes someone will go and make her a cup.  She always drinks it black.  

After a fall last year, she used a walker around the house.  She soon gave that up for a cane, but now we have to remind her to use it.  She always assures me that she can "just hold on to things" until she gets where she wants to go.

She still cooks her own breakfast, makes her own bed, and does her own laundry.  The housekeeping is done by my sister-in-law who lives with her.  Her favorite outings are to see Miss Dawn to get her hair done, and lunch on Sunday at Cracker Barrel.  If you happen to be sitting at the next table, I know you will be good friends before you leave, and she will probably offer you her left-overs.  When we take her meals, or she eats dinner at our house, she always says, "Good supper!  Good supper!"

I have known this lady since I was 20 years old.  To my recollection, we have never had an argument, while I know she hasn't agreed with me on quite a few occasions.  She's my second mother, and now that my own mother is in heaven, she's the next best thing.

I know unless the Lord intervenes, she probably doesn't have too much time left here on earth, but I will treasure the hours until then.  She is certainly looking forward to meeting her Jesus, and being reunited with J.C., the love of her life.  Every night she prays, "Lord, I'm ready to go if you take me while I sleep tonight", and in the morning she says, "Well, I guess there must be something more You want me to do."  She's been planning her funeral for years, and each week gives us an update on any changes she's made.  LOL!  She assured me just last week of the day she accepted Jesus as her Savior, just so I know where she's going.  (Like anyone who knows her doesn't know that!)  Her Bible and prayer journal are only a hand's reach away from her rocking chair, along with her crochet needles and thread.

She's calling us almost daily now, making sure to say she loves us.  Does she know something that we do not?  Maybe Jesus is softly whispering her name.  She is ready...  I am not quite ready to let go.

Copyright 2014 Charlotte Laney

Restocking for January

Well, it was freezing at Carousel Horse Antiques yesterday.  Fifty-six degrees indoors is not usually my idea of a perfect shopping experience.  But, the old furnace is on its last leg and patch jobs to eek out more heat seem futile.  I think the owners should just bite the bullet and install a new one.  Otherwise, no one will be shopping, unless they are die-hards (like me) who will shop a thrift store in a blizzard if they think they'll find a good deal.



So, hubby & I donned thermals under our street clothes, then put on gloves before attempting to remove all signs of Christmas and restock a few things for January.  While I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for new stock, and decorating my booth for the seasons is the cherry on top, winter is not too profitable.  December gift-givers usually buy their treasures in malls and big box stores instead of purchasing vintage gifts.  

I, on the other hand, love receiving a gift that's handcrafted, or bought at an antique or thrift store. They are so much more interesting.  At our family's first annual white elephant gift exchange, my gift was a 45 rpm vinyl record of The Carpenter's, "We've Only Just Begun"....with the original dust-jacket. Perfect!  Now, if only I had a turntable so I could play it.  Hmmm..  Note to self:  "Add 'turntable' to spring yard sale wish list".  I can hardly wait for the weather to warm up again.

Copyright 2013 Laney's Musings

Happy New Year!

2014 began yesterday.  But, can you recall all the hullabaloo about Y2K?  We all thought the world would come to an end, or least of all, our computers would blow up in our faces. Hahaha!  Where have the years gone?  In 2000, I was working full time, had one son in college, and the other was finishing up his senior year in high school.

Wow!  Life just keeps churning and changing.   Usually for the better; but sometimes not.  In 2000, I could not have imagined my life as it is today. Could I have seen the future, I would have been terrified by some of the events that occurred during those fourteen years.  There have been financial setbacks and illnesses, the deaths of my much-loved father-in-law, mother, father, and two sisters-in-law.  Our grandnephew spent his first months in the NICU, followed by multiple surgeries.  Our first grandson had heart surgery when he was less than two months old.  A dear sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation. There were times when I wondered how I could make it through another day.

But there were days of joy!  I have watched my sons' expressions as they watched their beautiful brides walk down the aisle.  Tears of happiness sprung up at the miracle of birth with the addition of each sweet grandchild, niece and nephew.  Hearts swelled with pride at sporting events, birthdays, Easter and Christmas programs, graduations, baptisms, and ordinations.  Every precious memory, just as did Mary, thousands of years before me, have been tucked away safely in my heart...pulled out time to time for savoring on days like today.
  
I am indeed a woman most-blessed.  I have had the privilege of being loved by a wonderful man for over forty years.  This month we will celebrate 39 years of marriage.

My resolution for 2014 is to climb into the front seat of life's roller coaster and just hang on!  I don't want to waste too many hours on the "what-ifs", or too few on the "why-nots".   Life is uncertain.  At my age, I realize it wasn't meant for me to change the world.  My calling is life is an important one, however.  God called me to be a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend.  My circle of influence may not be wide, but I hope it is deep...just like the love I have in my heart for those around me.  Who knows?  Even if I wasn't called to change the world, I may be in the lineage of someone who will!

Copyright 2014 Laney's Musings