Author Archives: Gavin and Rosie

The Intricacy of Natural Art

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The world is full of incredibly talented people, of artists who can create magnificent paintings and extraordinary sculptures, of people who can sing songs that raise the soul and dampen the eyes. The sheer talent of some people absolutely astounds me, blows my mind. Imagine a world without writers, without singers, dancers, dreamers, creators of great wonders. What would we do?

Here’s an idea. Step outside and take a look around. The truly miraculous art is the intricacy of Natural Art. It doesn’t matter where you look; the intricacy of natural art is with you, just waiting for you to discover it with an artistic eye.

Take a look at the symmetrical precision of a flower, the awe-inspiring magnitude of a tree, the tiny details within the design of an insect, the way in which a bird lifts into the air with such ease or that a cheetah springs into action…seriously, that’s art!

The intricacy of natural art never ceases to amaze me.  Many years ago when I still lived in England, a relative gave me a desert rose. I believe she brought it back from a vacation in Egypt. It really did look like a rose, a rosette formation featuring ‘petals’ that appeared to be encrusted with sand particles. I had never seen anything quite like it.

The word ‘desert rose’ is actually the informal name given for a mineral formation that results when sand crystalizes with gypsum and barite crystals. The desert rose, my relative gave me, was without a doubt a ‘gypsum desert rose’ because its edges were sharp and well defined, and it was a reddish brown in color. I remember looking at it though, like a rose frozen in time.

Until part 2

Gavin

 

 

Wow Moments!

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Today has given me a few “wow” moments.  I feel like I have won the lottery!   I had the pleasure of waking up to Skype with Gavin. This started the day off correctly.  We had a little chat about how he misses hearing the cardinals and that it wouldn’t be long until he is waking up to them singing for him in Minnesota!

After our Skype, I have been watching and viewing Mother Nature at its finest!

The flowers are bursting forth with blossoms and the birds have been so active the past few days; waking me up with their sweet songs.

When, I looked out my window this morning and saw the return of the vibrant, yellow coloring on the gold finches at the feeder it truly made me thankful for my eye sight!

Our Sweet Conclusions Gold Finch Card

My once a year pleasure in May is the return of the Baltimore Orioles vibrant orange!  I had  placed the grape jelly out for them last night and they already found it this morning!

For you that follow along with Sweet Conclusions, you may recall that last year we had the distinctive pleasure of having a baby cardinal fly into Gavin’s hand!  Today, I have been watching both the male and female cardinal build their nest in my spirea bush.  The stunning red of the male is beyond beautiful each time I see him!

Here he is searching material for the nest …

The nest near completion …

Another pleasure of today was of the robin making a nest in the Crabapple tree. She is hiding a little behind the flowering branch but still you can take a peek!  She has been so busy in between the rain drops making her mud nest. How the birds go about making their nests, how protective the male is of the female and then protective of the babies is another joy in watching nature.

I think of Jeremiah 29:11 and realize yet again that the future is full of hope and wonderment for all of us to experience!

 Take time to enjoy!  Until next time with more Sweet Conclusions,

                      Rosie

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Crackers for Cracker Barrel

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The next day Rosie and I set off toward our final destination, Kentucky.

We met up with Trudy and went back to her home. And what a home, it was absolutely beautiful. We took a cup of coffee and then she drove us to a town called, Murray. That’s where I first encountered a Cracker Barrel. The whole building had such a unique style, something I had never witness before. We entered into a store that sold everything from baseball caps and T-shirts to chinaware and candy. There was a large counter to the left; the bathrooms were dead ahead, neatly hidden away behind two hardwood doors and you entered the restaurant through the top, left-hand corner.

And what a restaurant, I mean…seriously. It was huge and yet at the same time, so homely that you categorically felt at ease. It was all wood in there really and the walls were covered in relics of the past. There was a fireplace as well, although again…seriously. It was colossal, something I won’t forget in a hurry.

Rosie and I sat ourselves down to eat and again, I wasn’t really sure what I should try. The waitress was very accommodating though and took me through the menu. I ordered and then chatted a while with Rosie until the food arrived. The portions were almost as colossal as the fireplace and boy, did I eat my fill.

Later that day, after a guided tour of The Land between the Lakes, we stopped off in Benton, at Belew’s Dairy Bar. It was a little like going back in time. Well, at least it was in my ‘movie’ mind. It was a classic, Drive In, something I personally had never witnessed away from the silver screen before.

We stayed just one night with Trudy in Benton, Kentucky. We had an amazing time, although Nashville, Tennessee was waiting and we still had to head back to Minnesota before my flight home to Sweden.

The first thing to cross my mind that bright and sunny morning in the car was where to find another Cracker Barrel. Heading south, we stopped off at Cadiz and sure enough, there was one there. The parking lot looked the same and so did the outside of the building. Have you ever been somewhere for the first time and still wondered if you might have been there before? Seriously, that déjà vu thing hit me for six.

Stepping into the building, I found myself entering into a store that sold everything from baseball caps and T-shirts to chinaware and candy. There was a large counter to the left; the bathrooms were dead ahead, neatly hidden away behind two hardwood doors and you entered the restaurant through the top, left-hand corner. It wasn’t similar to the one in Murray; it was identical to the one in Murray. Even down to the wooden, relic scattered walls and colossal fireplace. The food was the same as well, which was a good thing because the food at Cracker Barrel is fantastic. Apparently, that’s the idea. I mean, Cracker Barrels menu is based on traditional Southern cuisine, with appearance and decor designed to resemble an old-fashioned general store. Each restaurant features a front porch lined with wooden, rocking chairs, a stone fireplace, and relics from the local area.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is an all-American chain of combined restaurant and gift stores with a southern theme. The company was founded by Dan Evins in 1969 and the very first Cracker Barrel was in Lebanon Tennessee. This guy is amazing. What a great idea to combine a restaurant with a gift store. Why didn’t I think of that? As of September 18, 2012, the chain operates 620 stores in 42 states.

Nashville was neat and I couldn’t help but think of the kings of country who had played there over the years. It was hot though, man, was it hot! We toured the city, took in the sights and the sounds, absorbed the atmosphere, like breaths of fresh air and finally, we headed north again.

Sighting yet another Cracker Barrel in Peoria, Illinois, I just had to stop and eat again. I thought it would probably be my last chance. I liked that it was the same, felt the warmth of the place. Actually, in the heat of a hot summer day, I am not sure what heat I felt, but you get the picture.

Rosie told me a while back that there is a Cracker Barrel in Minnesota now, so apart from The Great Blue Heron, you pretty much know where you might find me.

God bless,

Gavin

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The Great Journey

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It’s been almost a year since I was last in America and in all fairness, I am sure most of it has been winter. I can’t remember a longer one, or a colder one for that matter. It’s May now and only a few weeks before I am back in the great U.S. of A. With an acute stubbornness the snow and ice has finally melted away and today is probably the first day I can really feel spring about me. I love it.

I often think about America when I am sitting here in the evenings after a hard day at work, the friendly people who invited me into their lives, the great journeys Rosie and I took when travelling to and from events and book signings, freeways stretching on seemingly forever towards sun-touched horizons, through mile after mile of pristine nature. I truly am a lucky man.

I guess one of the most important things to do on any visit is to taste the bountiful, cultural  offerings of each State, not just to see it and feel it but to taste it, to be a part of it, to get out there and to try the local dishes and specialties, to visit the local eateries. I love food, always have done and will go out of my way to find the perfect café, restaurant or bar.

I wrote here a while back about my search for the perfect café and on my travels, I have found many wonderful, little cafés, some hidden away like dark, little secrets on the back street of a town or city and others in full view with neon lights and ‘welcome signs’. I also wrote about my experiences at The Great Blue Heron, in Cold Springs Minnesota, the fantastic food I ate there and the beer… you have to taste it to believe it. I have dreams about their beer and will be sure to get back for a pint as soon as I can!

Last year, once the work was done, we decided to take a trip down to Kentucky. Remembering the car journey from Litchfield, Minnesota to Rapid City, South Dakota back in 2011 and then comparing distances on the map, I knew I was in for a long journey. We have a good friend down in Benton, Kentucky though who had ordered some of my books and I wanted personally to hand them over to her. Besides, I had heard all about the good old southern hospitality and I just had to discover it for myself. Let me tell you, it really does exist.

We set off though Minnesota and down into Iowa and finally, we cut across into Illinois. What a journey, let me tell you. Of course, we couldn’t travel all that distance in one swoop, even though we took turns in driving. I am not sure where we ended up the first night, but I remember the sleeping arrangements really well. We arrived real late in some town in Iowa and unfortunately, every hotel was fully-booked. That night was spent sleeping in the car.

The second night however, was spent in Marion, Illinois. We booked into a hotel and then decided to go find a nice place to eat.

Rosie spoke with the receptionist and we were advised to try the KB Bar B Que. The girl behind the desk had a great accent and I couldn’t help but smile to myself as we left the establishment.

We didn’t have far to walk and the weather was truly glorious, the clouds tinged blood red and insects sounded all around. Within no more than fifteen minutes we found ourselves seated at a large, oaken table, country music softly playing in the background.  I wasn’t really sure what to eat and Rosie wasn’t quite sure either. But as they say, ‘when in Rome’ or in my case, ‘when down south’, I figured I would just ask the waitress what she thought I should try.

She suggested okra and I suggested she tell me what okra was. Anyway, she asked me what I would like to drink and then left. If I thought she had a funny accent, I bet she was thinking the same thing about my British one too. It wasn’t long until she was back with several small containers of various okra and sweet potato dishes. I love sweet potato, always have done. Okra on the other hand, I think it’s an acquired taste really. I don’t think it actually tasted of anything on its own and it was kind of slimy.

Anyway, the KB Bar B Que in down town Marion, Illinois was my first step into the world of southern foods. The beer was good there too, but nothing like at The Great Blue Heron, in Cold Springs, Minnesota. If you do nothing else, you have to go there. The food and the beer in that place, takes a lot of beating.

Until part 2 …

Gavin … author web site

Sweet Conclusions Web Site

Take the First Step …

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  The majority of my life my inner voice of determination has made me fight to get out of bed and reach for the unknown. There have been moments though that I have hesitated wondering what I should do in a certain situation. We all go through times like that. The what “if” …  and our mind works over time stressing unnecessarily.

Do you need to know what’s at the top of the stairs in order to take the first step?

I feel that committing to any forward motion is what counts. Don’t worry about what awaits at the end. Go ahead and take that leap of faith. Follow and pursue your dreams, however small or huge that first step is to make them happen.

ENJOY LIFE!

It is Mother’s Day on Sunday. I recall all of the Mother’s Days and years that my heart hurt in wanting to have a child of my own, to love and care for, to make my life complete. I think of the beautiful souls that are waiting to be adopted and the long process that is involved. Many of us become mothers through our hearts not by natural childbirth. If I had not followed my dream I would not be a mother today!

I think of all of the mothers in heaven, of all of the love they have given throughout their lives.  I catch myself smiling in doing so. I miss so many loved ones but realize everyday how blessed I have been to have them in my life.

Don’t give up on whatever your dreams are!  Take the first step in making them happen!

Until next time and more Sweet Conclusions … have a good weekend!

Rosie

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What would you give up? (part 2)

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Louis Braille was born on January 4th, 1809. He was the inventor of ‘braille’, a system of reading and writing used by people who are blind or who are visually impaired. As a child he was blinded in an accident; as a boy he developed a mastery over his blindness; and as a young man, he created a revolutionary form of communication that transcended blindness and transformed the lives of millions. He died on January 6th, 1852, the man who gave the blind and visually impaired the opportunity to see without sight.

The first hearing aids were funnels and trumpets that were held up to the ear. They gathered and focused sounds. The first battery powered hearing aid was worn on the body. A wire went up to an earpiece in the ear. It was invented by a man named, Harvey Fletcher. Thomas Edison was one of his first customers. Without Louis Braille and Harvey Fletcher life for some certainly would be tougher.

I don’t have a voice right now. But I will have a little operation soon and hopefully, that will be the end of that. In no time at all I will be talking again. I cannot help but think of Rosie though, who bravely goes through the motions of daily life, who bakes pies and cooks meals for her son, who struggles to live as close to the norm as she possibly can.

I couldn’t verbally complain if I wanted to, although seriously, what do I have to complain about? I can see the beauty of creation; can hear and smell its bountiful offerings. And most importantly for me, I can write down what’s in my heart. ღஜღ

We all have a cross to bear. It might not be a lack of one of the basic five senses, might not even be a sense. Some of us are physically ill, are bedridden or sitting in wheelchairs, fighting cancer or battling against any number of crippling diseases. Others are living with a psychological illness, cognitive disorders, developmental disorders, eating disorders, factitious disorders and impulse-control disorders.

We are all humanity, all wonderful in our own extraordinary ways, despite our inflictions. None of us are perfect, especially in the eyes of God. We are only here for a short time and we all get to leave our footprints in the sands of time. We are all pieces of the magnificent patchwork of humankind and together, we are great.

Whether you are lacking one of the five senses, whether you are suffering from or battling a physical or psychological illness, whether you are in pain, in mourning or in your darkest hour, just know that you are special, that you are who you are. Know that the world is a better place for having you in it and that your life is worth fighting for every step of the way. Know that even if you are within the autumn of your years, every second is worth living up until the day God comes to release you and to lead you toward the afterlife.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope and pray it will be the best day ever!

Gavin

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What would you give up ?

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Had you been told to choose to go without one the five senses, which one would you give up? Would you choose to give up the chance of smelling freshly cut grass or the enticing waft of flowers in springtime, in preference to tasting the tang of an orange or the sweetness of your favorite, sugary delight? Would you rather see the world about you or would you rather hear the words of your friends and family instead? Or maybe you would take all the above and simply give up touch?

It isn’t easy is it, isn’t easy at all.

Smell, taste, sight, hearing and touch, these are the basic five senses. These five senses are credited to Aristotle, although I believe humanity is much more diverse and complex than just five simple senses. It is fair to say though that without just one of these basic five senses, our lives would be very different than they are today. Imagine a world of not being able to speak, not being able to eat, not being able to breath naturally. Wouldn’t that be terrible?

Those of you who have followed along with Sweet Conclusions, Time out with Gavin and Rosie, you will know all too well that Rosie neither eats nor drinks. Imagine preparing a meal for your child, wife, husband or friend. Imagine standing at the oven, being able to smell the waft of that fine food as it lifts in gentle swirls into the air and sweeps about the kitchen, knowing that you will never get to taste it. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t it amazing that she can do all this and still smiles as she serves her guests? It fascinates me.

Of late, I have had problems with my throat. The doctors have told me not to speak. Now you would think that considering I am a writer, I would be happy to just sit and write without having to answer the phone or to chat with friends about all manner of subjects. In fact, I always thought it would be kind of nice. Not having to talk to others would mean more time to myself, time to sit and to contemplate the meaning of life, time to squander in front of my computer, time to work in peace and quiet.

The truth is; we don’t really know what we have until we have lost it. It is the simple things that make life so wonderful, not the big and complicated issues that we tend to create for ourselves, as if we don’t have enough to think about. To be able to see the wonders about us, to be able to hear the morning bird song, to be able to smell the coffee, to taste food and to touch the world about us, there is nothing quite like it.

Not having a voice at the moment caused me to think about the people in the world who live daily, without one of the basic five senses. Of course, we are masters of our own destinies and history has taught us that nothing is impossible!

Until part 2 …

Gavin …. author web site  …. Sweet Conclusion Web Site

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Time to think of Summer Projects!

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Gavin and I have been talking all winter of this upcoming summer. We both love to plan ahead.  Not only will Gavin present his meaningful, anti-bullying themed children’s production, William Gray and the Family Next Door but we also plan to do a few things around the house and yard to make it more homey. 

This looks like a great project to under take. We are not sure if it will all come together this summer but it will be fun to get started!  Half the delight in planning is the discussing, finding the right location in the yard and then starting the basic steps to make it all fall into place!

There is something about the sound of water that is so peaceful, inviting and refreshing. I can think of many different types of plants that would look lovely around this pond to give it more color appeal. Perhaps some cute frog or turtle ornaments by the rocks would give it some whimsical style.  I also envision a bench and solar lighting. 

Whatever you are planning in your garden this summer, be sure to take time to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness!  I hear the birds singing already telling me it is time to go outside now and enjoy nature!

Until next time and more Sweet Conclusions,

Rosie

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Remembering George Jones

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Country Music Legend, George Jones has passed away at the age of 81. His funeral was held at the Grand Ole Orpy House in Nashville, Tennessee on May 2, 2013.  I felt fortunate to  listen to the meaningful funeral service on WSM Live. It was enlightening to hear not only country music stars honor him with spiritual songs but to hear Former First Lady Laura Bush, Governor Mike Huckabee, Barbara Mandrell, and Kenny Chesney speak.

George was born Sept. 12, 1931 in Texas.  He came from humble beginning and remained a very humble man in ever step of his career. He first started singing with a guitar at the age of eleven in front of the steps of a church for a few coins. He recalled how the coins accumulated into twenty-four dollars, the most money he had ever seen. He had his first number one hit in 1959.  He worked hard for his accomplishments with nothing handed down to him. He struggled and survived long battles with alcoholism, drug addiction and other misfortunes in his life. In 1983, Jones married his fourth and final wife, Nancy, whom he credited with stabilizing his  life. He was still touring when he passed away. He stated,” I’ll be out there as long as the people want me to be out there.”

Jones had No. 1 songs in five separate decades, 1950s to 1990s. He was idolized not just by fellow country artists. His 1980 recording of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” became one of the most revered songs in country music history and won him a  Grammy award in 1981. Another classic, “Choices” also won him a Grammy Award in 1999. “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” “White Lightening” “Golden Ring” “We’re Going to Hold On” “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” “The Race is On” “A Good Year For The Roses” and ” Walk Through This World With Me” are just a few of his many hits.

Jones has received the four highest honors that can be granted to anyone in his line of work, starting with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. Ten years later, the president bestowed the National Medal of Arts upon him. In yet another executive-branch moment, Jones was saluted by the Kennedy Center Honors in 2008.

This year, Jones got another top honor to round out music’s most enviable trophy shelf, as the Grammys presented him with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

A quote from Alan Jackson,“Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.”

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Rest in Peace, George. May your authentic baritone voice live on …

Video of George singing Walk Through This World With Me

Until next time with more Sweet Conclusions,

Rosie

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Living in a Free World (part 7)

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We are so lucky to be a part of life, so blessed and so fortunate to live in the free world. Together we can make it a better place to live in, together we can stand up with pride and love in our hearts, defy those who choose to oppress and to tyrannize.

We are better than them for we see the beauty of life, the magnificence of creation and the glory of our creator. 

Our Sweet Conclusions Book ~ Reflections Upon the Waters of Life~ and our greeting cards show the magnificence of creation in photo and verse …

Hug a loved one and let them know you really care. Hugs are like smiles: the more you give; the more to get!

This photo and caption made me laugh.

I would like to leave you though with this video I found on Facebook. I think it sums up everything I have written here the past weeks. One good deed deserves another, it’s a chain reaction. Watch as each act of kindness is passed from individual to individual. Imagine a world just like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU

Here’s to today. This is our day and only we can choose if it is to be a good or a bad one. Let’s make it the best ever!

Until next time

Gavin

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