Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. I hope that you have a fabulous day wherever you are…whomever you are with…and I have a story to share with you that was truly a “Thanksgiving” in my life this year.
This is a time of the year that I think we all enjoy the family and friends but to me, it is also a time that I like to take some “me time” and write down the “high’s and lows” of the year…the “smiles and tears” of the year, the special things that have just happened to me as I find that if I do not find “that space” to allow me to remember, I am afraid that I will forget.
I am super big on journaling. I am the very first one that does not like their own handwriting but I have learned to accept it (after all, at 53 – it is not going to change) 😀 and that I realize that when I see the handwriting of my Mom, if it is on a recipe, a card that she wrote to me or the peeps….I feel an instant connection and comfort.
If there is one thing that I encourage you to do, it is to write down your thoughts, your travels and adventures, the good, the bad, the funny…..the whole darn thing because not only is a “feel good” for you to go down memory lane…but it is a legacy for those that know and love you.
If you follow my blog, you know that I was gone for 3 weeks in October (and I am STILL trying to get caught up with being away) but it was a great time but also a super important time for me because of 2 very special ladies.
When I found out that Lydia’s retreat was outside of Austin, Texas in a little town called Temple….I immediately looked up how far it was to Brenham, TX. It was about 96 miles away. I smiled as I knew that I could do it.
By now you all know that my hubby is simply the best – I shared with him my plan, my concerns of being away and how I was actually going to make everything work because I had 2 days to be in “limo-land” before I flew to Atlanta for On Stage.
He said….”DO IT – just stay and go see Millie and Alyece ~ I know your heart is telling you to do it and I know that it will be a life changer for you”. Let me back up and say who these ladies are. I think I knew Alyece before Millie but they have purchased my monthly Class in the Mail from me.
There was something different about these ladies, I knew it right off the bat! First, Millie was the name of one of Hannah’s horses that I adored….I adored her soooooo much and she was injured and I worked with her for over a 18 months rehabbing her ~ so naturally you can see the bond we had. The minute I hear “Millie” I feel like a puppy with its ears perked up…..as it is a happy feeling!
I get cards from these ladies and they ALWAYS sign it, A big old Texas hug to you! I ask you, and I hope that you are smiling – it doesn’t get better than that!?!?
Fast forwarding….my travel plans were set and I called Alyece to see if it was going to work to meet. She wasn’t 100% sure because she was going to a Stampin’ Retreat herself over that weekend that I was having fun with Lydia but then I said, what about Tuesday? She said Tuesday would be perfect!
Tuesday morning came and I packed my bags….said good-bye to my friends that I met at Lydia’s (WOWZERS – that is another amazing story in itself) and I headed to Brenham,Texas. I knew that it was going to be a special time but I honestly can say that I did not know that it would have touched me like it did.
We met for lunch at a super fun place called Funky Art Cafe’ – it was the best of both worlds, a great place to eat and a place to shop! We talked, laughed, talked…it was simply the best.
Meet Millie. Millie is a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and one special person. I wish that you could have all been with us for our “get together” I feel so honored and blessed that through something that I love so much and something that I am so passionate about that I was able to connect, touch and meet in person these great ladies!
There is something else super special about Millie…you will have to read on to find out, (trust me, it is worth it) Millie is a hoot, Millie is a survivor, Millie is kind & gracious, Millie is special…and LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS SHIRT – when she opened up her blue shirt and showed me this – I burst out laughing!
After lunch we went to go get some Ice Cream as Brenham is know for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Millie was so proud to point out to me that there was a scare crow contest and I grabbed some pictures of the FUN that this town was decorated with.
Alyece was the perfect tour guide as well with pointing out to me the scarecrows to look for and also giving me the “scoop” of Blue Bell Ice Cream…it IS a BIG DEAL in this town. Enjoy the images below…it just makes my heart happy to see a little town in out wonderful country get it all “jazzed up” with good old fashion fun!
This was painted on the side of the ice cream store. Who doesn’t love ice cream…and when you walked into the parlor, you felt an instant home town warmth, a place that locals are proud of and a place where visitors love to go. Look at the lower left picture in the collage – this is the local couple that are ALWAYS sitting in the parlor!
Inside the Ice Cream Shop there was this couple, as Millie and Alyece said, they have been here for years!!!! Here are these “stuffed husband and wife” sitting at a table sharing a sundae. Naturally we had to snuggle up to the Gentleman and have out picture taken.
I know that this is a LONG post but I also know that it is a story, a “life happening” that I just had to share. When we said our good-byes we had a BIG OLD TEXAS HUG together. I know that I had already shared this picture…but this is sooooo darn cute that I had to share it again.
Do you remember above I said that I had something special to tell you about Millie? Well….when we sat down for lunch Alyece said to me, how old do you think Millie is? I had no clue…and then Millie with that beautiful twinkle said, I am 90! I thought that I would FALL OFF OF THE CHAIR. To think that she is 90 years old and a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator….going strong – going to homes to do projects – I say WOW!!!!!
I was so glad that I made the trek this day as I learned so much from them, about me….and it has continued to be a part in my heart that I say…I am blessed. When I got in my little rental car to head back to Austin, I sat there and had tears of joy running down my face. It was a great afternoon, an afternoon that I am THANKFUL for…and I said to myself, I will be back to Brenham, Texas.
As I zoomed down the road about 5 minutes after leaving….I hit a BIG DOWN POUR…and then as soon as it came and left – I looked into my rear view mirror and saw this amazing rainbow. I knew that I had to pull over and take a picture as whenever I see a Rainbow I feel my Moms presence.
I know that I did the right thing that day, not only for ME but for MILLIE and ALYECE. This rainbow is super special to me as it was a sign…of THANKS – I hope that where ever you are today, there is a rainbow of love and joy always with you.
Have a blessed day….Happy Thanksgiving!
What a great, loving story! Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for being a great mentor and inspiring friend. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and gobble till ya wobble!
Thanks for sharing such a heart warming story and happy that you could spend time with such special ladies . Happy Thanksgiving from Canada to you , John and the ” peeps ” .
Spontaneity..the gift of a wise person!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful story with us. Loved it!
What a great story! I had a big smile long before you mentioned smiling! Have a GREAT Thanksgiving!!!!
Dear Susan, What a wondertul story. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. The pictures are great. These two beautiful ladies are so special. I am so glad you have a wonderful husband that convinced you to go to see Millie and Alece. They are very special ladies. God Bless them. I think it is so inspiring to be 90 years old and still doing what she loves. That rainbow is a very beautiful gift from God to thank you for for being ” YOU”…. You are a very generous and loving lady. I would love to meet you some day. I know I am going to meet you . I do not know when. I do know that God is going to allow our paths to cross. I know we all have so much to be thankful for. I thank God for my family. And friends. And for this wonderful gift of stamping. God Bess you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and all of your cyber friends. A big Hug from Fairport, New York, Ellen Hinds
You were blessed to be able to going on this journey and. They are blessed to have you in their lives. Of course you made me cry (not very difficult) with your beautiful story. I too am blessed to call you friend. My staff and family were THRILLED with the ginger cookies. I believe I did you proud. Big hugs to you and your family this Thanksgibing day. I look forward to our next adventure together.
I am sure Millie and Alyece had joy in their hearts from visiting with you. Brenham looks charming. Thanks for sharing your heart warming Texas story. You and your blog are one of the things on my “What I am Thankful for” list. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
️Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a happy thanksgiving!?
What a beautiful story. I am so amazed that Millie is 90. Truly awesome that she is still going strong and loving life. I love that so!!!!
What a wonderful story to share on Thanksgiving with us!!! Sweet pictures too….what a fun little town!!! Happy Thanksgiving all!!
Wow, what a wonderful story! Such a lovely town and I love ice cream and that ice cream parlor looks so fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story and the photos. Happy Thanksgiving!!
What a beautiful story Susan and a beautiful town. I check your blog daily for your stories and of course your stamping LOL! You are a sweet person and take the time out of your busy schedule to help anyone. I remember you called me several times to help me with the envelope punch board…I am so thankful for ‘YOU’! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story. All your stories are just that way. It is one of the reasons I love following your blog. Always positive! Thanks for being you! And I have to ask, just where did Millie purchase that shirt? I HAVE to get one, if possible.
Did you find out where Millie might have purchased that shirt ‘Holy Scrap’?
I’d really like to purchase one.
What a beautiful story. I love your blog, your cards,your fur babies, and the wonderful stories of your life and family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
What a wonderful Thanksgiving Day story. I had tears in my eyes! Have a marvelous Thanksgiving. I love your blog, your crafting ideas and your words of wisdom. Susan.
Thanks for this story – I love all of your stories. I am thankful I had the two minutes to speak to you in Atlanta as your blog stories have inspired me to make my blog a bit more personal than some – I, too, have journaled for years in my own hand, but have stopped. How in the world do you do all you do?! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of yours!
Susan what a great story! I was tearing up reading it! I live about 90 miles from Brenham and know it well. When you go back you have to eat lunch in It Must Be Heaven. The food is fabulous and their pies, with ice cream, are to die for! Thanks for reminding me of all the good times there. Love you. Happy Thanksgiving!
I have been to Brenham a couple of times. Once, I went with the doctor I worked for and her son’s class to tour the Blue Bell ice cream factory. Luckily it was a long trip from Houston and they were tired on the way back so it was peaceful enough to carry on a conversation! You had an amazing trip to start with and this bonus was just like the sprinkles on the ice cream! You just have some amazing journeys and stories to tell us. That and your creative side keep bringing us readers back to you day by day which I am truly thankful for among other things. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Thanks for the wonderful story. I am thankful for you and your creativity. You bring a smile to my face each day. Happy Thanksgiving.
Such a nice thing for you to make the trip to visit these ladies. It was fun to read about it. Happy Thanksgiving
This is a great story and pictures. Thanks for sharing it with us on Thanksgiving. I hope you have a very special day with your family.
What an amazing story filled with wonderful people (yep, that includes you). I had a chuckle at the photo of the Blue Bell Ice Cream place established…??? how nice you didn’t give the age away. You should only do that if given permission like with Millie. What a loving story.
Great story! How special that you made that extra effort to go to Brenham and meet your friends in person. That makes you pretty special too! Happy Thanksgiving!
What a wonderful story of two fantastic ladies, so glad you made the trip to see them, a Susan, that is something you will never regret.
Hi Susan. I was too busy to read this yesterday with all the preparing for our Thanksgiving meal together, but today I had time. What a wonderful heartwarming story! At the end I cried and still have tears rolling down my cheeks as I sit here with my 2 poodles in my lap and my 2 grandsons lying on the floor behind me. Life can be so Amazing…we just need to get out and do those things we feel led to pursue. You will always have fond memories of these 2 ladies and their sweet little town. How Special is that! Then to top it all off, you felt your Mom’s presence when the rainbow appeared. It was like she was telling you, “Susan, you did the right thing.” Giving you a pat on the back for your effort to make that trip. The ladies will never forget you, I’m sure of that~ You are truly blessed, my friend. ~Can I say, “Bear Hugs from Virginia?” ; ) Smiling right now
Oh Susan ….what a wonderful story . Loved loved every word ! I felt like I was with you on this trip because you told of your adventure so well.
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend !
Oh, Susan, It sounds like you had a wonderful side trip from your adventures with Lydia! Some day I promise myself to get to one of them. I would have driven to Brenham to see you too if I had known you would be there. After all Blue Bell is the only ice cream worth eating. I love Brenham. I would love to meet Millie and Alece as they sound like a hoot! I hope I am still going like Millie if I make it to 90. Please come back to Texas. Come to Crockett and visit another small town. Would love to have you here. Would love to meet you. TTFn Pat