Throwback Thursday ~ Ghosts Of Birthdays Past #tbt #birthday

For some reason, I have birthday's on my mind. Wonder why? *wink* So, I thought for Throwback Thursday this week I would show a couple of my old photos from past birth celebrations.

Three years old. That's the kitchen in our old concrete block house in Titusville, Florida, where I lived for 18 years. It's when the world was still young. Before anything hurt. When "old" was anyone over 10, and a wrinkle was not a concern.

Now it's a heavy task getting up from the sofa, fourscore and ten is not so distant, and wrinkles ... hey, I'm not even going there!

2005. It wasn't that long ago ... was it? But, in a way, I guess it was. Many long, twisty, scary, bumpy roads later the pot holes are starting to show up. I'm crumbling at the edges and there's grass growing where it shouldn't. The frame is still good, though. I only lost one bone in the last surgery. Hallelujah for that. It's a good thing I'm being renewed daily in Christ or there wouldn't be anything left to have surgery on in a few years. *lol*

And while we're on the subject of the day of my origin, warmest THANK YOU's to all my wonderful friends for the warm wishes, the e-mails, e-cards, etc. I had a very pleasant birthday. I'm deeply humbled at the kindness shown. You helped make my day extra special. Also, I opted to stay home, so, my husband cooked two scrumptious meals (lunch and supper) that I will not soon forget. I swear that man is a cordon bleu chef! Then he gifted me a Givi tank bag for the Suzuki V-Strom, which was truly needed. He is such a dear man. So, all in all it was a memorable day.

I hope your day was wonderful too. And thank you again!

"Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. "

- Isaiah 40:30-31

The Copper Pig

I know, that sounds like the beginning of a ribald joke, doesn't it? I thought the same, but The Copper Pig is an actual restaurant located in the coastal town of Brunswick, Georgia.

Sparky and Vicki

Friday was my nearest and dearest friend's birthday. Vicki prefers this restaurant above all others, so, that's how we ended up there. We where also joined by her husband and son. They're all delightful, salt-of-the-earth people. I consider myself fortunate that they like me, Grumpy Guss that I am. *grin*

The first thing the Copper Pig hits a customer with are their homemade mouth-watering desserts.

There are quirky decorations on every possible wall, even in the bathrooms. If I hadn't planned an afternoon of shopping, I would have spent a few moments at the Moonshine Bar.

Who is that good lookin' guy winking at me at the end of the table? (Ok, I confess, it's only my sweet husband. Just because there's snow on the roof, doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the furnace.)

Vicki was a good sport and took a shot at riding the pig. The waitress said that those celebrating birthdays get a free ride. Otherwise, one must ask permission and pay $3. I don't think I'd try at any price.

Next is my birthday (the 20th). I'm not sure which restaurant we'll be gracing next.

So, if you're ever in Brunswick, come on by and enjoy one of there homemade desserts or chow down on a BBQ sandwich. There's also fresh butchered meat for sale if interested. I think next time I'll bring a cooler!

Queen For A Day #Birthday

I have a full plate today.

First off, this year today is when we Georgians vote in the Primaries. Since I try to always exercise my right to vote, even if it's a choice between the devil I know or the devil I don't know. That's first on the plate. I know it's one of our ever dwindling rights as an American.

Next on the plate, it's my birthday! Hubby usually takes me out for something special and treats me like a Queen. Truthfully, he does that year round, but on my birthday he goes all out. I sure found a treasure when I met him.


So I am off to fill my plate with more fun and frivolity. I would also like to wish everyone a happy, fun filled day.

[waving my hand regally] Go do something joyful just for yourself.

Since I'm Queen For A Day, I proclaim this allowable. *smile*

Ride Safe,

Long In The Tooth

1959
"I'm three, Mom! You know that ..."
Again, more silence from me in the blogging world, 'ey? I'm mostly posting at my new political blog, Reluctant Patriot. There is much wickedness coming from the Left. But after watching the polls and seeing how others are voting, I have high hopes that the satanic drug of Socialism is being defeated in many venues. It's a very powerful narcotic, this Socialism. The purveyors of the drug are being ousted right and left, including those in the so-called church (liberal churches to be sure). This brings me great joy. These are VERY exciting times as we witness history being made first hand. For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, we know that all individuals have the right to succeed or fail on their own merit. Never trust a government. Never. That's why we have laws and rules clearly set out by the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other important documents to keep the evil of men in check.

But back to about me. I mean, that's why you're here ... right? It's all about ME. [giggle] Otherwise, you'd be over at the Reluctant Patriot reading my political views. Heaven only knows why anyone would be interested in me, but I am forevermore grateful that there are those who do. [hugs]

For the uninitiated, this is "Sparky Birth week". That's right! I own the whole week! [ha ha] As I turn older, it's another notch in my belt (going the wrong way, I note), another wrinkle in my face, another age spot on my hands, another mysterious ache in my hip. [groan] But I will be of good cheer! Because it's also another year to have fun and to witness for Christ so that others may know eternal salvation too. Another year to be kind to others who so desperately need a kindness. Another year to ... what?> Well, whatever God wants me to do or my motorcycle takes me.

As you can now tell, I *love* birthdays! I cherish every single one of them. So what if I'm rapidly approaching 55!? Hey, it beats the alternative except that "it would be far better for me" to be with Christ than to be 'here'. But, I like being 'here'. Even with all the crap I've endured, or will have to endure, I think life is grand and well worth living. I hope I can show others that enthusiasm for life too. A warm smile, a loving word, a gentle touch is much preferred over the unkindness or lack of concern one can receive from 'the world'. And I've suffered from my share of unkindness too, let me tell you.

My adopted father ... well, in a nutshell, he was cruel. A bitter, cruel, violently unstable man. When I accepted Christ into my life in my teens, my father threatened me with being disowned if I didn't deny Him. I got the impression that Dad hated God. He certainly hated different ethnic groups. He even hated ... me. I got called the "bastard child" way too many times. Nice, huh. Since I wouldn't deny Christ, Dad kept his threat and left the bulk of my inheritance to strangers and, what remained of that, I had to split with his housekeeper. No. I didn't contest the Will. I think that in itself is unhealthy for one's psyche. Even though my father was mentally unstable, all it would have done is be unsettling for all concerned. So, I let it go. One 'comfort' (for lack of a better word) is that we weren't blood related. If it was the wrong thing for Dad to do, let God pass eternal judgment. That's His job, mine is to give testimony to others for Him so that they too may be saved.

Thankfully, Christ has washed away the deep hurts and regrets with His precious, innocent blood. Only He can replace such emotional heartache with love, affection, and understanding. Every day, I try to be thankful to Him for the new life I have in Him. I quit looking for remedies in what the world could offer. It was the wisest choice I've ever made. There is 'joy unspeakable' waiting for those who will heed His call.

So, on Thursday buy a cupcake, put a candle on it and have a little something sweet and think of me. My hubby is taking me to a fancy schmancy restaurant! Living in the country as we do, this is indeed a Big Deal. Wow, food!! [grin] I hope to also see my half-brother from my birth-family that day.

Did I ever tell you the story of finding my birth-family? No? Well, it was in 1982 ... uh, the story of finding those people is long enough to be a novelette full of romance and intrigue. I documented the whole thing it was so involved. They have been scattered to the wind across America like sheaves of wheat on a threshing floor.

Another day, perhaps?

Thanks for stopping by! I try to always thank God for friends like YOU too! :)

Too Old To Die Young

Happy Birthday To Me!

I LOVE birthdays!

Especially mine.

It means I'm still alive.

I like that.

It annoys all the right people.

So, we're out and about today. Hubby has plans that he won't share with me ... yet ... about what he has in store. So, you'll just have to wait too to see what the Sparkster et. el. where up to today. [smile]

In the meantime, how about some old photos?

The first one is my birthmother. Once I made up my mind to find her, it took me all of three weeks to find her burial location. Yeah, she was deceased by the time I got 'round to locating her. Mary died in a tragic auto accident in June of 1980 in Yulee, Florida, just about 18 months before my search.

Too little, too late.

But ... I have learned oodles about my roots irregardless. I'm still glad I searched (and so are many other folks going by all the e-mail of Thanks I get).

My birthmother, Marian Estelle "Mary" McMahan (left), and a friend
In the above photo, Mary was preggers with me. Being unmarried she wisely allowed me to be adopted by a loving married two parent family. I wish I could have told her "Thank you for not killing me". Sure do appreciate that.

Now finding my birthfather, since he wasn't named on my original birth certificate, is a real detective story! Pappy would have been proud of me. You can run, but you can't hide ... am I right Pappy? Never tell this ol' Bulldog (me) that something can't be done because then I will probably do it.

I've learned a lot in my short 53 years on Earth.

Here's a few of my pearls of wisdom. Feel free to leave your pearls too.

* After all my family research, and helping others do the same, I'm amazed at how closely related we all are.

* Life is very precious and every moment should be treasured. It can be tragically short or painfully long. But a good attitude makes the path a whole lot more pleasant.

* That friends may come and go, but they stay in our hearts forever.

* Our Judeo-Christian western European capitalist culture really is superior to all others. There's no denying history.

* That a loved ones smile or gentle touch at just the right moment is worth more than diamonds and gold.

* And mostly, but certainly not lastly, that God's love above all else stands the tests of time, even unto death. He is always there for us.

Now, off we go to celebrate the end of Sparky Birth Month. [tee hee]

Thanks for coming by and singing "Happy Birthday". Sing loud now so I can hear you!! :o)

Freshly Squeezed Sparky

Happy Birthday Hubby

61 years ago, you were giving your mother a little trouble by being born backwards. Bet she didn't know that Heavens angels are born that way?!

I do. I know.

Because to the world, you may be one person. But to me, you are the world.

Hubby as a newborn

Isn't he a cutie? (1949)
And always remember, it is not being in love that makes me happy but it is being in love with YOU that makes me happy.

So Great Big Happy Birthday Wishes my dearest and sweetest, not a day goes by when you're not in my thoughts and how empty my life would be if you were not here.

Now, let's go eat some of that carrot cake reposing in the 'frig. :o)