My Personal World....Of Word Games

If you don't know me, it is important to tell you something very personal and intimate about my private life. I have a passion that is more than a hobby, more than a career, and because of my deep love for this entity, it involves almost every aspect of my life.
 Here it is: WORDS, WORDS, WORDS....I am passionately  immersed in the World of Words from every aspect.

I love to write Words, read Words, think about Words, sing Words, correct Words, wisely choose Words (well, not always), and play with Words. By "playing", I mean, mention any kind of Word Game---and I am so in! 

Lucky for me, the iPad has plenty to offer in the way of games to a Wordaholic like me and this summer was a Word Lover's Playground. Thought I would share some of my favorites with you, cause by the looks of the numbers buying these word game apps, I am not alone in my not so secret love for Word Games.

                             WORDS WITH FRIENDS

The first word game on my iPad was love at first sight. It is called Words With Friends. I cannot tell you the number of nights I have stayed up and played this game! You do have to play it with someone else, but the game is not timed, so you are able to play when you have a few minutes to plan your word strategy and then, wait for your opponent to respond. Games can take anywhere from a day to several weeks depending on how diligent you and your partner are about it. You also can have several games going simultaneously.  I love the fact it is not timed and I don't have to feel guilty about making my opponent wait for me because they may be busy as well. I also love the challenge of playing "old school Scrabble" in a new format. The game is quite challenging and very enjoyable.You can download the WWF app on your iPhone, iPad, and most any other smart phone or device. This way, the game goes with you wherever you may roam...:)
 WWFs has been around a while and, although I still enjoy playing it with my friends...I have lost some of the initial thrill I had when I first began this "new world" Scrabble game. However, it still delights me when playing others who take their "word challenges" seriously.

                            W.O.R.D. W.E.L.D.E.R.

Word Welder became my next sleep deprived obsession. To me, this game has more layers to uncover than WWF. The object is to move letters to form words. As the words are formed, those letters are removed and the entire board slides down....forming new words or not. It gets tricky because you are only given so many "swaps" to form a certain number of words for each level, while a certain number of words are required in order to go on. There are brick letters that can't be swapped, and in advanced levels, letters that are frozen, blocking words from being formed around them. This game can be played with someone else or just by yourself. I choose playing by myself....call it my "alone" time! WW is very very challenging and super fun to play. I highly recommend checking it out. 


                                WHIRLY WORD

This summer, a friend suggested a new word game. Of course, I am always open to new word challenges so I jumped at the chance to try something new. This game is called Whirly Word. I know... I don't know who makes these names up! Anyway, don't hold the name against the game....go head and try it anyway! Whirly Word is a very fun and delightful word challenge. You can play this game by yourself, but sometimes I have to ask others to help me find the word! It is almost like a word search. You have a word wheel with 6 letters in random order. Your challenge is to make words from the letters on the wheel. If you get stuck, you spin the wheel to see if the new random order gives you more clues. The answers are in alphabetical order (which is a nice hint) and the number of letters in each word are listed. The challenge in Whirly Word is your ability to find every word on each board. If you get stuck, you can go ahead to the next board, but you do lose points for each blank word left on the board. Go ahead and give this game a Whirl (Ha...couldn't resist!)

                           SKY WORDS

Sky Words is a lot like Scrabble, but with a twist. You increase your points by stacking letters on top of each other to make new words. So far, I have found this a challenge and I'm not really proficient yet. It takes a minute to get the hang of this, but so far, I have found it fun to try...:)

I'm thinking this could be a game for traveling on a plane for sure! You can play with opponents online or find local challengers. Of course, I still like to only play by myself. But, who knows? I may be ready to take some new challengers on in the future!

                                   WORDSWORTH

I have just recently found this game and am still learning my way around it. The object is to make words with letters that are connected on the board. Once again, you have the option to play online with other opponents or just play alone. It is also untimed. The only thing I do not like about it is the constant updates on my score popping up along with the invitation to play online. I had to keep closing the windows to get back to the game.

So, welcome to my World of Word Games. Hope you too find time to enjoy reading, writing, and playing with words in this wonderful World of Words as well! 

Daddy's Girl

When my dad died suddenly at 64 years of age, I was devastated. I felt as though someone had taken a steel-toed boot and kicked me in the gut. That particular evening, we were entertaining a single young man from our church for dinner. We did not know him well and were wanting to make him feel welcome in our church and in our home. The phone rang and Darlin answered as I continued to visit with our guest. Out of shock, he turned to me and flatly told me my dad had just passed away. I ran from the table and fell into a crumpled heap on the floor. This could not be real...could not be real. How could he have been taken so suddenly? I had talked to him just a few hours before!

My world as I knew it would never be the same. This Daddy's girl was lost, and there was no time to find her bearings.

 The sadness and grief I felt permeated every part of my life. My days were on autopilot. For weeks I literally couldn't attend church because every song , every scripture, every piece of the worship experience reminded me of him. You see, my dad was a Baptist minister and even the tiniest part of my faith experience was introduced to me through my parents, especially through my dad. The weeks following his death, I experienced a new kind of emotion in worship... I became very angry at God.

I wanted no part of Him....or His rituals. I wanted my Daddy back. End of story.

Curtis Simpson was not the kind of person people shied away from because he was a minister. He had a way about him that drew people to him without much effort. I have thought many times about this charismatic part of him and I think it was simply because he exhibited a genuine interest and concern for everyone he met. Many times he would go shopping with mom and I, and when we were ready to leave, we would find him talking to people he had never seen, laughing with young parents and their children. He loved children! I always enjoyed the fact I could go anywhere with him and before we left, there would  magically be people whose stories became known simply because my dad cared to know them. What a gift!

My dad was not a great orator. I am sure there were members who looked forward to his sermons for their midmorning nap. This used to worry me until I realized that my dad's best sermons were found in his daily life.  He was the first person there to comfort a family when someone passed away, the one families called when there was trouble of any kind, and he was also the person they wanted with them when there was great joy in their home. Daddy shared his compassion openly and freely with those he knew.

If I could name his favorite pastime, besides his faith and his family, it would be sports of any kind, but especially football. He was quite an athlete in his day and this passion continued to burn throughout his lifetime. He rarely missed a football game wherever we lived. Friday nights were almost as sacred as Sundays to him. As the grandkids began playing, he was their biggest fan. His love for them spilled out in every cheer and encouraging word. Even though he never attended, my dad was a huge Baylor Bear fan. The biggest thrill for him was getting to attend any Baylor athletic event. I smile thinking of this year and how thrilled he would have been to celebrate the victories Baylor has enjoyed.

Finally, my father loved, absolutely loved to laugh. I don't mean a chuckle, a giggle, a snicker....I am talking about genuine full bodied, raucous laughter. He would begin laughing and because his laugh was so loud and uninhibited, the room would resound with everyone  echoing his own kind of full on joy. I remember a particular Thanksgiving the family all decided to go to a movie. It was a comedy and by the time we arrived, the place was packed. As we watched the big screen, my dad (who was not an avid movie-goer) didn't catch the punchline until a few seconds after everyone else. The crowd laughter would die down and then my dad would erupt with his huge belly laugh....the crowd began laughing at my dad's laughter and it became a constant rhythm of my dad laughing and the audience laughing and so on. I don't think I have ever laughed so much at a movie in my life!

As the weeks and months passed following my Dad's death, I began to see glimpses of healing through my grief. It felt like sunshine peeking through a dark cloud. I saw my Dad's gentleness demonstrated through his grandchildren's personalities. I saw compassion in his son's lives....I saw his joy when we would gather for holidays and watch football. I felt his laughter in the oddest moments. Crumbs of hope, but healing never comes in full pieces. And one day, randomly, a Daddy thought tugged at my heart, and all that I could feel was a warm smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

So on this Father's Day weekend, I remember my Dad, Darlin's Dad, my brothers, brother in laws, uncles, and cousins, who are wonderful Dads. I think of my son in law with his passion and commitment to be a good father, my own son and what an extraordinary dad he will be, and finally, Darlin' and the powerful example he is of a loving father. And I can't help it... I feel such gratitude. The faith I grew up with and the faith I have now are largely in part due to the models of the wonderful fathers the Heavenly Father wove into the tapestry of my life. Thank you, Daddy....Thank you Father.

Happy Belated Father's Day

Crazy Little Game Called Golf...

There is a tradition in our household that frames most of our gatherings. It is revered by all (well, almost), and enjoyed by most. This sacred ritual seems rather simple at first glance. The name is only one syllable....only one simple holy ball is used (at a time)....and only one person has to play. But, the rest is rather complicated....Tee Times, Equipment, Where to play, etc. consume most of our get together conversations. Because it is so beloved, GOLF has to be discussed, demonstrated (in our living room), laughed about, stories exchanged, practiced (in our living room),....and even played on the Wii (in our living room)!

Well, we now have a grandson. He is 2 years old.....So his parents and his grand dad decided it was time to introduce him to this tiny one word, sacred game....

Darlin and I went to #1 Daughter's house to spend the night and experience with them the Little Man's introduction to this Crazy Little Game called, GOLF.
 Dad-Dad (Jax's name for Darlin') was so excited...Tee time was made, no nap was taken....This was going to be interesting!

Jax first examined the carts.....several of them, before he landed in the right one.

Then Dad-Dad began trying to guide him throughout the course...and we all know who was guiding whom!

The Little Man watched Mommy and Dad Dad as long as he could....

Until he had to join them....

He has a better view holding Mommy's hand....

Using Dad-Dad's new toy to be a good caddy.......Even looking through the wrong end is fun!

There was so much to learn and to explore....

Little Man is a natural at keeping his eye on the ball...








And he understood the importance of becoming familiar with the course...ALL of it..:)

Instructing Dad-Dad on his approach...

Sometimes a guy just needs to sit down and think about it... 

Walking/running the course is part of the game....












Looks like Dad-Dad will have a new golf partner before too long!

The Family Tradition of the Crazy Little Game called Golf  goes on forever and the games will never end.....

Me? I'd rather be shopping!

I love Reality....

True confession.....I am an American Idol junkie! I know it's pitiful to look forward to Wednesday night each week and religiously watch a silly TV show, but I do. After leaving work, I run by the grocery store, pick up a rotisserie turkey breast, make a fresh salad (yes, every Wednesday!), and wait for American Idol to come on. I am fortunate that Darlin shares my love for this show, so the battle for the remote is a moot (not mute) point...Ha Ha


We settle into our designated comfy chairs and watch with interest as our favorites live and die by the public vote. There are many reasons I so enjoy this show.

1. These hopeful contestants remind me that everyone has a dream and what pure joy it is to watch these young artists courageously open their mouths and sing for their lives....(while the American public validates them...or not). Wow!

2. I love the judges!! It is amazing how often they articulate many times just what I am thinking....(and am not even aware until they speak)! Jennifer is gorgeous. I love seeing what she wears and  listening to how encouraging she is..  I think most...OK...ALL women over 40 have a crush on Steven Tyler, and Randy is the Papa of the group....the glue holding the show together. You never know what Steven is going to say next..."The rooster crows, but the hen brings home the goods." Really?
And then there is Ryan Seacrest...a phenom in his own right. His smooth tact and perfect timing bring an added dimension to AI other music reality shows can only wish for....
 The chemistry between all of the major players is fun to watch....then throw in the dynamic of the contestants' personalities and you have a hit show.

3. American Idol is a great snapshot of how Music is such a powerful vehicle for every emotion possible. The melodies sing to all of us....notes of joy, sadness, drama, and introspection..... Melodies giving healing, or a smile to my spirit.  Back to AI...Many times I am even moved to tears because of a performance from one of the contestants on American Idol...Sometimes it is their  personal story woven into their particular song that moves me.....and for a split second...it is magic! 

4. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that American Idol allows me to feel as though I am an expert in music production...a vocal couch coach, if you will. I have opinions about each segment, and I know without a doubt who should be kicked off....offered a contract...have an image overhaul, send their mother home, etc., etc. And if you don't believe it, just ask...:)

Well now the world knows what an exciting time Darlin and I enjoy on Wednesday nights....Of course, we also watch the results show on Thursday. AND I do have a panel of friends who keep the phone keys hot, texting after each performance! Wish there was a paying job for all this activity!! I might give up my day job...:)


P.S.
I'll save my other obsessions for another post....Anybody watch Fashion Star??...:)

What's Your Story?

I spend a large portion of my day listening to stories....some are comical, others quite colorful, and some just break my heart. I am a school counselor...a professional listener. I nod encouragement when the storyteller falters, share a knowing smile when the truth shines so clearly, and yes, I weep with my students when their story is more powerful than either of us can handle in the moment.

On this particular day a variety of vignettes from both ends of the spectrum presented themselves....a student who knew his athletic uniform was in his dad's truck, and his dad just left for North Carolina, "Coach is gonna make me run! I hate running!!".....
another who told about an argument between she and her mom and in the middle of it, her little sister came into the room carrying her soiled diaper. As she sashayed in with her round little bottom and toothless smile, both mother and teen burst into laughter and ended up hugging while baby sister giggled innocently.

After lunch, a student knocked softly, almost apologetically...and my day took on a different dimension.

Suzy is a naturally easy-going but diligent student who lives alone with her physically handicapped mom. The principal care taking of her beloved mom falls to Suzy, and their relationship is the anchor to her world. Today when she came in, the air was heavy with emotion and anxiety. I braced myself for the next chapter to her already difficult life.

 She began telling me how her mom had been in the hospital the past week and had just come home a few days ago when the phone rang. Her biological dad had had a massive stroke with a prognosis that was not good.  Suzy is the only biological relative her dad has. Her parents have been divorced for some time. The doctors told her they were not very hopeful about any recovery, and her father would probably never be able to live alone again.

 The decision to bring him to her home and care for both of her parents, or put him in a nursing home close by so she could  oversee the care for him rested on her innocent shoulders. Suzy and her mom have no car and caring for both parents would be a 24 hour commitment. After agonizing over her options, she decided to put him in the local nursing home so she could visit him and still care for her mother. As I listened to her, tears stung my eyes. Sometimes life plays hardball. She paused and said, "You know, I think I just saw the last of my childhood when I had to choose where my dad would be. I look around at other kids my age and hear them complain about their parents and it is like they are speaking a foreign language." Then she added ever so wisely, "I have also found out that during hard times in life, blessings appear....My dad can no longer drive his truck and so he wants me to have it. My mom and I can go to the grocery store and not have to ask anyone to take us!" The smile through her tears said it all. My heart wept so for her, but at the same time, I was blown away by this amazing outlook on life.

Wow! As she left my office I tried to wrap my mind around the courage of this sweet young teen. I felt honored she had told me her story ...Blessed to have shared with her..and humbled to know what a gracious spirit she embodies. I drove home reflecting on all the stories I heard from students. Alone in the car,I began to laugh out loud at myself.... "Now what was it I was grumbling about this morning? ...Lukewarm coffee? ...Cell phone charger not in the car? ...My shoes didn't match my outfit?"  Yeah, her story will definitely hang around in my head for awhile.
Once again I was struck by how powerful personal stories can be and if we allow them....they can mold our character and our future.  So while we are going through our days, living our lives, and developing the plot line to our own personal adventure books...Let's be sure we take the time to make every chapter meaningful and worth reading...

Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number.....

We were in a room full of people, and I noticed her right away. She was 82 and didn't look a day over 65. Her head held high, she dared anyone to think she was less than a principal player in the room full of much younger "wanna be's". I was immediately struck by her confidence, her honesty, and above all, her melodious laughter. She  was a goddess without being a diva, confident without being haughty, and oh so comfortable in her own skin...causing the rest of us to watch in awe as she worked the room. 

I think I was drawn to her mainly because I have really been struggling with my own concept of aging this year...while staring a monumental birthday in the face....the Big 60. Until recently, I have been able to ignore aging because I have, for the most part, looked younger than my years. The past few years have been different. I have had to look honestly in the mirror and realize aging has snuck up behind me and is breathing down my neck! Instead of embracing this process, I have felt a growing sense of panic. What am I supposed to do? Do I look at Botox? Restylane?  Or something more invasive? What does healthy, wholesome aging look like? I'm searching through blogs about aging, reading magazine articles, watching television infomercials about aging and I am more confused than ever.  My parents didn't really prepare me for this new challenge. In the past, people got older, accepted it, and moved on to the next chapter in a resigned manner....what else could they do?

Today, we have so many options (whether they are healthy or not), and many of my peers are choosing to postpone the inevitable through plastic surgery, exercise and diet, meditation, vitamins.... and the list goes on.

The woman facing me had truly found the secret to youthfulness and I was so excited to visit with her. First of all, she had birthed seven children and had 14 grandchildren! This told me she was courageous and unafraid of life's challenges. She had a zest for living only overshadowed by her love for her family. Secondly, she learned long ago the importance of taking care of herself every day. Her  oldest grandson told me he has always remembered his Nana taking the time for herself everyday. Wow! This isn't selfish or narcissistic...it is healthy and even her grandchildren respect and love her because she first respects herself. We counselors call this "self-care". Many people fail to see the importance of it, but this component is key to aging gracefully.

The next thing I learned about her was her constant thirst for learning new things. She began taking painting classes 5 years ago and paints every day. Can you believe it? This woman who is in the last chapter of her life realizes the value of learning everyday! Between caring for her family, her commitment to serving others, she took time to learn and appreciate the arts.  Amazing! How many 82 year old people do YOU know that are unafraid of learning and discovering? 

And the final component I gleaned from our conversation was that she loved to laugh and find the humor in life that  others are too tired or too small to see. I would say at least half of our conversation was punctuated by bursts of laughter or gentle chuckles. Ahh...how pleasant the sound of communal laughter is in a room full of "jockeying for position". 

We had an opportunity to visit again a few days later and I shared with her my admiration. She told me, " You know, I realize my husband and I are in the last chapter of our lives. But I don't feel like it is a free pass for giving up. There is still so much to learn and do and see. In many ways, we have only just begun."

My response to her was, "I am so blessed to have met you. Finally, I know what I want to aspire to be as I age. I want to be YOU!! Seriously, 'Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number'....and each day brings opportunities for service and learning I have just begun to unwrap."

Mad Love for March Madness....

Let's get this straight from the start, I am a certified Girlie Girl!!  Even though I love everything sassy and frilly...I also Loovvee March Madness!   In my family,  my brothers, uncles, husband, father, and son gathered around the television every September in their favorite football jerseys. This was a great time for those of us who weren't interested in the game, to go shopping, go to Sonic, anything but sit in front of the television etc. Now? I bide my time for a stab at the remote and some serious basketball.
 You may be thinking, "Why basketball? She's from Texas, for goodness sakes!! Every Texan lives and breathes football!" Well, all of this is Texas True. Football rules on Texas soil....Thus the hit show, Friday Night Lights...not, Tuesday-Thursday Gym Lights.
However, I have serious logic for my passion and my lackluster interest in football. First of all, I have had to really pay attention and "learn" football. It is a hard game to figure out if one is more interested in the band and drill team at halftime than the action on the field. During the game, I usually people watched and caught up with friends. I hid my ignorance of the game by just standing and cheering when everyone else did. I love to win....I just don't have to know every play to celebrate the victory...:) My friends can attest to my below standard comprehension of this game. I WILL add that I have improved with time, have a workable knowledge of the game, and actually enjoy this sport of millions.
To me however, Basketball is just so much easier to follow. First of all, I can see the players and actually identify them by their face/hair/physical attributes. This is helpful for a people  person like me. (It would even be better if I knew their parents, or read something about them.)  The other thing I love is that basketball is fast. Man, I have to keep my head in the game or it will race by me, before I realize what has happened! This is good for an ADD fan who is easily distracted.
 It also seems more intense and lively than other sports. A biggie for me is that the sport is played inside.  Yippee!! I don't have to worry about messy  weather and my outfit or my hair! A definite Win Win!  And finally, the energy is palpable because it is inside and the fans are only a few feet from the players. Awesome!!
Now, back to March Madness....How much more fun can one imagine than several weeks of nonstop college basketball! Throw in filling in your bracket and possibly winning $$ and you have yourself a national pastime.

So, with that being said, I am now looking at my blank bracket sheet and trying to fill in the blanks with winners. This CAN be for some, rocket science. Not for me....It is called a game for a reason. You have a 50/50 chance of being right every time!  It depends on how much you know. One year, I picked teams according to their mascots. Another year, I studied the stats, and confidently filled in my brackets. (I did more poorly that year than any other year!) This year, I'm thinking I will go for team colors coupled with win-loss records....Colors overriding Records, of course. It is kind of like picking the winners of America Idol, Dancing with the Stars, or who The Bachelor will choose....the winners are anyone's guess!! That is part of the fun!

 I've seen grown men weep over their bracket results. Family Feuds have begun over  March Madness (thus, the name)....Couples have not spoken for days.....Sports announcers have misspoken on national tv, and money has slipped through many a hand...but if you are up for the Challenge..... Print out your blank bracket sheet and join this craziness. 

All I can say is Welcome to The Big Dance!

Big Girl Panties

            I think this is One Size Fits All...Ha Ha!


I have a board on Pinterest called "Shut the Front Door". This board is full of quotes, pics, and posters that make me smile....and sometimes, laugh out loud.


Of course, the Big Girl Panties pic is one of my favorites!  I don't know about you, but I have to remind myself to "put on my Big Girl panties" frequently.... and sometimes, when I am hard of hearing, I am known to emphatically repeat it to myself!

 I will share with you a tiny secret I don't tell just anyone...Within me, there lives a little girl who doggedly believes in fairy tales. She continuously looks for the "happily ever after".  This girl wants everyone to be happy. She avoids conflicts at all costs and she would really love for her parents to still be here to rescue her from life's trials. And of course, just when all is hopeless, she would love to call Prince Charming and he would swoop down to save the day (cause she has him on speed dial)!

As you can imagine, my Reality is far from what my inner child envisions.  Just like you, I have had plenty of the unexpected..several life scenes in which I was thrust on stage without a script or even any stage direction! There have been many life moments where I have failed to respond in a gracious manner....I have faced lots of roadblocks to my dreams....there have been work conflicts, family conflicts, inner conflicts when I have really just wanted to go home, crawl under the covers and pull them over my head for comfort. 

I think this is why my Big Girl panties need to be worn regularly! With BGPs on, I can look at a situation for what it is, and not what I want it to be. BGPs give me clarity and wisdom to respond to a situation and not react. They help remind me that in life....stuff happens......people disappoint... I disappoint myself....work conflicts occur with or without my participation.....and the sun continues to rise and set. I know, I know....BGPs won't solve every problem, dry every tear, and give me that happy ending I dream of on occasion.   They do, however, remind me, to act like a grownup....to straighten up and fly right...to own my own actions...and last but not least, to make the best of every situation in which I find myself.  Yes, BGPs are quite the fashion statement for me. In fact, I may see if it's possible to own more than one pair...:)