A hazel-eyed view of life in Western Kentucky
Mothers' Day has come and gone. It is one of my favorite days. Yesterday my granddaughters gave me an Impatiens filled with white blooms and potted in a small terra cotta planter with matching saucer. We placed it in the center of the patio table which sits on the front deck. It goes well with the Hibiscus sitting nearby with its poppy-colored, trumpet-shaped blooms, which is a wonderful gift given me by a special friend.
This same friend has also given me a Stellar Pink Dogwood tree and two rose bushes this spring. This is all greatly appreciated since it puts me about a year ahead on my flower garden schedule.
Many thanks to my friend and to my grandchildren.
Hope all mothers everywhere had a wonderful day!
Cheyanne - Shirea
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New Post Under Construction
A hazel-eyed view of life in Western Kentucky
I am currently researching Social Security and some of the rumors I have heard about it, such as illegal aliens receiving benefits. Since I am a senior citizen whose main income is Social Security, and one who has earned the right to that income by having been born and raised in America, as well as having worked at several jobs for nearly 50 years here as a natural-born citizen, I am greatly concerned about such a rumor. If Social Security is going broke, why speed up the end result by paying out funds to people who do not in any way deserve to receive its benefits? I think President Roosevelt had only the American people in mind when he hit upon the idea of a social security program. It was a super idea espousing the way to help the common man in America. It is my understanding that we Americans only get back a portion of what we put in. Why is a foreign-born, illegal alien, allowed to receive benefits he has done nothing to deserve. American benefits should be for Americans only!!
It seems as though I already believe the rumor. However, if I learn otherwise, then I will report it truthfully. If it is not true that illegal aliens are receiving American Social Security benefits, then I will report that truth. On the other hand, if I find that this rumor is true, then I will report it as honestly as I can.
I do not know just how long it will take to research this issue thoroughly. I am keenly interested in this issue and I will proceed as quickly as possible to do the research, digest it, and then write this blog. I hope to post soon.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
I am currently researching Social Security and some of the rumors I have heard about it, such as illegal aliens receiving benefits. Since I am a senior citizen whose main income is Social Security, and one who has earned the right to that income by having been born and raised in America, as well as having worked at several jobs for nearly 50 years here as a natural-born citizen, I am greatly concerned about such a rumor. If Social Security is going broke, why speed up the end result by paying out funds to people who do not in any way deserve to receive its benefits? I think President Roosevelt had only the American people in mind when he hit upon the idea of a social security program. It was a super idea espousing the way to help the common man in America. It is my understanding that we Americans only get back a portion of what we put in. Why is a foreign-born, illegal alien, allowed to receive benefits he has done nothing to deserve. American benefits should be for Americans only!!
It seems as though I already believe the rumor. However, if I learn otherwise, then I will report it truthfully. If it is not true that illegal aliens are receiving American Social Security benefits, then I will report that truth. On the other hand, if I find that this rumor is true, then I will report it as honestly as I can.
I do not know just how long it will take to research this issue thoroughly. I am keenly interested in this issue and I will proceed as quickly as possible to do the research, digest it, and then write this blog. I hope to post soon.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Y'all Come!!
A hazel-eyed view of Western Kentucky
The Hanson Village Art & Music Fest will be held in Hanson, KY, on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. til 5 p.m.
There will be Tri-State artists and authors, art demonstrations, and book signings.
LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY
INCLUDING:
Pat & Johnny - James Michael Harris - Ray Ligon - Tom Skinner - Heath Eric - Plowin Todd Cowen and the Sodbusters - Barry & Marla Potter ...and more!!
Children's dance and craft activities free all day at Jubilee Dance Center.
There's a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to hear, but if you need more information, just call Teresa at (270) 322-0930
So I say again, y'all come on out Saturday the 26th and have a fun-filled day. Bring all your kids along, too!! There's something for everyone right here in Hanson, Kentucky, on the Pennyrile Parkway. Look for the brown Historic marker.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
The Hanson Village Art & Music Fest will be held in Hanson, KY, on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. til 5 p.m.
There will be Tri-State artists and authors, art demonstrations, and book signings.
LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY
INCLUDING:
Pat & Johnny - James Michael Harris - Ray Ligon - Tom Skinner - Heath Eric - Plowin Todd Cowen and the Sodbusters - Barry & Marla Potter ...and more!!
Children's dance and craft activities free all day at Jubilee Dance Center.
There's a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to hear, but if you need more information, just call Teresa at (270) 322-0930
So I say again, y'all come on out Saturday the 26th and have a fun-filled day. Bring all your kids along, too!! There's something for everyone right here in Hanson, Kentucky, on the Pennyrile Parkway. Look for the brown Historic marker.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
Friday, February 25, 2011
BIGOTRY, PREJUDICE, AND HATRED ... Alive and Well in Hopkins County!
A hazel-eyed view of life in Western Kentucky
On a short stretch of road in Hopkins County a house sits amongst many others. What sets this house apart from the others is the flag being flown from its front--a rebel flag.
This was the flag that was created and chosen to be the flag of the Confederate States when they seceded from the Union so many years ago. This was at a time when the nation was split over the issue of slavery. Slavery had become a profitable way of life for the plantation owners. They would buy the people best suited to the rigors of farming in that day. When they were no longer of use to the plantation owner, they would be sold. Families were often separated at such times.
As slavery continued to be the method the plantation owners used to farm their land and to run their households, anti-slavery feelings grew stronger, especially in the north. Eventually, the feelings on both sides of the issue grew so strong, that the south voted to withdraw from the Union. It was at this time they adopted the red flag with navy crisscross of stars as their flag. A very tragic war followed. So many lives were lost, and so many bodies were maimed. But even more tragic was the fact that families were divided over the issue of slavery and fought on different sides.
I grew up in the deep south, though it was long after the war. There was so much prejudice, not just white/black prejudice but prejudice against most ethnicities, attitudes, religion, et cetera.
It was difficult growing up under such circumstances. Prejudice was a way of life. We were taught these beliefs and as we grew up and began to mature in our knowledge and our beliefs, we began to recognize how wrong it is to judge another by his/her color, the size of their house, their occupation, their friends.
I, like so many, were taught or certainly heard it said, well the Bible says .... So I have given some thought to what the Bible says about some things and, perhaps, its meaning. In Psalm 145, verse 9, "The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all his works." I like that. I accept that. What else needs to be said? There are many stories in the Bible about slavery. There are many stories in the Bible about horrible things, like God ordering entire tribes to be wiped out, down to the last baby. That sounds horrible to me, and I don't think I can accept it as truth. Now putting this in perspective for me, I can't help but wonder if these stories were put in the Bible not to say that these are the right things to do, but rather to show the ugliness of it.
Knowing how much better I feel when I approach people with the attitude of each being on the same level, I hope to be polite, courteous, and well mannered. That way I depart with the feeling of having set a good example of how to show respect. It is good if we love a person, but it is even better to show respect to them. Showing due respect helps a person feel worthy and, in turn, capable. If we make a person feel less than what he is, a fellow human being, then I feel strongly that we not only have shamefully harmed the person, but have done more harm to the universe than is measurable.
When a person moves into a quiet and peaceable neighborhood, then later begins to perform acts adverse to what the neighborhood represents, that person is not showing respect for his new neighborhood. In fact, he is being very disrespectful. That person can say that he has the right to fly the rebel flag from his house if he wants to. By law he is probably right. But the neighbors that were there first, none of which fly rebel flags, what about their rights? As a neighborhood that does not fly rebel flags, do they not have the right of the majority to expect their neighborhood to continue to be a neighborhood that does not fly rebel flags or display other symbols that demean another? I am appalled when I drive by this house. I know all too well what the flag represents. Let us put all this negativity back in the past and move forward with a feeling of good cheer and peace on earth to all mankind. This sounds trite, I know, but I believe it will work.
By writing this article I am not trying to demean any one in any way. But I do hope to enlighten many as to how easy it is to say in so many ways things that degrade people. On the other hand, with just one pleasant word we can make a person's day. And I would be remiss if I did not point out that I too am prejudiced. We all have our prejudices--But we can recognize them and make it a practice not to demean anyone with out wrong attitude. I am working on my attitude. Will you join me?
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
On a short stretch of road in Hopkins County a house sits amongst many others. What sets this house apart from the others is the flag being flown from its front--a rebel flag.
This was the flag that was created and chosen to be the flag of the Confederate States when they seceded from the Union so many years ago. This was at a time when the nation was split over the issue of slavery. Slavery had become a profitable way of life for the plantation owners. They would buy the people best suited to the rigors of farming in that day. When they were no longer of use to the plantation owner, they would be sold. Families were often separated at such times.
As slavery continued to be the method the plantation owners used to farm their land and to run their households, anti-slavery feelings grew stronger, especially in the north. Eventually, the feelings on both sides of the issue grew so strong, that the south voted to withdraw from the Union. It was at this time they adopted the red flag with navy crisscross of stars as their flag. A very tragic war followed. So many lives were lost, and so many bodies were maimed. But even more tragic was the fact that families were divided over the issue of slavery and fought on different sides.
I grew up in the deep south, though it was long after the war. There was so much prejudice, not just white/black prejudice but prejudice against most ethnicities, attitudes, religion, et cetera.
It was difficult growing up under such circumstances. Prejudice was a way of life. We were taught these beliefs and as we grew up and began to mature in our knowledge and our beliefs, we began to recognize how wrong it is to judge another by his/her color, the size of their house, their occupation, their friends.
I, like so many, were taught or certainly heard it said, well the Bible says .... So I have given some thought to what the Bible says about some things and, perhaps, its meaning. In Psalm 145, verse 9, "The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all his works." I like that. I accept that. What else needs to be said? There are many stories in the Bible about slavery. There are many stories in the Bible about horrible things, like God ordering entire tribes to be wiped out, down to the last baby. That sounds horrible to me, and I don't think I can accept it as truth. Now putting this in perspective for me, I can't help but wonder if these stories were put in the Bible not to say that these are the right things to do, but rather to show the ugliness of it.
Knowing how much better I feel when I approach people with the attitude of each being on the same level, I hope to be polite, courteous, and well mannered. That way I depart with the feeling of having set a good example of how to show respect. It is good if we love a person, but it is even better to show respect to them. Showing due respect helps a person feel worthy and, in turn, capable. If we make a person feel less than what he is, a fellow human being, then I feel strongly that we not only have shamefully harmed the person, but have done more harm to the universe than is measurable.
When a person moves into a quiet and peaceable neighborhood, then later begins to perform acts adverse to what the neighborhood represents, that person is not showing respect for his new neighborhood. In fact, he is being very disrespectful. That person can say that he has the right to fly the rebel flag from his house if he wants to. By law he is probably right. But the neighbors that were there first, none of which fly rebel flags, what about their rights? As a neighborhood that does not fly rebel flags, do they not have the right of the majority to expect their neighborhood to continue to be a neighborhood that does not fly rebel flags or display other symbols that demean another? I am appalled when I drive by this house. I know all too well what the flag represents. Let us put all this negativity back in the past and move forward with a feeling of good cheer and peace on earth to all mankind. This sounds trite, I know, but I believe it will work.
By writing this article I am not trying to demean any one in any way. But I do hope to enlighten many as to how easy it is to say in so many ways things that degrade people. On the other hand, with just one pleasant word we can make a person's day. And I would be remiss if I did not point out that I too am prejudiced. We all have our prejudices--But we can recognize them and make it a practice not to demean anyone with out wrong attitude. I am working on my attitude. Will you join me?
Till next blog,
Cheyanne/Shirea
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I'll Think About That Tomorrow
A hazel-eyed view of life in Western Kentucky
I have been trying to post my picture, but my scanner is not working properly. Oh well, I'll think about that tomorrow, as Scarlet would say.
This is not a real blog today and I apologize for it. Hopefully, I will have a good story for you on Friday.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne - Shirea
I have been trying to post my picture, but my scanner is not working properly. Oh well, I'll think about that tomorrow, as Scarlet would say.
This is not a real blog today and I apologize for it. Hopefully, I will have a good story for you on Friday.
Till next blog,
Cheyanne - Shirea
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Remembering The Ice Storm
A hazel-eyed view of life in Western Kentucky
I joined Yahoo!360 when it was in its heyday. Each Wednesday a group of us posted our poems, with explanation of the inspiration that caused us to write that particular poem. Anyone could post a poem that day, whether original to them or not. Also, anyone could post a comment about any or all of the poems posted. This group is what inspired my love for poetry.
I have not written any poems lately, but I have written a number of songs. Today is such a beautiful day here in Western Kentucky, with a temperature of 69 degrees at 11:30 a.m.
I mention this fact because it reminds me of less desirable weather in January/February 2009. Western Kentucky was under siege by snow and ice. I live in the country, sharing 8 acres of land with my son and his family. As the snow and ice accumulated on the power lines, the lines began to break under the weight, leaving us without power for approximately two weeks. I moved in with my son, his wife, their 4 children, and their dog for the duration. After 5 days of no power, my son and his wife traveled to Evansville, Indiana to purchase a generator. Not only did it brighten our nights, it brightened our spirits as well.
I composed a poem about the storm one night after we had all gone to bed. About two weeks went by before I put it in writing. I posted this poem on 360 before I ever put it on paper. I am posting that poem for you today. If you have never experienced an ice storm, then I hope you will feel the stark reality of what it is like. I also hope that you will thoroughly appreciate the beauty of this gorgeous spring-like day.
Cooking by Candlelight
It was a cold and stormy night
In Western Kentucky
On Windy Hill the rains began to fall
And the temperatures dropped
Ice building up
Tree limbs breaking
Like mortar fire
Going rat-a-tat-tat
Falling on icy lines
Poles breaking
The power went out
Leaving total darkness
A town was isolated
Had no electricity.
On Windy Hill
With no power
With no lights
Daughter-in-law
Cooking by candlelight
On a Coleman stove
The food was good
To the very last bite.
Utility people
Worked round the clock
Setting new poles
Volumteers came
From far and near
Power was restored
Grid by grid.
On Windy Hill
The volunteers came
It took all day
But power was restored
On the 15th day!
The morning after
The winds did come
Howling fiercely
The lights would flicker
Staying off for hours
Telephone lines still down.
The winds have calmed
Bright, sunny skies
Cold but clear
This early morn
Weather is warming
Just like spring
It is mid February
Surely spring is on its way.
Life will never be the same
On Windy Hill
Life has changed
For the folks
In Western Kentucky
No more cookin'
By candlelight
No more cookin'
By candlelight.
Shirea Mills February 2009
I joined Yahoo!360 when it was in its heyday. Each Wednesday a group of us posted our poems, with explanation of the inspiration that caused us to write that particular poem. Anyone could post a poem that day, whether original to them or not. Also, anyone could post a comment about any or all of the poems posted. This group is what inspired my love for poetry.
I have not written any poems lately, but I have written a number of songs. Today is such a beautiful day here in Western Kentucky, with a temperature of 69 degrees at 11:30 a.m.
I mention this fact because it reminds me of less desirable weather in January/February 2009. Western Kentucky was under siege by snow and ice. I live in the country, sharing 8 acres of land with my son and his family. As the snow and ice accumulated on the power lines, the lines began to break under the weight, leaving us without power for approximately two weeks. I moved in with my son, his wife, their 4 children, and their dog for the duration. After 5 days of no power, my son and his wife traveled to Evansville, Indiana to purchase a generator. Not only did it brighten our nights, it brightened our spirits as well.
I composed a poem about the storm one night after we had all gone to bed. About two weeks went by before I put it in writing. I posted this poem on 360 before I ever put it on paper. I am posting that poem for you today. If you have never experienced an ice storm, then I hope you will feel the stark reality of what it is like. I also hope that you will thoroughly appreciate the beauty of this gorgeous spring-like day.
Cooking by Candlelight
It was a cold and stormy night
In Western Kentucky
On Windy Hill the rains began to fall
And the temperatures dropped
Ice building up
Tree limbs breaking
Like mortar fire
Going rat-a-tat-tat
Falling on icy lines
Poles breaking
The power went out
Leaving total darkness
A town was isolated
Had no electricity.
On Windy Hill
With no power
With no lights
Daughter-in-law
Cooking by candlelight
On a Coleman stove
The food was good
To the very last bite.
Utility people
Worked round the clock
Setting new poles
Volumteers came
From far and near
Power was restored
Grid by grid.
On Windy Hill
The volunteers came
It took all day
But power was restored
On the 15th day!
The morning after
The winds did come
Howling fiercely
The lights would flicker
Staying off for hours
Telephone lines still down.
The winds have calmed
Bright, sunny skies
Cold but clear
This early morn
Weather is warming
Just like spring
It is mid February
Surely spring is on its way.
Life will never be the same
On Windy Hill
Life has changed
For the folks
In Western Kentucky
No more cookin'
By candlelight
No more cookin'
By candlelight.
Shirea Mills February 2009
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