""A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues. This Thanksgiving, may you give thanks for everything you are blessed with."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.

The Attic...by Jim Terry

I always become a bit more enthusiastic, passionate, and excited this time of year. There is definitely something about the “magic” that is created that helps put a little more spring in your step…a little more love in your heart…a little more kindness witnessed day in and day out from one person to another...and well, just a little bit more of a Christmas miracle in this world that sometimes can be a bit difficult to navigate at times.

Now, this might be funny, but growing up, I was always jealous of those kids in the movies that had an attic. And my jealousy was certainly not directed towards the “scary” attics that have the spider webs, the creaky boards, or the ghosts that dwell there along with the musty air. My jealousy was more directed towards the attics that you observe in the Christmas movies.

It’s that cozy space that is still well-kept. It’s the attic that has the frosted widow in winter that looks out into the moonlit and peaceful wooded surroundings covered in snow. It’s a space where family memories are kept. Where there is a timeworn weathered rocking horse that the children relished and played with in their youth nestled along the wall.

It’s also that same space where you can find a suitably placed box in the corner, which includes memoirs of Christmas past in the form of pictures and the old 8 mm films which may help create a quivering lip or even may assist in drawing a tear for those that witness, and finally remember their existence. It’s also an area where there are two rocking chairs purposely placed in front of the widow with two fresh and clean blankets to help weather the cold.

In my mind, there’s only one more thing to add to those chairs to help create the perfect setting…two young children. The ones with the eyelids that are seeking to defy gravity or just need to rest, trying as hard as they can to stay awake, so that they might observe the arrival of good ole St. Nick. And just as soon as they start to nod off with “visions of sugar plums” dancing in their heads, they are quickly woken by the distant clatter and tapping of the reindeer hooves “up on the housetop” with the faint jingle of the bells and Santa and sleigh in tow. Which, in turn, makes the kids “run to the window…like a flash,” and tear “open the shutters and throw up the sash" all while trying to get a glimpse of the jolly ole man they believe in.

So not to keep you during the holidays, but I challenge you to go find that place this evening, that attic, to either reaffirm or to once again become that believer that magic does and can exist to help usher in Christmas Day. Who knows, you too may hear those distant jingle bells or the tapping of the reindeer hooves, which always help welcome in the Christmas season.

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com. 

"I Will Choose To Give Thanks"...by Jim Terry

It’s the simple things that matter most, right? Just the other day, I was missing my Mom on the anniversary of her passing. Yes, it can be a bit of a somber day for me and for my family members, but as more time passes I don’t view this day with as much sadness anymore. Call me crazy, but I now look at this day as a celebration of her life…her legacy…the lessons she taught me and I feel so lucky that I was able to be a part of that for forty-three years of my life.

I’m going to keep this blog simple today so you all can enjoy your family and the holiday that is upon us, but I simply had to share an experience I had just the other day with my mother.

On the 16th of November, the anniversary date of my mother’s passing, I couldn’t help but take a minute longer in my truck before I went into work so I could think about her. As my music continued to play quietly in the background, I also had to ask myself, “How could nine years pass so quickly since her passing?"

One of the memories I thought of was her going grocery shopping by herself. This was probably for two reasons. First, kids are a pain in the butt to shop with and she definitely needed a break from us. Secondly and most of the time, she couldn’t take us anyhow because she would need the space in our minivan.

Have you heard the expression, “Feeding an army?” Well, imagine being the matriarch to eight children. This without a doubt could easily fill the inside of a vehicle. It was our job as her children when she would arrive home, to help her bring in the groceries. The signal that let us know it was time to help? My mother would honk her horn as she pulled into the garage. It was then time for the troops to assemble and do their part by helping unload the car.

Some of the other things I remembered about her were all the homework help she gave, the kind notes in my lunchbox, the baseball games she came to, the homemade kites and Halloween costumes, the hugs, the kisses, the love, and especially the magic she would create for us children during the holiday season.

And just as I was about to turn my truck off and walk into work, as one song ended and another one began, I had to stop and stay in my truck a bit longer.

I have a flash drive in my truck with over 5000 songs on it. For those of you who don’t know, I am a music guy. I love music and always love having it playing within my earshot. My mother and I connected on several levels over the years with music both she and I loved. My mom’s two favorite groups/artists were the Everly Brothers and Neil Diamond.

Of those 5000+ songs on the flash drive, I have 5 songs that will always remind me of her. Two are from Neil Diamond and three of them are from The Everly Brothers. I can’t remember the last time one of those songs played in my truck. That was until that morning and just before I left my truck. The song “America” started playing by Neil Diamond.

Ok, so maybe those anniversary days are still a bit harder for me than I previously alluded to. When the song started to play, the thoughts of her and missing her became twentyfold stronger. As I continued to sit in my truck and listen to that song in its entirety, I couldn't help but let my emotions get the best of me. As tears began streaming down my face, I let out a quiet but simple, “Thank you, Mom. I love you too!”

So is it or isn’t it a coincidence that this happened to me? I will let you decide. However, "I will choose to give thanks" for this experience and hope it reminds us all to always "give thanks” for all the blessings we have.

These blessings??? Well, it may also include an impromptu visit from loved ones lost or those that are still here with us. Take the time to talk, listen to, or take a walk with those you love...It may surprise you what you might find out and the memories that can be made.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! We wish you a very happy holiday season!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com. 

Happy 4th Of July

 Happy 4th Of July Everyone!!! 

We hope that your day is "safe and sane!" Be safe and enjoy the fireworks!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com. 

"A Hero"..by Jim Terry

On Monday, May 30, 2022, TODAY,  Americans across the country will celebrate. It’s a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifice made by the men and women who currently are serving and also those that have died during their service in the United States military. Upon further research, the number of fatalities is well over 1.3 million Americans that have died protecting our nation since 1775.

As you celebrate today by hosting a BBQ for friends or a simple get-together with family,  please remember that Memorial Day is a special moment in time to honor America’s history and remember the bravery and courage of the men and women who fought to give us our freedom. And in light of current world conflicts like what is going on in Ukraine,  we should never forget that that very freedom we all have and enjoy came at the expense of the brave heroes who lost their lives fighting to protect it.  

So the next time you may be driving by a national cemetery, take a moment and stop by. It may surprise you what you may experience as you witness row after row of white headstones of those that gave so that we might all live as a free nation and people. I personally, with my recent stop, had thoughts of peace, happiness, somberness, and reflection. It makes me grateful every time. 

Finally, I will leave you with one last quote to think about, especially on a day like today, which definitely rings true..."A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”- Joseph Campbell

Happy Memorial Day!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.  

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

 "Happy Mother's Day to the" people "who look after us and make us feel endlessly loved! You might not wear a cape" but you DEFINITELY are "our HEROES!" 

Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you all health and happiness in 2022!!!

Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

The Gift Of Love...by Jim Terry

With all the hustle and bustle around you, I have one question for you…”Are you ready for Christmas?” I sure hope so because, as you know, it is HERE!

With all the ribbons and bows…the warmly lit tree…the stuffed turkey already placed in the oven early this morning to feed the crew…the aromatherapy that is created from the potpourri simmering on the stove providing a wave of aromatic hue…the visitors and family that were delayed and delayed again due to inclement weather to only be picked up at the airport late last night or slowly coast into your driveway in the wee hours of the morning...The fatigue...WHEW!!! We made it! Now what???

I read an article the other day that a friend shared which talked about love that I wanted to share with you. Why is it that, at least once a year, we all become a little nicer… a little kinder… a little more giving of ourselves?

In my opinion, it is because of one word…”LOVE!” The LOVE of others… the LOVE of giving… and of course the LOVE of receiving… And the love of receiving is not necessarily receiving a physical gift, (though for you last-minute shoppers, I still need my bag with a million dollars in it please 😉), but this can also be receiving a gift of joy, a gift of happiness or a gift of peace that simply comes from giving. The gift of LOVE!

Children are always the greatest example of what love towards others should be. Prejudices are not an innate quality in humans. They are learned! This is why kids love without boundaries or limitations. In the article mentioned above, a group of kids 4 to 8 years old were posed with the question, "What is love?" Their answers are listed below and are strikingly profound and insightful.

“'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore...So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca - age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and just listen.' Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6

'My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image!) Karen - age 7

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8

And the final one: The winner was a four-year-old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.' "

So during this Christmas season, maybe just do something simple...be giving...be kind...share your french fries...smile when you're tired...take a moment to stop opening presents and listen...or maybe just help someone cry. It may just surprise you how much comfort, hope, and love that can be received simply by giving the gift of love!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

So I am not going to spend a lot of time today on a blog because I want you to be able to spend time with your family and friends, but I did want to share with you just a couple of thoughts. I recently was reading an article written by Chris Tiegreen. He makes a lot of valid points that ring true! This is what he said…

“ • It’s often said that whatever you focus on grows larger. That’s true for fears, hopes, dreams, offenses—and blessings. Gratitude focuses so closely on the good that the bad can become almost unnoticeable.

• Gratitude shifts your perspective. It makes you realize the glass isn’t half-empty. In most cases, it’s actually more than 90 percent full. If you don't think it is, you might need to focus more on what you're thankful for.

• Thankfulness is healthy. People who are continually grateful are generally in better health than those who aren’t. Conversely, complaining (the opposite of thankfulness) is at least as unhealthy as having a poor diet. The difference in physical symptoms between thankful people and bitter people is startling.

• Thankfulness is a strong anti-depressant. Sometimes simply stating your gratitude out loud—even just two or things you’re grateful for, no matter how small—can change your mood for the rest of the day.”

So be grateful…Be Thankful...Be HAPPY…it’s just that simple, isn’t it?

One last thought for today…”The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about?” ~Nora Ephron....And of course be "THANKFUL" for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I hope your day is filled with love and gratitude!

Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

May all the ghosts and ghouls in your life have fun on this day. Stay safe and "BOO!"

Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

"I Knew You Were Waiting For Me!"...by Jim Terry

It is the eve of summer and as we are rapidly approaching the beginning of fall, I can’t help but think, “Where has the time gone?” Today is also another national holiday known to us as Labor day. Hopefully, you are lucky enough, as I am, to not have to work today and can enjoy your day. If you are working today, “THANK YOU” and know you are appreciated for your efforts.

As time appears to speed up as I age, I find myself ever so more conflicted in this ever progressively crazy world we live in trying to find a bit of peace and happiness. The world just seems to be falling apart, doesn't it? In times like this, I find myself relying on my thoughts and my memories to once again draw a smile. This particular memory is one that is dear to my heart and will coincide with our holiday today, which deals with “labor.”

Picture it…1987. It was a time of cropped tanks and tops, shoulder pads, aerobic gear, baggy sweatshirts over that aerobic gear, Nike, and, if you were really "rad," you owned a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. It was also a time when I was a really young lad…Seventeen years old to be exact.

Ever since I was about 8 years old, I remember that my “job” during the summers was to help my grandmother, Hattie, by mowing her lawn weekly. Nineteen eighty-seven also ended up being the summer where my grandmother also needed her house repainted.

Stripping the paint from a house today is simple! You use a pressure washer or a variety of several other power tools to help you make the job easier. However, I was not that fortunate. Hand scraping the peeling paint from the home and re-nailing the siding that was pulling away from the side of the home proved to be an almost 2-week process if I remember correctly. There also was a lot of time listening to the “top 40” play the same songs again and again on the radio during that summer.

One song that I grew to love during that time, and still love today, which always reminds me of my grandmother while working at her home is a song sung by George Michael and Aretha Franklin, "I knew you were waiting for me." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDxzQJaA228

I can’t tell you the number of times I heard that song while working at her home, but those of us that had to listen to the radio back in the day, know they would relentlessly play the same songs over and over again until they fell from their top spots. This song was no different.

So each and every time I would show up at my grandmother’s home to either start painting or mow her yard over the years, there she would be. She would have already completed the edges of the yard by doing the trimming and had already completed one round of mowing around the perimeter of her yard to prove, “She could still do it.” While I was painting, she would have already put out the tarps, the ladders, and the paint to make sure, “I was ready” for my tasks ahead. I actually have to laugh at the vintage cartoon photo included with today's blog of a grandmother mowing the yard stating, "Why should the boys have all the fun?' This definitely reminds me of my grandmother.

And since my grandmother was also hip in keeping up with the fashion trends, she would also be sporting some very familiar attire for the time...a headband. The headband you ask? A dishtowel tied around her head to keep the sweat from running into her eyes. An Egley family trait, which I also inherited…sweating easily! I remember her saying as she worked, "Gad, it's hot!"

So as I reminisce and find hope and happiness in these memories, I want to thank my grandmother for allowing me to labor and provide her with the help she needed. These endeavors also taught me some valuable lessons concerning the value of a dollar, the value of work, allowed me to spend time with her, and unbeknownst to me at that time, has formed some of my most wonderful and cherished memories. The best part of that cherished memory that I hold close and dear to my heart and want to tell my grandmother is, "Each and every time I would pull up to your home or be dropped off by family, I KNEW YOU WERE WAITING FOR ME! Gad, I love and miss you, Grandma!"

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.  

Happy 4th of July

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country!"

     ~Benjamin Franklin

We hope your day is "safe and sane" enjoying the freedom we all are lucky enough to experience and have. Happy 4th!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.  

Happy Father's Day

 We want to wish all the Dads out there a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! We hope your day is as great as you are. 

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.  

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."

– Unknown

We hope your holiday is filled with tears, fun, and laughs in remembering and celebrating those that have sacrificed for us. Happy Memorial Day!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.