Our Trip to see Nicholas Cage's Cemetery Plot

After our late morning snack, we decided to take the trolley and walk around one of the cemeteries.

Now, if you know anything about the Ballards, we don't really like following the crowd, or paying good money to be lectured on something we may or may not be interested in.

We usually take off and explore at out own risk,

most of the time discovering many unusual and memorable sights along the way.

Off we went!

 We thought this was the cemetery we were looking for, but got directions form the trolley driver, that we had to walk a few blocks and under the freeway to get to our destination.

 

Well, we walked four blocks along a busy city street. 

We came to the overpass, over our heads.

We carefully navigated crossing the multi lane underpass

to get to the cemetery we could see in the distance. 

When we crossed the last street to get to the grassy knoll,

two workers were taking a break in front of plastic, orange construction fencing. 

 We asked where the entrance to the cemetery was.

The older of the two workers,

pointed us to the right saying we needed to walk along the fence

until we get to the fountain and the entrance will be on out left.

The youngest of the two,

told us to be very careful though, as we would be walking next to the highway. 

We thanked them very much and began our precarious hike.

Yes, indeed!

Up the hill, clinging to the fence when we could,

V in the lead, watching for uneven ground,

 in preparation for her mother who is very unsteady on her unfeeling feet!

We walked for what seemed hours!

After a while we began looking for ways to either crawl under

or fling ourselves over the black metal fence, to no avail.

Finally, in the distance, we saw the fountain and the gate.

It was the entrance used by the cars coming from the freeway.

Any entrance at this point was a welcome sight!

 

 After entering into the cemetery, we were totally lost. 
The only item we brought was a tour book.
 Surely there would be some kind of tour group? 
It was a beautiful day for exploring.

V had to use the restroom,
so we headed towards where we could see the main funeral home building.
We walked and walked, looking at the interesting  plots and beautiful layout.
This place was huge! 
When we finally came to the building, entered
and asked the nice older lady, if there was a tour map of any kind. 
She smiled, and led us through the building,
around corners and through doors and hallways.
We were introduce to another woman, who asked if we wanted the tapes for the civil war tour?
"No thank you.  We actually are interested in seeing where Nicolas Cage has pyramid monument."
Well, that changed her attitude!
"I'm sorry, but Mr. Cage is not a resident of New Orleans,
and does not have any plots at this cemetery. 
You will have to go to ..........(I forget the name.)"
At least V and I are nice people and not rude, but tried quickly to back pedal.
V asked to use the restroom.
As she was occupied, I asked the woman if they had any informational maps.
She told me about Anne Rice and the Weeping angel,
and was very kind to point out different areas on the map.

The other lady returned and said that the water company
was unable to make it for at least another hour.
As I eavesdropped on their conversation, which I am very prone to do,
I discovered that the building was without water, and had been for quite a while that day.
The second lady said that as soon as she, meaning me,
was through using the bathroom, she was going to close it. 
She had been saving water all day in a jug, so she could use the toilet herself.
I immediately piped up saying that I was fine, I didn't need to use the facilities!

When V came back to the hall, we thanked them and went on our way.
V was very disturbed, as the toilet wasn't working and she found a jug of water to use to flush.
I explained, and we had a good laugh.
Then began our informed, map in hand, tour!




There was something strange about many of the doors.  As we explored, we noticed only one handle on these random doors, were lifted.  I will have to research to see if this means anything, or it was just totally random.  Interesting for sure!  We did not move any of the handles.







Please enjoy these beautiful, haunting, quiet photos.  We so enjoyed our time here!

 

 

 This made me smile!  Looks to be a hardy woman, happy, and needed reading glasses?

 

 

 

  Anne Rice, the author of Interview with a Vampire, etc,
 has a plot here where her daughter is buried.

 A view into the creek.

 Even trusted pets have a place near their departed families.

 

 This was assuredly my favorite area.
 Beautiful statue I would love to have in my garden,
and unexplained, undisturbed money at the door.

 

Lovely stained glass viewed from inside the tomb.

 

 Kinda creepy, even for a cemetery:

 

 Very sad and sweet.

 Our last stop, and really, the only thing we wanted to see, was the weeping angel.
It is a private mausoleum, and has a chain around the door,
but is open just enough to see through to this lovely statue.

 

Then, we tried to get out of the cemetery.

We had two choices:

1.  We could go back the way we came....2 1/2 hours earlier

or

2: see if there is another exit close to where we were.

 

V took off in one direction, and I took off in another direction..

.both of us with the street and iron fence as far as we could see. 

After a few minutes we met back up,

 and decided to go back the way we first entered the cemetery.

 

On our way, we both noticed the orange construction fencing a bit further.

Forget that long walk back,

we will climb under or over that fencing to get to  freedom!

When we were almost upon the construction,

 to our right we noticed,

 of all things,

around the corner from the construction,

 

 the PEDESTRIAN'S ENTRANCE!

We were so mad and so shocked that those two workers led us so far astray! 

Just a few steps from where they were working,

was this beautiful entrance,

 that they just happened to not mention to these two female tourists!

 

Needless to say, we used this exit,

walked to few block back to our trolley stop,

and went about our evening happy for the adventure of a life time!

Don't Ever Let Anyone Tell You You Are A Throwaway Person

 

 

Our sermon today,
in the This is My Story series was on the
Sin of the Religious Spirit

Instead of becoming more like Jesus,
you become mean.
You know so much about the Bible and the rules,
you do everything "right".
It isn't about what Jesus did for you anymore  but about
what you are doing correctly.
In your own eyes.

Pastor gave one example of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14

I am paraphrasing here:

The Pharisee goes into the temple and thanks God that he is not like other people:
the tax collector, the evil doer, the alcoholic. the fornicator, the homosexual, the person who doesn't attend church regularly, the Harry Potter movie watchers, the casino players, the four letter word droppers...etc
you get my point.

The other man could not even look up to God
"forgive me God for I am a sinner."




We are all sinners. 
Ways in which we disappoint God
Period.
We all have sins that are different from anyone else's sins.

One of the most hurtful of these was brought to my attention this afternoon.
Someone went out to dinner an had a few drinks.
Some others present made it their business to make him feel badly about himself.
Not to his face, but in statements that were in a joking manner.
In looks across the table, with eyebrows raised.
Good Christian people.

This is why we have such a bad reputation, folks.
Now, I am far from perfect,
and am learning lots about giving grace to others
because of the Grace given to me.
It is not up to me to judge anyone on how they live their lives.
I'm sure I could find as many sins in someone else's life, as they could find in mine.
They probably could find more in my life.
Why can't everyone just be more tea.

But get this:
NO MATTER WHAT PAIN AND MISTAKES ARE IN YOUR LIFE,
THEY DO NOT MAKE YOU A THROW AWAY PERSON!

YOU ARE A BELOVED CHILD OF GOD!
There is nothing that can ever change that!
EVER!

(Thank you Lysa Terkeurst)

Remember that!
Remember that we all fail.
Know that they may be lashing out because they are hurting, or just jerks.
God loves jerks too.
But you do not have to bear their mark, nor doubt yourself.
You are only responsible for your own actions.
Thank God for that.
I would hate to be responsible for anyone else.
(And it's taken me quite a long time to figure that one out!)

Do the best you can.
Leave the rest to Him.
He can handle it!
I promise you!
He promises you.

25 years ago

 

 

25 years ago, God decided to lend me His princess.
I'm so very glad He chose our family.

My baby was born on March 27, 1989 a little after 6pm
We thought she would be an Easter baby, but no such luck.
She was born at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas Texas.
Monday's Child is fair of face!

She loved mirrors and Kermit the frog!

 

It's been the three of us for a lot of years.
Daddy has worked away for a lot of their growing up.
Good, and bad...I love my girls and the bond we share!

 

 



That SMILE!!!
 


There have been many ups and downs with Miss Hil, but none that couldn't be overcome.

Hil has always had her sister's heart!

YUP...Makeup from a wee age!
 

 







                        

How Halloween has changed for Hilary!




 
 Hilary doesn't know how to whisper.
Love of life just cannot be contained!.

 

She didn't really like to cook much, especially cleaning out a turkey

 But she did win a few prizes at 4H for baking!














And with the right cooking partner, she is becoming more comfortable in the kitchen!

One of Hilary's greatest gifts is her loyalty to friends
No matter what, if you are a friend to Hil, you are her family forever.
    I love that about her...and hate her sometimes for it!
    Holidays always include a plethora of "family"
    And she never refuses anyone who wants to be in her life.

 

 

Its so funny how she can go from this...to this in a split second!

She will always be my baby girl!

 

 

She has a special place for Big Brother!

Laugh all you want at this....but remember that this lil dumpling,

 

turned out to be this!

One of the most loving, caring, funny, loud, blunt,

beautiful, Godlike women I have ever had the honor to know!

So looking forward to the next 25 and more!

Happy Birthday Hilary.

You are my heart!

 

Friends wanted: inquire within

I am noticing a common thread among women.
Now, it happens to men as well,
but I am a woman and can only voice my opinion as such.

Women want friends.
Women are in need of girly girl relationships.

In grade school, everyone likes everyone!
Moms set up play dates and birthday parties and social interaction.

In middle school, sleepovers start, music becomes important,
cliques begin, boys are noticed, broken hearts are shared.
Moms are still arranging things but not so much.

In high school, friendships are explored, adapted, changed and accepted.
The hunt for boyfriends begins in earnest
as do narrowing the best friend options.
More important life events are shared.
We begin to grow up.
Moms are not involved AT ALL.

In college and after, our lives begin to expand, and isolate.
Jobs take up our social time, but we still can party into the wee hours.
Most of our school friends have moved away, or we have.
Making friends becomes a bit harder.
Your options are limited.
Office, gym, church, bar.
We become more self conscious.
If you are lucky enough to find a life partner,
friendships take a back seat for years.
You also meld his and her friendships.
You are lucky if you like the spouse of your friend.
You are luckier if your spouse likes their spouse.

When you have children, your main priority becomes what your mother's was:
Find playgroups and friends for your child.
Your needs and your focus are put on the back burner.

When you finally realize that you do indeed need a friend our two,
it is difficult to make that happen for yourself.

Honestly, I was in my thirties when I earnestly began my search.
My girls were in the beginnings of not needing my input.
After a few homeschool groups I started,
and a few women's Bible studies, I was asked to lead a small study group.
We were twelve women seeking friendships and answers in a common situation.

We went on women's retreats together,
and spent most every evening on those retreats, talking into the wee hours.
We made time for being together in the months and years to follow.
Our time together was important.  We made it important.

In the past fourteen years, eight of these women have stayed close.
Really close.
I know that if I needed someone at two in the morning,
I could call upon any of these women and they would each be there for me.
We can be our whole selves with each other.
I have shared every part of myself with them.
Some I see frequently, to share a salad and the week's happenings.
Some I see once a month or less.
Whenever we are together, it is as if no time has passed.
We talk frequently through emails, texts and sometimes phone calls.

Over the years, we have each made other friends, chosen different paths,
experienced different life events.
We took what we became with each other,  and reached out through the years to others.
I have even reconnected with high school friends, and now that we are adults,
it seems easier to share out lives with one another.

Now, I know how very lucky I am.
I also know how much of myself I have invested in these friends over the years,
and they in me.
It was not easy all the time.
It is hard to share yourself with strangers to the point where you are not strangers.
You must not judge, you must keep their secrets and not gossip,
you must be available, you must listen, you must take the chance.
You must initiate any and all contact. 
Every time.

Yes, there are times when people just do not mesh.
Not everyone gets along with everyone.
It's ok to have friends who are just surface friends.
It's ok to end a friendship with someone you do not honestly enjoy spending time with.
However, you must work very hard at all relationships.
You must find opportunities to meet people with the same interests as yourself.
Take the chance.

I often find myself not wanting to go to dinner or meet up.
I make myself every time though, because I am never disappointed,
and I always, always, feel refreshed and uplifted after spending an hour with friends.

I am blessed.

PS...
I have wanted to start a meeting place for just this life situation.
Reach out to me if you are interested in diving into this life adventure.

Music takes me...

Music seems always to have been a part of my life.
I cannot carry a tune in a bucket tho.

In middle school, I remember memorizing songs with my best friend.
We played Elvis and Barry Manilow for hours.
Singing at the top of our voices, over and over again.
I still know Copacabana word for word!

I remember receiving a record player one Christmas.
It came with headphones, as bit as cats.
Tons of padding all around the ears.
I would go to sleep listening to all my favorites.
As the years went by, I used those same earphones with the radio,
and listened to old radio shows like the Shadow and Alfred Hitchcock  Presents.

One year in sixth grade, my bestie and I did a presentation for the class
of the opening song from All in the family.. What a hoot.

When I got into high school, I became a band buddy, added to my many differing groups of friends.
Now, I could not play any instrument, but was a color guard, flag waver for three years.
I dated a drummer, two trombone players, a tuba player,
had a crush on a trumpet player, and most of my friends were in the marching band.
There is a whole book of the adventures had in marching band.

I remember during free periods, and I seem to have had quite a few free periods,
I would go down to the band room and just listen to the classes.
Once, Mr McIlroy even let me play the bells!
The stage band director, Mr. Bianco, was also my Shakespeare teacher,
and he also allowed me to oversee the practices.
I tried to play the trombone once.
You really need strong lips to play that instrument!
And I could never quite get the rhythm of the double bass on the drums!
Although I tried.

When I was a young mom, after the kids were in bed,
I would pour myself a Jack and Coke (a tablespoon Jack to 12 oz coke)
and sway and twirl in the kitchen to country music.
I was of course living in the deep south of Alabama in those days.

I listened to bluegrass band practice every Friday night in the funeral home.
My in laws, and a cousin who was the funeral director, were in this band.
At first I was content minding all the kids,
with moments of sitting and doing cross stitch while humming along to
I'll Fly Away and Country Roads.

Eventually, I took guitar lessons from my sister in law, who tried to get me to sing soprano.
I took finger guitar lessons for about a year.
I practiced for hours on the front porch swing while the kids played in the yard.
I sang loudly, as the only person close enough to hear me was
Mr. Perrigan, across the street.
Puff the Magic Dragon was one of the only songs I learned to pick pretty well.
My kids have many memories of me singing Meet Me in the Middle, trying to learn the harmony.
John Deer Green was also a favorite of the Ballard girls!

I belonged to a women's traveling choir for a few years.  I sang alto, but God help me,
I sang with whoever I was standing next to.
I still do.

When we moved North, my music taste moved to emo and punkish tunes that the kids listened to.
I'm glad that didn't last long, but Jack Johnson and other groups occasionally are played still.

I have always loved REAL music from the Rat Pack!  Dean and Frank are almost always on
a play list close by.

My theme song since middle school has been Simon and Garfunkel's the 59th Street Bridge Song.
If you know me at all, you know how true this is.
Even without this song playing, I move through life with this attitude... :)

Last night my friends and I went to the South Bend Symphony.
The theme was James Bond.
These two hours brought me right back to the good ol days I have been missing.
Images, songs, feelings, rushed in.
I have been a bit depressed lately with both of my girls so far away,
and this winter has been brutal, with me mostly hibernating for months.

It was good to feel the music again.
You can find me bopping, swaying and dancing in the church pew
 to contemporary Christian music,
 as well as twirling around my kitchen, singing to Charlie.

For someone who can't carry a tune, I sure love music!
I am blessed!