Sara C. Clark...My Granny

Today the world lost an amazing woman and heaven gained an angel. My Granny, born August 12, 1917, met Jesus today around 2:15pm. Words cannot express how much I loved this woman or how much she meant to me.....I also have no doubt about how much she loved me. I saw her several times this week, but we had our last conversation on Saturday. In the past few years, sometimes she confused me with my Granddaddy's cousin, Dot. When I first went in her room on Saturday, she, of course, thought I was Dot. However, after we talked a little, and as I left, she knew who I was. I was kissing her and telling her how much I loved her. After I told her that I loved her, the last thing she ever said to me was, "I have always loved you Buffy." That I had no doubt. She had unconditional love....for all of us. I think all of her children and grandchildren knew that without a doubt. What an amazing gift to have! I feel sorry for those out there who never knew the love like my Granny gave to us.

My Granny was a beautiful woman inside and out. Take a look at some of her pictures from her younger years.







I made it just in time to be with her as she left us today. She took her lasts breaths peacefully. I'm not sad for her because she gained heaven, but I'm sad for me. I miss her already, and she hasn't even been gone a full day. I miss hearing her laugh, I miss her picking on me about not having a boyfriend, I miss her cooking, I miss her stories, I miss her cussing at me because I locked her oven and she didn't know how we would ever get it unlocked, I miss her defending me when the phone operator said that the kids in the house were being mischievous, I miss holding her hand, I miss her love....let's just say I'll miss everything about her.

Granny, I know you are in a much happier place. I know you met Jesus today. I know you got to see Granddaddy and Dan today. I know you probably even told God that he should send me my husband! I am happy that you are where you will never hurt or cry again. I am happy that you are in a place where you can walk and run. I'm happy that you are with our Lord. I will see you again! I miss you, and I love you as much as you loved me....I always have and I always will!

From the mouth of the elderly

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the nursing home to visit my grandmother. It was a very emotional experience for me even though I work with the elderly every day. However, I must blog about a 1 sided conversation that was held on my way out. Many of the residents were lined up in the hallway looking out the front door. I'm sure they were entertained by those coming in and out. As I was headed down the hall to the door, one cute little lady, whom I assume, by the way she asked, had some dementia, stopped me and asked, "What is your name and what are you doing here?" I must explain what ran though my head. I was a bit emotional after spending time with my grandmother, and I had on scrubs because I had worked earlier in the day. I could only imagine what she wanted me to do because, in my head, I thought that she thought that I worked there. So...instead of trying to explain through tears that I was just visiting and didn't actually work there...I kept on walking. As I pushed the front door open, I heard her say to those sitting around her, "Well....I guess she doesn't know either!"

I needed a good laugh, and I sure got one!

Photography Class

As I mentioned before, I started taking a photography class at the beginning of this month. I bought a digital SLR camera back in March. (I was helping to stimulate the economy!) I decided that I need to know how to use my new camera out of automatic mode, so I searched and found a class at Birmingham School of Photography. (All you Birminghamiams out there....I HIGHLY recommend their classes!) The class is awesome, and has really taught me how to take pictures in manual mode only. My teacher does not allow us to use automatic mode any longer! I wanted to post a few pics from each class assignment to start documenting my progress.....feel free to comment and suggest how I might improve if you know anything about photography! I'm taking a Photoshop class next month....I bet my pictures will really improve after I know how to use it!! I know this blog is photo heavy, but make sure to look at the last pictures because I think they are the best!

CLASS 1









CLASS 2









CLASS 3








Last but not least is my favorite shot of the month!!


There you have it....a month's worth of learning. Stay tuned for further pictures as I continue this journey!

Waiting

If you are waiting for anything, this is an awesome song!

30? Who is excited about turning 30?

Today, I am officially excited about turning 30! Crazy huh?!? I know! Actually, it's not that I'm excited about turning the big 3-0 which happens in 4 months.....I'm excited to celebrate turning the big 3-0!

I recently decided since I am single with no kids, that I MUST celebrate the big day in a BIG way so I wouldn't be depressed. I convinced Celia, my sister, and Daphne, my best friend, to actually go to Vegas on the big day. Let me just tell you that we will be doing it right! We are staying at a nice place, skydiving over Vegas on my actual birthday, going to see "O", taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon, and doing the touristy Vegas stuff there is to do....the good Lord willing of course!

I also decided since it is such a big birthday, that I needed to celebrate the whole month! So...to top it off, my friend Cynthia is gifting me part of a trip to Chicago to see none other than Carrie Underwood at the end of August. Holy Cow!! I'm so excited!! You know what would make it the best birthday ever....if I won a Meet and Greet and got to chat with Carrie during my birthday month!

Watch out August! I'll be celebrating in a big way! Hopefully I'll have great pictures and stories to post after the celebrating is over!

Up From the Grave He Arose!

When I think about the sacrifice that Christ made for you and me, I can't help but be moved. This perfect man, and we all know that He is/was the only perfect man, was beaten and tortured and nailed to a cross to die a death that you and I would never be able to take...all so we could spend our eternity in heaven. That is love! That is perfect love. But what is so amazing is that He rose. In the words of Robert Lowry, "Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose".

Today, I saw Easter reflected in a little boy about 9 or 10 years old. Many of you who read Daphne's blog, also read mine so this story will be a repeat....but for those of you who don't read both, I must share this experience I had today.

I went to Oak Mountain with Daphne and Ben for Ben's first Easter Egg hunt this morning. There were tons of plastic Easter eggs scattered in a field. Kids and parents alike took off running picking up the eggs as fast as they could. Ben was not in a hurry. He picked up a couple....then he was more interested in playing with a twig he found. After it was all over, we put two of the eggs back on the ground to stage some pictures. This young man walked over to Daphne and said to her, "He didn't get many eggs did he? I'd like to give him some of mine." He then proceeded to give Ben a few of his eggs, including one of the larger ones. Daphne thought the little boy was originally coming over to try to pick up the eggs we had placed back on the ground, yet he came over to sacrifice for Ben. I cried watching the event take place. Most of the kids, and parents, out there were trying to get as many eggs as they could for themselves, yet this young man was willing to share with one who had less. It was a really touching moment for me!

Ben hunting eggs





I saw this next quote posted on someone's facebook page. I'd like to leave you with it.

To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances;
To seek him, the greatest adventure;
To find him, the greatest human achievement.

Happy Easter to all! Thank you, Lord, for your sacrifice!

See It!

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to see WICKED for the 2nd time. It has to be my favorite Broadway musical. If you haven't seen it, you are missing out on something great. It will be in Birmingham until April 19th....I highly recommend getting tickets! You'll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely be surprised!


I cannot leave it unmentioned that Carrie won not only Female Vocalist of the Year, but also the big prize of Entertainer of the Year at the ACMs last night. She beat out George, Kenny, Keith, and Brad! I'll have to admit that I was a wee bit excited when they announced her name! I tell you every time I mention her that you should see her....this time is no different. If you are looking for something to do this year, travel to see Wicked or Carrie. I assure you that you will be entertained!



I also wanted to note that I have started taking a photography class. I bought a nice camera last month, and I really want to learn how to use it so that my pictures of my friends and family, the many places I go, and the concerts and entertainment that I see will be awesome instead of just ho-hum. Stay tuned for my pictures as I hope to post some as I learn what to do!