H is for ...

HURRICANES HOCKEY

When you think of the sport of hockey, it isn’t very likely that the warm South comes to mind. When I think of hockey, I think of Canada or some northern state that is often very cold. Cold ice and warm humid temperatures don’t mix in my mind. Those were some of my initial reactions when we were told we were getting an NHL hockey team in North Carolina. Hockey, eh?!?

I am a huge sports fan, but I will admit (and don’t hate me for this), I am not a huge hockey fan. Maybe it’s because it is indoors on ice and I am not very tolerate of colder temperatures. Maybe it is because I just can’t follow it that well, but I will admit though that I do enjoy the fighting, ha! I don’t often go to many hockey games, but when I do, I usually have a pretty decent time bundled up like a little Eskimo.

I was in middle school when it was announced that the Hartford Whalers would be leaving Connecticut and relocating to my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. It surely seemed appropriate since so many other people from the New England area continued to relocate to our Southern locale. I remember a local radio station making a comment that fans should submit their name suggestions for the team and the mascot. As dorky middle schoolers, we were all standing around in the cafeteria debating what we should name the team. Many wanted the Carolina Cougars or Bobcats (this was prior to the NBA renaming the Hornets the Bobcats and now back to Hornets –duh, just leave it how it was to start with) – I kept asking “Why Cougars?” “Why Bobcats?” – why all the animal names? Their only answer was since our NFL team was the Carolina Panthers, we needed another similar animal. Well, that partially made sense. But, then there was me – the over-analyzer and over-thinker, trying to think of something creative yet different to name a team that is not located in Charlotte, away from the Panthers. I remember standing there reflecting briefly on things from North Carolina history and it hit me! I piped up to my classmates and boldly proclaimed, “I’ve got it! Let’s name them the Carolina Hurricanes!!!!” And they all looked at me dumbstruck and replied “Why would we name our team the Hurricanes?” And I said, “Why not? We’ve just been hit recently by Hurricanes Bertha and Fran. We tend to attract hurricanes, so why not name our team the Carolina Hurricanes!?!”

Needless to say, at that time, my classmates thought I was crazy, but little did any of us know that indeed our NHL team would become the Carolina Hurricanes. And sadly, I did NOT get credit for that idea, dang it! (I will gladly take any credit if anyone wants to pass that along now – any monetary donations will be gladly accepted or even season passes, ha!)

Surprisingly, hockey has picked up a good following here. It probably is still not as popular as good ‘ole college football or basketball, but it has surprised me how much of a fan-base that has developed for our Carolina Hurricanes. We are very proud of their accomplishments of winning the Stanley Cup back in 2006 and were proud representatives to host the All-Star game. It has been quite interesting to see the array of players we have had parade in and out of the Raleigh area over the past several years that the Hurricanes have been here -- players such as the great Ron Francis (now General Manager of the team), Rod Brind’Amour, Eric and Jordan Staal, and so many others that I cannot list them all.

My first hockey game, I was rather spoiled, as I was able to sit in an exclusive suite and enjoy all the amenities provided. I’ve seen a hockey game from all levels at the PNC Arena. And, yes, while it is cool to sit down low and feel as if you are a part of the game with the players attacking the glass, I actually prefer to sit way up high so I can take in the entire arena floor and watch everything that goes on. (And probably because they are the cheapest seats available – tickets damage your wallet for professional sporting events, wow!) But, my ultimate favorite thing at a hockey game, in addition to the fighting, is what I affectionately call the “hockey horn”. I just love to hear that thing cranked down on when the ‘Canes score a goal … it just seems like it booms so loud that you could hear it in Charlotte.

And appropriately, the hockey horn also reminds me of a ship out in the storm, in the eye of a hurricane, who is looking for shore; hoping for a lighthouse to guide him home to safety. Maybe the ship will blow its horn as it nears port to announce its arrival alerting all to its victory over the storm. With that being the case, I do think our Carolina Hurricanes were appropriately name, and maybe in the next few years, they can climb back to the top and proudly hoist the Stanley Cup high in the air over Raleigh! Go check out a Hurricanes game or whatever hockey team is near you, but make sure you take a jacket because it can get a little chilly! And don’t forget to shout, GO CANES!!

G is for ...

GREAT-GRANDPARENTS

Recently, I have been doing a little research on my family tree attempting to figure out the who, what, where and when’s of it all. Genealogical research is often times quite interesting as you can find out so many unique facts about your distant relatives and where they came from, what they did, how they died and all sorts of little interesting tidbits that you may not have been aware of. So much of that information is available today and free of charge for you to use, and I, for one, am going to take advantage of that opportunity when time permits (which these days, it is very hard to find a free minute or two to do something).

Growing up, I only had the opportunity to know one of my great-grandparents as all the others had passed on many years before my birth. My Great-Grandmother Sorrell (more affectionately known as Mama Sorrell) lived right near my house and I would always go out to entertain her by playing her a tune on the piano or doing something else to spend a little time with her. She would often fall asleep while I was playing or just doze off while people were talking to her, and we loved having a little fun with her when she did. My Great Aunt Maydelle would often tell me to go tear off a piece of the old straw broom and run it across Mama Sorrell’s upper lip just beneath her nose to make her think a fly or something was after her. It would take several attempts before she would finally awaken, but it was still quite humorous watching her sleep and trying to swat at her face. Those were some fun memories. Mama Sorrell died three days after my birthday, a few months shy of her 100th birthday – oh, to have her genes !! But, she left a legacy that many people still remember.

I wish I had known my Grandpa Baker’s parents, Edd & Pattie Baker. I have heard numerous stories from Grandpa about what such hard-workers they were and how they provided for their ten children (good grief! that just blows my mind to think about it). They were farmers and just epitomized, to me, a typical hard-working Southern family. I just love looking at their pictures as they just are so adorable. I love hearing Grandpa tell his stories – I guess when you are 95 years old you have a lot of stories and memories to share. Grandpa Edd passed away even before my mother was born, but I remember my Grandpa saying how Grandpa Edd had such huge hands and was a very large man – a true sign of a hard-working man! Grandma Pattie passed away a few years before I was born. So, I never was able to meet either of them, but fortunately we have photos of them so that those of us in the latter generations can at least reflect back upon them and see what they looked like.

Another of my great-grandparents that I wish I could have known was my Granddad Foster’s father, Willie Foster. In Willie’s case, we have no photographs or any real information on him. Granddad never really said much about him, but then again, none of us really probably ever thought to ask him much about him. We have plenty of pictures of Willie’s wife, my great-grandmother Alma, but nothing of Willie. I have always had a mental image of what I pictured him to look like, and so many times over, I wish I could actually find a picture of him to see what he looks like. Even when researching the family tree on his side, there is not much we can find about him other than that he came from the North Carolina / Virginia line near Yanceyville. I had heard many times over that Willie did serve as the chief of police of the then Fuquay Springs Police Department. When I went to the research library, I did a search on him and was pleased to find a small article that was written in a local paper about Willie at his death. It pleased me to read about him being described as possessing a kind and friendly character, as well as being highly esteemed in his community. That reminds me so much of my Granddad Bill Foster and his character. He always was quiet and had a humble smile on his face and never really got angry or upset. I have always figured Willie would be much the same way.

Copy of article from microfilm courtesy of the Fuquay-Varina Independent

I hope in my continued research that I am able to uncover some more pieces of the puzzle and learn more unique and fun facts about my heritage. And it would surely be amazing to find more pictures, too! While many are turned off from the idea of researching genealogy, give it a shot! You never know who you may uncover that you are related to – it could be someone who is super famous or just someone who is a well-liked character within their own community and revered for who they are not from what they may or may not have come from. You can be a very simple person and still have lot of advantages in life – advantages that far exceed those of the rich and famous. Get to digging and let the roads lead you on!

F is for ...

FERRIS WHEELS

“Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina at the State Fair…” – words that ring near and dear to my heart especially during the month of October. As everyone ought to know, I absolutely love and adore the North Carolina State Fair. If they had a Fair Queen title, I should seriously be in the running for that. But, I won’t make this blog entry about my love for the Fair, as that will likely come in a later post.

When you first enter the grounds of the State Fairgrounds or any local carnival or big event that may come to your hometown where rides are involved, aside from being overwhelmed with the variety of fragrant smells that we inhale, we also encounter a variety of the sights. We see an assortment of vendors with foods for sale, games to play, and exhibits to see, but if we look far enough in to the horizon, we are bound to see one of the all-time greatest entertainment inventions, the Ferris wheel!

Ferris wheels come in all sizes, colors and even designs. I remember the first Ferris wheel I ever rode had more of the bucket type, rocking seats, and that absolutely scared me to death – between the seats rocking and the actual wheel itself being somewhat unstable, I was absolutely certain I was going to die (of course, I was probably only a wee little thing and anything would scare me at that age). But, as I got older, the more the thrill-seeker side of me came to fruition and proved that while I do like Ferris wheels, I would prefer a rollercoaster any day! That being said, it does not mean I don’t ride the Ferris wheels at the State Fair each year or at Dollywood or any other place that might have one.

Ferris wheels provide you with a view of nearly everything. It’s the perfect invention for any good Southern person – it allows you to soar up above and be the good nosey, whoops, I mean observant, people that we are. I particularly like to see what is going on down below and scout out the places I want to see next, but other times, I just like to ride it for the relaxation and allow the cool breeze for infiltrate me. However, I will even admit that though I am not fearful of heights, when you are literally sitting on the top of the wheel, suspended countless feet off the ground, a little creeping feeling enters my stomach, so I immediately have to distract my thoughts.

When you think about it, it is truly amazing that something that looks so simple yet complex can carry the weight of that many people to view anything and everything from above. And then to think about the double-decker wheel, holy cow – let me not even begin to ponder the intricacies of that doohicky! I have ridden one only once in my life and that was enough for me!!

A Ferris wheel is truly an interesting concept and one that has provided entertainment and enjoyment, and I am sure a lot of freak-out moments, for millions worldwide. My next goal is to ride one of the Sky Wheels in either Myrtle Beach or Pigeon Forge – the super high wheel yet contains enclosed seating. I think that should be very exciting. And, maybe one day, I shall cross the pond and head over to London and take a ride on the Eye. Now that would be an amazing experience. I highly encourage everyone to take a trek high in the sky on a wheel and check out all the sights below (or colors, if you are riding at night). Sure, things might be a little rocky at first but just sit still, hang on tight and enjoy the scenic sights that surround you! Keep Calm and Breathe On!

E is for ...

EASTER

As I was on my lunch break stroll around the block, I couldn’t help but notice the dogwood trees as they are in full bloom on this lovely North Carolina spring day. The dogwoods made me reflect on the day we celebrated yesterday, Easter, and the symbolism that surrounds that day.

Similarly to Christmas, many people get so wrapped up in the commercialization of the holiday, that they truly forget the true meaning of the season. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with going to get a new Easter dress (I did myself) nor is there anything wrong with having a little Easter egg hunt, family gathering, having your picture made with the Easter bunny or any of the commercialization that coincides with the day so long as you are taking time to reflect upon the real meaning of Easter – Jesus Christ.

Growing up, I was always quite dolled-up for Easter in my frillies, and sure thing I loved getting some Easter candy (I still do – Reese Peanut Butter Eggs and fruit-flavored Tootsie Rolls, in case anyone wants to drop any hints for the Easter bunny or anyone wants to deliver some goodies to me!!), but I also was keenly aware that my presence was to be in the church on Easter morning to celebrate the risen Savior.

This Easter, my pastor stated something that I honestly had not really considered before and it was truly spot on. He said that while Christmas is an important time of the year to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Easter is the most important and meaningful holiday. We serve a RISEN Savior. Our Savior was born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, but He was ultimately born to die. Can you imagine knowing you are born to ultimately sacrifice your life for the sake of millions? Can you imagine what God must have felt giving His only Son to die for us? I am reminded of the song that Tabatha sang in church during the Christmas holiday appropriately entitled “Can you Imagine?” – I have reflected on that song many, many times over and even this Easter, I paused to listen to it online again to just soak in the words and allow myself to ponder and attempt to place myself there in the situation. However, the more I contemplated it, I realized that I honestly cannot imagine being in God’s shoes and the thoughts that must have gone through His head, much less the thoughts that must have gone through Christ’s. But while Jesus was born to die, He also ROSE again! He is NOT dead. He was bruised and beaten and hung on an old wooden cross to die for our sins, but praise the good Lord, the grave couldn’t conceal Him for long. Three short, but I am sure it seemed long, days later, He AROSE from the grave and ascended in to Heaven. He is still alive and waiting for us to join Him. Now, isn’t THAT something to imagine and look forward to?

Easter is the day to truly be grateful – it is the day we have set aside to serve our RISEN Savior, and know that because of Him, we can be washed cleaned of all our sins and be able to live a life of glory with Him in Heaven! What a glorious thought that our Jesus rules and reigns and lives forever! How many other religions can say that their “god” is alive and living? Hmmm…I can’t think of any…nope, nada, zilch, NONE!!

So, when you try on your Easter bonnet and dress, when you sample your Easter goodies and spend time with your family, please, please, don’t forget to spend most of your time reflecting upon why we honor Easter. And furthermore, while Easter is the one day we actually set aside to reflect, we need to be doing this year-round. Don’t just let Easter be the one time of the year that you go to church and are grateful that Jesus is alive. Do that daily! Enjoy everything that God has blessed you with and given to you, and when you pass a dogwood, always reflect on the crown of thorns placed upon His head, the “markers” (as little Colton Burpo calls them in “Heaven is for Real”) that are on His hands and feet where He shed His innocent blood for us but most importantly, that blood can wash us white as snow. Just believe and accept Him. I serve a risen Savior and I pray you do, too!

D is for...

DAFFODILS

As the winter days and nights begin to blend and never seem to end, we desperately long for the future spring days ahead. Once the cold temperatures start to dissipate, we begin to feel an excitement welling deep within as the days gradually are getting longer and the sun beams overhead brightly lighting our paths ahead. The landscape slowly begins to transform from the dark and bleakness that comes with the winter season into an array of colorful assortments. One of the first signs of spring’s arrival is the greenery that begins to creep up along the banks of the lakes or ponds, along the shoulders of the roads we travel and even in and around varying places in our yards. Within a few days, these small green leafy stems begin to bud and turn into a bright and beautiful daffodil. Daffodils can be compared to the sunshine – the sun warms us physically in the sky from winter’s harsh conditions; while the daffodils can warm our hearts as they provide some shine along the landscapes that cross our paths every day.

As a little girl, we had an abundant amount of daffodils that formed in various locations throughout our yard. I always called them buttercups (even though there is another plant called a buttercup) and always wanted to run smell them as soon as they started to bloom. As I got a little older, I would run out into the yard and pick handfuls of the flowers to bring inside to my mother. Maybe it was a symbolic gesture of a tiny child bringing flowers to her mother or maybe it was just the arrangement of the flowers in a beautiful vase and the fragrance that filled the home, that have left lasting memories imprinted upon my soul. But, either way, as soon as spring had “sprung”, I was racing out the door in a wild search of God’s beautiful, natural gifts to us – gifts that can light up our soul both indoors and outdoors.

I often remember taking drives along the long back country roads with my family, and there guiding our way would be paths of daffodils trailing alongside of the road. It always amazed me how the daffodils seem to blossom in any location. Almost as a little reminder the daffodil is saying that while I may be a tiny, fragile little plant, I can still accomplish many deeds and bring joy to people’s lives and light up their world. Many times, we need to view ourselves as a daffodil or some other plant. We feel like we are firmly rooted in a setting but suddenly someone or something comes along and plucks us out of the ground to put in a vase on display (or so we feel we have been plucked up). Don’t be discouraged about being plucked out of the ground, but rather see it is as an opportunity to be re-located to a place where you can bring warmth and joy to another situation, and realize that while we may be fragile souls, with God’s help, we can accomplish anything that He wants us to accomplish.

By now, most of the daffodils are beginning their spring retreat, but if you can still spot a few here or there, take time to pull over and smell the daffodils! Or grab you a handful to take home and either put in a vase or hold high in the sky and thank the Lord for providing us with some daily sunshine and more of His beautiful creations!

C is for ...

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!

“Those Christmas lights light up the street
Down where the sea and city meet
May all your troubles soon be gone
Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin' on”

These are lyrics from Coldplay’s song “Christmas Lights” and I find these specific lyrics quite endearing. For whatever reason, I have always had a fascination with Christmas lights and decorations. It doesn’t necessarily matter what kind, color or anything in specific, I just love all the lights, variety and warmth it brings during such a hallowed season.

Ever since I was a little girl, we have always put our Christmas tree and decorations up in mid-November. I even petitioned to leave the tree up year-round and just re-decorate it each month based on the holiday that was at hand. (That idea quickly got shot down, bummer!) Putting up the tree and seeing the lights always brought about a calming and relaxing presence for me. I used to go lay UNDER the tree (before the presents were there) and look from the bottom of the tree to the top and absorbing in all the color that exuded from our Christmas tree.

Another of my favorite Christmastime memories was when we would go out riding throughout the county and towns looking at the Christmas light displays in many neighborhoods or towns. Many of the sights would often include started with the historic homes in the Oakwood area of Raleigh, before cruising down to the larger mansions and then always a ride thru Cameron Village to look at the multi-colored street of trees (sadly, they no longer exist). I always was amazed at the lighted trees that used to be placed in the middle of lakes or ponds – as a child, I could not figure out how that actually worked, particularly with no one getting electrocuted!!

While I still do enjoy all of the local light displays, the best light display I have seen is a good little drive from our house – quite literally, “over the river and thru the woods” but more like “over the mountains and rivers and thru the woods Dollywood here we come!” If you want to see millions of lights in a small confined area, you need to take a trip to Dollywood. The entire park turns in to a sea of color for the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. The best part is taking the train ride (in the dark) throughout the park and up into the mountains while glancing back at a park full of color. It looks like you are looking down on a rainbow, rather than looking skyward for one.

Even though we still have several more months until the 2014 Christmas season, I encourage you to take a moment to ride thru your neighborhood, town or city or take a trek to see some Christmas lights. People take a lot of time to put up some festive displays and why should you be a Scrooge about it? Christmas is the season of all seasons, so be joyous this 2014 year. And while looking deep into the twinkling of the lights, always remember the true reason for the season is Jesus, and without Him, there would be no reason to celebrate Christmas and in reality, there may be no us. Enjoy your Christmas and light it up!


“Oh, Christmas lights, light up the street
Light up the fireworks in me
May all your troubles soon be gone
Those Christmas lights keep shinin' on”

B is for ...

BULLS BASEBALL

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the park… Aren’t those some lovely words? Well, for sports fans like myself, yes, they likely are; for the rest of you, well, I’ll just pray for you! To say the least, I am a sports junkie, as I attend numerous sporting events each year. And, while the thrill of being at a basketball game where I can scream, holler and act like a fool is amazing, there are days when I just prefer the slow-paced, somewhat serene and solitude bliss that comes only from a baseball game. Baseball allows you to involve all of your senses in a different level than with other events – you can utilize your senses in smelling the fresh cut grass, seeing the rich clay of the infield, hearing the crack of the baseball bat as it makes contact with the baseball, keeping a constant awareness of where the ball is going to go (and praying it’s not on top of your head), smelling all the wonderful aromas of the variety of foods provided at the stadium and tasting them for that matter, too! My favorite games to go to are either the midday games or the early evening games – I love the feel of the sun beating down on me while taking in a game or feel the change of the temperature as the sun begins its slow descent over the ballpark.

While I do typically find myself attending more college baseball games, fortunately for me, I am also able to venture a few miles away and take in a game at one of the finest Minor League stadiums that exists – the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The DBAP is home to the reigning Governor’s Cup Champions team the Durham Bulls. However, the DBAP also plays hosts to many ACC games, particularly for the Duke Blue Devils, but also for the ACC Baseball Tournament. I may not know many of the players on the Bulls’ roster, but it is still a fun and relaxing venue to take your family or friends and partake in some local entertainment. It’s the perfect place to grab a seat, watch some baseball and catch up on whatever else is going on in your lives. And of course, eat an abundance of ballpark snacks (that’s probably the best part)

It is always my luck with I go to the DBAP something always happens. I have been there when massive rain and lightning storms hit (you want to talk about running fast and setting world-Olympic record paces, that’s me when lightning strikes around a baseball stadium with metal coverage – I am GONE!!). Then the opposite has occurred where I have had terrific seats and it is blazing hot outside. After those games, I don’t come home drenched with rainwater, but rather come home smelling like burnt chicken or something from the sunburnt skin. But, one of my favorite times at the Bulls’ park was last season during the ACC Baseball Tournament when the hometown rivalry of NC State and UNC not only set an attendance record at the park, but it also went for 18 innings!!!! Needless to say, you probably could’ve gotten a sunburn and a good nap in and the game STILL be going on. And for the record, while I was there, I did NOT last all 18 innings.

Besides all of the amazing foods and baseball at a Durham Bulls game, the best entertainment by far is everyone’s favorite Wool.E.Bull. “Wool-E” has to be, hands-down, one of the best mascots that exists. He is so spunky and engages the fan base so well. Plus, what other mascot has an actual go-kart that he drives around the stadium in between innings tossing out t-shirts to endearing fans. No game is complete without a sighting from “Wool-E”. So, if you are having a really bad day and just need a place to calm down and unwind, why not venture over to the DBAP or your local hometown baseball stadium and take in a nice evening game. And while you’re there, “buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks...” You won’t regret it!

A is for ...

AMISH

Don’t you find the culture of the Amish people intriguing? I know I certainly do. I have been to Amish Country in Pennsylvania on several occasions and no matter when I go, I am more and more intrigued by their lifestyle. They are absolutely devoted and dedicated to their traditions, and that, above all else, speaks volumes to their character. It’s a shame that more of us can’t adhere and uphold the traditions that we claim to hold near and dear to our hearts, as well.

When I first heard of the Amish culture, not only was I intrigued, but I was also a bit apprehensive. At first glance, they can appear almost dark and stand-offish, and many of them solely want to maintain their privacy. But after going on the farms of several Amish families, I have found that while they may be a tad bit distant from the traditional day Americans, they are very nice and caring individuals. Just like us with things we do in our daily lives, they also take great pride in their handmade products and things that they do within their communities.

Another thing that I enjoy about Amish Country is the calm and peace you feel in the atmosphere that surrounds the area. You don’t have the noise and hustle and bustle as you do with the city life. There is no traffic congestion, unless you get behind a procession of buggies. The air is clear and fresh, even with the ever abundant smell of cow “freshness” –which, to me, smells a lot better than the carbon fumes coming from the car in front of me in the traffic line. Amish Country is good for your soul and spirit! For a brief moment, it allows you to let your mind wander and imagine what it would be like to live a day or so in their shoes. I think I would love to ride around on a horse and buggy for a few days, but after that, I would need my electricity, my make-up, my regular lifestyle, but who knows, maybe a complete change would do the body some good! The Amish are well adapted to their culture and why should we infringe upon that?

One of my favorite memories from Amish Country came when my Mom and I returned from a church bus trip there. We were telling my Dad all the stories that we had heard and of the places we went and what we saw. During that trip, one of the funniest things I saw was a horse and buggy sitting in the drive thru window of the bank – that was just not a sight I imagined seeing. Dad acted interested but at the same time, he seemed suspicious. I don’t think he really believed that people actually rode around in horse and buggies in the towns. A few years after that trip, in August 2008, we had to take a trek to New York for a cousin’s wedding. So, I decided it would be an opportune time to take Dad to Amish Country and let him see firsthand what we had been talking about. We stayed in Hershey and commuted the short distance over to Lancaster and the surrounding towns. Our first stop was at the Kitchen Kettle Village and the town of Intercourse. Mom and I were shopping in the stores and walking down the street when the next thing we know, Dad is trotting down the sidewalk in aghast – he had SEEN a buggy. Not only had he SEEN the buggy, he decided to PURSUE the buggy to try to document that on camera. It was a funny sight, but at least now, he believes!

I highly recommend that everyone should take the trek up to Lancaster and take in the natural scenic beauty that is before you. The landscape of the rolling hills, the endless rows of corn, the skyline of silos and windmills, the voluminous count of our favorite dairy cows – it often makes you ponder whether you are really in America, as you think could this natural beauty and calmness still exist in such a hectic and modern day world? The answer is yes! So, take time to stop and go for an adventure to Amish Country. Make sure you get some homemade grape jelly from an Amish family, see a production at Sight and Sound Theaters, eat at a smorgasbord restaurant and just take a deep breath and inhale the freshness, even from the cows!