Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Award



My dear friend Delisa over at Dances With Yarn just gave me an award. I'm so thrilled.. Thank you Delisa. I'm suppose to pick five blogger friends and pass it on to them. After I choose them. I'm to go to their blog to let them know and they can come and pick it up. Copy and Paste it to their blog and pick five of their friends to send it to., so on and so forth..
I'm not suppose to break the rules but if you don't know me by now, you're fixing to....Here goes.. I can't pick just five to save my life..I love you all dearly and I just can't do it, so this is the way I'll do it...The first five to visit my blog, pick up this award and leave me a comment that you picked it up and place it on yours and then you can do the above..
I'm so sorry Delisa that I broke the rules..I'm good at breaking rules, always have and always will.. But thank you so much my friend it means the world to me...And all of you as well..
P.S. If you can't copy and Paste like old dumb me, just "Save As " to your Computer, like I did....Blessings, Susie

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Tomorrow I'll Leap



                                              I shall keep a memory in my heart
                                              to draw upon when days are cold
                                              I'll cherish it and never part
                                              until I reach my finished goal

                                              I'll gather to me each smiling face
                                              a thousand days of time or more
                                              then I'll gaze upon with love and embrace
                                              all the tender moments like before

                                              I'll take that step and walk that mile
                                              until my yearning destiny I'll meet
                                              when I fall I'll stand and smile
                                              for tomorrow I'm going to leap

                                               Susie Swanson



                                          For you Amber..

Thank you for your prayers, she is slowly improving. They had to wire her jaws this week and she's getting used to it and looking better.. Bless her heart, she's an inspiration to everyone around her.. She still has a long road but she'll make it because she's young and strong..Her mother said she hasn't let it get her down to much yet, but I worry that she'll get depressed later on, so continue to keep her in your prayers and rest assured they are being answered.. Blessings, Susie

Thursday, November 24, 2011

God's Way



                                                            He calms the mighty ocean
                                                            with the whisper of his breath
                                                            heals the sick and afflicted
                                                            restores a lost soul from death

                                                            His eyes are always wide open
                                                            to this world of peril and woe
                                                            he rises to each occasion
                                                            and miracles continue to grow

                                                            He is the road to salvation
                                                            our mighty sword and shield
                                                            the rock of all the ages
                                                            he proved on Calvary's hill

                                                            I'll look to his love in all things
                                                            in the wave of each swaying branch
                                                            in each breath, each step and moment
                                                            I'll pause to my God and give thanks

                                                            So when turbulent waters surround me
                                                            and clear skies turn to gray
                                                            I'll look for sunshine beyond them
                                                            and let God have his own way

                                                            Susie Swanson

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Please continue to keep my niece in your prayers, For the ones that haven't heard, she was in a head on collision on Nov. 15th. It's a miracle that she's still with us. She has broken bones from her head to her feet, but Thank God no head trauma or brain swelling. She's had three surgeries in one week with more to come. They are having to reconstruct her legs , feet and arms.. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. She has a long road ahead, the doctors said even with therapy it may be a year before she puts her feet on the ground.. May God Bless Each One.. Blessings, Susie

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Clotheslines



                                                     A clothesline was a news forecast
                                                     to neighbors passing by
                                                     there were no secrets you could keep
                                                     when clothes were hung out to dry

                                                     It also was a friendly link
                                                     for neighbors always knew
                                                     if company had stopped on by
                                                     to spend a day or two

                                                     For then you'd see the "fancy sheets"
                                                     and towels upon the line
                                                     you'd see the "company table cloths"
                                                     with intricate designs

                                                     The line announced a baby's birth
                                                      from folks who lived inside
                                                      as brand new infant clothes were hung
                                                      so carefully with pride



                                                     The ages of the children could
                                                     so readily be known
                                                     by watching how the sizes changed
                                                     you'd know how much they'd grown

                                                     It also told when sickness struck
                                                     as extra sheets were hung
                                                     the nightclothes and a bathrobe too
                                                     haphazardly were hung



                                                   It also said "Gone on Vacation"
                                                   when lines hung limp and bare
                                                   it told "We're Back" when full lines sagged
                                                   with not an inch to spare

                                                   New folks in town were scorned upon
                                                   if wash was dingy and gray
                                                   as neighbors carefully raised their brows
                                                   and looked the other way

                                                   But clotheslines now are of the past
                                                   for dryers make work much less
                                                   now what goes on inside a house
                                                   is anybody's guess

                                                   I really miss that way of life
                                                   it was a friendly sign
                                                   when neighbors knew each other best
                                                   by what hung on the line

                                                   Author Unknown

I wish I could take credit for this one but I can't. It was given to me by a dear friend, Malinda Wiggins. We both agreed that others would enjoy it as much as we did.
I can honestly say that clotheslines are not gone for me. In the warm months, I still hang my clothes on the line. I start when the weather warms up in early spring through late fall. The main reason,is, I love to smell the freshness of clothes that's blown all day in the wind, especially the bed linens. The second reason,is how much it really saves on the electric bill.. Of course there's always more ironing to do, (not my favorite job).  I just wonder what the neighbors say, one thing's for certain, they won't see any undies, they're hidden behind the sheets.... Blessings, susie
                                                   

              

Monday, November 14, 2011

A Walk Down Memory Lane



My old hometown looks the same, so many memories still remain. Through all my yesterdays I'm walking down memory lane.

There's the old L&N Depot sitting oh so quiet. I just wish I could see that train coming in sight. And hear the whistle blow  one more time, running those tracks and moving on down the line.

I want to see the old Marble Courthouse, sitting so grand on the square. With that little time clock ticking high in the air.


And the jailhouse behind it, oh no where did it go? A town without a jailhouse, how could a place change so.

I can't believe my eyes where's Lay's Five and Dime, and that old creaking floor, I wanted to walk it one more time.

I'm going to visit the place where I was born, Providence Hospital upon the hill. The Catholic Nuns owned it and I can see them still.

Walking down the hallways with their habits waving so. Gosh, when did Ivie's Funeral Home move there, that's a place I sure don't want to go.

What happened to the little hospital down below where Dr. Whitfield was at? He was my grandma's favorite doctor, if another was mentioned she'd go crazy as a bat.

Even the postoffice has moved, nothing ever stays on track. I wouldn't know where to find it, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Changes and more changes, what's the town coming to. They don't even have a jewelry store, Davis Jewelry Store is gone too.

And why so many banks, did someone strick it rich? Maybe to many goldmines and Citizens Bank they decided to ditch.

Oh there's a familiar place, Parker's Drugstore is still here. I'll stop in for a soda pop at the little snack bar in the rear.

Maybe I'll see a familiar face and we can reminisce about the past. They might be able to explain to me why nothing ever lasts.

Then I'll shop at those old department stores down the street a little ways. Jableys and Collins and Crains, like I did in the good old days.

I can see those dry goods now, laid out so tidy and neat. And the downstairs toys at Super D , what a Christmas time treat.

And that little shop called Maggie Bells and the beautiful window display. That's where I bought my wedding dress and had my hair done on my wedding day.

But first I'll say hello to Mr. Hembree at Hembree's Store. I want to thank him for the many times I couldn't pay, he gave me credit galore.

Oh my goodness where has he gone, Mr. Hembree's not even there. He was truly a good man with a kind heart to share.

There's that stately Methodist Church standing graceful and tall. It's a landmark to the town and so easy to recall.



Through out history it's presence will always be, in every picture and postcard for everyone to see.

And then I look across the street and no Western Auto do I see. I'll never forget that little red wagon, my son's second Christmas under the tree.

Mauney's Drug beside it must have closed down. I guess one drugstore is all they need to supply the whole town.

And the Chevrolet Place too, I can't think of its name. I always called it the Chevrolet Place because chevrolets was its game.

Oh what a beautiful memorial across the street on the square. All those veterans names placed upon it, it didn't used to be there.

Their families must be so proud to know they can see, how the town honors their loved ones who fought and died with dignity.



I think I'll take in a movie at least the Henn Theater is still around. Maybe Gone With The Wind is still playing, the best movie at the best theater in town.

Well it seems Gone With The Wind is not playing but I'll go in and sit for a spell. To much walking I'm tired and to many changes to dwell.

Maybe I'll wait until dark and run into someone I know. We'll cruise town like we used to and hope time goes by really slow.

Every Friday and Saturday night it was the place to be. With gas twenty cents a gallon, we worked for it tremendously.

Sitting on top of car hoods and the tailgate of trucks. Boys checking out girls, girls checking out boys, hoping to have some luck.

What time we weren't cruising we were over at the football game. Most every Friday night it was much the same.

While the big dogs were playing the little dogs were known, to hang out with their friends and rough house and roam.

We never did get arrested, we were out to have some fun.Kicking up our heels all part of being young.

And when we got hungry over to the Buzy Burger we'd go. It had the best food around and today I miss it so.

Everytime I pass by, I can still catch a smell, of those good old hamburgers and tater tots, man they were swell.




Each year when the fair came to town, we'd get out a half day of school. We rode every ride and walked the fairgrounds out, we really thought it was cool.

Then after a week or so when it finally packed up and closed down, we'd go back and pick up change and dollar bills laying all around.

Today there's a big, beautiful park there with plenty of green grass. Ballfields and Walkways and something for everyone, it sure has class.

I'll never forget the first big grocery store the town ever had. It was called the A&P and oh my did it make me look bad.

The first time those big doors opened on their own, I thought my heart was gonna stop and man I was gone.

This walk down memory lane is stuck in my mind. I know I'm leaving alot out but I'm not leaving it behind.

Like those pretty, little flowers on the corner in town. A beautiful memorial in place of the old Regal Hotel that burned down.





And some changes are for the better they enhance my view. They make a simple hometown girl's memories look brand new.

There's the Hiwassee River still a running on through, with that old train tressel from a bird's eye view.





So many times that old train traveled those tracks, beside Brumby's Textile Mill loaded with big stacks.

And that old mill provided jobs for so many folks so long. It seems so sad today to see it closed down and gone.

Yes there is sadness and a lot of joy in between and this path I've traveled, so many changes I've seen.

But with all the world in turmoil and days like endless nights, I can always go back to my roots and see those hometown lights.

No matter where I go or how far away I may be. My mind's blueprint will forever capture old familiar places and Memory Lane holds the key..


                                              Susie Swanson   2011

Whew..., to say it was long is an under statement and I know a lot of you local folks are saying, She left alot out. Well... I know in my heart I did but my mind is saying I'm tired. So all I can say is stay tuned for chapter two or maybe three..Someday.....Maybe,,.Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the Walk Down Memory Lane... Blessings, Susie

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thank You



                                                They walk among us
                                                 in plain view
                                                lay in vast graves
                                                covered by dew

                                                The ultimate sacrifice
                                                willing to give all
                                                the stones a symbol
                                                of the battlefield call



                                             They walked into battle
                                             with head held high
                                             they fought for freedom
                                             some had to die

                                             They walk in heaven
                                              the battle is won
                                              mission accomplished
                                              their job is done

                                              Families are waiting
                                              for love ones to come
                                              walk through the door
                                              then there are some

                                              Respect and gratitude
                                              let it so be
                                              the price for freedom
                                              they hold the key

                                              One day of honor
                                              once every year
                                              the day of honor
                                              is already here

                                              They walk among us
                                              a chosen few
                                              let us be grateful
                                              with a thank you

                                            Susie Swanson

                                    Lest we forget, May God Bless each one
                                    We will forever be Grateful for your courage
                                    and sacrifice...

                                            

Saturday, November 5, 2011

A Small Miracle, In Honor Of My Great Grandson



                                             A baby so very small
                                             a remarkable miracle is he
                                             giving to it his all
                                             breathing his way to be

                                            A strong and loving child
                                            that plays a child's way
                                            with a sweet and tender smile
                                            but not yet this very day

                                            He clutches her finger tight
                                            as if to say I'm here
                                            the bond is a cherished sight
                                            it slowly brings a tear

                                            No other arms can hold
                                            except her loving embrace
                                            a longing touch is his goal
                                            and it shows upon his face

                                            Against all odds he came
                                            in a world he's yet to know
                                            a mother's heart is never the same
                                            in her arms he'll continue to grow

                                            Into a fine young man
                                            and he'll never remember at all
                                            the part of God's master plan
                                            from which he came so small






                                               Susie Swanson

 When I started on Blogger last December, this was my second poem. Our little miracle Bentley was born December 5, 2010. weighing only 1 lb.10ozs.  Not knowing much about Blogger at that time, I didn't even post a picture with the poem. Well here he is today, almost a year old weighing over 15lbs. He crawls, and stands up,holding to things but he can't sit alone yet. The doctor said he had more strength in his legs than his back. He has two teeth and is learning to say words. Pretty good for a baby born into the world at 23 weeks and not expected to survive. God surely had big plans for him.
So this is why we call him our little miracle from God, and what a joy he is.. Thank you God for blessing us with an angel that's gonna fly high....Blessings, Susie

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Grandma's Quilting Side



                                                         There's an old patchwork memory
                                                          that lingers in my mind
                                                          and some old quilting frames
                                                          long since left behind

                                                          I see her quilting there
                                                          with her needle in hand
                                                          sewing every little stitch
                                                          so meticulous and grand

                                                          Moving this way and that
                                                          quilting the whole day through
                                                          creating a quilter's masterpiece
                                                          as only grandma could do

                                                          And those old quilting scraps
                                                          she never threw any away
                                                          she always made use of them
                                                          in the quilts she put on display


          
                                             
                                                       Each one became a symbol
                                                       of my grandma's quilting side
                                                       left behind for her family
                                                       to admire with love and pride

                                                       I miss walking in the door
                                                       and seeing her still there
                                                       over behind grandpa's chair
                                                       stitching every little square

                                                       My beautiful keepsake memories
                                                       today continues to thrive
                                                       when I look at grandma's quilt
                                                       they surely do come alive

                                                       Susie Swanson