Lolly Dolly

What Lolly Is Supposed to Look Like

Lolly Doll

When I was a newborn, the story goes that my mother and grandmother drove to Chattanooga for a shopping trip. Why they would take a one-week-old child on such an adventure is beyond me. Anywho, my Grandma B. bought a Lolly doll for me. Apparently, I immediately went toward the doll. Whether this is exaggerated or total truth is irrelevant. What is known in my family is my childhood love for my Lolly Dolly.

Lolly Dolly lived a rough life. I loved Lolly to death.  She's rather ragged, torn and to any other eyes but mine, ugly. But I loved my Lolly. I slept with her every night, and I'm pretty sure she attended church regularly...as well as pre-school and all outdoor activities. She probably ate a few meals with me and watched the Cosby Show on Thursday nights. Lolly was the best doll. She went swimming in the creek, rode in the wagon, and played in the dirt. She had countless "baths" in the washing machine, I'm sure.

When I was about seven-years-old, my parents decided Lolly needed to rest. I remember leaving her on my bed before leaving for school. When I got home, Lolly was missing. I was told I must have misplaced her. (Yes...it's true....my parents lied to me....) I looked all over for Lolly. It was a sad state of affairs for the household that night.

Several years later, I found Lolly in the back of my dad's closet. My mother explained they had to 'rescue' Lolly before she was completely destroyed.  I keep her tucked away in a trunk now and rarely remember her...except tonight.

Tonight I saw an advertisement for a children's clothing company called Lolly Wolly...or something to that affect. My first thought was "Lolly!" The Web site had nothing to do with dolls. However, just seeing the name Lolly brought back such sweet memories of a blessed childhood full of sunshine, warmth, and love.

My Lolly Dolly

Hosting Fellowships

Four years ago, a blessing of a cute little farmhouse fell into my lap. Having lived by myself for several years, I had gotten into the habit of becoming a hermit when at home. When I moved into this cute little house - located in the middle of a beautiful valley surrounded by a beef cattle field and rustic red barn - I knew I needed to make a change. So I prayed that my new (to me) cute, little house with the super long driveway and gorgeous scenery would be a place where people could come, laugh, eat, and hang out.

Granted, I lived in the country, so it wasn't frequented often, but I did stick to having people over monthly (and weekly if you count my parents and family coming over for Friday night meals).

Now, I'm in a new portion of my life - having recently taken the plunge into marriage. It was easy coming home from the newspaper or from school and just wanting to be alone. It's even easier to come home to my husband and not want to share our quality time with anyone else.

So, B and I made a resolution to have people over to the house more often. Last Friday was our first foray into hosting a dinner for some mutual friends. A couple who has 30+ years of marriage under their belts (compared to our 7 months) came over for dinner. They are such a splendid couple and I admire them for their humor and dedication to each other, the community, and their farm. We had a great time, ate great food and laughed.

The best part of all of this is what B and I learned from the evening. They were able to share so much with us about marriage and life - and we've learned that the little things we do, are much like the little things other couples struggle or laugh about. All of us are so blessed to be surrounded by people who have been where we are and are willing to help us along in life, or vice versa. We were meant to fellowship and share the pleasantries and unpleasantries of life with one another.

Our next adventure in hosting will be with a couple who just married this past Christmas. I am so excited to have them over.

I meant to take a picture, but in all the conversing, I forgot. However, I did take a snapshot of the flower arrangement for the evening.

It's Snowing!

I love the gentleness of snow and was excited when I saw the flakes blanketing the ground this morning with their intricate delicacies. However, a pang of disappointment crept into my mind as I watched the snow: this is Saturday.  I quickly smiled at my thought and gave a slight laugh. It's so true, though. Snow days are the most exciting when they occur on weekdays :o)