Welcome!!! Jumping for Joy!!!

Yes, that’s me jumping for joy! Wonderful, fun, exciting things are happening in my life!

A brand new website for Mimi On Life will be launching this week. Blog posts are found on the site, along with information on books, my writing journey and other special items. There may even be a few giveaways from time to time, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter.

Drum roll….. I am pleased to announce the release of my first children’s book. Licky the Lizard is a delightful story with lessons of God’s love for all of us. It is available in paperback as well as for Kindle.

Click here to purchase a copy

Thank you to everyone for all the encouragement and inspiration. Special thanks to my family for their patience

Most of all, I give praise and thanks to God for guiding me along the way. His love and mercy is forever.

Blessings,
Mimi

 

 

Coins in the rain…

Grocery shopping recently involved visiting a few different stores for certain bargains. Light rain danced in the air as Alan and I left the house on the way to the first stop. This area has been experiencing torrential downpours on and off for weeks. Hats and umbrellas are important items and we were prepared.

Arriving in the lot of our first destination, a parking place was easily found. The rain paused and we headed into the store. The first stop was a success. Items on our list were in stock.

We enjoyed nice conversation with employees. No need to rush. Visit for a while. The rain had stopped.

Well..the rain had stopped until we finished shopping and checked out. Looking outside the store doors, sheets of rain were pouring from the sky, pounding the pavement with huge drops. Hats and umbrellas were no match for this storm.

Deciding to step outside the store door and wait under the awning, we said our “goodbyes” to the employees and found a spot to stand and watch. As the rain poured, we waited patiently, noticing vehicles slowing their speeds on the slick road.

A mailbox sits near the front door of this store. We have seen people place their letters, etc. in the box. Today, there was something different on top of the box.

Sitting in a small pile, on top of the mailbox, were numerous coins. No dollar bills, just coins. No person was near the box. Just us as we stood and waited for the rain to lighten so we could walk to our car.

I imagined how someone probably had loose change and thought, “I’ll just leave this change here for someone else to use.” The true story of why the coins were there will always remain unknown to us.

Yet, someone may have come along and needed those extra coins and there they were, just waiting.

Blessings can come in all different sizes and shapes. Today, I saw the blessings of coins on top of a mailbox. We left the coins there and know God was providing a blessing for whoever found the coins.

Amazing, the things we can see if we stand still and wait for the rain to pass. Coins on a mailbox waiting to be a blessing.

Have you seen any unexpected blessings from God lately? Pause and look around you. Maybe you will find some way to leave a surprise blessing for another person.

Blessings,
Mimi

Yardstick parking at the beach…

Beautiful sunny morning at the beach. What a great day to enjoy a leisure stroll and soak up God’s creations! Sand, sunshine, sounds of waves jumping to reach the shore, children laughing, parents watching carefully, dogs running to catch sticks thrown in the water, and possibly a dolphin sighting.

All these glorious sights and sounds were enjoyed recently as we walked hand in hand on the local beach.

Of course, with the Henderson’s, there has to be more to the story. Upon arriving at the beach area, we looked for parking as usual. Early morning and already a parking place was hard to find.

While riding down the main street, a few parking places became available. Great location, not too far from the beach. This would work out perfectly.

Alan parked the car according to the rules of the road. There are signs positioned along the way alerting everyone to “Park 4 feet away from the main road.” Sometimes, there is  a white chalk line drawn to give further instruction about the 4 feet rule.

This day, after parking and believing we were following the rules by parking the correct distance from the road, we exited the car, put on our sun hats and prepared to walk.

Yes, a fantastic, fun, energizing excursion. Happiness filled our souls. Sweat and all.

Heading back to the car after our morning exercise, I noticed the “Beach Patrol” truck nearby. “Oh, no. Hope everything is okay. Looks like someone might be getting a ticket.”

Little did we realize the “someone” getting the ticket was us.

Evidently, our perception of 4 feet is not so good. A bright orange ticket on our vehicle alerted us to pay the $50.00 fine for not following the rules of parking 4 feet away from the road.

Embarrassing….. our lovely walk went from feelings of happiness to feelings of “Oh, my! How did we do that?”

From now on, we are thinking of carrying a yardstick to the beach, just to make sure we follow the rules. 🙂 We can measure the distance from the car to the road to make sure no more bright orange citations adorn our vehicle.

Have you ever accidentally broken a rule? How did you feel? I am thankful for God’s forgiveness and patience with me, as I am a work in progress.

Blessings, beach walking, sunshine and tons of giggles,
Mimi

Sweating or “glistening”…

“It’s hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk.” “Don’t go outside unless necessary.” “Drink water, check on the elderly, check on your neighbors, take care of animals.”

These recent warnings are part of daily news reports here in coastal South Carolina. Last week, temperatures were close to 100 degrees with heat index of 117 and more. Air conditioners have been running non-stop. Neighborhoods have been quiet as more people are staying inside and not taking walks until early morning or late evening.

So, what do the Hendersons do? We decide to take a walk in the evening. Equipped with bottled water, sunscreen applied and wearing light colored clothing, we start walking through the neighborhood.

Our pace is slower than usual. A few shaded areas bring welcome relief. Conversation is mostly about the heat and the lack of people outside. One runner (must be a professional) does pass us and two ladies are walking slowly on the opposite side of the street. Small number of folks outside.

After a long walk, as we approach the street to our home, we look at each other with questioning thoughts. “Who had the bright idea of walking in this heat?” At least it wasn’t as hot as earlier in the day and at least we were prepared and followed healthy guidelines for being outside.

Just as I am thinking about how glad I am we are sticking to our walking plan, Alan looks at me and says, “Wow, honey, you are really sweating. It’s running all down your face and neck.” Way to make a girl feel good. No kidding I was sweating. He was sweating, too, but I didn’t mention how he looked.

My reply was “No, dear, I am not sweating. I am “glistening”. Southern ladies “glisten”. We don’t sweat.”

Laughter was with us all the way home. And, yes, I was truly sweating.

We couldn’t wait to get inside the house, cool down, drink more water and take cold showers.

Even in a hot, sweaty walk, laughter can be found.

Have you found an unusual circumstance to laugh? Share with us.

Blessings and giggles,
Mimi

Delayed, cancelled, finally home…

Last week, my husband Alan was required to take a business trip. His flight was booked, hotel booked and even though flying is not his favorite activity, he was ready for the adventure.

The flight on Sunday was uneventful. Arriving at the destination airport, finding a cab to the hotel (as there was no shuttle to the hotel) and meeting new people who were also attending the seminar were all part of the days activities.

The week continued with classes everyday, learning new business procedures, and at the end of each daily session, heading back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day. A typical business trip.

All was well and I couldn’t wait for him to arrive home on Thursday evening.

Until… Thursday arrived. Packing his belongings on Thursday morning, which include computer, CPAP machine, suitcase, and also a temporary heart monitor the doctor has asked him to wear for a certain period of time, Alan was ready to head for the airport.

He called frequently with updates. “I’m leaving for the airport.” “I’m at the airport, checking in and going through security.” “Now, I’m checked in and going to get a bite to eat while I wait for my flight.”

Great news. He was on the way home. Until…

Another call. Another text. “Flight delayed. Not sure what is going on. We are told it won’t be delayed long.”

More texts shortly afterwards. “Flight delayed. Plane isn’t here. Flight crew has timed out. Waiting for another crew.”

Then… “Airline reports computer glitch. Hundreds of flights cancelled. Airport is extremely hot. Thousands of people stranded. Not sure what will happen next. I’m going to try to rent a car.”

Next message was that no car reservations were being honored. So many people tried to rent cars that there were no cars available.

I turned on the t.v. to find a reporter telling about the “computer glitch” causing flights to be cancelled at the airport. Oh no!!

Many calls and texts back and forth between Alan and me. Finally, the only thing left to do was find a hotel room and spend the night and try to find a flight again the next day. There was no comfort in knowing he would be away from home another night, especially since he had developed a chest cold while traveling. What a mess!

A new flight was scheduled for the next day at 4:19pm. Upon arriving at the airport, Alan noticed the board with the flight schedule starting to change, just like the previous day. “Oh, no, here we go again.” More cancelled flights.

His flight was delayed but finally loaded with people and luggage and was able to head for Charleston SC. Alan was only 3 and 1/2 hours away from home, by car. Only 35 minutes away from home, by plane. So close and yet so far…

The last adventure was when the plane was able to land in Charleston, there was a terrible lightning storm. So, of course, passengers could not leave the plane. Pretzels and bottled water were handed out as everyone sat and waited for permission to disembark from the plane.

After almost 2 hours of sitting in the plane on the tarmac, passengers were allowed to leave the plane.

Alan’s luggage had gone ahead the previous day, even though no flight for him was available.

We kept asking each other this question. “Wonder what we are supposed to be learning from these events? How can we glorify God in all of this mess?”

One thing to remember is that whatever we are experiencing, there are ways to find God and show His love to others. In all the grouchiness of people at the airport and all the worries of when he would arrive home, Alan kept his cool and showed God’s love in all his words and actions.

I am proud of my husband. These were a few very trying, hard days. He wanted to be home instead of at the airport and I wanted him to be home.

This morning, the news is reporting there is still a “computer glitch” at the airport and many people continue to be stranded. We pray their flights resume soon and they arrive safely at their destination.

So close and yet so far… Does that describe anyone you know? So close to being near to God, yet so far away…. How can we show others the way to God?

Happy Summer and safe travels for everyone,
Blessings,
Mimi

Is your mailbox full or empty?…

Confession… I love receiving mail. Yes, the gentle roar of the mail truck engine as the letter carrier presses on the gas pedal causes me to smile. The truck arrives at a different time each day. Yes, I have shared my love for mail previously. 🙂

Monday thru Saturday and even sometimes on Sunday, I hear the mail truck before I see it.  An exhilarating feeling comes over me when I hear that sound. Those times when I am away from home during the day, upon returning and as our car turns onto our street, I check the neighborhood mailboxes to see if any red flags are still standing on the boxes.

“No, the mail hasn’t arrived yet.” or “Oh, good, the mail has already been delivered. Wonder what we have in the box?” A normal conversation.

Some days, the box is full of books and letters, and of course, bills. Other days, there may be an advertisement or the box may be empty.

An empty mailbox reminds me of an empty heart. In order for us to show love to others, we have to fill ourselves with God’s love and His Word. In order for the mailbox to have items inside, there has to be effort to fill the box.

I recently joined a group that sends cards to seniors.  I don’t know any of the people receiving the cards I send and that is okay. Saying a prayer for the person and mailing a card makes me happy.

Today, take time to read God’s Word and fill your heart with His love. Also, take a few moments and send a note of encouragement or a thinking of you card to someone and let them know you care. Show God’s love through the mailbox.

Remember, there is someone out there just waiting for the sound of the mail truck.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi

 

 

Troubled bridge over waters…

The Mount Pleasant SC area is experiencing an unexpected disruption. Last week, during a routine inspection on one of the major bridges, a snapped cable was discovered. I am thankful God gives knowledge to people and that there are folks who know what to do when a bridge cable snaps. I am thankful for inspections.

Immediately, the two east bound lanes of the interstate were closed to traffic. West bound lanes were found to be stable. Professional bridge experts arrived to view the area and make a plan. Local t.v. stations gave numerous updates on road closures and detours. The Mayor, Governor, engineers, local and state police and other officials began working on a solution.

Tourist season hasn’t even started yet and the roads are already packed with vehicles bumper to bumper, due to the rerouting of traffic. People need to get to work, to doctor appointments, to school and other destinations. Life continues even with bridge troubles.

The Mayor updated the public and reminded everyone this is the time to use our “patience” and “friendliness”. I pray for no road rage or short tempers while the problem is being addressed.

At last, there is a plan for a temporary fix to be completed by June 11th. Meanwhile, a crossover area has been paved and now there is two way traffic on the west bound lanes of the bridge. A plan that hopefully will help everyone while we wait for the permanent fix of the cable.

This unexpected development reminds me how life can change in an instant and there are times we are not prepared for the change.

How do you handle unexpected change? What is your immediate response? Prayer and patience or worry and doubt? I wonder if this bridge cable snapping and traffic being diverted is one way for us to slow down and remember our blessings.

We often take for granted something as simple as a bridge crossing over water. A bridge to take us from one mainland to another.

Take some time today and pause to remember any bridges in your life that might need repair. A temporary fix can lead to a permanent solution.

Meanwhile, if you visit Mount Pleasant SC, please have patience with us while the bridge over the Wando River is being repaired. Thank you.

Blessings,
Mimi

 

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When the exercise wristband was wrong…

Mount Pleasant SC has many beautiful and scenic places to walk and enjoy nature. From shaded neighborhood paths to golden sandy beaches to local parks, a leisure walk can soothe the soul.

Wrapped around my left wrist, I wear one of those marvelous bands that keeps track of water intake, steps walked, sleep or dormant time and weight loss. How exciting to know this device can help keep me on track!

Well, I will be on track if I follow the correct procedure. Drinking a certain amount of water each day, walking a certain amount of steps and eating the correct amount of food.

I enjoy using this wristband device and especially like when the band “buzzes” to let me know a task has been completed. Although, I usually jump when the buzz occurs as I am not expecting to have met the goal yet.

Recently, deciding to update the information on the app, I started changing certain goals, etc. in order to reach for higher achievements.

Immediately, an email came through on my phone and computer. Evidently, I had pushed the wrong button.

“Congratulations!! You have lost 140 lb.s!! Here are badges to put on your social media to let everyone know your accomplishment!!”

OH, NO!!! I didn’t lose 140 lbs.!! I am overweight but if I lost that much weight, there would only be a fraction of me left.

Panicking, I wondered if these “Way to go” badges would show up on my social media pages. If people saw I had lost 140 lbs, they might be worried about me.

Losing weight is one of my goals, but not that much weight. From this moment on, whenever I want to update my health wristband, I will ask for help from someone with expertise in that area.

If you ever receive a message from your health wristband congratulating you on the great accomplishment, think of me and laugh.

Here’s to healthy living! May our thoughts and actions glorify God every day!

Have a blessed day, full of fun and joyful laughter… and exercise,
Mimi

The case of the missing toy sheet…

I have been known to misplace items only to find the particular item right in front of me or somewhere close by. I always like to know where certain things are located.

Recently, some of our family from Virginia came for a visit. We enjoyed having Ashley, Daniel, Peyton, Paige and Ryder here with us. Loads of fun and laughter. Visiting the neighborhood pool, taking walks to the playground, dining at interesting restaurants and of course, bringing out a plastic tub of toys to explore.

The plastic tub in the closet is full of Lego from Alan’s childhood and from the childhood of our son, Mike. We will be saving all these great items for our grandson Rowan to explore and create things. I am sure Christine and Mike will appreciate us keeping the little pieces here at our house for now. 🙂

Finding interesting sizes of Lego and thinking of what to build with the pieces was exciting! But, it was too hard to know exactly what was in the tub unless we dumped everything out on the floor. No problem. Let’s get a bed sheet, lay it out on the floor and dump the tub.

A wonderful idea! That way, everyone could see the hundreds and hundreds of pieces and choose what they wanted and use their imagination to create unique buildings, cars, horse jumps and more. We loved choosing pieces and having everything spread out on the sheet on the floor.

Alas, the time came for the visitors to head back to Virginia. What terrific house guests! When I went upstairs to see if they had left anything behind, they had cleaned up so well that it didn’t appear anyone had visited! Alan and I missed them already.

As days went by, a thought entered my mind. Where is the sheet we used for the toys? Wonder if they placed the sheet in the tub with the toys? Hmmm….. I checked and no sheet was found.

Looking in closets and even in the laundry hamper, I was determined to locate the toy sheet. Not that I needed the sheet, just wanted to know it’s location.

Time passed and I finally remembered to ask Ashley, “Hey, do you know what happened to the sheet we used for the toys?” Replying she didn’t know the answer but would check to see if the sheet mysteriously went back to Virginia with them, I waited to see if maybe, just maybe the sheet would be at their home. Could it be as they were cleaning  so well, the sheet was placed with their items to go home?

A while later, I received the funniest text accompanied by a hilarious photo. Daniel(the Dad) and Paige( 10 years old) were making funny faces and pointing to the folded up sheet. They sent a message saying “Woopsie! We stole your sheet!”

I laughed so hard when I saw their message on my phone. Our family is a lot of fun. We laugh together, we cry together and we support and encourage each other. Most definitely we love each other and some of us even clean so well that extra items get packed away unexpectedly.

Yes, everyone, the case of the missing sheet is solved.

God gives us various kinds of joy every day. Do you have any funny family stories? Share with us and enjoy the laughter.

Blessings,
Mimi