Daily Archives: 07/26/2008

(Community Matters)
Sad news. Our friend, Hortense Lawson, passed away last night. I think Hortense was 95. She danced like a 20 year old until just 5 or 6 years ago. She was a major influencer at St James and will be missed. Posted from my blackberry.

(Community Matters) We’re in northeast Oklahoma’s Ozarks near Muskogee, center of Cherokee country, for Steven’s maternal family reunion. Still awaiting the prodigal arrival of our nieces (Hilary & Hannah) and a few others. ST’s parents (Phil & Carol), several of Carol’s siblings, nieces, nephews, grand nieces & grand nephews have now arrived. I have to confirm but think we’ll have four generations here. May have had the fourth generation on my lap much of last night, an adorable 14 month old who eats more than a lineman.

Steven will be video interviewing his mother, her brothers and sisters today. We already lost one last year. The rest, topping at young 80s are in good health; nevertheless, Steven’s determined to capture their stories. Their family has a rich history including Church of Christ founders and Cherokee brides.

The down time has been great for us, though admittedly he’s done his share of “office chaffeuring” as I’ve had an extraordinary number of conference calls. All good stuff, most about the One.

Lots of long conversations, especially exploring what’s making us most happy. We’re lucky it’s each other and that others let us help them with their important initiatives.

If I could ask for anything else? It’s not that complicated: time & budget to entertain (even more) our family, friends and new friends in our home and vacation places. Some of the visits, over long weekends – spending the day exploring, laughing, prepping; long, long evenings at a table over exquisite meals spiced with delicious conversation; cigars & port under the stars confessing the intimate things we almost said at the dinner table, then the slow emergence of our brood in the morning to start the day over and dive even deeper than the day before. Wouldn’t change our jobs; they combine the best of everything we love.

Of course, all topped off by having met and married Steven Robert Tomlinson. Good gosh, he’s extraordinary.