— Life —

COMFORT FOOD ISN’T ALWAYS EDIBLE

Le Mythe Dior
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Dear Friends,

I have often thought about writing you but after months of self-imposed Covid lockdown, followed by George Floyd’s senseless and tragic murder and the upheaval in our nation, I hit a bit of a brick wall. The memoir I’m writing revisits a dark period in my life, and for a time, it became difficult for me to write or even think about blogging. I needed to find a way to change that, so in addition to beginning each day with a prayer and taking care of the plants in my courtyard, I put my writing aside and started mainlining lighthearted feelgood films, documentaries and YouTube videos. They were my cinematic macaroni and cheese.

Like a young child, I would plop myself down in front of the television and watch the same beloved films over and over again.

The characters and their stories were familiar to me so in some ways it was like visiting with old friends. One of the films I watched, a lot, was Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous. Crowe won an Academy Award for his autobiographical screenplay which tells the story of when he was a 15-year-old writer for Rolling Stone magazine.

I especially love the “Tiny Dancer” scene. If you haven’t seen the film this scene takes place in 1973, when a struggling rock band and their friends emerge from a rough patch and come together on their tour bus, Doris. This movie, and others, brightened my mood. I turned up the volume and sang along with no regard for what the neighbors thought.

Then there was Le Mythe Dior, a 10-minute short fantasy film by Dior. It begins with Dior’s seamstresses who are making what appears to be doll clothes. Since Covid has brought a halt to fashion runway shows, the film is Dior’s way of unveiling their Autumn-Winter 2020-2021 couture collection. Even if you’re not interested in fashion I think you will enjoy this creative and imaginative little movie. Set next to a stream and a crumbling castle in the woods outside of Rome, it’s accompanied by an enchanting melody that sounds like something you would hear coming from an old music box.

The Dior seamstresses remind me of two unmarried sisters who lived together in the same apartment building as my grandmother. When I was a little girl they designed and made clothes for my Madam Alexander doll. My favorite was a blue and white silk taffeta dress with a full skirt and a bodice made of lace and tiny rhinestones. It looked like something that might have come from Dior. As my mother got older she kept the doll on her bed, but when she moved to the dementia facility… I’m sad to say my doll and her beautiful dress disappeared.

My friends, be kind to yourselves during these trying times. What have you been doing to renew your spirit? To find your version of comfort food without the added pounds?

I am reminded of Charles Dickens’ words in A Tale of Two Cities.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

This won’t last forever.

Love, Brenda

55 Comments

  • Brenda in Virginia July 11, 2020 at 5:19 am

    I’ve been thinking about you a lot this past week and here you are! You’ve been sorely missed.

    Blessings

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Thank you, Brenda! I have missed you as well. Stepping away to write my memoir has been a major commitment and together with Covid and the craziness of our world… I’m so happy to see you’ve left me a note and haven’t forgotten me. Take care of yourself. xoxox, Brenda

  • Irene July 11, 2020 at 5:55 am

    Hello:) Thank you for posting this Dior fantasy runway film. I, too, started my day with coffee and a prayer. This short film brought joy to start my day.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Good Morning, Irene! I’m glad you liked the Dior film. As I watched it I wished I had been there as they filmed it. What an experience that would have been. Thank you for taking the time to say hello! Be well. xoxox, Brenda

  • Donna Nance July 11, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Brenda, I was so happy to see your post in my mailbox! With the world upside down and topsy turvy, sometimes it’s difficult to string a few intelligible words together, let alone write a book. The Dior film was magical. Can you imagine having a doll with a wardrobe of Dior fashion to wear? xoxo

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 11:07 am

      I always love seeing you here and on Instagram! Thank you! Wish I still had my Madam Alexander doll. As I’ve grown older I came to appreciate her dress more and more because it was a handmade work of art. Love you, my friend! Brenda

  • Donna O'Klock July 11, 2020 at 7:38 am

    Dickens’ words are timeless… and quite timely. I’ve missed seeing your pieces on the blog. I understand – hard to write words of our own when we are barraged with so many words from outside.
    Let’s arrange a FaceTime visit, cheer each other on! I haven’t seen Almost Famous, at least I don’t remember seeing it… I will look for it.
    I just enjoyed a series called “Silk,” British courtroom. If I choose to be inundated with words, let them be beautiful, well-thought-out and beautifully pronounced ones, XO

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 11:10 am

      Donna, A FaceTime date it is! I’ll email you! I remember the photo of the jeans you decorated when you were the age when “Almost Famous” took place. We are both from that era and like me, you are a rocker chic! You will love this film! In the meantime, I will look up Silk. Thanks for the reference! Love, Brenda

  • Doreen your McGettigan July 11, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Almost Famous is one of my favorite films. I’ve watched it 4 or 5 times during the shutdown. It always leaves me feeling so positive. I also binge watched all 5 seasons of Outlander. I LOVE the way the author included real history with fantasy. It was a great escape. Another binge watch was Heartland. 13 seasons of clean, feel good stories lol.
    I love the Dior film, thank you for sharing.
    I’ve been thinking of you. Are things getting any better there?

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 11:20 am

      Doreen, It’s good to know someone else watches a favorite film again and again. Almost Famous is a sweet jewel of a movie! Thanks for suggesting Outlander and Heartland. I’ll check them out. I’m over the hurdle of not wanting to work on my book. You’ve written about an emotionally dark period in your life with what happened to your brother and finding justice for him. It’s hard enough to write about these things but when the rest of the world is falling apart, it’s hard to find refuge. Love you, my friend, Brenda

  • Donna Robinson July 11, 2020 at 9:18 am

    The second I saw the photo of the young men carrying the house I knew exactly what you had watched. I ran across it in another blog last night and sat mesmerized as I watched. Now more than ever we all need down time, and this was a perfect few minutes of fantasy.

    If you haven’t seen this video, Maria Grazia Chiuri the creative director at Dior talks about the collection here and fascinating insight. https://hautecouture.fhcm.paris/en/fashion-portrait-maria-grazia-chiuri-3/

    Have a wonderful relaxing weekend!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Donna, Thank you for the Maria Grazia Chiuri link. Until now I’ve never seen an interview with her. I particularly loved how she said she feels more Italian now that she lives in Paris. She understands better her Italian self. We also get a better look at more of the miniature haute couture designs. The buttons and the Dior logo, the coats and the hems… Truly amazing! xoxox, Brenda

  • Colleen Fuller July 11, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Brenda, your writing style is so reflective and this piece says it all. The Dior film is exquisite. Thank you for sharing. I still have a small collection of Madam Alexander dolls. I’ve been saying many prayers throughout the day. My daughter and I were able to enjoy al fresco dining at a local restaurant over the holiday. MA was one of the worse COVID states, but now is one with lowest new cases. We have indoor dining now, but I’m not ready for that. Be well my friend.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Colleen, I had two Madam Alexander dolls as a little girl. The bigger of the two was dressed in black and white and reminded me of one of the dresses Audrey Hepburn wore in My Fair Lady. She disappeared early on. When I went off to college mother cleaned out my room and never asked me if I wanted to keep any of my things. I always felt like it was a cruel and thoughtless thing to do. You’re lucky you still have yours. Texas has exploded with thousands of new Covid cases each day, so I have become even more of a hermit, if that is possible. I would love to feel comfortable enough to meet a friend for lunch outside. Love, Brenda

  • Laurie Stone July 11, 2020 at 12:20 pm

    Brenda,

    So nice to read your wonderful blog again. Also love that scene in “Almost Famous.” After I read your post, I listened to “Tiny Dancer,” my dog Libby on my lap. A sweet moment from a wonderful song. Thanks for the reminder.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      Laurie, It’s great to be back, hearing from all of you. Tell your husband he and his group should think about doing a live online IG or FB concert from the grassy knoll. I would definitely be there! xoxox, Brenda

  • Joanna July 11, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    Oh, I love the video Le Mythe Dior! The setting, the music, the beautiful dresses, the doll house, and the beautiful, sexy nymphs, all added up to create a visual feast for the eyes. I have played it over and over. Would you happen to know what the piece of music is?

    I’m not finding the restrictions placed on us due to Covid unbearable. I do wish to travel and have cancelled my 2021 trip to Greece, but I know I can rebook at a later date. We have spent weeks aboard our boat just enjoying the beautiful Northwest waters. My garden also brings me peace. While in it, the outside world disappears and it is just myself, my garden and some Celtic music playing softly. Turn off the news, enjoy your garden, read good books, talk to friends…whatever it takes to find serenity.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      Joanna, I, too, was taken with the music. Shazam doesn’t pull it up, and I have looked everywhere online. The film credits say the music is Roma Sinfonietta and the composer and director is Paolo Buonvino. “Turn off the news… ” Since high school I have been a news junkie and as someone with a Journalism degree I am fascinated… and appalled… with how today’s news outlets report the happenings in our world. It’s hard for me to turn off the news, but I’m getting better at not watching so much of it. You live in a beautiful part of the country. How wonderful you can enjoy the world from your boat. Thanks for the suggestions! Great to see you here, again! xoxox, Brenda

  • Téa July 11, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    New to your blog. Thank you for this post – I am going to revisit “Almost Famous”, as I’ve only ever seen it in the theatre. When I’m home alone and puttering, I like to listen to the audio version of “Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil”…or any of the “Harry Potter” books…the 2 narrator’s voices are like warm butter on a biscuit.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 1:45 pm

      Hi Téa, Thanks so much for reading and leaving me a message. You peeked my interest so I went to Amazon and listened to some of the audio version of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Love the narrator and even more, I love your description of their voices. I’ve never listened to an audio book but it would be a great for when I’m on the treadmill. Thanks for the suggestion! I just might get this one! All my best to you, Brenda

  • Diane July 11, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    Never have those words affected me as much as they do now. Surely Dickens was speaking of today…
    That Dior film was absolutely brilliant! Brilliant!
    Thank you so much for sharing it with me.
    I dive into old, beloved movies as well.
    And old, beloved novels.
    I may emerge sometime next decade . . .

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      Diane, my friend!! Hello! How are you? Every generation probably thinks Dickens was speaking about them, but these times will definitely go down in history! Waring with one another and unseen viruses… It’s too much! I only hope we’re not seeking refuge in books and movies until the next decade, but it’s good to know we’re made of tough stuff. xoxox, Brenda

  • Judy July 11, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Hi Brenda, So happy to wake up and find your message in my Inbox. Such a nice surprise. Have missed your blogs, especially now.
    I watched “Saving Mr. Banks” the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am now reading “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper,” which I’m loving. Thank you for recommending the movies you did. I will dive into the Dior movie next. Stay safe and well.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 11, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Judy! I just ordered the book you’re reading! Usually I don’t read fiction but this sounds like a magical story I should read now, so thank you!! It will be a welcome change from Covid and writing about my first husband’s drug problems and the evil in Guatemala. XOXOX!! Brenda

  • Jamie July 11, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    I love podcasts, so I have been listening to a lot of those. I work part-time at a rec center, so there’s that! I’m going to watch the Dior movie but that reminded me of last summer when my daughter and I attended the Dior exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art, it was awesome!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      Hi Jamie, A friend of mine saw the Dior exhibit in Dallas and raved about it. I’m sorry I missed it. I just found a new podcast from James Andrew Miller, award-winning journalist and best-selling author. As luck would have it, he’s doing a six part series about the movie, Almost Famous. It’s the film’s 20th anniversary and he’s assembled everyone involved to talk about how it was cast and made. Since I’m an AF junkie, I’m loving it. xoxox, Brenda

  • bonnie July 11, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    will go back and listen to the videos in the post…but the dickens quote JUST BLEW ME AWAY!!!!! not that i didn’t know it…but who would have thunk?????

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Bonnie, I know… That Dickens’ quote has been rambling about in my head for weeks! It’s perfect for these “Times of Covid.” Thanks for the note!! xoxox, Brenda

  • Rena July 12, 2020 at 11:02 am

    I have never seen the Almost Famous movie but I’m going to look for it. I love the scene that you showed. It was great hearing from you. Stay safe.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:23 pm

      It’s great to hear from you as well, Rena!! Thanks for reading and leaving me a note! Almost Famous is on cable or you can watch in on YouTube and other outlets I think. It’s guaranteed to make you smile. xoxoxoxox, Brenda

  • Victoria July 12, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    I have missed your blog and am so happy to see you back. It has been a long few months and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. I spent three of the quarantine months with my daughter in WV. But by mid-June, I felt it was time to come home and learn to live on my own again. Movies of any kind do not hold my attention though at one point I was reading a book a day. Take care.

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Great to see you Victoria! Living alone during something like this is challenging, especially if you’re like me and you take self-quarantine seriously. I don’t know what I would do without my dog, Annie. Movies/books… I’m just the opposite right now. I read mostly nonfiction so a book has to be really good to hold my interest, but I can get lost in back to back movies if I want to escape. Take care!! xoxox, Brenda

  • Tammy Carrington July 12, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    I loved the cinematic macaroni and cheese remark…we all need some of it!! These days are tough and our world is a very different place than it was only 4 months ago. Finding happiness in the small things is so important to keep a positive attitude and mindset. I sure miss you and love you my friend!!! Hugs!!!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      Hello sweet lady! I’m so glad you and Jonathan have Mike to see you through these tough times. You are a tower of strength, but more than anyone I know, you are deserving of your Prince who loves you and walks beside you. I’m happy about that every time I think of it. Love, Brenda

  • Barbara July 13, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    You made my day when I saw your blog in my email. I love everything you write. I have lived a pretty ordinary life so I don’t know what you’re going through writing a book about being kidnapped. Can’t wait to read it Brenda!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      Hi Barbara, No one’s life is ordinary because we each have our own challenges that make life difficult and we each have those rainbow moments that bring us joy. If you have known love and you have made it over those hurdles… You have lived an extraordinary life! xoxox, Brenda

  • LA CONTESSA July 13, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    I LOVE that you PLOPPED YOURSELF DOWN By mid-Morning and started watching TV!
    I have NEVER DONE THAT since I was a KID!
    THANK YOU for the DIOR VIDEO. I get their emails but usually DUMP without LOOKING!
    I will go back and WATCH ESPECIALLY FOR THE SCENERY……..I am wondering if it is a GARDEN I have been longing to visit!The name escapes me at the MOMENT.TADAH!
    NINFA, I believe is the name!I have the BOOK!
    HERE IT IS: http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/nature-and-wildlife/the-garden-of-ninfa.html
    AS we spoke recently you know how I am feeling……..this might be what THE DOCTORESSA ORDERED for ME THIS WEEK!!!
    WE MUST BE HAPPY WE HAVE A GARDEN!SO MANY DO NOT…………….XX

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      Elizabeth, I am a Type A so for me to “step away from the computer” is a rarity, but it has been just what I needed this last month. In many ways I will always be the same kid who loved old movies, especially Film Noir, and the teenager who listened to records. My father was a musician and music is in my DNA. My playlist is 23 hours long and I tap in and listen to it most every day. You’re right about the Garden of Ninfa. I didn’t know about it until the Dior film. Would love to see it with you! xoxox, Brenda

  • LA CONTESSA July 13, 2020 at 12:10 pm

    OH PS I had the MADAME ALEXANDER DOLLS TOO!!
    I THINK I STILL HAVE THEM!
    XX

    • 1010ParkPlace July 13, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      PS: Even though I wasn’t a girl who played with dolls, the missing Madam Alexander doll had a special place in my heart, and I think it was because of those sweet women who made these fabulous creations for her! xoxox

  • Bonnie K. Aldinger July 13, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    I have some books that fill that niche – I actually just finished re-reading “Auntie Mame” author Patrick Dennis’s “The Joyous Season”, one of the books that I got when I was in college or fresh out of school & settiling in NYC and have hauled around with me ever since. It was a beaten-up secondhand paperback when I got it, it’s in 2 separate pieces now, I know the whole story by heart but every now and then I just want to read it again.

  • 1010ParkPlace July 14, 2020 at 8:30 am

    Hi Bonnie, Good choices for your literary macaroni and cheese. I’ve heard Oprah say she rereads To Kill a Mockingbird every year. Books are such personal choice because they allow us to withdraw from the world in a way films can’t do. One of the few books I’ve read more than once is Under the Tuscan Sun. I have always loved restoring old houses and this was the ultimate restoration challenge. An old house in another country and Frances Mayes didn’t speak the language. Great to see you here, again, Bonnie. Stay safe. xoxox, Brenda

  • Cat July 15, 2020 at 12:24 am

    Brenda! I just recently watched Almost Famous for the first time! I knew about the movie but never saw it. My husband did a bit with a band back in the day (still have a cassette of his music and I have to get it transferred before the cassette crumbles from age) and I saw my share of celebrities growing up in L.A. so neither of us were interested. But, it was on TV recently and I saw bits and pieces and scrolling through Amazon Prime (which I reluctantly joined because of my adult sons – I hate the “big brother” aspect of it) and I came across Almost Famous and decided to watch it. OMG! One of the best movies I’ve ever seen. You gotta watch from the beginning and no commercials! I didn’t like the underage sex, but it was the ’70’s and everyone was sex crazy (I became celibate at 19 until I married, because of many heartbreaks and I thought I’d do it God’s way. Years later, researchers discovered oxytocin and how it binds your heart to those you are intimate with and when the relationship is over, it’s like some of your heart is ripped apart). Kate Hudson was miraculous in her roll. Maybe it’s in the genes, because her mother (Goldie Hawn) won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in her very first movie (Cactus Flower, a good movie). This was Kate’s very first movie and she should have gotten the Oscar for this. I think she got the Golden Globe. I love the “Tiny Dancer” scene! It makes me cry. A reminder of my youth and innocence/naivete. I love all of Dickens and every few Christmases I read A Christmas Carol. I’d like to read A Tale of Two Cities, although I did see the movie and liked it. I am praying more during this chaotic time. I like watching Joyce Meyer videos online (she’s a Christian preacher). Please keep in touch with your emails, they always put a smile on my face! Blessings, Cat

    • 1010ParkPlace July 17, 2020 at 11:07 am

      Cat, I loved reading about your early days! From my own experience I have met and seen lots of celebs and I have never been starstruck. Perhaps that’s because I have learned, firsthand, they are people who have problems just like the rest of us. I never joined Amazon Prime for just that reason, but somewhere along the way Whole Foods added me as a member. I just learned that when I went to order groceries online from them. The fact that Kate Hudson’s character in Almost Famous was only 16 was a problem for a lot of people, but the film is an accurate portrayal of the times. You’re right about the oxytocin… Love and sex “pair bonds” us to one another. It is Mother Nature’s way of trying to insure both parents stay together to care for their offspring so the human race will continue. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work although I think people who live faith-based lives may have an edge on staying together. I’m happy my emails put a smile on your face! Stay well. xoxox, Brenda

      • Cat July 18, 2020 at 10:17 am

        Brenda, I like your term “pair bonds”. And I do think it’s natures way of keeping the parents together (children need both the male and female parenting influence; a great book on the subject is “Mothering and Fathering” – although I don’t agree with all her conclusions). It’s also interesting that in Taiwan (or Indonesia, I’m forgetting) they wanted to lower the incidence of newborns being abandoned after the mothers left the hospital, so they started to make sure they were breastfeeding before leaving and newborn abandonment dropped a lot – the oxytocin was at work then too! Humans are so cool. Nature is so cool. I was thinking again about how important and special the “Tiny Dancer” scene is in the movie and it came to me that there’s another really important scene and that’s the scene in the airplane. Feeling good and “together” is really important stuff but at a certain point, the rubber has to meet the road or else there’s no getting anywhere. They needed that airplane moment together. I consider myself a “getting down to brass tacks” type of person, but I watched the “Tiny Dancer” scene many times before realizing this. I think as a society, we are currently too feelings/emotions driven. Humans have the ability to work things out, go to uncomfortable places and solve problems with wisdom, common sense, assertiveness and directness. I’m for being more driven by those things currently, in my own life and as a society.

  • cindy July 17, 2020 at 10:46 am

    Brenda this is so well written as your blog ALWAYS IS! I feel like I have hit a brick wall as well. I am eating a little too much, getting cabin fever, and on top of that we are having our June gloom in July here. However, I have much to be thankful for and this will not last forever. I think about you and your lovely city all the time. The Dickens analogy was so apropos. We need to have a long chat sometime! Keep writing, we can’t wait for your memoir!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 17, 2020 at 11:14 am

      I know how you feel, Cindy, but we must find ways to pick ourselves up before we hit the wall, but what if this is our new normal? We can’t sit in a funk, hoping someday things will go back to the way they were. Television and movies have been my short-term answer, but not for the long haul. I need to be productive with a project or a goal to work on everyday, so I’m glad to be writing my memoir, plus I try and vary my daily activities, the podcasts I listen to, etc. A friend suggested a Nia class online, so I may start that soon as well. Thank you for your note!!! Sending you love and well wishes. xoxox, Brenda

  • Juliet July 21, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    Brenda! Cindy Hattersley’s blog alerted me to your new post. I can’t tell you how quickly I clicked over and learn what you’ve been up to and your thoughts on muddling through these difficult days. Feel good books, movies and televisions shows (hello Golden Girls) are a great escape and mood alterer. Jane Austen books and films are my go-to’s and I recently watched the Sanditon series. Not my favorite but a welcome respite. Almost Famous is a wonderful movie and I appreciate the reminder … I’ll add it to the queue. Lately it’s been harder to get up and get on with the day. I’m grateful for my dogs who insist we get up and out each morning. Their enthusiasm never wanes. And, my enthusiasm for your memoir hasn’t waned either. Hoping you find your way back to writing … no rush … all in good time. xo

    p.s. As I read and comment on your blog, my husband helpfully asks ‘how’s your blog coming along.’ Fine, I say. ‘When will it be published?’ he asks. Soon, I reply. ‘You could have written a book by now.’ he says. Argh!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 27, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Hi Juliet! My thanks to Cindy!! Yes, some days are harder to get motivated than others. The last two weeks I was on fire, writing my memoir. Today I need an emotional resting point, but you’ve buoyed my spirits with your interest in the book, so thank you, Juliet! The writing process has a life of its own whether it’s a blog or a book. What if you tell your husband it’s not like writing a “term paper” where you have your research materials and then just crank it out? LOL! xoxox, Brenda

  • Ginger July 23, 2020 at 9:06 pm

    So happy to read a new post Brenda! It’s been trying times, for sure. Good movies and good books help. The Dickens quote is eerily spot on! Sending you hugs!

    • 1010ParkPlace July 27, 2020 at 11:50 am

      Thank you, Ginger!! I’m sending you love and hugs! xoxox, Brenda

  • Beckye July 27, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    Hi, Brenda! It was so great to see your blog post! I originally saw it the morning it was posted and wrote a long, multi-paragraphed response, and my phone ate it before I finished. By then I had someplace I had to be so had to leave and haven’t gotten back since. Can’t tell you how happy I was to see your post, and prayed for you to get through that brick wall! I’m happy to see from the comments that you have plowed through it! I loved the clips you shared. The Dior clip was mystical, and your lovely doll sounds so pretty! I’m so sorry you don’t have it now. What a sweet memory, and such a sweet thing for those ladies to have made those precious dresses. My mom made pretty clothes for my Barbie dolls, and like your mom, got rid of them and the dolls without asking. I found out when I saw the last doll clothes sold at a garage sale. She clears things out and gets rid of things without asking, still. She and my daughter have been living together and occasionally I’ll hear about something my daughter had in her closet that Mom has gotten rid of. ;D It’s going to be a transition moving Mom in with us! 😀

    You were so wise to start your day by spending time in prayer, and to watch things that gave you comfort and helped keep your spirits up during the lockdown. I would have watched many movies and binge-watched TV series if possible. My husband and I were both working from home, and he didn’t want the TV on. He doesn’t relax or rejuvenate watching things, so we’ve hardly had the TV on at all. We’ve gotten some free rentals from Redbox, so have watched a few movies here and there. I’m going to keep those ideas for movies and series for future reference! I’ve also been listening to and reading Scripture, praying, and listening to worship music. We’re singing along with the music for our online services each week again after getting to attend a couple of times. I’ve also listened to some Jackson 5 and Beach Boys and other 60’s and 70’s music while packing at times for a little boost.

    All of my time when not working, doing laundry, or cooking has been decluttering our stockpile of 34 years, boxing, and taking it all to storage for our move. I, too, am plowing through. Having homeschooled our kids all the way to college, I have 11 (?!) boxes of homeschooling materials for my daughter and our future grandchildren. Lots of fun art, music, and fun along with the academics. 🙂 We were working at the office for 6 weeks starting in June after being remote since March, and now we are rotating coming into the office once every other week. Still on the phone daily and taking care of things online. Weird, weird times.

    Thank you for keeping in touch with all of us, and for plowing through all of those memories and putting it down on paper as only you can. Can’t wait to pre-order your book when you get it finished. Bless you, and stay well! 🙂

    • Brenda Coffee August 7, 2020 at 10:42 am

      Hi Beckye! I”m thrilled to hear from you! Packing, storage and moving… Stressful, I know! I’m happy to say I no longer have anything in storage, and there are only 10 boxes in my garage, and three of those are financial records that need to be shredded. What is it with mothers who have no boundaries? I would never think of throwing anyone else’s things away!! I don’t understand that mentality. And how stressful it’s going to be when your mom comes to live with you!!! I couldn’t have done that in a million years. Take care… REALLY GOOD CARE… of yourself and your marriage, because mom is going to be a handful. Just as you are faithful to God, be faithful with carving out time for JUST YOU and time for you and your husband… both WITHOUT mom! There has to be some ground rules or I fear you may once again be living “under her roof/rule.” Blessings to you and I will add you to my daily prayer list. I’m still writing!! Even though I barreled my way through my mental block, writing a book is hard. I can spend an entire afternoon on half a page. Stay safe! Love, Brenda

  • julie August 22, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Hey Brenda,
    I cannot remember when I subscribed to your blog, but have always enjoyed it so much—-I realized recently that I had not seen it in awhile and panicked mildly as I couldn’t remember the name of it–I kept searching for “Park Ave”……I had recently deleted my emails as I am remiss about doing that and they build up and I was so relieved when “Park Place” popped into my mind–I am so happy I found you–have been struggling terribly with our empty nest and our dog had to be unexpectantly euthanized a few days ago. The grief feels overwhelming but have to forge through……..

    • Brenda Coffee August 28, 2020 at 1:56 pm

      Julie!! So happy you found me, again! I am devastated for you about the death of your dog. It’s always hard but especially when it is unexpected. I’m so sorry! A few years ago I had to say goodbye to both Sam and Molly within a month. I have no other family, and I was beside myself with grief. A few months later a friend talked me into going online to “just look” at the dogs up for adoption in my area. I’m so grateful to him, because I found Annie! I can’t imagine life without her. She is my best friend.

      I’m not blogging every week because I am writing a memoir, so I’m posting about once a month until I finish it. Tomorrow, Saturday, Aug 28th, I’m posting a blog and including some paragraphs from my memoir. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for finding me again! xoxox, Brenda

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