Tuesday, November 3

Complications

When I was a little girl, I listened to a lot of music. My parents loved music, and we always had music playing. Now, I'm 46, so when I was a kid, the source of music was the stereo--a fancy wooden cabinet that contained a record player and an eight-track tape deck. The speakers to the stereo, housed in similar fancy wooden cases, doubled as end tables in our living room. No kidding.

I especially liked the music of the Statler Brothers. My mother would put on a stack of Statler Brothers LP's and we would be treated to hour after hour of their music. One of my very favorite songs of theirs was called "Class of '57." The Statler Brothers were about the same age as my parents; maybe that's why my folks liked this music so much.

Anyway, I particularly loved one Statler Brothers song called "The Class of '57." I especially remember one line from that song:

The class of '57 had its dreams

But living life day to day is never what it seems

Things get complicated when you get past 18.

I must have heard that song 500 times, all before I myself was 18. Never quite knew what it meant. I know what it means now, though.

This past weekend was an example of how things don't always go according to plan. I had been planning a Halloween party. For weeks I'd been working out the details in my head. This past week I'd been working out the details in my home. I sent invitations, bought food, bought paper goods, finished projects, cleaned house. All in preparation for Saturday night's party. Like these napkins, for instance. I don't know if I've ever told y'all that I have a bit of a napkin fetish. Some girls like shoes; some go for earrings; some drool over handbags. For me, it's napkins. And just look at these:



Did you ever see anything so cute?

After a difficult weekend last week, I was looking forward to the fun celebration. Then on Saturday morning, my husband woke up sick. Sore throat, headache, severe body aches, fever. Yep, you guessed it. The 'flu.

Thank God, I have a close friend who is a healthcare pro. She has a Ph.D. in nursing, for crying out loud. I talked to her, and she told me exactly what to do. An hour later, we were picking up a Tamiflu prescription from the pharmacy. She explained how Tamiflu works and why my husband should take it right away. He took it, and he's much better now, and everything worked out just fine.

But. The party. The party to which I had looked forward and for which I had worked so hard to prepare. The party had to be canceled.

You know what, though? It's just one party. Yes, I was looking forward to it. Yes, I hated to cancel. Yes, I especially hated to tell my guests that their plans for the evening would have to be canceled. But it's okay. There will be other chances to have parties. There will be other times to enjoy with those friends. The napkins will keep until next year. It's just that things don't always go according to plan. Things get complicated when you get past 18, don't they?

Unwrapped with Emily at Chatting at the Sky

13 comments:

  1. I remember that song. My parents had the Statler Brothers, Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass, and the soundtrack to the Sting on our 8 track. It's what we listened to every Saturday while we dusted and raked the green shag carpet.

    Glad your hubby is feeling better.

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  2. Whenever something like that happens, I think of what my Gramma always says. "If you think you have plans for something, tell them to God. He'll let you know if it's a good plan or not when the time's right." Usually it means something big, like planning when to have a child or when to buy a house. But sometimes, it's in the little things, too. I'm sorry your party was cancelled. That's so disappointing. But I'm so glad your hubby is feeling better!

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  3. HI, Richella, just wanted to stop by & tell you that I loved the tour of your home in the post below. You have a stunning house, beautifully decorated. thanks for sharing & don't apologize for a nice home! :)

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  4. Oh that stinks that you had to cancel the party! Glad your husband is feeling better though.

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  5. don't i know it. i can imagine your heartbreak... because i have been there. seems silly to feel so down about it... when in the big picture it is but a blip. but i know. cause little things can still hurt big.

    (and i love your little napkins!!)

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  6. I'm so sorry your party didn't happen. Hope hubby is back to his regular self soon! Why did we rush growing up when we were younger? What were we thinking? LOL!

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  7. loved those old stereo systems. What a rush of memories.
    I am supposed to be planning for a big party Saturday night , and just haven't gotten into it yet -maybe you can send me some of your energy!

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  8. Hello Richella,
    It's so nice to meet you! Thank you very much for entering my giveaway and your kindness. I really appreciate it. You are always welcome to visit me anytime my friend.

    So sorry about the party and your hubby. I hope all is well now. The napkins are precious!

    Many Blessings and Happy Fall!
    ~Warmly, ~Melissa :)

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  9. I hope your hubby is on the road to a full recovery. Sorry the party had to be canceled but there will be many more opportunities over the coming weeks I'm sure :)

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  10. You handled the party cancellation with such grace! I probably would have launched a big pout fest.

    Hope you hub is feeling better!

    Love the napkins...and I'm not even Southern!

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  11. Glad your hubby is better. The beginning of this post was an exact description of the home I grew up in.

    Fun.....

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  12. Oh those good ol' 8-track tapes. We used to listen to an 8-track tape of Bread while my mom drove us to school. We listened to it every.single.day! Fun memories!

    You are a girl after my own heart...I'm a paper addict myself! I love napkins too and bought 8 packages of Halloween napkins just today (at 50% off). I couldn't pass them up!

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  13. Oh yes I had been here before.

    Love your blog and your home is so pretty! :)

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