Mother Nature, Mother Teresa & my Mother

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in Irene's path. She's proving to be quite angry. Mother Nature has been on a roll lately. My parents and middle sister live in Chocowinity, NC on the Pamlico Sound. It's getting spanked. 

Mom described their backyard today, "It looks like we are right on the ocean. I've never seen anything like it." Mom is videoing a lot of it, so I hope to share some of that later this week. I'm sure she'll have a post as well. Please keep them in your prayers.

Yesterday was Mother Teresa's birthday. She was an amazing gift to this world, full of grace and dedication. In the wake of Irene and Mother Nature, I wanted to share some Mother Teresa:

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it."

"What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight; build it anyway."

"There's nothing more calming in difficult moments that knowing there's some one fighting with you."

My parent's backyard yesterday afternoon, just before Irene

Mom is taking pictures, and I'll post some later. I'm worried sick. My family turns to humor when we are worried or upset, so I have to share a story. I've only evacuated once with my parents. We were living in Wilmington, North Carolina and I was in high school.

It was scary. We were taping windows and glass doors and vacuuming. Yes, vacuuming. Mom decided we weren't leaving the house unless it was clean. My sisters and I were frantically cleaning and hysterically laughing. We knew we'd be on the news: "Wilmington family rescued after storm hits during their hours of cleaning." We thought they were insane.

Mom and Dad chose not to evacuate this time. I asked Mom if she was paying me back for all the teenage years by making me worry! When I checked on them this morning, Mom was cooking. "20 pounds of barbeque for pulled pork," she bragged. She has a gastop stove. She was anticipating all the people who will need to be fed when Irene finally leaves town. That's my mother in a nutshell.

She admitted the cooking was also calming her nerves. Maybe the vacuuming was intended to do the same. Guess my nerves react differently!

Again, please say prayers! Let me know if you have any loved ones in the path, and I'll send good thoughts and prayers their way as well.

Peepie Pansy's in Danger: Irene's AComin'

An earthquake this week and Irene on her way, we are all reflecting on Mother Nature these days. Today, Mom visits with a post about protecting a sweet friend in Irene's path. Enjoy!

*****

A lone pansy emerged in my yard in February. My rescue nature rushed to its aid, repotting it and lovingly watching it for the last six months. My baby, fondly named Peepie, has flourished in the summer heat and reached its long neck to embrace feedings and watering, loving delivered from my hands. It has grown up and produced babies. Just like any proud Mama, I’m puffed up all over.

This morning, I awoke fearful for Peepie. She’s still so young. She’s never had to brave extreme elements, having been under my keen inspection. But Irene’s acomin’. 

I think I’m unnerved. Yesterday Virginia experienced a 5.9 category earthquake, the strongest in over a hundred years. Tia felt it in Damascus, Maryland, and I felt it in Chocowinity, North Carolina. It’s absolutely mind boggling to be on the phone hundreds of miles apart, feeling the same thing. It’s incredible and unnerving. Of course, I checked on Peepie. In the fall I will release her to Mother Earth, and she will have to fend for herself. The last thing I need is a fearful pansy on my hands.

This morning our local Doppler radar shows we will have a calm before Irene visits. The islands are expecting her shortly. I’ve been there many times. They brace with rum, the very best rum you’ve ever had. My mind is wondering how much rum I have on hand. Maybe a few guests over, grilling out, a watermelon... How can I be so insensitive? Peepie’s life is on the line.

I rushed into the bedroom in full-out angst, waking my husband with my concerns, “Honey, Irene’s coming. I’m concerned about Peepie. She’s still so small. Do you think I can set her up in our room? That woman might cause some havoc!”

Well, let me tell you, that man was insulting. Truthfully, I know not to wake up a man at 5:30AM that’s hooked up to a CPAP machine and still snoring, but I couldn’t help myself. Peepie’s life is in danger!!!

After being asked to get a life and leave, I left, but not without a plan. Tracking Irene is a guesstimation. No one knows when she will show up. Women are like that, illusive and naughty, always keeping everyone wondering. In the last hour, she’s been upgraded to a category 3 hurricane. Everyone is watching, speculating, tracking and preparing. That woman’s got everyone on the run!

So what’s my plan? Peepie and I’ve decided to stick it out, plan for the worse and pray for the best. Peepie is in the guest bathroom. No need to upset Hubby. For company, I brought in Toby and Lynus, the ferns. And the guest list is completed. On my way shopping, I’ll deliver the invitations. When Irene arrives, I want everything perfect. You never know what that woman will do.

*****

When's the last time you an awesome display by Mother Nature?