Underestimating God ~ Trust is a Process

March 6, 2023 LadyEm632 Comments

Comfort Zone – Post 1

Happy March 6th y’all. Happy Second Monday in Lent.

On February 16th, I posted the below on my FB Wall. Over the past several years the tragedy of my life – as a child, as a young woman, and even the past decade has weighed on me to the point it really broke me in many ways. And I am thankful.

In the broken, I have been able to handle the pieces of tragedy in a way more positive way. I prayed before I wrote this post because in so many ways, it’s like a broken record. Holding myself accountable and taking responsibility for my lack of focus – on God, on my health, on so many things. And Lent is my saving Grace this year. Learning to fully rely on and trust God – not in a way that I “thought” I was… but truly realizing me that I can not say “Yes God, I trust you. But I’m gonna do what I want!” Trust is hard for me. Anyway…. Read these two pictures, and I will give an update at the end!

The book this passage is from is the Magnificat. I placed the link on the word. If anything happens to the link, go to http://www.magnificat.net and you will find it (and about a zillion other books you may “need”).

Just like the Israelites, mentioned above, I don’t trust God enough to believe HE will do what HE says. So Lent, for me, is a succession of stepping out of my comfort zone moments… in which I let God, my Father, guide me. Imagine that?!

Update: When I spoke to the doc, he said he wanted me to up my BP Meds (because I have a hereditary high BP). And he also recommended that I wean myself off the Anxiety/Depression meds slowly. I went to 1/4 of the dose and after a week realized half the dose is my number for now. Sadly – due to all I’ve walked through, I may have to be on meds long-term. Doc says that’s ok. It’s nothing I am doing wrong. Sigh. I am thankful for friends and family, and for praying people who have bolstered me throughout this period.

I love my medical team here in Italy. Truly they care. They have been instrumental in my learning to care for myself. I’m so thankful. And now that I am headed back to a better relationship with the Catholic Church and God (oh yes, I was flailing/failing both)… things are really looking up.

I will share with you, that a few weeks before Lent started, I reached out to our new Priest about confession and discussion. I hadn’t been to confession in about 18 months or so – not a stellar show of faith. I’d really given up in many ways. Sigh. But when I was speaking to my son about what he needed to do to get back to faith… I clearly heard THE FATHER speaking to me, through me. Sigh.

Now, I am off to do my Italian homework, and make a few cards. I will share the cards on the blog. Soon, I will share about a woman’s retreat I went on to Assisi. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone. LOL You’ll see. Until Then…

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

Davis Family · Italy · Teverola Home

Teverola Apartment – 3rd Place Is A Charm?!

January 27, 2023 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Readers,

The weather here is cold and rainy. But – I kinda like the fact that I can get caught up on things. I meant to post this a week ago, but here we go.

So when we first moved to Italy we lived within a 5 minute walk to the beach. The views were endlessly beautiful but the house was “poop on a white shoe” poorly maintained. After nearly 3 years of the landlord acting like he was doing us a favor taking our money (and believe me when I tell you we paid 3x more than any Italian family would have for this awful place. So – we moved to a house with a yard. AND basically an apartment for bud since it was his Senior year of school – and we knew he’d be going back to the states. We thought it would be awesome. It was slightly more expensive – but it had a pool, fruit trees, and storage… and Marque decided it was “the one”. However, within a few months we found out it was even in worse shape. Plus the realtor was not an above-board kinda guy… and we just flat out needed to leave. As we were leaving, we knew we had to downsize… and since legitimately most of our storage had black mold. We knew we had made the right choice. So we barely lived there a year and we moved this Fall to a duplex in a different city. It’s not a duplex like in the states. We have a sweet couple that live in the apartment upstairs.

Let me go backwards a bit. Because we are good people – we made every excuse and gave every allowance. Planted things, paid for things, etc. I won’t go back over ever egregious/insulting/unhealthy situation in the first two places… Suffice to say – Italy can be difficult. Things work differently here. And standards/even visuals – are deceiving. LOL I will leave it there.

We now life in a building that used to be a store. The basement has dressing rooms in it and our apartment used to be a shop that apparently sold pizza because there is a pizza oven on our side porch. It’s about 1500 – 1600 square feet (we’re told – it may be smaller). But we do have huge living space outside on porches. One of the things I am most proud of is the kitchen. When we first saw the place, it was all opened up. BUT – we don’t go out to eat all the time, we cook… and I need my kitchen things and Pantry/Fridge/Freezer staples. In my previous post, I explained how I hid my pantry and made my kitchen organized by using my bookshelves, etc. Check out Pantry Challenge – Thawed Out for those pics.

Part of the Lemon Harvest This year. These are so wonderful AND did you know lemon tree leaves smell like lemons? Well they do. LOL

Laundry is different here. The ladies around me do laundry nearly daily. We hang things out to dry and fluff in the dryer. It’s actually nice. This is our side porch area, and the brown door at the end of the fist picture is our outdoor storage. In the winter, this area is not the one I choose, I choose the end of the courtyard where the sun lasts the longest. Also – I have stools everywhere – so I can reach the stuff on top of things (you’re welcome).

FIREPLACE AT THE END OF DINING AND BY FRONT DOOR.

I will blog about our gardening projects soon… and take pics of the outside – including our Blessed Mother Statue we bought our first year here. So far, we love this house. And we are so thankful. Will also show you our basement and things as we improve stuff.

We will chat soon, dear ones, Praying for you all.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

Davis Family · Italy · Melvin & Maisie

Updates Abound…

December 27, 2022 LadyEm634 Comments

Dear Readers…
I feel like I should say – “Hi – My name is Emily, and it’s been five + months since I’ve posted.” And y’all should all say – “Emily Who?” HAHAHA

When I last posted, we were newly Empty Nesters. We still are. LOL But we are adjusting really well. When we got back from Texas, we packed and moved to a much smaller place. The last year has been an absolutely beautiful and crazy experience… full of so many emotions, and enlightening me on my journey for peace. I will talk about that journey next time.

It’s been a whirlwind y’all. I am happy to put 2022 behind us. The range of emotions was crazy y’all. I’m still adjusting to not having our youngest with us. He did not come home from the holidays. But rest assured – we kept busy, and are headed to the Netherlands to visit friends, for five days. Interesting fact about the Netherlands – New Years is the only time fireworks are allowed. So we got that going for us. HA

I thought I’d share a recent pic of me AND that Marque was Santa this year at the local NATO Celebration. HA. SANTA!!! I KNOW HIM!

Have you met Melvin? Almost a year ago, January 2022 – a friend found Melvin on the street in a local town, and we cleaned him up, brought him to the Vet, and he stole our hearts. We named him Melvin because my dad was a bossy (organized, funny, dude) and so are puppies. You’d have to know my dad to know I’m not putting him down and to know how funny it is. Melvin was about 4+ lbs when we got him and about 5 weeks old, and he’s full grown (they say) at about 15 lbs. He’s adorable. Anywaaaaay… Here he is:

We had a dog named Gianna, but in two years, she never bonded. She was too abused or lost when we got her even though she was only 8+ weeks old. She just never recovered from the trauma… not with training, not with meds, etc. And she became aggressive to us and others… so she went to live with a family in the UK. It was sad, but it’s also so nice to have a dog who greets you, loves you, shows emotion, etc. So just know, she is in a better place.

Also – Meet Maisie. Born around September 11th, Maisie came to us early November 2022. She was found with her siblings in a garbage bag, inside a garbage can. Suffering malnutrition, she weighed about 1 kilo or 2.5 pounds. But now, we know she will be bigger than Melvin. Maisie is a pet name for Margaret, and is Scotch/Irish in origin. It means Pearl and I can’t think of a better name for a beautiful Puppy who was plucked from the garbage and is transforming before our eyes. She is 3.5 months old and shares a birthday with my sister Jennifer. She weighs almost as much as Melvin (she is about 12 lbs). Her name is Maisie Rose.

We were going to foster her at first, because Melvin has a big personality. But the vet advised not to let her go before shots, but that we couldn’t do shots for a couple weeks to make sure she wasn’t exposed to Parvo or anything that may hurt her when getting vaccinated. Sigh. But the family decided they didn’t want her, so we kept her. But when we took her out one night (in the carrier) we met a little girl who asked to hold her. And I said, “sure honey, her name is Maisie.” The dad got all excited and said, “what did you say?” I said, “I told her the dogs name was Maisie.” And that was also the little girl’s name. Sigh it was meant to be. She’s such a love this one.

I wanted to wish you all a blessed Christmas Season. AND a very happy new year. 2023 is going to be blessed y’all.

Let me do a quick catch up. If you’re still with me – thanks…

I’m excited to turn 60 in October of 2023.
- My 59th was a flu-ridden debacle. haha
Finally fitting into mediums (depending on maker) and even a few size 10 pants. My goal is a size 8 – maybe 6. We shall see.
My mental health is better. Not just saying it – but actually concentrating on ME!
- Resigned from Board of women’s group.
- Crafting again.
- Reading.
- Getting back to faith.
Marque and I both need to move more.
I’m not going to say his health is great, but I am prayerful he will work on it in 2023.
Chris is doing well (yes, he goes by Chris now – AACK!).
- He has learned a lot in the past six months.
- Unsure where he will go to college next year. Tarleton is not working out. He really wants Aeronautical/Aerospace instead of Mechanical Engineering. And I think the whole process of living without us and adjusting to the states again was rough. But he’s powering through. Maintained a 3.2GPA (he thinks one grade should be higher and is working with the professor).
- He was with family/friends in Texas for the holidays.
- He is in VA with his girlfriend now through New Years.
- Working PT/Saving for a car.
- I hesitate to say more on a public forum because it’s his story to tell as a budding adult.
- We are super proud of him.

I have to close because I have a list of things to do.
May God bless you, and may you trust Him More.

Friends, 2023 is our year. Let’s make it a good one. Christmas Cards will come out first week of January – and arrive whenever the horrid base post office gets them to ya.

Love and Hugs,
LadyEm

Counting Blessings · Davis Family · Emily (Me) · EmptyNest · Italy · Marriage · Parenting

Becoming Empty Nesters

July 25, 2022 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Please note, I’ve updated the name but not the URL for my blog. In a world full of Catholic Bloggers, I just want to be me. I’m unapologetically Christian/Conservative, but I’m a lot of other things. I’m not the great writer others are…. and I am just going to journal and play here. I hope you like the new lightness of the blog (ok, not always light). LOL

August 3rd, we will have been in Italy for four years. I can’t believe how fast and how slow it’s gone. You know what I mean?

On July 6th, our youngest left for Texas to go to Engineering School. He got into so many schools, it was hard for him to decide where to go. We landed at a small school in Texas. I say WE because we had tons of family conversations about it. And although pop culture tells parents they have no say, I beg to differ.

You see that young man… he’s going places. And his daddy, friends, a few teachers, coaches, family and I all worked as a village to make sure of it. He did the majority of the work, but I won’t be dismissed.By the grace of God, he is continuing to stay focused and spread his wings. We could NOT be prouder.

My cousin Laurie and her hubby and our family friends Andi & Jay are standing in for us in Texas. We also have my bestie Kelly and approximately a zillion family/friends (ok – I’m exaggerating). We couldn’t be more thankful and blessed with their influences in his life and their love for all of us – I mean – it’s not an easy task I’m sure. We’d all do it for others too… but it’s amazing and scary in some ways. Sigh.

So anyway, today is the 20th day we are living alone. It’s weird currently. There is so much to do. Let me catch you up…

MAJOR TASKS/LIFE CHANGES:
- Bud graduated
- Sorting Through 19 years of stuff.
  - The big toss
  - Shipped the rest
- Bud left for Texas.
  - Orientation – Andi took him
  - ROTC Camp – we will drop him off
  - Buying lists of things – Andi & I
  - Driver’s License – Andi & Fam are helping him
  - Gym – they take him daily
- Tarleton Conversations and emails…
  - I will say this. I literally sent the Prez/VP of the college an email after how great the entire Admissions/Advisor/ROTC team treated us. They answered a billion questions and called us, emailed us – and yes, even heard back from the VP. Can not say enough.
- Planning our Trip to Texas
  - Getting Bud to FW
  - Graduation Party – Thanks Laurie & Mario
  - Visiting Friends & Family
  - Visiting Lake House – and fishing trip – Thanks Mario & Laurie
  - Finding dog sitter – Check! Thanks Rachel.
- Finding a New Place To Live
  - We did it. We found a new Realtor. We told them exactly what we wanted, and how much we wanted to pay. We looked at half a dozen places and found one that we are super excited about.
  - We are moving to a town called Teverola. Many Americans live there, but it’s also very Italian. And we are happy. It’s a one-story, bottom floor apartment. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, pizza oven, nice porches, living area and kitchen are open. And plenty of storage. It’s nearer to the Support Site and we are going to start going to the gym there. Very excited about that.
  - But mostly – it’s a small Italian town with little shops and people say they walk everywhere, etc.
- Marque’s Job
  - We are now hoping our contract is renewed.
  - The word is, no matter who wins, Marque will stay.
  - Pray for us, my nerves are continually shot here. LOL
  - Marque is not worried at all.
- Pet Update
  - Gianna is going to live in England at the end of July. There is a group there who works with dogs who have behavioral needs. It’s best for her… also, it’s best for us. She has never allowed us to bathe, brush, or even pet her. She was abandoned, and she just never came around. And she’s gotten progressively aggressive – but she can’t help it. The vet said she is the most anxious dog he’s ever seen. Who knows what she has been through. We have nearly had her for two years and have tried everything. Trust me.
  - Melvin has been with us since January. He was about 5 weeks old when he was found on the streets of Gricignano and we have had him since that day. He’s 7 months old now. Strangely – they look like siblings, except Melvin won’t ever weigh over 7.5 Kilos (16 lbs). It’s been so nice to have a dog who greets us and wants to play, love, etc. You know? Sigh.
  - Goose & Mavericks are outdoor cats and we rarely see them. They are neutered but it’s so common for cats to be outside here. Unsure if they will come with us to new place. Doubtful. Being outside has thinned them up. Funny because they love the puppy and Gianna continually tries to eat them. LOL
- Health Updates
  - Marque has Type2 Diabetes. After his colon cancer he got thin, and was being careful. But with the pandemic stress, senior year stress, etc… he gained it all back. He’s currently working with our doc to get it straightened out. All diet and exercise related. And trust me, we are working on it.
  - I am working on truly getting over past trauma. It has affected my blood pressure, and anxiety in ways that I have to prayerfully and purposefully learn to control. Sigh. I’ll tell you about the book/workbook another time. Once we settle in our house I will have plenty of time to work on me. Blah.
- Em’s Volunteering
  - No CCD this year. Parents here don’t take it seriously and it’s frustrating. In fact we have taken a step back from the base Parish. Gotta find a good Mass and Parish experience. It’s super sad. But I am continuing to work on my relationship with God. Need to talk to the new Priest. I miss a Parish to get involved in and make good friends. It’s not how it works here. Sigh.
  - IC Club – all is well there. I’m the Events Coordinator for this next year. So exciting. Happy to say that we have a positive and helpful team. So thankful.
  - NMCRS – I am hopeful to get back involved there.

If you made it through that – you’re awesome. I will tell you this… as much as we miss our son (and for that matter all our people), we are loving hanging out, and working together to sort through things to downsize. It’s so easy to cook for two people. Y’all, I’m serious. If you want to know the truth – it’s only been 20 days that we’ve been alone. But we are a great team. And we know once we get through actually dropping him at college, the process of downsizing our stuff (which thanks to black mold won’t be hard – you’re welcome)…, moving again, getting through contract renewal… it will be smooth sailing.

We will likely be overseas until bud graduates college. But we hope to travel and spend some time in the states, and have some visitors over here.

Enjoy these pics of Melvin and Gianna – wait till you see how alike they are –

More soon…

Love & Hugs,
Lady Em

Currently · Davis Family · Emily (Me) · LadyEm

Can We Talk…

January 9, 2022 LadyEm637 Comments

Dear Ones,

It’s hard to be honest all the time. You may be thinking “say – WHAT?”
But I’m serious.

I come from a generation who was raised to make everything sound good. And I feel like I can’t be honest, or I may lose the three readers of my blog – but y’all… I’m gonna come clean…

Y’all, after years of battling demons, brought on by childhood and some life-long trauma, I realized through a couple of good doctor, that I have work to do to get healthy – Not just “oh I have work to do”, but actually DOING the work.

I really am hoping to blog more. I really am hoping to craft more. But I am currently and uncomfortably concentrating on me. God is really working with me too. I’m so thankful.

If my falling off the face of the earth hurt you, please forgive me. I promise you, the few friends I have who follow or comment, I pray for you and think of you daily. I miss you all and I’m so sorry.

Please do check back. I do have a lot to say.

Love hugs & blessings,
LadyEm