Category: http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post

birthdays · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post · motherhood

Learning Lessons from My Strong Willed Child

Lindsey P. BrackettLeave a comment

Dear Annabelle,

I’m going to need you to come back home.  I know you’re loving hiking with your Marmie on the AT even though it’s wet and cold, but I need you here.

You’re my strong-willed child, for sure, but it’s that strong will of yours that’s teaching me lessons of eternal value.

Did you know that since you’ve been gone, bedtime routine hasn’t happened? It’s because you’re the one who likes order, while the rest of us, apparently, are easily distracted.

I’ve been thinking, too, about how much you love for things to be fair. I’m trying to help you understand that life just doesn’t work that way, that there will always be things that are not fair and that we cannot fix, but have to learn to live with.  Right now, Madelynne thinks it’s really unfair that you are hiking by yourself with Marmie, but I bet you think it’s really unfair I bought her new shoes.  You’re helping me learn not to apologize for when things don’t work out the way we want, and you’re inspiring me to let you learn early on, as hard as it may be, that life just isn’t fair. I don’t want to set you up for the expectation that it is.  I’d rather you get hurt a little bit now, while I’m here to hold you, than later when you’re older and not used to handling all of life’s unfairness.

You’re teaching me that if I want you to learn how to react appropriately, than I have to model that for you. I had a tantrum myself on my recent birthday because unfair things happened, but my reaction only made the situation worse. That’s never what you want to do, and I’m seeing so much of myself in you lately, that I want to help both of us learn now, that our responses to life’s little hiccups say a lot about our deepest beliefs.

You’re teaching me about those beliefs too. You aren’t my child who wants feel good faith. You want concrete, real evidence and you want literal understanding of everything you’re being taught. That’s hard when we’re talking Christian theology and Baptist doctrine to you because you’re only eight years old  today and I’m thirty-four and certainly don’t (and never will) understand everything.

But you’re teaching me how to talk to you in a way that lets Jesus do the work.  Sometimes I want to push you to tell me those words we learn in Sunday School about inviting Jesus into our heart, but you tell me that words and water don’t make you clean, Jesus does. And I can’t really argue with that.

So I dig deeper into the Word and read passages like this:

4-7 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

Galatians 4:3-7 (The Message)

You have such a hunger to know and understand that I don’t doubt the Holy Spirit is working with you.  And when you commit to something, you’re all in, which makes me so excited (and a little scared) to imagine the great things God has planned for your life. I just hope your little heart continues to understand that you don’t have to be imprisoned by laws and rules because Jesus makes you free.

By far you are my most compassionate child. I’m still holding on to the idea that you might be a lawyer who seeks to right social injustice someday, but for right now, you just want to make sure everyone has a Christmas present and if I make muffins that there are some extra to take to your teachers. You believe in crazy, outlandish, uninhibited giving–because you are just like your daddy in all the best ways.

I love you my strong-willed eight year old. You challenge me most everyday, but you’re making me a better mother and a stronger person as I learn that real strength comes with the willingness to say I can’t do it all by myself.

Oh, and since I’m a day late on this birthday post, I’m going to have to write another one about how I brought a you a birthday cake and you gave it away. A love like that deserves its own words.

Love,
Mama

31 Days of Living Local · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post

What I Miss Most When I’m Not Local {31 Days: Day 21}

Lindsey P. BrackettLeave a comment

Of course I miss my kids when I’m gone.  And my husband.  All that goes without saying.

But what I really miss about my local and the place I call home and the region I belong to through community and culture and choice?

Sweet tea.

I mean, seriously, can we get some of that north of the Mason-Dixon line?

Southern Sweet Tea

3-4 Family Size Lipton Teabags (yes, brand matters)
1 cup sugar
empty gallon pitcher
medium pot
cold water

Fill pot with cold tap water and add tea bags.  Place pot on stove and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Allow tea to steep 10-15 minutes.  Meanwhile, add one cup sugar to an empty gallon pitcher. Pour tea over sugar and stir to dissolve.  Run more cold water over tea bags in empty pot and then press the bags to release any extra tea goodness.  Pour into pitcher until full. Stir.  Fill a glass with ice. Pour a glass of tea. Relax and be thankful for the house wine of the South.

Sweet Tea Traditions has a good recipe here with more details. 

For all my posts in this 31 Days series on Living Local click here.

31 Days of Living Local · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post · linkups

Top 10 Places Not to Miss in Helen {31 Days: Day 15}

Lindsey P. BrackettLeave a comment
photo source 

Let me be honest for a moment.  When I was growing up we drove through Helen all the time on the way over the mountain to my grandparents’ campsite in Hiawassee.

We never stopped because my parents always said Helen was “just for the tourists.” (Which is a commentary in and of itself on why I’ve always felt local to an area that’s 90 miles from where I grew up.)

But now that I live many fewer miles down the road, I know the truth. Whether you’re here for a visit or calling these mountains home, they are a few places in the legendary Alpine Village you won’t want to miss.

1. Tubing the Chattahoochee
I’m partial to Cool River Tubing Company myself because they always gave free passes to my staff when I worked for Georgia Mountain Resort Ministries, but there are lots of folks who love the hot pink tubes from the flea market.  Either way, on a sparkly summer day (and just after a good rain), it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. 
The only grocery store in the town also boasts the best steaks.  You’ll just have to fire up your grill yourself.
3.  The Pickled Peach and the Village Peddler
Located next door to one another, these shops are a breath of fresh air from the tshirt-selling cubbyholes that dominate the downtown.  Here you’ll find great home decor, college football gifts, and friendly proprietors.  For other great shops like Mark of the Potter or the Old Sautee Store, check out the visitor’s guide here. 
When you’re finished shopping, head over to The Meeting Place restaurant.  They’ll serve you a hot breakfast or a country style lunch that might save you enough money for another fun activity.

Here you’ll find horseback riding and the best ziplining in Georgia.  Just watch out for the copper-rattle-moccasins the guides tease the tourists with!  If you’re local, ask for the discount and enjoy supporting small businesses!
In the summer, there’s a great beach area for the kids, but in the fall, the leaves over the lake are beautiful to behold.
Journey a few miles up through Unicoi and you’ll enter the U.S. Forest Service site, Anna Ruby Falls.  The 1/4 mile paved trail is a breathtaking hike and the waterfalls are my favorite in the state.
8.  Pirate Golf
Kids love putt-putt and pirates.  It’s a win-win combination. 
9.  Cabin Rentals
Book through VRBO for the best deal on a local cabin that’s moments from activity, but nestled in the woods.  Most have hot tubs, decks, and seclusion.  We booked this one-bedroom for only $95 a night when we got away for our anniversary back in July.  
For the best view on the river and a good burger, too, don’t miss the Troll Tavern downtown. Sit outside so that in summer you can watch tubers navigate the rapids and in fall and winter you can enjoy the view.

Keep in mind, I travel with four children almost always. These are all recommendations based on family-friendliness and are places I have actually frequented with my children.

For all my posts in this 31 Days series on Living Local click here.

Linking up with List it Tuesday over at Many Little Blessings.

31 Days of Living Local · cooking · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post

The BEST Apple Cake {31 Days: Day 14}

Lindsey P. BrackettLeave a comment

For all my posts in this 31 Days series on Living Local click here.

I live in the mountains.  Which means this time of year?  Apples abound.  Well, pumpkins and squash too, but especially apples.

There’s apple festivals and apple slingshots and fried apple pies at every roadside stand (along with boiled peanuts, don’t skip those!)

For the past month, I’ve been buying apples from the farmer’s market down the road.  They got them straight from the orchard just over the North Carolina line and at $9 a half-bushel made my kids pretty happy.

Especially because when apples abound, I make this.

It’s the best apple cake ever.  It’s simple, packed with the apple, peel and all, for the ultimate bang for your buck in nutrition and flavor.  I took it to the church potluck and have been asked numerous times for the recipe.

So here it is.  Straight from my sticky counters to yours.

Apple Cake (from Simply in Season)

5 cups apples (unpeeled and chopped, I put mine in the food processor for a finer shred and because I’m lazy)
1 1/3 cup sugar

Combine in large bowl and let stand while mixing other ingredients.

1/2 cup oil (I use vegetable oil)
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
2 teaspoons vanilla

Crack the eggs into a small bowl.  Beat slightly.  Add the oil and vanilla.

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup plain flour (or just use this like I do when I’m out of ww)
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup nuts (if you’re so inclined. I never am.)

Combine in a third bowl.  Stir flour mixture into apples alternately with egg mixture.  Pour into greased 13×9 inch baking pan or casserole dish.  Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees, 50-60 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  (May take longer if apples are very soft.)

Meanwhile…

2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp flour

While cake bakes, whisk together in saucepan and heat to boiling, stirring to dissolve lumps. Remove from heat.

1/3 cup powdered sugar

Mix into caramel sauce and pour over hot cake.

Delicious for dessert, brunch, or just as an afternoon snack!

31 Days of Living Local · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post

Best of October Camping {31 Days: Day 12}

Lindsey P. BrackettLeave a comment

If you’re looking for a place to raise your tent or park your camper or just sit by a fire and listen to some Dylan, may I recommend….

….but unfortunately the government shutdown has closed some of these parks temporarily.  Clearly none of our politicians have ever experienced the joy of a fresh mountain morning on a clear day in October when the leaves are just about to peak and the tea is sweet but the air is sweeter.

So may I recommend some of the amazing state parks that are just moments from my home but will make you feel worlds away from the stress that comes with realizing that somehow your children have rearranged all the icons on your ipad? Not that I would know anything about that….

Vogel State Park  near Blairsville
Unicoi State Park outside of Helen
Black Rock Mountain  in Mountain City
Tallulah Gorge State Park right at the Habersham/Rabun line
Amicalola State Park moments from Dahlonega

Happy Camping!  Where are some of your favorite places close to home?

For all my posts in this 31 Days series on Living Local click here.