The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Our third read for Otsego Library Book Club.  This first time novel was a peek into the life of an African American church, written from the perspective of the Church Mothers---those experienced women who watch and pray, not always perfect, but looking & responding to life from the vantage point of age.  The story centered around three young people, with mistakes made and hearts broken, and once again --- the very difficult consequences that follow them because of their choices.  This shows even more vividly than "Commonwealth" how sin ensnares, then drags others in, then destroys more people than could be imagined -- in this case, the destruction of a church.
Although I liked the story line, I never enjoy the crude language --my old age is showing!  Always feels like there could be other words to use that might be just as credible.  I did appreciate that the author portrayed the African American culture in some positive ways-- intelligent & goal oriented teens, kind-hearted church members, forgiveness expressed, a father-daughter relationship restored.

California Connection

California kiddos were calling so I flew from Knoxville to San Jose on 2/18!  Thankful that Ben & Jenny were able to head to the mountains for a 5 day getaway, to sleep, play games & relax.  GrammaLita moved into "Mommy mode", with no back-up from Boppa!!  (However, Mel stepped up to check on me daily, and organize some play days.)  Abbott, Evy and I planned something special each day to keep us busy:  Capitola Mall playground, local park, Library story hour, a walk to Jamba Juice for smoothies, ballet class for Ev, a fun sleepover with Maelie & Mel, Discover Museum with Walker.  Highlights were the "wee hours of the morning rocker dates" with Abbott, singing "Brown Bear" book to him, and the cuddling with Evy while book reading and movie clip watching!!  Fun to be a  part of their normal life and understand "mommyhood" fatigue!

 

 

Then it was on to the Hendren's for a few days-- Keith immediately rewarded me with a special concoction for making it through!!  Fun birthday dinner celebrations for Walker & Maelie, and a splashing spree in the hot-tub were great memories.  Enjoyed worship with Mel at Twin Lakes Church, then hooked up with all for a Monarch Butterfly Hunt and lunch.  Delightful Ending.

 

Time Out in Tennessee

February seems like a lifetime away! Bill & I headed there the 11th for a week of Grandkid memories.  So glad we could give support as Teg & Mik headed on a Family Life Cruise for their 15th anniversary.  Fun times around the table, at Jet's wrestling practice, family T-ball at the park, reading, chatting during our chaufferuing duties, watching "Zootopia", and ending with a scavenger hunt, executed by Boppa at the local PetSmart.

What I didn't expect, being "prayed up" and excited, was the reminders from long ago "Mommy" days --of not being as capable as I had imagined.  My gut honest feelings that I wrote down on my flight out of town:

TN 2/2017

"Humbling.  Being the Grammalita that I long to be is way more difficult than my expectations ever imagine.  I see myself thru rose colored lenses: kind, gentle, patient, creative, wise, even-tempered. Then I play mom/ teacher/ Gramma/ cook/ housekeeper/ game guru/ reader of books extraordinaire/ laundress/ chauffeur and I fall apart.  I only really yelled about 5 times in 7 days; however who am I trying to kid?  Even when I keep my voice low and even, those perceptive kids can tell a frustrated granny- and it translates to "mean".  It seems like when I should be prayed up and full of the Holy Spirit, Marlita shows up instead. How, how, how- does the transforming work of the spirit of God work?? What am I missing?"