Oxford...the beauty

Today all eyes turn to the "Diamond of the South"...Oxford, Ms. If you haven't been there...you must go. There are so many beautiful places I've had the privelage of visiting..Honolulu, Kawai, National Glacier Park...but when you want elegance, charm, beauty and southern hospitality.. Oxford, Ms is the only place. You see, I lived there for a year and a half during my Junior/Senior Year of college and it marked a place in my heart like no other. And the reason can be found in two words: the grove. It's the heart and soul of the campus of The University of Mississippi. The tall trees, the lush grass, the smell of the flowers...walking through the center of that campus is like no other place..it's a small piece of paradise. But if you must leave the Grove..then there's the town square with it's charming restaurants where Sweet Tea runs like water and "Thank you and Yes Ma'am" are mingled in with "How are ya'll today?" After that...take a trip off the square to the neighborhoods where the streets are lined with beautiful old magnolias who have seen so many people come and go.... and while they've got their roots firmly planted in the rich Mississippi soil...they wait patiently for the faithful who always return "home".
One of my favorite memories is having my picture taken for the Delta Psi Sweetheart Photograph at Faulkner's home. It was magical...being there where he had lived and walked so many years ago. Knowing that in that exact place....such beauty had been created.
But..you know...to appreciate Oxford..you have to live there through all seasons...I recommend Fall in Oxford....because of its spectacular show of leaves that change into those colors like the crayons inside the box...burnt sienna....golden yelllow... OH..but it's only to be outdone by spring in Oxford...the azaleas that bloom and those tulips that reach up to the sun so straight and tall. Warning: Oxford may be in the deep South..but she still gets a icy winter. It took me 4 hours to drive a 2 hour trip because of the ice one January....but it's beauty was still there with the icy trees shiny so silvery and quietly whispering..."I'll be back...just wait a few weeks.."
Even though my listing of the seasons isn't in order it's because that's how my mind recalls them...Finally there's summer..oh who wouldn't love a glass of lemonade to sip while looking across the grove the Sorority houses....with the manicured lawns and all the beautiful old Historic buildings like the Lyceum....so rich with History....
But, today the eyes of the world are gazing upon this beautiful place because two men face each other in a debate to be the Leader of the greatest Nation in the world...and it's taking place in Oxford. To me, that's amazing. Yes, Oxford has seen it's share of troubled times during a different era...but times have changed and so have people. Today's events prove that...while Oxford has moved along with the times..she remains a treasured thing of beauty...that none can compare. If you don't believe me, take a drive ...but don't be in a hurry..because you may miss the reason you're there..it's quiet, lovely, lush scenes whispering "stay a while and when you leave...a part of me goes with you...love, Oxford."
Shine Oxford...You beautful Southern Lady...it's all about you today...I'm so proud for you.
J

Dreaming of a New Life

God sent me a special song this week in the middle of a sad day.
You know, when we set out to carve a new life we knew it wouldn't be easy..and it hasn't. Foolishly I believed some things would already have come to fruition...but they haven't. Foolishly I believed some people would see the talent others possess and help develop it ..but they haven't.
BUT...I still dream on because there's going to come a day when the dream becomes a reality. Have you reached yours yet?
I heard someone say "things that come easy are not appreciated"...I believe that to be so true. Because think about it...if you're handed something without working and sacrificing to get it ...then it's easily discarded and doesn't hold much value.
Why? Because when you've really earned something.. you've sweated, worked, scratched, run, worried, and held it deep inside your heart late in the night when one one else was looking or standing with you.
That's when you treasure this little dream that now completes who you are and makes you feel alive.
And someday friend, the dream will become a reality...so until then , join me and let's "Dream on."


"Dream On"

When Joseph was a little boy,
He was driven by his dreams....
God spoke to him,
Told him He had chosen him.
When others didn’t understand,
Joseph still believed
And trusted HimTrusted and was willing to

Dream on....
When the world just didn’t believe,
God had promised never to leave him alone.
Dream on...
Follow hope wherever it leads,
For in the seed of dreams
There’s promise of the dawn.
Dare to listen for the music,
Keep on following the star,
Morning can’t be far dream on...

Now there’s no valley deep enough
That He can’t lead you through.
He’ll walk with you
Walk the precious roads with you.
No mountain ever rose so high
That you can’t climb with Him,
And then stand up tall
Stand and look down on it all.

Dream on...
When the world just doesn’t believe,
God had promised never to leave you alone.
Dream on......
Follow hope wherever it leads,
For in the seed of dreams
There’s promise of the dawn.
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star.
Morning can’t be far....
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star,
Morning can’t be far
Dream on, Dream on!

Happy September!

Hello all! It's been a long time sine I've written. So many things are going on..trying to keep up with them all can be overwhelming. Well, to start with Bryan is back in School..he's officially a 3L! We're expecting to graduate from Law School by summer 2010...can't wait. He's doing really well..great grades and working full time as a Paralegal/Law Clerk. I don't know how he manages to do it all...God is carrying us through these challenging times. Families are doing well..that's a blessing. New friends coming in our lives makes being away from home a bit easier. Work is going well..just extremely busy. I've been given a franchise piece "Family First" which means I pkg a story about families that airs live on Monday evenings during the 6pm show. Really excited about doing it....love it! Hope to move full time on air very soon. Although I enjoy Producing, my heart is in Reporting and Anchoring. Our "kids" are doing well. Kitty is now diabetic which requires medicine and a special diet..she's not happy but she's adjusting...so are "Mommy and Daddy". We love our pets very much..they've been with us every step of the way since we began our "journey"...packing up and moving is difficult but they've adjusted...I must say they've handled everything much better than the two of us. Ha! I promise to write soon. Take care of yourselves out there in the web world..
God Bless,
Janie