COMPLIMENTS ARE APPRECIATED

December 28, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

Everyone likes to receive compliments and I especially feel warm in my heart by one I received last week.  It was from a person who signed the name, Sohini Sarker.  The message read of my recent birthday blog, Another Birthday, that it is "simple and beautiful."  Thanks Sohini Sarker.

For some time, Barry has had a cyst on his left wrist.  He has seen two doctors with no help.  He said it is painful.  I gave him an inexpensive birthday gift that has helped it a lot.  It's a hand exercise ball for squeezing that helps develop isolated finger strength and more.

Barry is a talented guitar player but he had to stop playing because of the intense pain.  After using the exercise ball he is playing the guitar again which is like a small miracle.  I have used a foam exercise ball for arthritis in my hands for some time.

A few days ago I watched the recorded Dolly Parton movie, "Coat of Many Colors", and enjoyed it very much.  Barry told me this is the first of these movies about the singer's life.

My new novel to be published soon is a story told against the backdrop of the North Georgia carpet industry.  The theme is divorce and how it affects every family member.  I plan to print the first chapter of the novel in my blog space soon.  The title is "The Bend In The Road."

Barry's Christmas gift to me was an Amazon Fire Stick.  It takes content from the Internet and displays it on your TV.  Tam gave me a pretty beige cardigan sweater that is long and has two pockets.  She said it is for me to wear at home on chilly days.  It feels wonderful.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

December 21, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey
You may be busy preparing for Christmas but if you have a break from shopping, Christmas baking and gift wrapping, you may read this small blog.

Last week, I scheduled a badly needed haircut.  Tam's daughter, Carrie performed her magic with her scissors, and styling, and now I like my hair again.  Tam also "does" my hair weekly between cuts and she does a good job.

I woke up this morning feeling like I was getting sick but Barry convinced me I was just tired from a visit with my sister, Jeanette, at her Dalton home Sunday.

Barry recorded the TV movie, The Coat of Many Colors, about Dolly Parton last week but I haven't had a chance to see it.  I'll do that this weekend.

I hope each one of you, have a Very Happy Christmas.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

88th BIRTHDAY

December 14, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

My 88th birthday (Thursday, December 10th) was an enjoyable day.  The day started off with some comments from Facebook on the Internet.  The lovely comments warmed my heart.

Barry gave me a stylish large gold watch.  I have a small, gold Seiko watch that my late husband, Ralph, gave me for Christmas one year.  The watch still works fine.  But, with my old eyes, the tiny numbers are difficult to read.

Tam gave me two pairs of leggings (one beige and one black) to help keep me warm.  They will go well with my long winter dresses.

Barry's birthday is Monday (December 14th).  Barry is hard to buy a gift for as he usually buys things he wants.  I thought of a small, but useful item which Tam picked up for me to give to him.  I haven't mentioned it to Barry so it will be a surprise.

Barry has been playing Christmas music on his super stereo while we eat meals in the dining room.  We are trying to get the spirit of the holiday.  Maybe it will happen yet.

Monday morning:
Today is Barry's birthday.  I've been thinking of his various past birthdays.  At each birthday I've remembered precious memories.  When did I love him most?  The answer is NOW, always now.  Happy Birthday, Barry!

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

December 7, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

I was born in a Methodist parsonage located in Pelham Valley, Tennessee on December 10th 1927.  My late daddy, John Ellis Brashear, told me the story of my birth since I was a small child on my birthday until his untimely death at the age of 65.  No matter where I lived, daddy would call me on the telephone to tell me of the cold, winter night when I, his first born child, came into the world.

According to daddy, when my young mother felt it was time for me to be born, daddy sent for the old family doctor.  The doctor came and ordered that my daddy go outside and chop wood.  He was not aware that I was a breech birth and one of my tiny arms was broken.  The doctor put my arm in a sling and it healed soon.

My late husband, Ralph, and I were living at Treasure Island, Florida when our only son, Barry was born.  Daddy arranged to have my many cousins located in various states to send me a birthday card that year.

Son, Barry changed our lives for the better over the years.  Barry's birthday is December 14th.  He was the best birthday gift I ever received.

I had an enchanted childhood.  My late mother gave me birthday parties that were quite elaborate.  I had twin sisters, Joan and Jeanette, who kept our childhood interesting to say the least.  Later, after we were grown our youngest sister Dianne was born.  Joan and Dianne both have passed away.  Now Jeanette and I are the only members of the family still living.  Barry and I are still a family and will celebrate our birthdays at our comfortable home.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)