Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: family

  • Merry Christmas to the World – Let Us All Take The Time To Pause…


    Dearest Readers:

    Merry Christmas, World. It is early morning on Christmas Day. A day to reflect. A day to pause. A day to remember and appreciate the true reason for the season. A day to pray and give thanks. Christmas Day 2013 – a day to appreciate all there is.

    Last evening, my husband and I made a new tradition — one we haven’t done in a few years. Somehow, life got in the way and we broke the tradition of going to church. I found excuses. “I cannot find a church I truly like.” Another excuse — “That church is too big. We simply blend into the wood work.” Excuses. EXCUSES. So many excuses.

    Monday afternoon while reading e-mails, I came across an e-mail from Seacoast Church, only this time, I actually ‘paused’ — taking the time to READ this e-mail. I discovered they were having a church service with Christmas music on Christmas Eve. I booked a reservation and last night, we went to the Christmas Eve service. Sitting in the back, when the music started, I was moved. Touched. Chills rushed throughout my body. My eyes watered. There, sitting next to my husband, I PAUSED.

    What? You might be saying? Why are you writing “pause” or “Paused” so much?

    So simple. Last night while sitting in church listening to the service, the sermon was simple — the subject — “Pause.” I decided I must “pause” more. Let’s discuss the definition of ‘pause.’ PAUSE, “a temporary stop. A period of time in which something is stopped before it is started again. A control that you use when you want to stop.”

    Yes, it is true. I need to PAUSE more! I need to reflect, appreciate, and consider my actions BEFORE I speak. There have been many times in my lifetime where I have reacted without consideration of my actions. For that, I am sorry. From this day forward, I will PAUSE. I will REFLECT and consider for every action, there is a reaction. From this day forward, when I feel I am hanging on the end of a tight rope, I will PAUSE.

    Today, I have a new meaning for the Christmas season. I’ve always considered myself as a religious woman. While it is true, I do not preach the gospel to others, I do remind people that we must be nice. Normally, when someone or something bothers me, I kill with kindness. I smile a sweet smile, and I do my best not to offend others. Yes, I am opinionated and I do speak my mind, but I really do consider my actions; however, I am human and I do have a quick temper when someone ruffles my feathers. Starting today, I will pause, before I speak. I will reflect.

    Last night at church, something happened to me. As stated, I had chills rushing through my body. I felt a power I haven’t felt in many years and I know it was the power of God touching me. This morning, while I await my husband getting out of bed so we can exchange our gifts, I feel different. I suppose a simple five letter word touched me, teaching me to appreciate. To reflect. To rewind. To refresh. To pause.

    Today is Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to God. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus. Merry Christmas, World. Please take a moment to give thanks. To appreciate your life and your loved ones. Mostly, take time — TO PAUSE!

    Thank you, Seacoast Church for teaching me to PAUSE!

  • What is Christmas?


    Dearest Readers:

    Christmas is more than gifts, socializing, drinking, partying and  simply having fun. Christmas is the season where we appreciate Christ and all that He represents. To those who are atheists, I say, it is a fact that I believe in Christ and Christmas and I strive to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. I do not write “Happy Xmas” on packages or on Christmas cards. I write Merry Christmas. I believe in leaving Christ in Christmas.

    While you are busy shopping for just the perfect gift for your loved ones have you ever caught yourself singing aloud some of the Christmas songs you hear? I confess, I could be one of those people singing the lyrics while shopping.  I simply adore singing. I know most of the Christmas songs by heart, especially those related to the reason for the season. “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” and so many more. Those songs touch me, filling me with the spirit for the holiday season.

    But, I ask you — What Is Christmas? Is it simply a time to shop for everyone you know, in hopes they will exchange a gift with you? Is it a time to bake Christmas cookies, cakes and other delicious and too tempting foods? Is Christmas a time to open your home to others, in hopes they will be envious of your beautiful home? Is Christmas the time to brag to others about extreme holiday vacations and gifts? Or, is Christmas the time to celebrate and give thanks for religion, freedom, family, friends, and the birth of Christ on that first Christmas Day?

    For me, Christmas is a time to remember holidays past. I remember my grandparents and how they instilled to four granddaughters that Christmas time was a time to attend church, to pray, to sing and to give to others, without expecting a gift in return. Christmas is a time to say thank you and to be appreciative for  every gift, even IF it is a fruit cake or something handmade. I remember receiving chocolate covered cherries, fruitcake and cookies. I smiled and said thank you. Our Christmas time was a time where we did not recycle these gifts to others. We kept them.

    One of my most commemorative gifts was when I was about 15. A family friend who was more of an uncle than a friend, built handmade jewelry boxes for all of us. When I opened it, I noticed how shiny and beautiful it was. I had nothing to put in it, but I still have that special handmade jewelry box sitting on my dresser. I store my collection of pearls in it and I still cherish it. I do not have other gifts I can remember like this precious, special jewelry box. Isn’t it funny how something handmade still is cherished!

    After last Christmas I learned something valuable due to illness. I was much too ill to rush around like a maniac, or to drive in such a rush, and I was much too weak to bake Christmas goodies. I suppose in all of the hustle bustle of the materialistic, commercialized season, I learned that Christmas is indeed a special time.  I caught myself going to a special window more, folding my hands in prayer, just like my grandmother did. When Christmas morning arrived, I didn’t rush to see what was under the Christmas tree. I rushed to give my husband a hug, but not a kiss, since I was so ill. I think I learned to appreciate the little things of Christmas last year, and when we went to dinner at one of our friend’s house, I don’t think I hugged anyone, for fear of spreading my germs. There is little I remember about Christmas Day 2012, due to illness, but I was  thankful for friends, family and the true reason for the season.

    I made a promise to myself during Christmas 2012, a promise of not getting so wrapped up in the season that I would forget the true meaning of Christmas. Now that I am able to write again, I will attempt to write my beliefs for Christmas, and I hope you, my readers, will share your comments and traditions with me. Many of my traditions have changed over the years, but I still strive to share the memories made during my childhood. The traditions of church and singing in the choir. Still, I am searching for a church within my community and when I find it, I will retrieve the traditions I shared as a child.

    Christmas is a season to refresh, give thanks and make time to find the little things that are so special in life. We, as a family, donate to local charities during Christmas, and I always contribute to St. Jude and other non-profits. Of course, I always reach to donate to the Salvation Army bell ringers, Meals on Wheels and others. My contributions are small, but they always warm my heart, just to share a bit of generosity and love to those who need help during the Christmas season.

    To all of my readers, I wish you a joyous Christmas season. May you take the time to appreciate life, and not get bogged down within the Christmas rush. Take the time to say Merry Christmas to a complete stranger, and smile! Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!

     

     

     

  • November 22, 1963 — A Day of Remembrance


    Dearest Readers:

    If you were alive on this date, November 22, 1963, do you remember what you were doing when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated?

    I was just a little girl at the time, but I remember it significantly. Home from school due to the flu and asthma, I listened to the radio in my bedroom, hearing the news about the “President Has Been Shot in Dallas,” I crawled out of bed to watch TV. This was before the days of cable, MSNBC, Fox News and such, and before the days when every room in a house had television. I sat on the couch while watching the tv and the breaking news.

    “How can someone shoot our President?” I asked my parents. They shushed me. Since I was so young and innocent, I learned two new vocabulary words on that date. Two words I shall never forget:

    Assassination

    Sniper

    I loved learning new words, but when I looked these up in the dictionary, I discovered that our innocence in America was ending. “Assassination and Sniper are bad words to learn.”

    I never forgot those words, nor did I forget their definitions.

    Today, November 22, 2013, is the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of President Kennedy. I fully believe he died the moment the bullet hit him. I believe he never felt any pain…just emptiness…gone in a moment.

    Now older and much wiser, I have added additional words to my vocabulary, including terrorism, and other words of violence. I no longer dwell on their meanings. Our world has grown to become a world of such violence that I wish we could crawl back into time and find the peace and happiness again.

    In less than one week, the USA will celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us will celebrate with family and friends, sometimes bickering over heated discussions such as politics, ObamaCare, religion, and the Death of a President. Let us hope and pray that will ignore those topics this year, in hopes to make our visits with our families a happy time.

    We must give thanks for what we have, who we are, and especially, we must give thanks to God for giving us life, prosperity and family times.

    Today, let us remember the day of mourning, November 22, 1963, while recognizing that we must move forward to give thanks and appreciation to those we love. Please remember to keep our soldiers in your prayers and thoughts to. Without them and their dedication to duty, we, the United States of America, could not celebrate Thanksgiving. For today, let us unite to remember and to appreciate — LIFE! How quickly it can disappear.

    Let us give thanks that we in America can agree to disagree; however, let us appreciate the beauty of life and family! After all, like President Kennedy, life is to live for the moment, in hopes for the future!

  • Carolina Opry Christmas Special


     

    Media Contact:

    Jordan Watkins

    Director of Marketing

    843-913-1453

    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com

     

     

    Editorial Note: UPDATE

    NEW 2013 High Res images now available for download

    http://www.gilmoreentertainment.info/Public/The-Carolina-Opry-Christmas

    Calvin Gilmore and cast are available for interviews.

     

    Annual Carolina Opry Christmas Special offers big changes blended with tradition

    The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, “The Christmas Show of the South,” currently in its 28th season, brings you its most memorable production yet.

    Owner, producer, and entertainer Calvin Gilmore, while deep into 2013 holiday show preparations, is pleased with what he describes as “the best ever.” The 2013 Christmas show brings stunning changes neatly blended with time-honored tradition. New talent mingles with acclaimed rotating artists and long-standing Opry favorites.

    In addition to a holiday brass section, there are several new vocalists in store. For the first time on the Carolina Opry stage, vocalist Colton Cason debuts with his smooth as silk renditions of crooner classics. Plus, La Toya London has extended her summer run with the Opry to be there through Christmas. La Toya was featured in this season’s American Idol show as one of “The Three Divas,” grouped with Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson and R&B powerhouse Fantasia Barrino. Colton and La Toya are joined by long-time favorites Tangena Church (returning after a season of sabbatical) and rotating artist Rocky Fretz. Rocky, now a fixture on the international scene, was a member of the original Carolina Opry cast in 1986, and has been dazzling its audiences for over 27 years.

    “All That,” stars of NBC’s America’s Got Talent this summer, will also return with all new dance material—and some big surprises. All of these are joined by an award-winning cast of over 35 including Calvin Gilmore, Rita Gumm, Christie Templeton, Brad Long, Kym “Bogie” Shurbutt, Eric Gumm, Gary Baker, Trent Wideman, Gary Brown, Martha Brown, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Simmons, Kevin White, Steve Wilkerson, The Carolina Opry Dancers—and a real horse-drawn sleigh and real snow!

    The holiday decor at The Calvin Gilmore Theater is an art form, and an attraction in and of itself. In a dramatic one-week shut-down, the transformation into a winter wonderland begins as the crew spends all night and the entire following week preparing over 35 Christmas trees, 75 wreaths, 5 miles of tree lighting wire, countless tree ornaments, and mounds of Christmas snow, all presided over by the stunning 30-foot tree with more than 25,000 lights. Award winning producer, director and performer Calvin Gilmore said recently, “Right now, families and groups need light-hearted entertainment more than ever before. We are pulling out all the stops to make this the most amazing, funny, warm and wonderful show ever.” He adds, “Wait until you hear our show-stopper. Not even going to give you a hint of what it is.” The Carolina Opry is the only show in Myrtle Beach to be touted as “the real thing.” Real talent, real production values, real entertainment—the “Top attraction in Myrtle Beach” according to CNBC, and a holiday tradition for over twenty-six years. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special brings the warm, wonderful, and fun spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy and dance. The original Christmas show at the beach—and universally regarded as the best Christmas show in the county—this show is at the top of every Myrtle Beach holiday itinerary. Shows run November 1, 2013 through January 4, 2014, with regular evening performances and selectively scheduled matinees. For a full schedule visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com and to book tickets call 800-843-6779.

    More About The Carolina Opry

    Gilmore Entertainment has long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic Carolina Opry show and their newest hit, Good Vibrations. Gilmore and his Carolina Opry have been featured by USA Today, ABC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety, and a host of other newspapers and television shows. It is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador.

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  • A Band of Brothers From the 9th Infantry Division, Commo Platoon Reunite


    Dearest Readers:

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  • The 9th Infantry Division, Commo Platoon Reunion Begins In Charleston, SC


    Charleston Reunion 2013

    Just wanted to share an image from the Vietnam Vets Reunion – pictured are Dusty Dewberry, Founder and Greg Ellis, who assists. Never have I met a more enjoyable group of people…the band of brothers and their lovely wives. Such a great group. I truly hated to see the reunion end.

    More photos and details will follow. Another busy day!

  • Why I Must Attend Weekly Weight Watchers Meetings


    Dearest Readers:

    Yes, I Know I’ve Been Negligent About Weight Loss. Why? Simple. Life has a way of dictating and affecting my life, probably similar to your life. Days come and go. Since I joined Weight Watchers, I have devoted almost every Thursday to my meetings; however, after a bit of time, life really kicked in. I hit a plateau with my weight fluctuating up and down like a yo-yo. I grew despondent. I promised myself that I would not hit a plateau and I would not gain — again. That was not realistic for me, or anyone to believe. I suppose I was wearing rose-colored glasses, wanting to be different. The reality is — I am human! After that discovery, I got extremely ill with acute bronchitis. Trust me, no one wanted me around during that battle! I wanted to run away from myself!

    Now it is fall. Today is a breezy day in Charleston. The meeting at Weight Watchers was wonderful and this leads me to the reality of discussing what we do at a Weight Watchers meeting. Yes, we arrive, grab our card and weigh, but the weigh-ins are confidential. Standing at the desk, behind the scale is a receptionist or leader. Every leader I have met is wonderful – definitely well-trained, professional and compassionate, along with encouraging. Like today. I think I was the first to arrive, so I jumped on the scale hoping for a weight loss. Unfortunately, today, I gained .02 of a pound. Grumble…Grumble! The scale does not show the number, or dare I say it – your weight. The blessed weight number is only revealed to the leader or receptionist standing behind the counter. Never does this person reveal what you weigh. She simply writes it on your card and gives it back to you. Nothing is shared. Let me repeat that, nothing is shared. When I read my card, I said, “Rats…a gain, but only a slight gain! At least I am still coming to the meetings and I have to remind myself that IF I quit, then I would be gaining again, and again, and again.” I am convinced I cannot do Weight Watchers Online, and I cannot quit! If I quit, I lose — not weight, but so much more, and I am not a quitter — not anymore!

    If you have ever considered joining Weight Watchers, I highly encourage you to do it. Incidentally, I am not a receptionist, or a leader, for Weight Watchers, and I pay the same fees everyone else does, so there is no compensation here for me sharing my experience on my blog. My job as a writer is to share news, current events, stories and my life experiences with my public, and that is why I share and write about my struggles to lose weight.

    DIABETES MAY SLOW THE PROCESS
    To those of you who do not know, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2005. I was shocked to discover that I had Diabetes, but when the reality kicked in, I decided it was time for me to become pro active and do what I could to care for myself and to control Diabetes. I researched Diabetes, determined that I could control it without injections. I confess, I have a phobia about needles and whenever I see one coming near me, I squeal lightly and turn my head away. I behave worse than an infant or an animal does when I get a shot. Such a baby! I’m pleased to share that within three months, my A1C level decreased from 8.0 to 5.4. My doctor was amazed! I had lost fourteen pounds in three months — all by myself by changing my eating and health habits. In 2011, I stopped losing weight. No matter what I did, exercise, eating properly and lifestyle change — nothing would help me to lose the additional weight, so one morning while listening to the local news, Jennifer Hudson shared that she had lost 80 pounds with Weight Watchers. I decided if Jennifer Hudson could look so good, so could I, and that is the morning I rushed to Weight Watchers. At first, I researched the Weight Watchers website, http://www.WeightWatchers.com and read a bit about the new Weight Watchers program. Dancing inside my head was the last experience I remembered — years ago, after joining Weight Watchers. Back then, a beige curtain hung by the area where the scales were placed. Although the scales were supposedly ‘confidential’ trust me — they were not! I remember hopping on them, like I was at the doctor’s office. I could see the number the last person experienced, and I was mortified! I am so happy to know that now, it isn’t that way. No dingy beige curtain hangs. Yes, the scale sits on the floor, but if anyone should pass by and look down, they see absolutely nothing but a scale without numbers! Confidential weigh-ins!!!

    Today, our session discussed moving, and how much we sit. Sitting at a computer desk. Sitting watching TV. Sitting while talking on the phone…sitting. The reality is we should stand and move more. Oops…I’ll be back in five minutes…I must move again!

    This week, I’ve been negligent, or as my son described himself once — a lazy lion. Insomnia captivates me at night and while I struggle to sleep, I grow exhausted. This week, I’ve used the treadmill once, due to insomnia…at least, that is my excuse. Sometimes our bodies dictate what we do, the actions, energies and exercise we get. No doubt, this week has been one of those weeks; nevertheless, I will get back on that treadmill! One major discovery for me at the meeting today was the times of the day I am active. For example, most mornings, I am active – busy with the demands of my life; taking my four-legged children for 30-40 minute walks three to five days weekly, then I jump on the treadmill for 30-40 minutes, and I end the work out with an upper body workout for about ten minutes, with exception of this week — my “Lazy Lion” week!

    During our weigh-ins at Weight Watchers we are given a “Weekly Reader,” with good tips, brief articles, recipes and suggestions about how we can adjust our daily lives so we accomplish goal. Today, I discovered my laziest moments are after dinner. At this household that is 6:00pm. After dinner, I am busy with the clean up. Other households work this together – but my husband is not the cook at home. Heck, he doesn’t even know how to turn on the stove or the oven, and let us not even discuss him loading the dishwasher or cleaning up. He DOES clean the table, and hand me his dishes, and then he drifts away to the TV for his extensive hand workout of surfing on the TV, while I clean up the kitchen. After this routine is completed, I usually join him, or shower, then I rest. What I need to do in the evening is another routine at the treadmill. Tonight, that will begin!

    I simply must get myself out of this “lazy lion” rut and continue my exercise routine. Now that the meditation and yoga, deep breathing tactics are helping me drift to sleep better, perhaps I will find the energy to get back to working out and walking my four-legged children. I swear, if I see Prince Midnight Shadow (my giant schnauzer) jump up at the hanging leashes again, I think I will scream from the guilt he is giving me. How is it a four-legged child can communicate so much to me, without saying or barking one word! It certainly did not take him long to learn that in this household our four-legged children rule! Silly me, I thought I was the adult here!

    If you desire to lose weight and have been curious about Weight Watchers, I strongly encourage you to attend a meeting. Although I was 100% mortified when I entered the meeting, I can truly say, Weight Watchers has changed my life. Now, I don’t overeat, nor do I snack or neglect breakfast. I have learned to eat something in the morning, usually a Greek yogurt and toast with my coffee. I’ll eat a light lunch and a small dinner, and I drink more water than ever! I no longer freak out from the scales, and when, on rare occasion, I go shopping, I must remind myself not to head to the larger sizes. On one occasion I bought a dress two sizes too large. I gave it to a friend!

    If considering Weight Watchers just remember — we are all wearing the same shoes. All of the members, and leaders, had to walk into a meeting – join – and reach goal. Although I haven’t reached goal — YET — I will, and when I do — I intend to celebrate while still counting the points, and this time, I’ll not feel guilty. After all, everyone is entitled to treat themselves — with Weight Watchers and with LIFE!

    If you find these columns helpful, please contact me and share your story, or simply introduce yourself. After all, we are all in the same shoes, and we all want to Dance!

  • Remembering 9-11-2001


    Remembering 9-11-2001, — I recall awakening a bit later than normal for me on 9-11-01, due to a headache. It was a beautiful day in Charleston. Bright sunshine, clear skies. The phone rang. I checked caller ID noticing it was my husband. “Now what is it he wants so early this morning?” Those of you who know us recognize that my husband would be surgically attached to me — IF he could! Answering the phone as my head pounded, his first words were, “Are you watching TV?”

    “No. I have a headache.”

    “I know how you love to stay in touch with current events. You might turn the news on. A jet has crashed into the World Trade Center.”

    My mind raced with dreadful thoughts. ‘How could this happen? How could a plane drift off course and crash into the World Trade Center?

    Turning the television on, I listened as the broadcasters speculated what was happening. The news was happening so quickly, speculations were changing every moment, every breath. No social media on that date. No Facebook. Twitter…just speculations as the broadcasters raced with bated breaths to report “the latest…” Cell phones around the locations of the World Trade Center were jammed. Communication was almost crippled.

    My mind drifted to those inside the World Trade Center. The receptionists, administrative assistants, food service workers, and others — trapped inside. What must it be like to glance outside the windows to watch an airplane approaching so closely one could almost see the color of the pilots eyes? What must it be like to see the plane crashing into the windows while recognizing you have no way to escape? Those questions would never be answered.

    Reports continued…smoke billowing out of the buildings. People rushing out of the building. Another report stated that the people inside of the World Trade Center were told to stay inside. “No way.” I said. “I would get out of that building.”

    My heart was heavy. Somehow I knew that something tragic was happening, and it was not an accident. A planned attack, to use American jets to crash into a building and kill Americans.

    Nothing was reported about that, at the moment. Speculations. Guesses…Reports unconfirmed…

    My mind drifted back to a nightmare I had a few nights prior to ‘9-11.’ In my dream there were four men dressed in black, moving across America, carrying weapons – shooting people on the beach, on the highways, and in populated areas. Never did I mention this horrific nightmare to anyone. I simply told myself I dreamed about the beach simply because I love the beach, and I love driving. I suppose I was psychoanalyzing my dreams. Weird! I have had visions such as this all of my life, just like my precious grandmother did.

    Now, I was glued to the television. Afraid to move away for fear I might miss something. I saw the plumes of smoke coming from the buildings, and I watched in horror as another plane crashed into the second World Trade Center.

    Shaking my head, I recognized this was not an accident, but a planned attack on America. In the blink of an eye, I recognized the United States of America was now at war. So frightening. So unexpected. Just how can this happen to US?

    News reports continued as the broadcasters interviewed people on the streets, family members, and a few of the people trapped inside the buildings. Rescue teams and first responders, fire fighters, and medical triages were ready to assist those who needed medical care and assistance to escape, but as the news continued, Americans watched in horror as people who could not escape found a tragic way out — jumping out of the buildings. Tiny images of bodies flying out of the building, falling…falling…falling into a horrific moment of death. Although I wanted to turn the television off, I could not. This was a day I would never forget. I kept praying that rescuers would free more of the people, but the reports were skimpy. “These people need to get out,” I prayed. “They aren’t safe…What if…may God forgive me…but what if the building crumbles to the ground?”

    I watched in horror as a horrific sound roared on the television and the building seemed to move, tumbling to the ground as smoke, debris, and the building fell to the ground.

    “How can this happen? And why — why are buildings built so tall that people cannot escape safely? Who would do this? What kind of monster would crash a jet into a building?”

    So many questions raced in my mind.

    Twelve years later, much has happened to our nation. We are at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. Many lives have been lost and America will never feel the safety we once felt. The safety we took for granted. For a brief time, Americans pulled together to help one another, never thinking or suspecting that if we reach out to others, we might be helping, in some small, caring way. Now, we have more violence in our cities. We see people talking and texting on phones, never acknowledging others, appearing to be clueless to what is happening nearby. We are so wrapped up in our own lives that we take life for granted once again.

    My wish for America is peace. Fellowship. Friendship. Trust and love for one another. We must remember 9-11, while recognizing that our lives have continued after such tragedy. I confess, it was difficult for me to awaken every morning for a while, without asking why. What would make someone such a monster that he would become so destructive, and that he and his followers would plan such an attack? Why?

    While it is true that Osama bin Laden has been killed, his death does not end the threat of terrorism. Terrorism is everywhere. Not just in other countries. Terrorism is everywhere. In our cities. Our towns. And just because one terrorist was killed, this does not end terrorism.

    Today is not a day to end this discussion with the subject of terrorism. Today, 9-11-2013, is a day of remembrance…a day to pray and give thanks for all that we, as Americans, have endured on 9-11-2001. May we move forward to embrace that we have life and freedom. Freedom comes with a cost. Sometimes a price that cannot be bought or expressed. Today is a day to embrace one another and to remember that many lives were lost, in the blink of an eye. None of us saw this coming. Today is a day to appreciate life and the loss of those we loved and lost, gone too soon.

    May we never forget — 9-11-01. Please take a moment today from your busy life to remember those we lost. The price we have paid. The threats we have experienced. On the morning of 9-11-01, our world changed dramatically. Let us never forget it, the victims, families, and freedoms so threatened. Let us pray that we never experience such a tragedy again.

    Today, my heart still breaks for those lost so unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye. Let us NEVER FORGET while we pray for our Nation, our soldiers in harms’ way, and for the freedoms we so cherish.

    Remembering 9-11.

  • Domestic Abuse — Just WHEN Will It End???


    Dearest Readers:

    This will probably be the shortest blog I have written in a while. I am busy with life today…cleaning the house, getting dressed to go to the doctor for my last Supartz injection and caring for a husband with a neck ache. I’ve always said my husband is a pain in the neck, and now I suppose that is true!

    Today, I simply must express a bit about domestic abuse. I know lots about the subject matter since I served as the referee between my mother and dad when they fought, sometimes attempting to kill each other from their raging, violent tempers and toxic voices. Back when I was a child, domestic abuse was not an issue or a crime. People simply swept it under the rugs, while whispering “He Beats Her…” Yes, and she “beats him!” Never could I call the police, or 911. Crimes of ‘passion’ from parental hatred and jealousy simply did not exist. Thank goodness our Nation finally recognized that domestic abuse DOES EXIST, and it is definitely A CRIME!

    Yesterday, I got a phone call from a close, respectable friend, sharing with me that one of our co-workers at Johnson & Wales University was killed by her boyfriend. http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130824/PC16/130829578/1009/boyfriend-charged-with-killing-woman-in-west-ashley&source=RSS

    I am so outraged I could scream. Reportedly, he is in jail now. How I hope and pray he will remain there for the rest of his life, but as we know, these maniacs manage to get out of jail. Reportedly, he beat her badly, leaving internal injuries and strangulation. Obviously, David Reagan meant to kill her. They found an empty purse by her body. He reportedly used her credit cards after the crime, to purchase beer. Just what an abusive maniac needs, isn’t it!

    I don’t have many details at the moment, but I am so sad to hear and read about how Kathy Hawkins died. She was 52 years of age, with a nine-year-old daughter. Like all who succumb to domestic abuse, she did not deserve to die in such a violent manner.

    As I’ve stated, I know a lot about domestic abuse. Not from my husband, or any prior boyfriends before marriage. I observed domestic abuse as a child, standing between my mother and father, telling them it was time to stop the fighting and be nice to each other. When I was five years old, I saw my dad knock my mother to the ground for the first time, leaving her head bleeding from the force of his temper and rage. I made a promise to myself that I would never allow anyone to beat me, and that is what domestic abuse is — a beating — and now, a crime.

    Please, let us do all that we can to STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE. And let us remember, it is not just a crime for women. There are many women in the world who abuse their loved ones, regardless of who they might be. Domestic abuse is wrong. It should end…NOW! No one deserves to die from the violence of someone we once loved and trusted. NO ONE!

    Stop the abuse now – the abuse related to children, spouses, elderly, family members, animals…just abuse in general. I will have more blogs about domestic abuse later..after all, I observed it as a child. Never did I speak about it to others. I was too afraid I would be physically abused because I spoke up. Years later, I do speak up about it. My husband and I rescued one of my sisters from a domestic abuse situation many years ago, moving her closer to get away from a maniac, now ex husband. I will continue to vocalize my beliefs about domestic abuse. I will stand on my soapbox to do all that I can to stop abuse. I’ve seen friends abused and when I do, I react – jumping right into the fire, daring the abuser to hit me. So far, no one has taken my dare. I suppose they know — they will end up in jail. I will not be quiet. I will not walk away, and I will make certain I do not look the other way, like so many people choose to do.

    Kathy Hawkins was the victim I am speaking about today. She is now deceased, from the hands of a boyfriend. Kathy was a lovely, friendly woman who deserved to see her nine-year-old daughter grow into adulthood. She deserved so much more. Rest in peace, Kathy Hawkins. How I hope David Reagan remains in jail, but I doubt it! Someone will probably bail him out.

    More later! Trust me, this issue is not something I will keep to myself. Domestic abuse MUST END! It is a crime. Too many victims are murdered and murder is a crime!

  • Dollywood Company Announces—


    http://www.tnvacation.com/press

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Melanie Beauchamp
    DATE: Aug. 21, 2013 Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development
    Public Relations Media Manager
    Melanie.Beauchamp@tn.gov
    615-532-0484

    THE DOLLYWOOD COMPANY ANNOUNCES $300 MILLION IN INVESTMENTS, DEVELOPMENT DURING NEXT 10 YEARS
    Capital investments include FireChaser Express coaster in 2014 and
    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort set to open in 2015.

    PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – Entertainment legend Dolly Parton announced today plans for $300 million in capital investments in The Dollywood Company over the next 10 years. The investment includes new attractions, resorts and the creation of more than 2,500 jobs.

    Construction is under way on the new FireChaser Express rollercoaster, opening in March 2014 at Dollywood. To mark the company’s 30th anniversary in 2015, the 300-room Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort will open adjacent to Parton’s award-winning Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark, both located in Tennessee’s famed Great Smoky Mountains.

    “I’ve always been a big dreamer just like I’ve always wanted to do more for my home here in these beautiful Smoky Mountains,” Parton said, “This is where I nurtured my heart’s dreams, and I want to share more of them. My plans for the next 10 years are to expand my Dollywood properties to offer families more opportunities to play together and grow closer while they make their best memories. It’s truly the culmination of this country girl’s wildest dreams!”

    “With Dolly Parton’s vision and world-class properties like Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark as our foundation, The Dollywood Company is poised to become a family vacation destination like no other,” said Craig Ross, president of The Dollywood Company. “Dolly welcomes folks into her home and her heart, and our plans to grow and expand The Dollywood Company are steeped in her desire to bring families closer together by creating experiences delivered from the heart.”

    The scope of the company’s future developments resonates in Parton’s native Sevier County and throughout the contiguous counties in East Tennessee. An independent economic impact study commissioned by The Dollywood Company projects that Dollywood and its hospitality investments will add $150 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, more than $11 million in state and local taxes will be generated by the company’s 10-year investments. Approximately 2,500 jobs will be created, primarily in the hospitality and construction industries, due to the addition of the resort.

    Scheduled to open summer of 2015, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is situated on 100 acres and features a design reminiscent of the iconic Southern gathering spot, the front porch. With rocking chairs that invite guests to linger and admire pristine mountain views, the property is nestled amid the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers the best of both worlds—tranquility and adventure—throughout the sprawling resort and surrounding grounds.

    The variety of accommodations sleeps up to six guests. Two reunion suites in one- or two-bedroom configurations include a parlor that serves as the family center filled with games, drive-in television and a food and beverage zone. Each was designed specifically with families, girlfriend getaways and other groups in mind. The property’s eleven specialty suites on the ground floor offer private porches with outdoor pool access.

    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort includes more than 8,000 square feet of indoor meeting space complete with state-of-the-art technology. Outdoors, the property can accommodate groups as large as 500.

    The property’s crown jewel is the 2,200-square-foot Dolly’s Suite Dreams celebrity suite, with décor inspired by Parton.

    A full-service restaurant, fashioned after an old farmhouse, provides indoor and outdoor dining opportunities, including a wrap-around veranda with views of the pool and surrounding mountains while an indoor pool, carefully situated amid all-glass windows, invites the outdoors inside. An intimate amphitheater nestled in the rolling countryside offers outdoor entertainment while an event lawn welcomes craft demonstrations and special entertainment. Fire pits, hammocks and story spots allow guests to take full advantage of the outdoors. The resort’s spa and salon will offer both a serene indoor and outdoor spa experience.

    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is just minutes from neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the U.S. The property joins Dollywood Cabins as the company’s second venture in the lodging industry. Launched in 2009, Dollywood Cabins offers luxurious, amenity-rich cabins just two miles from Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country.

    FireChaser Express is the latest addition to The Dollywood Company’s list of innovative new rides. In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster. In 2013, Dollywood’s Splash Country followed with the addition of RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster. The nation’s first dual-launch family coaster, FireChaser Express travels forward and backward on a winding 2,427-foot track, leaving the loading station in one direction and returning in the opposite direction. Perched 12 stories above the park’s Wilderness Pass area, the coaster’s 39-inch minimum height requirement invites families to ride together.

    To find your next vacation sweet spot explore tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers following us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

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