Troy's birthday

On May 11, 1981 a baby was born in Wichita, Kansas.  He was given the name Troy Thomas Smith.  This adorable boy with big blue eyes and curly blonde hair was much loved by his family.  As he grew he was always on the go and had a knack for getting into trouble.  Troy did not enjoy school much, but he did love participating in many sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball and football.  Over the years Troy proved to be quite a challenge for his mother.  A couple of memorable exploits included piercing his own ear and shooting a neighborhood dog with a BB gun, however the later was never actually proved.  Troy grew up to be a handsome hardworking man who shows appreciation to his mom not only with his words but also by bringing her an occasional 5-pack of beer.  Today Troy enjoys the country life with his beautiful wife, Heather, and their dapper young sons, Kaleb and Keaton.  His favorite college football team is the Nebraska Corn Huskers and favorite NFL team is the Indianapolis Colts.  To say Troy gets a little worked up watching a football game is an understatement.  Troy loves to ride his motorcycle and often rides along with his dad and his brother, Shawn.  He really has a good time when his biker babe, Heather, accompanies him.  Troy would like to be Superman.  His entire family thinks he is a super man.  Happy 30th birthday Troy! 

                     

If I Could

I wish I was a songwriter.  I would blend clever lyrics with an unforgettable melody. Maybe something bold and bodacious or something smooth and captivating.  Sure to become a classic!

I long to be an author, word slinger, originator of word.  I would inscribe a best selling novel or a collection of short stories, or maybe an acclaimed newspaper column.  The scoop!

Oh, if I could paint.  I would brush on, slather, stipple, smear and spread paint all over my canvas.  My paintings could hang in a gallery and be none too shabby!

I dream of performing.  Maybe an actress, eloquent and accomplished.  Or a comedian, offering a diversion from everyday plight with hilarity and wittiness.  Funny business! 

Imagine me a top rate cook, a culinary artist.  I could blanch, braise, fry and fricassee to my heart's content.  I could open a restaurant and my patrons would line up outside and wait just to dine on the divine cuisine.  Bon Appetit!

Sometimes I make up silly little songs and sing them with my grandchildren.  I love to compose little snippets, not unlike this one.  It helps me release my inner creativity.  In my craft room I paint and scrapbook and none of my work hangs in a gallery, but paintings done by my grandchildren hang on my walls.  At times I act as if everything is okay when it is not.  I always enjoy a good laugh with my friends.  My son raves about my meatloaf, although to me it's just meatloaf.  My children come and dine with me and it fills my heart with joy to see the wonderful people they have grown to be.  How sweet it is to spend time with my parents who are still sweet on each other. Some days are good some days are bad.  No matter the day, always be glad for what you have!

The Heart Of The Matter

You can take it all to heart, listen to your heart, cross your heart and hope to die, be the owner of a lonely heart, even wear your heart on your sleeve.  Hearts can be big, kind, cold, broken, heavy, or made of gold.  Hearts have strings that can be tugged.  Hearts can be taken a piece at a time.  You can leave your heart behind, in San Francisco, for instance.  Hearts can be warmed.  You can be wild at heart.  Maybe your heart belongs to daddy.  There are some who seem to be heartless.  Others like to bless your heart.
 
Hearts are the gardens where dreams and desires are planted.  If we tend them with great care and diligence we begin to see those dreams and desires grow and blossom.  We must be attentive to them and occasionally clear out the weeds that get in the way.

Hearts are where we store our beliefs and convictions.  We sort through all that has been preached, taught or instilled in us and toss aside what is unsuitable and compile what is befitting. 

Hearts are where we deposit our feelings, emotions, affections and passions.  The loves of our lives, the joys we have known, the sorrows we have suffered, the pain we have endured, the shame we have been submitted to. 

Our hearts are ours to give or withhold as we choose.  When the heart we give is received and treasured it is wonderful.  When rejected it is crushing.  If received only to be later betrayed it leaves us shattered, lost and fearful. 

Can a damaged heart be healed, mended, unbroken?  They say that time heals all wounds.  How much time is not stipulated.  One is left to simply fake it until they make it. Smile though your heart is aching.  Smile even though it's breaking.  Hopefully the healing comes before time runs out.