ramblings from an arkansas farm girl
Did I mention, I bought a new car? Well, I did. I’ll admit it’s nice to have all the bells and whistles and technological advances that happen after ten or so years. And ahhh, that fresh out of the factory car smell. But, at first, I resisted the whole idea of trading in my old car. I get attached to whatever I’m driving.
Silly, I suppose, but does anyone else feel this way, like the car has feelings and is part of the family? And I’m curious, do you name your car?Continue Reading
Last Saturday, Lucy and Annabelle went to Zuppa Zuppa Soup Kitchen. The spring-like weather had all of us headed outside, and besides, Ann Harris, owner of Zuppa Zuppa, was introducing a soup in honor of Gracie Lee—Amazing Gracie Chicken and Dumplings!
A Gracie Lee favorite, for sure.
Since Zuppa Zuppa Soup Kitchen is one of the food trucks at the Yacht Club on College, I thought it would be perfect for Lucy and Annabelle. Casual. Outside. Pet friendly. Sounds good on paper, right?Continue Reading
Today I intended to write about my weekend and the spring-like weather and how my tulips and daffodils are peeking through the soil and how one incredible thing after another happened including I got a new car! And, all these things are true.
Maybe I’ll write about them tomorrow.
But today?
Today, I sit and stare into space trying to wrap my brain around the devastating news I received just hours ago. News that a friend has died.
I attended Baylor with Craig Farrelly. He was in my wedding.
One week ago, I saw his sweet wife at my book signing in Blytheville. We briefly chatted about their recent move from Osceola to Memphis. I didn’t get a chance to ask where’s Craig? but I assumed he was somewhere inside the crowded bookstore. Craig knew everyone, and he loved to talk and laugh and was not the type to stand in a long, slow, boring line.
But I never saw him. And that was that.
Today, everything I’ve been working toward and worrying about seems inconsequential as I am reminded that life is oh so fleeting and precious and unpredictable. We have such a limited time to make a difference, to help someone, to brighten someone’s day.
To do something that matters.
To be kind to one another.
To exist.
Today, I sit and stare into space and search for an answer knowing there isn’t one. And I’m feeling smothered with friend guilt, wondering if I could have done anything. Any small thing to make a difference.
After a week of warm weather, snow is in the forecast for Northwest Arkansas, and I think about my tender tulips and daffodils barely poking through the ground, and it all seems so incredibly tragic.
RIP friend.
Musical Pairing:
James Taylor & Carly Simon, Close Your Eyes
