The story of barbeque is the story of the American settler.

For years my family and I have attempted to visit a genuine roadside gem called Malson's on our travels. Since we live approximately 785 miles from Kingsland, Georgia, it has taken awhile to time it right. However, third road trip is the charm...and oh, were we charmed. The dark art of southern barbeque has captivated and bewitched Malcolm. Every destination, method and style of barbeque grabs his ardor by the cajones and he becomes transfixed. While the nippers and I enjoy these meals, much of our dedication is to Father and not fare. Be that as it may, if you want it as good as it could possibly get, GO. HERE. NOW. Never before has a tin shed off an exit of Interstate 95 held my heart so tenderly. The aroma that dangles in the air carried us out of our car like something in a Warner Brothers cartoon. The sauce was mustard based and hit all the right notes, tangy, sweet, spicy, fragrant. Besides the lack of ambiance, the smoke, the sauce, all delicious, there was something that I couldn't put a finger on. Seeds of some kind in the mop (perhaps clove?) so scarcely there, surprised some of us who caught one in our teeth to release the intense bouquet. To Master Malson, we bow.

Wanna stump your friends?

I have moved to an area where many of the local ladies participate and thrive in their own direct sales businesses. Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, A Taste of Home, even Tupperware! If you are looking for a little sales job on the side, chances are one of your friends can hook you up.

Being the kind of person that likes to support her friends in their ventures, I went to a Mary Kay party last night. The purpose of these things multi-faceted...to introduce you to 'well, the best line of skincare on the planet', to sell you products, and to see if this would be the opportunity you need to give you the kind of lifestyle you want...making six figures by working part-time. So, I have to ask myself, maybe I am not a good friend. I don't want to wear make-up all the time, I don't want to ask my friends to buy things from me, I don't want to spend my evenings peddaling my wares or going to conferences in the hopes of earning a car or a vacation. So what am I doing at this thing?

Apparently the director notices my apprehension as I am not jumping out of my seat to show her what is in my purse for a drawing ticket...do I have any questions about the company or the product? Very quietly, so as not to disturb anyone who might be ready to jump on board, I ask about...palm oil.

Yup, I did. I initially got a cold shoulder from all three purple clad ladies. "Why does that concern you?" one asked..."Oh, you know, the whole deforestation thing."

I think maybe I won't be asked back.

Cyberschool

Cole and I have been cyberschooling for four weeks now. One month down, eight more to go...mostly we are both enjoying it, however I think we are beginning to get on each others' nerves. He has a very different learning style than I do, for example, he can balance on a fitness ball and sing while taking an algebra test. Conversely, I get distracted by the phone ringing, the dog needing to be 'watered', the laundry needing to be changed over....things like doctors' appointments and guitar lessons are slipping through the cracks.
Sheriff Brody's immortal words echo in my head,  I think we're gonna need a bigger boat. In my case, a more developed calendar, help with the housework and maybe a carpool buddy.

"It takes hands to build a house but only hearts can build a home."

Working and homeschooling being the latest challenge, I have taken some advice and begun planning menus for the month. The next challenge...getting to the store...

I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at. – Maya Angelou

Yesterday, I am told, was “National Sister Day”. Me, I was blessed with three beautiful women whom I share blood with, not to mention Alberta, Melissa, and Jen who later became “blood sisters” with me in our childhood games. Ya Ya. 

The word, ‘sisterhood’ in my heart’s opinion is very similar to ‘servanthood’. Likewise to be sought after, in that what we do for each other is to service each other’s hearts and well-being and in many cases our physical health. Titus 2 talks about doing good (for goodness sake) and having integrity. I think this is a good definition of sisterhood and servanthood too.

Which women in your circle are you praying for? Who do you send a meal to? A flower to? An encouraging word to? If you don’t have one, ask God and He’ll put someone in your heart, I ga-run-tee!
And to Sheila, Theresa, and Toni-Anne…a little something from Doris Day…