Comments for Barbara Elliott Carpenter's Blog

Comment on New Year, New Ventures by Amy

Amy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:56:21 +0000

Hi Barbara! I just wanted to stop in and let you know I finally did it. My book, Defiance Rising, is now live on Amazon to be downloaded. Thanks for all the encouragement you gave me at our writers meetings. I really miss seeing you. Hope you’ll be back soon!

Comment on The Literary Society of Second Tuesdays Book Club, Wherein Members Occasionally Talk About Books by Marti

Marti — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:30:09 +0000

Barbara, I found it! I enjoyed reading your comments about our book club, and I totally agree with you that our diversity and commonalities both enhance the fun. Last Tuesday was my birthday, and spending several hours at Marilyn’s beautiful and enchanting home with this lovely group of ladies was a great way to celebrate the day. This is my first ever posting to a blog. There is no end to what we can learn from each other in The Literary Society of Second Tuesdays Book Club!

Comment on The Magic Recipe by John

John — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:27:30 +0000

“9 recipes in with turmeric” found at:
http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook/with-turmeric-226304

Comment on Small molecule boosts production of brain cells, protects new cells from dying by John

John — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:20:45 +0000

This is big news, I think. Here’s another article that gives a little more information. They found an even better molecule called A20; read about it here:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/niom-mdt070110.php

- John

Comment on On Being Unique by Kathy Baker

Kathy Baker — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:40:33 +0000

I enjoyed everything in this post, but you truly hit the nail on the head about our country! God help us all, most especially the young ones who may never experience growning up in a truly free country as we did. The world envied us and respected us. Our founding father’s must be watching in horror as we are brought down from inside our own government!

Comment on February 21, 1920 by [d]

[d] — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:10:40 +0000

I don’t know what made me remember today, but all of a sudden I knew I missed Grammy’s Birthday. In a selfish way, I was glad I did. Her death, although predictable, struck me with a blow that took almost a year to recover from.

You’re right. There aren’t words to explain her. There’s letters and syntax and grammar rules, but too much is open to interpretation and has too many personal connotations. About a decade ago, a friend of mine and I decided that brackets were to be used when there aren’t words to adequately describe a moment, a feeling, a person.

[ ] That was Grammy.

Cam still talks about her. Her house. Her walker. He has her ridiculous picture of kittens in drawers hanging in his room. Her ship light keeping him safe from darkness at night. She loved him possibly more than anyone ever will. And I, her.

I have no concept of who she was other than the stories that were told. But the her that I knew, was the most amazing person I’ll ever know. From the endless phone call complaints of her ailments, where I would literally put the phone down for minutes to take care of Cammie, to her “Who shivs a get!?”s when she was frustrated.

I was in a bad place when she became my best friend. She possibly saved my life.

It takes a lot to make me cry. Maybe I inherited her stubbornness, through my ma of course. But your words made me cry. Mostly because, even though you’re “not supposed to have favorites”, she and Cam are mine. And the bond they had is irreplaceable.

She was love incarnate to me. Living proof of the previously unfathomable definition of “unconditional”.

Thank you Aunt Barbara, for reminding me what I want to be when I grow up.

I love you.

[d]

Comment on February 21, 1920 by Jan

Jan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:20:09 +0000

The first memories I have of Aunt Janie was when your family lived in Dix, just up the hill from us. She had a distinct little giggle. She was close to Mom and when Mom moved to Heaven and I spoke with Aunt Janie. She said she had been wanting to make the trip back to Illinois to see her. She loved Mom like a sister. I remember when Uncle Bill was in the hospital in Northern Illinois. Aunt Janie, Billy and Bonnie lived with us for a while. Our house was small, but I do not remember being crowded. Aunt Janie and Mom were like school girls. I never heard a cross word between them.
I think of the gooseberry pies Aunt Janie used to make. Makes my mouth water to think about it! The last time I saw her, she was at your house. Billy and Elaine were taking Bonnie, Dan and me to St. Louis to return home after the family reunions. We walked in your house and Aunt Janie looked up and said, “Hail, hail, the gangs all here!” She was so very pleasant and I will always love that memory of her. Before we left, she and I were over by the table and I asked her if she knew Heaven would be her home if anything should happen to her. She said, “Yes, I do!” I asked her if she and I could have prayer together before we left and she said, “Certainly!” I began to pray and before I finished, she began to pray, thanking the Lord for her family and His love. It was very precious! I am thankful for all the precious memories of my Aunt Janie, and her dear children! Each of you have a special place in my heart!

Comment on February 21, 1920 by sharon bennett

sharon bennett — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:23:55 +0000

Barbara,

What a moving tribute to your mother. Brings back many wonderful times spent at your home with you and your mother during our childhood. I can still see our mothers standing in the ally behind our two houses talking (probably about us).
where has the time gone?

Comment on Jessica by Jessica :)

Jessica :) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:04:52 +0000

Thanks Grandma! I should have a date if this gets out…

Comment on Addictions by Jill Miscinski

Jill Miscinski — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:35:38 +0000

GREAT ~ “speaking” the words so many of us surely think yet dare not, or do not have the ability/gift, to put out there into a world of blooming confusion! Thank you much for seeing out of your lens without criticism and for many, many moons now with an open heart full and willing to write (as it turns out) OUR stories ……………

Blessings,

Jill