![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.marshmallowranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/173186c98ae7c44640afa5f024e4d9dc.jpeg?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1\")
”Learn to Dance in the Rain” - AI by Ginny McKinney with Meta AI
\n\n\nDarlings…what a weekend! It has rained about 4.5” since Friday. The ground is so wet that when you walk across the yard, it’s like a bog. Squish…Squish…Squish. There is so much water in the pool, it’s pouring out the overflow. The creeks are roaring. But there’s no water coming into the basement. Ever since we started putting the root killer down the storm drain, it hasn’t overflowed. It came close Saturday night, but we put the crystals in and within twenty-four hours the water level was down two inches. We just have to be vigilant and use it regularly.
\n\n\nThe water in the drain is not the only thing going down. I made the awful mistake of looking at my retirement fund last night. Here’s a helpful tip…DO NOT DO THAT! At first my heart sank. Knowing it is likely to fall more today is disconcerting. As hard as that is to take, I know God has always taken care of us and we are more precious than the birds in the fields. I know it’s hard not to worry, it really is. But last night, I just sat with God and told Him I put my life in His hands twenty-one years ago. I’m not backing out when the going gets tough.
\n\n\nLike most people, we are looking at more ways to cut our expenses. I think satellite is out. We’ll soon have fiber optic internet here. Once that is installed, we can drop the DSL line and stream what we can get online. I’ve cut out extra spending. We only buy what is necessary these days. I know we are taking this trip to the beach, but it’s already paid for as is my flight to Colorado this summer.
\n\n\nIt is a good thing we don’t eat much meat anymore. We are going to make some raised beds for greens to add to our diet. I bake all of our bread. We don’t eat much dairy but I do keep powdered milk and canned evaporated milk in the pantry. I grew up making do with what we had. Yes…I have been terribly “advantaged” in my adult life. But, I’ve been studying and practicing homesteading and survival skills for a very long time.
\n\n\nWe are heading into lean times, I’m afraid. And I’m not telling you all of this to worry you or scare you. I look at paring down to the bare essentials as more like a game to see how little we need to get by.
\n\n\nHappiness is most often mind over matter.
\n\n\nIf you don’t mind…it don’t matter.
\n\n\nDo what you can with what you have.
\n\n\nUse it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.
\n\n\nStart small.
\n\n\nSlow and steady wins the race.
\n\n\nPray about it. Pray over it. Pray through it.
\n\n\nAnd remember…the pendulum always swings back.
\n\n\n🩵🌷🙏🏼🌷🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
\n\n
Gratitude Journal\n\n", "date_published": "2025-04-07T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/04/07/learn-to-dance-in-the.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","God","Downsizing","Choices","Farm Life","Anxiety","Frustration"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/03/11/the-ol-bait-and-switch.html", "title": "The Ol’ Bait and Switch", "content_html": "\n
Today I am grateful for my humble upbringing with a grandma who taught me how to make do. I am grateful that I have a Heavenly Father who wants us to prosper and who will take care of us.
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c9f74261b4.jpg\")
“I picked these red flags just for you!”
\n\n\nIt’s the oldest trick in the book…reel ‘em in till you catch ‘em. They often promise one thing then pull the rug out from under you. Once they know they’ve got you, the plan is put in motion. Take away little things. Make you doubt yourself. Isolate you. And when they have you where they want you, the real abuse begins.
\n\n\nThere was a young woman on a different social media platform yesterday who asked for opinions regarding an issue she was having with her boyfriend. It appears they broke up at one point then got back together. Then they pretty quickly moved in together. She had her own little car…her first big girl purchase that she was very proud of. Somehow, her boyfriend got her to put his name on the title and now he wants to sell it. She uses that car to get to and from work. They live miles out of town…no convenient way to get to a grocery store. If he sold the car, she would have to rely on him to take her anywhere she wanted to go. She wanted to know what she should do.
\n\n\nOoooooooh….the hair stood up on the back of my neck.
\n\n\nShe KNOWS what she has to do…but she’s already in so far, it won’t be easy. She KNOWS this situation could turn violent, yet she’s afraid to go it alone. She KNOWS women often die in these situations, but he always comes back with something sweet and tells her how sorry he is. He tells her, “If you didn’t do ___________ all the time, I wouldn’t have to be like this.”
\n\n\nGaslighting.
\n\n\nThe problem is…this person is bringing you bouquets of red flags wrapped in ribbons and you see roses. It happens more often to young women who maybe haven’t had enough knocks from life yet to see through the lies. Maybe their daddy was the same way with their mommy and they think this is how men are supposed to treat women.
\n\n\nWhen I see this, I want to grab the girl and run, trying to put some sense in her head. It seems like such a cynical thing to have to teach your daughters when they’re growing up. Some do, but sometimes the mother went through the same thing and she thinks the best way to survive is just to make yourself less so he is made more. It is not easy to get women away from an abuser.
\n\n\nUnfortunately, it’s not always a boyfriend. It can be someone you trusted like your friend’s dad, the pastor, the bigger boy down the street, the frat boys on campus, your boss, a star, or even an elected official. It’s especially dangerous when you’ve been groomed by the offender…sometimes for years. They promise you safety then they rip you apart with a chainsaw.
\n\n\nBut here’s the hope….you don’t have to live this way. You can escape abuse. Find trusted allies. Make a careful plan then execute it quickly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting you’ve made a huge mistake by hooking up with the wrong guy. There are people who want to help get you to safety. You just have to be brave and find them. Life can be beautiful on the other side of abuse. It won’t be easy, but finding peace again will be worth it.
\n\n\nA lot of women out there could sure use a helping hand by someone who’s been there. Please feel free to share this with others who might find themselves in hard situations and they’re just now seeing the red flags. You can’t imagine how much a simple “Are you ok?” can do for someone feeling afraid or hopeless. Check in on people you suspect may be having a hard time.
\n\n\nGraduation is coming up soon and a lot of young women are preparing to go out into the big world…on their own. Let’s keep them safe.
\n\n\n💚
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.” Colossians 3:25 NLT
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal***\n\n\n
Today I am grateful for the wisdom I’ve gained in my senior years. I see red flags a lot clearer now than I did in early adulthood.
Edit: A friend pointed out to me…men are also victims of gaslighting and abuse. I didn’t mean to overlook them. Thank you, Lin.
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-03-11T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/03/11/the-ol-bait-and-switch.html", "tags": ["Hope","Growth","Fear","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/03/02/the-lone-pine.html", "title": "The Lone Pine", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1fbc39f98a.jpg\")
When I wake up in my “inside bed” and look out the window, I see the sun hitting the ridge line on the other side of the near field. Through the bare bones of the deciduous trees stands a lone pine tree…tall and statuesque. I smile when I see her in her evergreen glory watching over the valley floor below. We have some mighty winds that come through here from time to time and I always worry that one day I’ll look up and she’ll be gone.
\n\n\nThis lone pine has stood there for decades since she broke through the emergent layer of the forest…thin shoots of oak from acorns and pine from pinecones and all the underbrush that grows beneath the towering trees. It’s not easy for them to make it to their grand heights. There’s steep competition for sunlight and nutrients not to mention the threats of disease and injury.
\n\n\nSince I’ve been back in West Virginia, I’ve been intrigued by the myriad varieties of trees growing in the hills of Appalachia, so I’ve been studying them. Every once in a while, I’ll see a walnut or hickory tree growing when they aren’t really close to others of that ilk. Interestingly, squirrels are natures most prolific tree planter. They bury seeds and nuts here and there to sustain them over the long winter months when food is scarce. Fortunately for us, they sometimes forget where they buried them all so they sprout and can grow into trees. They’re the little furry Johnny Appleseeds of the forest.
\n\n\nThere’s a hickory tree along the driveway out at the farm. I usually gather up the nuts when they’re still encased in their hulls. Sometimes I dry and hull them, but there’s never enough to do anything with. Usually I set them out on the front porch and eventually the squirrels or chipmunks find them, leaving the dried hulls behind as evidence.
\n\n\nIt made me think about the good things we leave out in the world unseen. The things that may feed us when times are lean, or that feed others when they’re in trouble. Things like kindness, charity, goodwill, honor, diplomacy, friendship…love. Things that we give to the world and to others knowing full well they cannot give in return. These are the things that show the true character of us as a people. Standing up for the downtrodden is the most honorable thing we can do. Our forefathers died to lift up the least of these in the image of Christ.
\n\n\nWhether planting a tree or planting the seeds of love, it’s a noble thing indeed. Let us always strive to be the beacons of light for those less fortunate.
\n\n\n☘️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14 NIV
\n\n
***Gratitude Journal***\n\n", "date_published": "2025-03-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/03/02/the-lone-pine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Love","Courage","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2025/01/12/the-elephant-in-the-room.html", "title": "The Elephant in the Room", "content_html": "\n
Today I am grateful that I have Jesus as a Savior and a role model.
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/494a618d07.jpg\")
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about FB lately. Things are changing rapidly in the world. Big, important things. And things that you might think are superfluous but can have repercussions. I’ve been writing this blog for going on twelve years now. I try to make it a safe place free of the angst and darkness that surrounds us at every turn lately. The algorithms are changing. I have over 6,000 readers and sometimes FB’s algorithms only send it out to 200-300 people. And, whenever I post a Sunday Evening Prayer Circle, there are even fewer people who see it. I believe there is a filtration of sorts and outrage and anger seems to be the winning combination. It makes me sad.
\n\n\nI’ve considered stopping altogether but I don’t want to do that. As long as I feel my writing is of service, I’ll keep going. But now the gloves are coming off and the powers that be have chosen a different route. FB will no longer fact check so anything we read is suspect. This is all by design, but that’s not where I’m going with this. Jesus tells us to let our lights shine so that others may know Him by our good deeds. Writing is one of the major ways I shine my light out into the world. So, I’ve decided to keep my blood here on FB. But I’m also exploring Bluesky and Substack as other venues. Are any of you reading over there? I really like both of them. No ads. Far less filth and rage, and that appeals to me. I know it’s hard for people to change…that’s why I’ll stay here. I just want to bring hope and joy, love and light into this little corner of the world. We all need some peace.
\n\n\nWe had a lovely day yesterday. I fixed our favorite sourdough French toast for breakfast. Then I spent the afternoon watching Big’s swim meet. She did very well and handily won the 500 meter freestyle event. She’ll swim again today so I’ll get to see her again. We are going to one of the great-grandchildren’s 5th birthday party this evening at the bowling alley. The littles are growing up so fast!
\n\n\nWe ended up with another four inches of snow Friday night so our total is fourteen inches in one week! That’s crazy for here. We’ve really been spoiled with mild winters, so we’re paying the piper now. We’re going to warm up a little past freezing for a couple of days then we go right back down in the deep freeze. I bought a parka a couple of years that was made for Canadian winters so I am always toasty warm when I go out in this weather. Between that and my Sorel’s, I’m blessed.
\n\n\nI read a call for items for a local food ministry and I’m going to take the hats and baby dolls that I made over on Tuesday when I go to town. I think I can get some more made before then. It feels good to help others with whatever I can give. TheLord loves a cheerful giver!
\n\n\n❄️🩵❄️
\n\n\n“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
#charity #grace #donations #God #shineyourlightbright #shineyourlightontheworld
\n\n", "date_published": "2025-01-12T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2025/01/12/the-elephant-in-the-room.html", "tags": ["Hope","Grace","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/17/what-a-difference-a-year.html", "title": "What a Difference a Year Makes", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7a9f227e02.jpg\")
I went to town yesterday with the intent of getting my hair cut. But, after blowing my hair dry on Friday evening, I started having second thoughts. When I walked into the salon, Kendra took one look at me and said, “OMGosh! I love your hair!!!” It had been a year since I was there and my hair had grown at least six inches or more.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/44905bae7c.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2124e41947.jpg\")
The photo on the left is what I WANTED the December 2022 haircut to look like. Unfortunately…the one on the right is what I got. I should have known better than to go to a cut rate shop…you get what you pay for sometimes.
\n\n\nAs I was preparing to sit in the chair, she looked at me and said, “Are you SURE you want to cut it?” I had decided before I walked in…I really didn’t. We decided to trim the bottom because the shorter parts of the horrible cut I got a couple of years ago had finally grown out enough to even up the hairstyle. I wanted to do something with the bangs because they had become unruly. We opted to feather them into a curtain bang that could be worn swept to the side or down.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a3a5836fdb.jpg\")
When we were finished, I was thrilled. Kendra kept saying how strong and healthy my hair is. No split ends or broken off areas. I attribute that to taking collagen supplements this past year and being really careful with my hair…protecting it and using a good quality repair and strengthening shampoo. I haven’t used color on my hair since long before Mr. Virgo died but it truly looks blonde in these pictures, although in the sunshine, it’s really silver.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ac7588a8e.jpg\")
I ran a few errands and treated myself to lunch at Qdoba then headed home. Again, I worked on the taxes, making little progress, but every step forward is closer to being done. Mr. FixIt called me outside to look at the sky. It was a gorgeous day with feathery white clouds like wispy strands of cotton stretched over an azure sky. I love springtime in West Virginia. The warm days and pretty flowers bring us hope for the days ahead. As I drove home, there is a curve you come around that opens up to a view of flowering trees and daffodils. I always smile, but this time, the huge weeping willow across the road was now a beautiful spring green as the leaves burst forth in all their glory.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4a41176f12.jpg\")
Looking for joy in everything, every day brings so much more peace than engaging in fights with strangers on social media, don’t you think?
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/696ea85f3e.jpg\")
Happy St. Patrick’s Day…Erin go Bragh!
\n\n\n☘️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/17/what-a-difference-a-year.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","West Virginia","Holiday","Change","Be Joyful!","Farm Life"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/03/03/another-project-finished.html", "title": "Another Project Finished", "content_html": "\n”The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng:“
\nPsalms 68:11 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/961f6e4be3.jpg\")
We had the most delightful day yesterday. Mr. FixIt had to take it easy after his procedure on Friday, so he was banished to the Big Red Chair. I finished the Dragon Scale Gloves. If you can read knitting, you can see a couple of errors, but to the untrained eye…they are quite passable. I’m sure they’re going to love them! I certainly had more fun making these than I’ve had knitting in some time.
\n\n\nWe were looking for something to watch yesterday afternoon. Something we would both enjoy. Mr. Virgo and I used to watch all the civil war films and documentaries and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen them. We decided on Gettysburg. One of these days, I’d like to go there and see the battlefield myself.
\n\n\nMr. Virgo told me a story about going there with his Boy Scout Troop as a young boy. The group was on a walking tour, heading down a dirt road, looking for a burial site. The fathers were scanning the area, checking their maps and trying to get their bearings. At some point, Mr. Virgo walked over and tugged on his dad’s sleeve.
\n\n\n“Dad, they’re buried down over that ridge.”
\n\n\n“I’m sorry,” said his dad. “What do you mean? How could you possibly know that?”
\n\n\n“Because, I was a soldier and I was here.”
\n\n\nEveryone looked at him like they’d seen a ghost, but they took his direction and walked over the hill. Sure enough, they found what they were looking for. Mr. Virgo was like that. He just “knew things.” No explanation. Later on that day, the troop came upon a white house with a large front porch. A woman stood on the porch and greeted the boys.
\n\n\n“Come! Come! Sit here on the porch and have some lemonade and cookies and cool off. My husband will be along shortly to talk to you boys and tell you what happened here,” she said.
\n\n\nThe boys did as they were told and were enjoying their refreshments when they noticed the fathers suddenly standing up and saluting. A kindly man in period dress came out and greeted the visitors before settling into a rocking chair. He regaled them with stories of who had lived in the house and what the battle was like at that particular spot. After and hour or so, the gentleman bid them farewell and headed back into the house.
\n\n\nOn the way home, Mr. Virgo asked his dad who the man was.
\n\n\n“Son, that was General Dwight D. Eisenhower…the former President of the United States.”
\n\n\nIt was a memory that he cherished his entire life. Those men…our father’s generation…were called the Greatest Generation. They were the men who fought in World War II and Korea. They saved the world from the devastation wreaked by Hitler…a man intent on conquering the world and becoming the ultimate ruler for all time. I pray we have learned from that era.
\n\n\nI was an extra in a movie back in the ‘80s. I have a pretty good understanding of the logistics that go into a cinematic production. The logistics of the film Gettysburg is a marvel. That last battle scene with hundreds and hundreds of people fighting is incredible. And to think what it must have been like for our great grandfathers who fought in the Civil War. It’s unbearable to think something like this could happen again.
\n\n\nI pray there will be a day where there is no more war this side of heaven.
\n\n\n🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2024-03-03T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/03/03/another-project-finished.html", "tags": ["Hope","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2024/02/14/hold-onto-your-joy.html", "title": "Hold Onto Your Joy", "content_html": "\n”“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”“
\nJohn 16:33 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0d16b89b4f.jpg\")
How many times have you felt joy, only to have a negative interaction with someone and feel deflated after? It is hard to hang onto positive feelings sometimes. I’ve come to the conclusion that we are all interconnected in some way…most likely energy. This energy comes from the source…the life force…and in my life, it is God. We cannot see Him, but we see His hand in things. We cannot hear Him, but when He whispers we know He’s there. We cannot touch Him, but we can feel His presence. He is the ultimate source of energy…divine energy.
\n\n\nThe opposite of the Love and Light of God…of the Purest Energy there is…is darkness. Evil. Satan. We are constantly walking through a battlefield between good and evil. The Bible tells us that the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. So, when we are feeling the Joy of the Lord in our lives and we encounter darkness…it tries to steal our Joy. The Bible tells us the enemy prowls around in the darkness like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
\n\n\nThe Bible also tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. If we submit to God and resist the devil…he WILL flee. I hang onto this and use it every day. The Lord has removed people from my life that were bearers of darkness. But I had to ask Him to remove them. Our God is polite in that He does not go where He is not invited. But work in tandem with Him and you’ll see His work all around you.
\n\n\nOne of the hardest things I struggle with is blaming myself when things go wrong. Someone I know seemed to make a choice not to have contact with me anymore. I kicked myself and thought something I had done had caused this. Then…there she was. Something has been going on in her life that I still don’t know about. But it didn’t have anything to do with me. All that angst because I was trying to control the situation instead of asking God to take it and bless her and keep her well.
\n\n\nWe had a lovely day yesterday. We didn’t have anywhere to go. We took the Christmas tree down…finally! I was ready. Even though I love the twinkle lights, I was ready for the return of my unfettered view out the big picture window. I was going to make salmon patties for supper last night, but I only THOUGHT I had bought salmon at the store. It turns out I did not. Instead, I made a big breakfast for supper…eggs, turkey sausage, and hash browns. I love breakfast anytime!
\n\n\nWe don’t go out for Valentine’s Day. I remember the days when that was a big occasion in my life. To get a box of chocolates or a dozen roses seemed like the ultimate declaration of love to me. Not so much anymore. I’ll pull something out of the freezer. Maybe I will bake a small sweet to celebrate with my sweetheart. We could go for a walk or watch a movie. We’ll just stay home and enjoy each other’s company. That beats any other scenario I could think of.
\n\n\nI remember when I lost Mr. Virgo. I hated Valentine’s Day with a passion. Same when my second husband and I split up. I remember riding a public bus in Denver and wanting to slap the people sneaking a smooch or holding hands. I was SO unhappy….I honestly wanted everyone to be as unhappy as I was. Eventually, the ice in my heart melted, the ache in my soul calmed to a containable level and again…I could celebrate the love of others till one day, I could celebrate my own Joy again.
\n\n\nDon’t let anyone steal your Joy today…or any other day. Hold on tight!
\n\n\n🩵
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2024-02-14T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2024/02/14/hold-onto-your-joy.html", "tags": ["Hope","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/11/29/the-first-flakes-of-snow.html", "title": "The First Flakes of Snow", "content_html": "\n”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
\nRomans 15:13 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9f1720ef9c.jpg\")
We are in the midst of a little cold snap here in West Virginia. I’m still sleeping with the window open, even though the night-time temps are getting down in the twenties and last night was supposed to get as low as seventeen degrees. The house was toasty warm and I was so grateful for my new bootie/slippers. We cooked. We watched the History Channel and learned more about the Titanic and other historical mysteries.
\n\n\nRemember I told you I took a video when I was making the pie this weekend? I tried to process it and post it from my iPad and started getting the message yet again that it is full. I downloaded the video to a thumb drive and transferred it to my laptop and created a beautiful video. Only problem is, if you’ll also remember, our internet is powered by two possums and a squirrel and I’d say the squirrel has given up the ghost. There is no way I’m going to be able to upload videos from home. That leaves them to my trips to The Farm, and I am not quite sure when I can get over there next.
\n\n\nIt’s always something.
\n\n\nI got another little job finished. The cast iron griddle I seasoned last week turned out so nice, I decided to do my skillets over again because they were kind of gummy from where I wipe them with oil between uses. I’ll give it a second coat and season it again later in the week along with the third coat on the griddle.
\n\n\nAs it’s getting darker earlier and earlier, there have been many stories on the news about Seasonal Affective Disorder. I, myself, have had difficulties with it in the past. There are many symptoms of SAD. It affects your mood, sleep, and your physical body. Fatigue, depression, anxiety, loneliness, mood swings, sadness. You can eat and sleep too little or too much. Irritability and lack of concentration. Ennui. Winter Blues.
\n\n\nToo many people suffer silently with SAD. But, the last few years the press has been shining a light on this disorder. As we lay our beautiful former First Lady, Mrs. Rosalyn Carter to rest today, I am encouraged by her steadfast mission to raise awareness of mental health issues. We’ve come a long way toward accepting mental illness as just that…an illness. No different than heart disease, high cholesterol, or anything else.
\n\n\nIf you or anyone you know are suffering, please know there is not shame in admitting that and reaching out for help. Here is an excellent resource on Seasonal Affective Disorder. And remember, I am always a private message away if I can help in any way.
\n\n\n🎄
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
\nRomans 15:13 ESV\n
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
\n\n\nHis Mercies are new every morning. There is always hope…always.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b59c3ec3ac.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dda6c81c3f.jpg\")
I was pretty concerned about my brother when we were here the first week of July. He was unkept, his hair and beard needed trimmed, and he looked like a homeless man. I had some long talks with his house staff and come to find out, they’ve been trying to help him at the level he is entitled to in this setting, but he wasn’t letting them. His sense of pride and modesty made him refrain from seeking help or letting them assist with his hygiene. I told you yesterday that he had a long man-to-man chat with Mr. FixIt and he seemed more enthusiastic..or perhaps more accurately…relieved afterward.
\n\n\nYesterday he was a totally different guy we sat and visited him for quite some time at the day program and I started asking him about sports figures childhood memories. We named a player and asked who they played for and he knew every single one we could name. I asked him what color the rooms were in the house where we grew up and he knew everything. Again he promised he would come to day program five days a week. He was clean so obviously he allowed the staff to help him. I left feeling lighter than I have in months and I felt really good about having him in this location.
\n\n\nAfter we left my brother, we went to the courthouse. I’ve hit a snafu in trying to get Mr. Virgo’s military headstone. As it turns out, for some odd reason, they listed my name as Ginny, not Virginia. He died in Mesa County and we are in Garfield. The gal on the phone from Mesa County said she would need a copy of our marriage license. So, I stopped in the County Courthouse to get a copy. When I explained what I needed it for, she said SHE could get me a copy of the death certificate! So, I hit the jackpot and now, hopefully, the government won’t care that my name is wrong on the certificate and I can get his headstone. I know it’s crazy that I’ve waited all this time, but it was just too hard for so long, then it was too final. I’ve been ready for over a year to get this done, but I knew I’d have to take care of some of it while I’m here.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8ff3bcc8f.jpg\")
Once I had the certificates in hand, we moseyed over to the Brew Pub for supper. Mr. FixIt had an awesome looking Reuben sandwich and I had the BEST summer salad…mixed greens with strawberries, walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese topped with seared salmon. Even though it was 95° out, we sat out on the patio in the shade across the street from the old Amtrak Station. There was a lovely breeze and we didn’t mind it a bit.
\n\n\nThe Downtown Farmer’s Market is held every Tuesday evening from 4-8 in the summer. They had just finished setting it all up when we were done eating so we wandered through the booths. We bought some Palisade Peaches and homemade granola. Again, I only saw two people I knew. This town just isn’t the same anymore. However…it is still lovely. Just WAY too busy for me. We haven’t even considered going to the hot springs pools. At this time of year, it’s what my daughters referred to as “People Soup!” Ugh!
\n\n\nFeeling relieved, we are heading back to Denver today. I’m looking forward to a few days of lay low action as we wind up our Colorado vacation. We head out a week from today.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-07-19T00:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/07/19/things-are-looking-up.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Happiness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/06/29/day-one-down-safe-and.html", "title": "Day One Down - Safe and Sound!", "content_html": "\n“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.””
\nGenesis 8:22 NLT\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/79ad563522.jpg\")
The view out our camper door last night!
\n\n\nI woke up at 6AM and started tucking things away in the camper and let Mr. FixIt sleep for another hour. I was puttering around in the kitchen when I heard his alarm go off so I went in to wish him good morning. We were up and dressed and started packing the last of the stuff in the back of the truck. The lawn is mowed. The beds are changed. The dishes are all done and put away. The trash is out. The mail is stopped. The former Mrs. FixIt is watching the cat and watering the plants. My WV daughter and her husband are going to mow the lawn. That part is all set.
\n\n\nI received a call from the developmental services where my brother lives. He’s having some health issues and they wanted to keep me apprised. Anything that goes wrong with him just breaks my heart and worries me to death. As I was driving and mulling things over (I do my best mulling while driving, you know) I started asking myself the question that pulls me out of the spiral that used to send me into full blown panic attack.
\n\n\n1: Is there anything at all you can do right now to change this situation?
\n\n\nIf the answer is no, don’t use up the extra bandwidth on something you can do nothing about. If the answer is yes, then do that thing…in a timely, courageous, and caring manner.
\n\n\nWe’ll have a meeting with his staff when we are there next week. Till then, they will keep me apprised if anything changes.
\n\n\nIn the meantime….land’s sake! Are you all inundated with this terrible smoke from the fires in Canada??? As we drove through West Virginia, Ohio, and into Indiana yesterday, the air looked like a milky fog. We got to our campsite just before 5:00. I fixed some supper and we sat outside to eat. That’s when I looked at the Weather Channel and saw the “Unhealthy Air Quality” warning. I actually talked Mr. FixIt into coming inside so we stretched out in the air conditioning and watched videos of great auditions for some of the musical competition shows.
\n\n\nTraffic was pretty steady and always has too many trucks. I don’t know if you have ever pulled a camper, but when you’re going 60-65 in the middle lane and semis pass you on either side, at the same time, going 70-80…whoooo doggies. That is an experience I don’t necessarily care for. I’ll be glad when we get off I-70 and head further north. Historically, it’s been my experience that the traffic isn’t as crazy.
\n\n\nSo, these are going to be really long days and fairly short nights where I have to regroup, I might be doing a lot more asking questions and a little less writing my lengthy missives to you. I wish I would have had Mr. FixIt take a video of the farmer we followed most of the way to town on our little two-lane blacktop….at fifteen miles per hour. It would have been a very LONG and boring piece of film-making punctuated with a couple of colorful epithets. But for today, I’ll leave you with this video of the air quality as we left West Virginia. I’m praying for the poor people who have to live near this and other wildfires.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/67a7dd55b6.jpg\")
Click here to see the video on my YouTube Channel.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
\nRomans 5:5 NLT\n
#Smoke, #Fires, #Hazy
\n\n", "date_published": "2023-06-29T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/06/29/day-one-down-safe-and.html", "tags": ["Hope","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2023/03/01/a-big-shift-is-coming.html", "title": "A Big Shift is Coming", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c4ab3ffd88.jpg\")
The First Signs of Spring
\n\n\nI went to town yesterday for my appointment and to run some errands. (I lost four pounds! Yay, me!!!) Mr. FixIt and I spend more time together one-on-one than anyone I’ve ever been with. I love living life with him…the simplest things are more fun, more meaningful, just…better with him by my side. We both realize it’s important to maintain our own interests and friends as well. And invariably, when we are apart…even for a short time…we miss each other something awful.
\n\n\nIn less than two weeks, we’ll be commemorating the 10th angelversary of Mr. Virgo’s death. As I drove around and ran my errands yesterday, my mind wandered over how my life has changed in the last decade. There will be a lot of musings in the coming days processing yet another milestone since his loss as well as honoring who he was…to me, to his family and friends, to the world.
\n\n\nI was 59 when I became a widow. I faced my 60th birthday alone…certainly not how I had envisioned it. I am a much different woman than I was the day he died. Changed by the loss itself. Changed by the awakening of my awareness that I was in this for the long haul. Changed by the realization that I was never going to get through this if I didn’t let God lead me instead of trying to slog through it on my own. It was pretty clear to me early on that I would make a terrible mess of things on my own. I am blessed that I found Mr. FixIt a few years later. Turning 70 will be a far different proposition than 60 was. A lot of that is the personal growth I’ve attained in the years since Mr. Virgo’s death.
\n\n\nI got home just in time for Mr. FixIt, Jr’s arrival. He came to put the ridge vent on the roof over over the family room. My sweetie had everything laid out for him so he was done in an hour then sat and visited for a while. I was working on my laptop in the Big Red Chair and I could overhear their conversation. It was easy, gentle. It flowed with the confidence that comes from time, true love and genuine respect. I didn’t have that with my dad. Mr. Virgo didn’t have that with his children. Not all relationships are built that way. Some people are blessed with an easier time of things. Mr. FixIt is a good man. A fine husband. And a wonderful father.
\n\n\nI’m just polishing up the last details on my big project. It should be ready to launch on March 13th…the day after Mr. Virgo’s angelversary. It’s time to honor his memory with something new and fresh and hopeful.
\n\n\nStay tuned!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-03-01T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2023/03/01/a-big-shift-is-coming.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/12/29/what-im-looking-for-in.html", "title": "What I’m Looking For in a New Year", "content_html": "\n“‘You’re my servant, serving on my side. I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’ Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
\nIsaiah 41:10 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0d76016e6f.jpg\")
There was a time when I looked forward to the New Year with great anticipation. I dared it to be the biggest, best, most bad@$$ year in the books. “Bring it on!” I’d shout in my end-of-the-year, Christmas-cookie-and-eggnog-induced stupor. Looking back…I don’t know what on EARTH I thought I was doing talking to a new year like that.
\n\n\nThings are different now. I’ve learned to approach a new year with quiet respect. Like tiptoeing in to check on the baby as she naps, I’m more likely to peek around the corner and whisper in hushed tones. I don’t trust the New Year anymore. I don’t make sudden movements for fear of setting something off that’s likely to snowball out of control. I want the New Year to slip in quietly on kitten feet, sit down, and shut the heck up till I get an idea what it’s up to.
\n\n\nI’m not the only one. I’m hearing it everywhere.
\n\n\n“For the love of God, just give me a year with some semblance of normalcy!”
\n\n\nAs my friend, Kate puts it, “If there was a fabric that 2023 should be it would be soft-as-snow linen. Crisp from the sun, fresh smelling with a hint of lavender. I just crave soft, old, gentle, and calm. Literally, that’s it to my core.”
\n\n\nFinally…after being the social pariah for, like, forever…mental health is standing up and screaming, “LOOK AT ME!!!” It’s about darned time, too. You cannot sweep mental health issues under the rug and expect to maintain the status quo in society. People have had it up to here with all the repetitive trauma we’ve been subjected to the last few years.
\n\n\nSo, this is where we are. It’s ok to not be completely ok. It’s ok to look at the new year with a little trepidation while still hoping for the best. This collective grieving we’ve been doing as a nation is taking its toll and it’s time for a change now. If your brother was struggling, you’d check in on him more often. If your sister wasn’t leaving her house for weeks at a time, you’d call and check in. If anyone we cared about were hurting, we’d do whatever we could to try to make things better.
\n\n\nSo, why is it so hard to do for people we DON’T know? Why is it even harder to do for people we don’t LIKE? There is only one way to effect big change in the world and that’s to effect small change in our corner of it. Here are some of the ways I intend to create change in the world in the coming New Year.
\n\n\nI will not lose hope, no matter how hopeless things look. Emily Dickinson said, “Hope” is the thing with feathers - that perches in the soul - and sings the tune without the words - and never stops - at all.
\n\n\nI read somewhere the other day that said something to the effect that hope does not have feathers. It’s bloody and raw and fights with claws out and fangs bared. That’s a huge paraphrase, but you get the point. We don’t get through the rough spots of life on pictures of fluffy kittens and songs like Kumbaya. Hope is a sign of fierce bravery. One who hopes must learn to fight for the spoils of the battle between good and evil.
\n\n\nBecause, iykyk…if you know, you know.
\n\n\nGood WILL win.
\n\n\nGood has already WON!
\n\n\nBut that doesn’t mean we can become complacent. We still have to suit up and show up and put one foot in front of the other and BE THE LIGHT!
\n\n\nBE THE CHANGE!
\n\n\nAlways, alway, always look for the good people. And if you can’t find one…BE ONE!
\n\n\nThat’s my treatise on the New Year. My word for 2023 will be CHANGE. Not because I want any more change in the world, but because there already has been so much. We’ve been led astray by nonsensical fallacies that need to be laid to rest. We need to stop pointing fingers and start holding hands. We need to stand up and be brave and help each other through the next few years till we can reach a new level of enlightenment. A place where we can truly live as Jesus lived…by loving everyone unconditionally.
\n\n\nHappy New Year, my friends! May we all be blessed with every gift God has for us with our names on them. I’m taking a few days off at the end of the year. We’re having two big family gatherings in the coming days and I want to be present for them. I’ll post some things ahead of time so you have something to read with your coffee and I’ll be back on board this crazy ship on Monday.
\n\n\nStay safe, walk strong, and NEVER LOSE HOPE!
\n\n\nLove,
\n\n\nGinny
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-12-29T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/12/29/what-im-looking-for-in.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/07/03/hope-and-peace-and-fireworks.html", "title": "Hope and Peace and Fireworks", "content_html": "\n“This is God’s Word on the subject: ….. “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”
\nJeremiah 29:10-11 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c63f4f1900.jpg\")
It’s America’s birthday weekend and lately I’ve been feeling like she doesn’t deserve a party. Then I remember…it’s not HER. It’s some of the attendees that are making this place downright scary for a whole lot of people…myself included. And I also remember…we don’t have military parades going down Pennsylvania Avenue. We didn’t lay in bunkers listening to bombs raining down on our cities last night. We got to sit out on the lawn in small town America and watch fireworks and have picnics and eat watermelon. Many of us were safe and could pretend all was right with the world while others only WISH they had a bunker to hide in. The world isn’t equitable. Neither is America. We are desperately out of balance and we are fighting to breathe. It’s exhausting. Edward Abbey wrote an excellent essay about being a part-time crusader. Because, if we give and give and give and forget the beauty of what we DO have and we squander that life we’ve been gifted with, then…the enemy wins.
\n\n\nSo…rest, picnic with your peeps, watch the fireworks, celebrate the freedoms we still have, then lace up your boots come Tuesday and pick up the full armor of God and be the best people you can be. Let’s right this ship and bring her safely in from the stormy seas. The second half of the year is likely to be a rocky one and we need all the love and strength and courage and compassion and patience and perseverance we can muster.
\n\n\nGod Shed His Grace on Thee!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-07-03T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/07/03/hope-and-peace-and-fireworks.html", "tags": ["Hope","Peace","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/28/vanity-fish-lips-and-flying.html", "title": "Vanity: Fish Lips and Flying Machines", "content_html": "\n“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
\n1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1d50e2deb1.jpg\")
When Daughter #1 was a little girl, we picked up an old, vintage vanity table for her to use as a desk. She sat there and colored with her crayons and worked on her homework. I spray painted it black and trimmed it in gold. I wasn’t necessarily very crafty back in those days. Look at this one…isn’t it gorgeous? When Daughter #2 came along, she inherited the vanity and then somewhere along the way, it was sent on to make someone else happy.
\n\n\nI never really thought of connecting the word vanity the furniture and vanity the character trait, although that is precisely where this particular piece of bedroom and bathroom furniture got its name. It was used for personal grooming. When we were in school, we learned about vanity in the form of Narcissus from Greek mythology. He was a hunter who refused all romantic advances and fell in love with his own reflection in the water. He stared at it the remainder of his life.
\n\n\nWhen I was young, vanity was discouraged as unladylike. It fits in with the pride and envy and even lust, gluttony, and sloth of the seven deadly sins. I remember going through a period as a tween when I stared at my perceived imperfections in the mirror. I remember when I started dating, I spent an inordinate amount of time on my hair and makeup. But still…I never could have imagined a time when young girls would have a portable telephone glued to their hands and take countless…COUNTLESS photos of themselves pursing their lips like pouty toddlers in drag.
\n\n\nI don’t get it. Maybe it’s because I’m pushing seventy. Maybe it’s because I’m just not hip to the realities of youth today. I mean, I take selfies occasionally to use as profile pictures on my blog or other social media. I have fun with the kids using filters and sending funny photos back and forth. But to sit and take pictures of myself over and over and over? I haven’t changed much since yesterday…why do I need twelve more poses with kissy lips and enough makeup to kill Tammy Fay Baker?
\n\n\nOur society has become so incredibly self centered. I think it all started with Dr. Spock and his instruction not to spank your kids. Before we knew it, we were handing out trophies just for showing up and no one learned how to lose. Well, those trophy kids have grown up and become gazillionaires and now they practice vanity by shooting themselves and their rich friends up into space on rockets (that may or may not be an over compensation for a small…you know what)…simply because they can.
\n\n\nYeah, yeah…I know. Space exploration and advancing technology is not a bad thing. (And, here I’m going to say something that I SWORE I’d never say!) Back in MY day (OY…I said it!) the uber wealthy built things like massive buildings and libraries and artistic venues like concert halls and museums and ball fields. They didn’t blow the entire worth of Jamaica on an imaginary town square called Twitter where lies are peddled like M&M’s and grown people fight like sixth graders.
\n\n\nI do not know how to put the genie back in the bottle. I don’t think we can. It’s gone WAY beyond that now. But I do truly pray something changes before we’re warned not to look back or we’ll be turned into a pillar of salt.
\n\n\nThere’s good out there….but dang, sometimes the bad tips the scale way too far. Or, maybe it’s just the lies on social media trying to mess with our heads. All I know is, I look for the good everywhere I turn because it IS out there. And the more I look for it, the more I see. And the more I see, the more encouraged I am to share even MORE goodness. And the more goodness that’s out there in the world, the more it grows.
\n\n\nIn the meantime, I sit around the campfire with Jesus and hope for the best.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/28/vanity-fish-lips-and-flying.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/04/17/happy-easter.html", "title": "Happy Easter!", "content_html": "\n“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
\nEcclesiastes 1:2 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ab59428339.jpg\")
We arrived on the island at around 3:00 yesterday afternoon. We made our obligatory stop at Harris Teeter grocery store to get some essentials. We are either stronger than we were last year, or we’re doing better packing because we had everything hauled up to the second floor condo in twelve minutes flat! A new record!
\n\n\nOnce everything was put away and we’d had a sandwich for a late lunch, we both stretched out for a little rest. When I saw that the sky was changing color, we headed out to the beach for our first walk of the season. It’s amazing how different the sand looks from year to year. There are stairs that cross the dunes from the private homes on either side of the condo complex that were covered completely with sand. And there was a large amount of very coarse red “sand” laying on top of the normal sand. It’s obvious there have been some really big storms down here since we were here last spring.
\n\n\nOn our way back down the beach, Mr. FixIt was looking down for shells. There were just a very few that weren’t crushed and broken. Suddenly, he bent down to pick something up. It was a key from our complex. With a puzzled look on his face, he reached in his pocket to check for ours and it was there. He checked the number and it was for the building next to ours. We looked around and there wasn’t anyone nearby so we decided to take it to the office.
\n\n\nAs we walked up the ramp and across the dunes, a young woman came along behind us. My daughters will tell you…I can talk to a tree. But I’ve met my match when it comes to my husband. He, like me, has never known a stranger. We struck up a lovely conversation with a teacher from Pennsylvania and ended up walking together on our way back to the condo. She teaches reading to sixth graders. I smiled. I love that…creating lifelong readers is a gift from God.
\n\n\nWe said goodbye to the teacher and were almost to our building when a woman walking her dog walked up to us and said, “Could you do me a favor? I’ve lost my room key…”
\n\n\n“Is it for _____?”
\n\n\nShe looked dumbfounded.
\n\n\n“Why…yes, it is!”
\n\n\n“We found it!!!”
\n\n\nShe was so excited. She had arrived forty-five minutes earlier and took her dog for a quick walk on the beach only to discover she’d lost her key. That key fob is grey and just about matches the sand. What are the odds that A) we would find it and B) she would see us and ask for help? There are no coincidences. She was so excited and gave me a big hug. And look at her beautiful dog!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9539c8e96e.jpg\")
We got to the truck and drove straight to our favorite ice cream store. It’s really hard to find a hand-dipped ice cream shoppe these days. Most everything is soft serve and sometimes you just want REAL ice cream. There was a time in my life when I could easily scarf down two scoops in a waffle cone. I couldn’t eat half of one scoop in a cup, which is a good thing really. All that fat and sugar isn’t good for either one of us.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/129bb1a969.jpg\")
This is what I love about staying overnight and breaking the trip up into two days. That way we aren’t exhausted when we get here and we can get out and do something the first day. That being said, we were a bit dismayed at our hotel room in Williamsburg, Virginia this time. This was the third or fourth time we stayed at this particular hotel. The first time, the rate was a really decent $59.00. The next was $69. This time they quoted me $159! And, trust me…that place is not anything to write home about. The rate on a booking app was $119, so I went back out to the truck and reserved the room at that rate. Still, our TV did not work. Two lamps didn’t work. The alarm clock was making a weird noise all night and I finally got up and unplugged it at about 3:30. The refrigerator was ticking like a time bomb and the air conditioner roared like a harrier jet. Well, ok…not that loud. But it was pretty obnoxious. Let’s just say, we neither one slept very soundly.
\n\n\nWe have decided that next year, we will leave a few days early and camp on our way down. There’s a storage place here on site where we can lock up the camper. Then we can camp on the way home for a few days. I mean, if you’re going to spend that kind of money for one night in a crappy hotel room, you might as well make use of the camper, sleep in your own bed, and have a much more enjoyable experience, right?
\n\n\nWe’re off to a grand start here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The weather forecast has improved tremendously and we may end up with a much nicer week than anticipated.
\n\n\nI pray you all have a Blessed Easter.
\n\n\nHe is Risen!
\n\n\n✝️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-04-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/04/17/happy-easter.html", "tags": ["Hope","God","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/03/22/impromptu-road-trip.html", "title": "Impromptu Road Trip", "content_html": "\n“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen…”
\nLuke 24:1-6 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/123fb557d1.jpg\")
Yesterday was the prettiest day so we decided to take a ride down to Charleston and run an errand. We also wanted to hit Cabella’s I’ve had Mr. FixIt thinking about what he really wants for his milestone birthday just passed and he finally came up with something. A really good surf fishing rod and reel.
\n\n\nI gave up the reins and let my sweetheart drive so I could knit…after a Dramamine, of course. It was sunny without a cloud in the sky. A perfect 70-ish degrees. I was amazed at the difference in the flowering trees just ninety miles south of us. Everything was in full bloom! I felt like we just kind of stumbled into spring and it was divine!
\n\n\nAfter a long browse in Cabella’s and a short stop at the hardware store, we stopped for an early dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse. I told Mr. FixIt I was really in the mood for a GOOD burger. A hand shaped patty of quality ground meat, not what these fast food places put out as an excuse for real food. This place didn’t disappoint. All the fixin’s were fresh and so tasty. The fries could have been a little hotter and crisper, but that could be because we opted for curbside service and they wilted a little. All in all, it was exactly what I was after, albeit much more expensive than I would have liked.
\n\n\nIt was one of those days that will stick in my mind for a while. We’ve been inside so much this winter and getting out like this when it’s not too hot, not too cold, just right was invigorating. I’ve been feeling better since my surgery. I am not sure that’s because anything in particular has changed other than my attitude. I will tell you, it is a blessed relief not to be seeing a doctor every single week!
\n\n\nOur next big chore is to get new roofs put on our house and our rental house. It makes me feel guilty that we can do such mundane things when so many in the world are struggling just to survive. This is a hard, hard world right now. But there is love in it. And miracles. And hope. And, while we may not feel joy in every present moment, the Bible tells us Joy cometh in the morning. I put my faith in that. It helps me get through the sorrow.
\n\n\n????
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-03-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/03/22/impromptu-road-trip.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/03/21/a-soft-day-at-home.html", "title": "A Soft Day at Home", "content_html": "\n“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
\n1 John 3:2-3 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6196535ac1.jpg\")
We had a soft day. Nothing pressing. Nothing urgent. Our day of rest and reflection and silent prayerful meditation. Mr. FixIt made oats for breakfast. He watched a little TV. I knitted. We attempted to nap…albeit unsuccessfully. He went to town to visit with his bowling buddies as they played. He hasn’t bowled on a regular basis since the original lockdown and subsequent strokes. His balance is a little off…his hands not quite as before. But he’s all there and healthy so we’ll take that as a win!
\n\n\nI watched the last day of the swim meet. Big knocked several seconds off her personal bests and we were all so proud of her. I’m almost finished knitting the first of another pair of socks. There’s still so much strife in the world and I just didn’t have it in me to write a long post last night. I set it aside and read my book for a while before I went to sleep in the Birdhouse.
\n\n\nToday is a new day. We’ll head to Charleston to run an errand then back home. The time is passing quickly now and we have things to do before it’s time to travel and mow and garden. I’ll be back tomorrow with a full post. In the meantime, be gentle with each other…and yourselves. Till then, here is a feel-good, Motivation Monday post from 2019 to hold you over.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-03-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/03/21/a-soft-day-at-home.html", "tags": ["Hope","Comfort","Courage","Choices","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/02/11/burnout-and-perspective.html", "title": "Burnout and Perspective", "content_html": "\n“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
\nEphesians 4:2-3 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a2ac8e6ee5.jpg\")
Columbus, Ohio at night from space.
\n\n\nThe news is shifting yet again regarding Covid. Cases are on a downward trajectory and the accompanying announcements of reducing mask mandates is all the rage. Let’s face it…we are ALL burned out by this thing. We want normal again. We want our lives back. We want to sweep this nasty little episode back under the bed and maybe pretend it never happened.
\n\n\nWe are such strange animals. We have the mental capacity to create a telescope that recently travelled one million miles from earth in an incomprehensibly short period of time. Yet, we can’t remember what happened the last time we relaxed our mask wearing and the subsequent wave nearly crushed us.
\n\n\nWe have now lost a little over 910,000 Americans to Covid. That’s about 5,000 more people than live in Columbus, Ohio. It’s about 8,000 less people than live in Fort Worth, Texas. Can you wrap your head around that number??? Imagine driving into Columbus and the streets are empty. Every house is empty. The buildings downtown are empty. The hospitals, schools, shopping malls…all empty.
\n\n\nWe lost 60,000 in January of this year.
\n\n\n60,000.
\n\n\nWe’ve become way too numb if that number doesn’t still break our hearts.
\n\n\nAnd now, the rush begins to back off the precautions…the very things that helped keep that number from being astronomically higher. I am here to tell you…I am not an epidemiologist…but it’s too much too soon and too quickly. I have no idea when…or IF… I’ll ever stop wearing at least one KN-95 mask in stores. Two if it’s really crowded. I’ll take boosters when the CDC suggests it. One of my dearest friends was just diagnosed with Covid for the third time. My younger daughter and her wife are both struggling with waves of feeling bad a whole month after their diagnoses.
\n\n\nIt’s just incomprehensible.
\n\n\nThat being said…life does move forward. The sun is shining, the air is sweet, and there is promise of spring ahead. Our snow has melted a great deal this week. The birds are having a grand time at the feeders. The kitty lays in the sun and bakes her bones…rolling back and forth on the concrete path. I have finished both sleeves of the sweater I am knitting and am now over half finished with the body. I am on the last color. I’m glad. I think I’ll put my knitting needles away for a bit after this one. Or, maybe I’ll go back to socks for a little bit. We’ll be going on our beach vacation in April. Socks are a great travel project.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/eb328e8841.jpg\")
I go today to get my blood drawn to see how I’m doing since my surgery. I may get my bangs trimmed and maybe get a little cut off the bottom to get rid of some dead ends. I may do a little Valentine’s Day shopping. I need to get out and stretch my legs…with a mask, of course. I hope you have a great day and can get outside in some sunshine.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-02-11T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/02/11/burnout-and-perspective.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Crafts"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/02/07/facing-lifes-disappointments.html", "title": "Facing Life’s Disappointments", "content_html": "\n“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
\nPsalm 4:8 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb05d05648.jpg\")
Ever since I received the long awaited diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, I’ve been on a mission to find a cure. I became my own advocate and read everything I could find about the disease and how it affects the body. I researched physicians and medical centers for the best and most recent treatments. I joined a Facebook Support Group for people with pHPT and selected the world’s best surgical team to get this taken care of.
\n\n\nOver and over, I read wonderful stories about people who were cured by having a simple surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland(s). I was so hopeful and it never even occurred to me the first surgery would fail to cure my disease. I was so disappointed. After a little time to heal, I began my search anew. I looked closer to home. I found new hope in a new surgical team. The difference this time was…I knew I could be disappointed again.
\n\n\nAs it turned out, the missing parathyroid glands didn’t magically show up for the second surgery. That’s not to say there wasn’t some good news. It turned out, the second gland that was biopsied and deemed normal during the last surgery wasn’t normal this time. It was removed and sent to the lab, along with blood samples to test my PTH intraoperatively. I know when the surgeon received the results, he felt disappointment, just as he knew I would.
\n\n\nI have been studying some bible devotionals the last couple of days on the subject of disappointment. One is called Tackling Disappointment by Susan Narjala. Here is a segment from today’s reading.
\n\n\n“In the Bible we see Paul who prayed asking for God to take away the chronic physical pain. Three times he prayed. But God didn’t remove that “thorn” in Paul’s side. Did Paul retreat into devastating disappointment? No. Paul trusted that God had a purpose in not answering his prayers. Paul instead declares that he will boast in his weakness so the power of Christ may rest on him.\n\nBut, friend, remember this truth: God takes you through the valley experiences for a reason. Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 66:9, “In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord.\n\nA place of disappointment can be a place of blessing. When He allows you to face discouraging circumstances, He has a purpose behind it. The question is whether you are allowing God to train you in that difficult season of disappointment.”\n\n\n
I allowed myself a little pity party yesterday. I had great hopes that this surgeon would find the missing glands, remove any that were diseased, and cure me of this affliction. Then, after a little time sitting in my sorrow, I let it go. I will pray daily, and ask others to pray with me, that God himself will take this away from me. And, if He does not, then I ask that He brings me the grace and grit to carry it well and be my best self. It’s not the worst thing in the world. It’s not cancer. It’s not the failure of a major organ. It’s a niggling problem that can cause my bones to become brittle. It can make me cranky and give me pain and make my hair fall out. There are a lot of people who have to live with a lot worse things in life. We still don’t have the final word. It can take a year for the numbers to sort themselves out. In the meantime, I’m going to let myself heal, finish knitting a sweater, and get on with this beautiful life I’ve been given!
\n\n\n❄️❤️❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-02-07T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/02/07/facing-lifes-disappointments.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Aging","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/01/31/moving-on-to-the-next.html", "title": "Moving On to The Next Thing", "content_html": "\n“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,”
\n1 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7d58949f3a.jpg\")
I find winter passes much more quickly when I keep my hands busy. I finished the socks yesterday afternoon then immediately started on the sweater. That’s three pairs of socks in one month…a personal record to be sure. And, Gail was absolutely correct…the sweater is much easier and knits up so much faster than the socks do.
\n\n\nWe watched football yesterday. I don’t pay a whole lot of attention during the season. But I do love when it gets time for the playoffs. So much more is at stake…at least imminently. Last week, we watched the Cincinnati Bengals pull of an unlikely victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Kansas City Chiefs upset the Buffalo Bills, so that placed the Bengals against the Chiefs yesterday to determine who moves on to the Super Bowl.
\n\n\nWe settled in to watch the game at 3:00. Everyone favored the Chiefs to win. It is tough to beat Patrick Mahomes. When you see him featured in multiple sponsors’ commercials all season, you know they have a lot riding on that talent. As was predicted, the Bengals came out and stumbled around in the first half. We felt somewhat resigned to watching them succumb to the pressure. But, man…I don’t know what that coach said to the team at halftime, but those guys came out fired up for the second half.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/715548c753.jpg\")
They tied. They pulled ahead! Then, in the very last seconds, the Chiefs scored a field goal to take the game into overtime. We were screaming and hollering and just could not believe the whole season was coming down to who could score first. The Bengals lost the toss going into overtime and that drastically cut their chances of being the first to post points. Then…they fumbled and the Bengals recovered. They drove hard down the field and when they were firmly and safely in field goal range, they kicked it n and scored for the win!!! Lawsy mercy…it is a good thing it’s winter and the windows are closed or the neighbors down the road might have been concerned for us. We had so much fun celebrating the win of a frank underdog.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/40ea9ddb17.jpg\")
It always feels good when an underdog wins, doesn’t it? It’s sort of a David and Goliath story played out in a modern day arena. We want the little guy to be the victor. I couldn’t really get into the second game because I wanted to get back here and write this post. I can always go back out after and knit a little more. I have a phone call with the medical center today. Mr. FixIt’s birthday tomorrow. We’ll head to OSU on Thursday with surgery scheduled Friday. It will be a fast and busy week…one I will be happy to have behind me!
\n\n\n❄️?❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2022-01-31T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/01/31/moving-on-to-the-next.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2022/01/22/three-weeks-from-monday.html", "title": "Three Weeks from Monday!", "content_html": "\n“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
\n2 Timothy 1:7 NLT\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2cd823c758.jpg\")
The sock grows more…day by day.
\n\n\nI woke up yesterday and turned off the “sleeping” notification on my iPhone. I’ve started setting that because my phone would start buzzing as soon as others far more industrious than me were up and texting. My phone came alive with notifications, one of which was a missed phone call and subsequent voicemail. When I checked, it was a call from the scheduler for my endocrine surgeon’s office! Yes! This was a good sign.
\n\n\nAfter I was up and had performed my morning ablutions, I returned the call to Melissa. We’re on a first name basis now. I already had an appointment scheduled with the voice clinic to check my vocal chords for next Friday afternoon. I need to see the anesthesia clinic as well and Melissa was able to get me an appointment Friday morning. That way we only have to make the one trip up before surgery.
\n\n\nI was really surprised when she told me I would be with the anesthesia people for two hours. When I went to Florida for my first surgery last March, the anesthesiologist came in to see me as I was being prepped for surgery. That was it. I have to say, OSU is very thorough and that makes me feel so much more comfortable. My appointment with the voice clinic will entail a scope that goes down my throat so the doctor can see my vocal cords. I should also be able to watch on the monitor.
\n\n\nOnce those two appointments were scheduled, Melissa and I set out to find a good time to do my surgery. I was thrilled when she said we can tentatively choose a date in February. Apparently, people aren’t really thrilled about scheduling surgery on Valentine’s Day. Go figure. I told her, every day is Valentine’s Day in our house, so get me in whenever you can. I’ll take candy hearts for the OR staff and it’ll be a party! I have hotel reservations for both visits.
\n\n\nThis will give me plenty of time to heal before our beach vacation in April and our trip to Colorado in May. And, it won’t interrupt our summer mowing/camping/fun! I am really looking forward to feeling better. I’m praying every day that the surgeon will find the offending gland and remove it and I am healed of this problem. I am SO looking forward to feeling better and getting my life back!!!
\n\n\nThree weeks from Monday, people! Three weeks from Monday!!!
\n\n\n❄️?❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”
\nPsalms 56:3 NLT\n
#PrimaryHyperparathyroidism, #Surgery, #Parathyroidectomy
\n\n", "date_published": "2022-01-22T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2022/01/22/three-weeks-from-monday.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/12/28/putting-things-into-perspective.html", "title": "Putting Things into Perspective", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/84d8cf7eff.jpg\")
When I think of all the things that are going on all over this planet, my problems seem pretty small in comparison. It’s all a matter of perspective.
\n\n\nI come from a long line of “worrywarts”…my mom was the Queen of Worrisome Thoughts. We would accuse her of going to bed at night just to think up stuff to worry about the next day. Ahhh, she taught me well. Unfortunately. Worrying creates physical and emotional symptoms which are included under the blanket term…anxiety. If you are a worrier…just try to stop. I dare ya. Because…you don’t just stop that. Especially when it is a life long, ground in, baseline behavior.
\n\n\nI don’t like being a worrier. I don’t like feeling anxious. So why does my mind keep going back to that place where I think up every bad outcome that can possibly happen? Why do I try to control how things play out because I’m as sure as a gypsy with a crystal ball I know how it’s going to go? Why do I freak out when I’m facing uncertainty? Because. Those are the genes I’ve got and that is the background sound track of my upbringing.
\n\n\nI find it’s worse when I’m isolated…which translates to winter. There aren’t as many social opportunities in the winter. We tend to hibernate and keep to ourselves more in the winter months. Stir in a global pandemic, and my world has collapsed to a handful of people who mean so much to me…and one of them just died. So yeah…it’s been a mite rough of late.
\n\n\nI am bound and determined to get a handle on this because I really don’t want to live out the rest of my days with butterflies in my stomach and sweaty palms every time I’m faced with uncertainty. Life is, by very definition…uncertain. These times are uncertain. The world is uncertain. When Mr. Virgo had his heart attack, his death…and the disturbing images of the rescue efforts in the ER…left me traumatized. PTSD is tricky. It has a hair trigger and certain situations set me into a tailspin.
\n\n\nWhen Mr. FixIt had two small strokes within a few weeks of each other, it left both of us feeling like we were living under Damocles Sword. We were just waiting for the string to break and our world would come crashing down around us…all while navigating the pandemic and political upheaval. As time has gone by, we are feeling more and more confident there isn’t an impending catastrophic event about to occur at any moment. I don’t hover over him every second and watch his every move anymore. But still, when I get isolated, I find it more difficult getting back out there in the world.
\n\n\nWhen I was going through a particularly dark and difficult time at the end of my second marriage, I was in therapy and it really helped me find my voice. After Mr. Virgo died, I went to grief counseling and had EMDR treatments for PTSD and that really helped. That therapy gave me tools to use to help me find my way through the dark times. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and we forget to open the toolbox and find what we know is there. Sometimes it gets just too easy to sit and rock and worry.
\n\n\nTechnology has come a long way since those dark days of my new millennium. I was reading an article yesterday about mental health advancements and ways you can help yourself through these trying times. They suggested an app called Mindshift. You download it and it asks you questions and gives suggestions of tools to help you feel better through CBT…Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There is a journal area and a place to set and track goals. There are Care Cards which give you thought points to help you through anxiety symptoms. There is even a section with guided meditations. Of course, it is not meant to treat or diagnose psychiatric conditions. The app has links to find immediate support should you need it.
\n\n\nMy relationship with God is where I turn and hand over all my problems. But God also created doctors and medical professionals and techniques to help you when you struggle. I don’t know anyone who has not been changed by the events of the last two years and I know for a fact that I am not standing alone today in my feelings of loss and confusion with the state of the world. I’m all about finding the light…looking for the goodness…and using the tools I need to feel better, more stable, stronger, and less worry-filled than I have been the last couple of weeks.
\n\n\nI’ve decided my new word for the coming year will be “Wellness” and all that it entails…physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m starting with baby steps…working with the Mindshift app, cutting back on sugar and processed foods, drinking more water, getting out every day for a walk and looking for healthy ways to make myself feel better. I’ve really missed camping. It’s always something that lifts my spirits. So, yesterday afternoon I packed a little overnight bag, kissed my sweetheart, and headed out to the Big Birdhouse in the field. It was well in the 60’s outside and it felt great. I set up the bed with the new twin-sized electric blanket we bought earlier in the day. And I camped out in the camper all night…on December 27th in West Virginia! How about that??? There was rain on the roof and everything!
\n\n\nEdit: I got a call at 11:30pm saying our powers would be out sometime between 12:30 and 3:30am for an emergency repair. The overnight low was in the mid-40’s so I came inside at midnight, but it was a great break…just what I needed!
\n\n\nI can feel life flowing back into my spirit with every word I write!
\n\n\n❄️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-12-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/12/28/putting-things-into-perspective.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Hope","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/12/24/the-ghosts-of-christmas-present.html", "title": "The Ghosts of Christmas Present", "content_html": "\n“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
\n1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3d02fe428e.jpg\")
We have a White Christmas every morning…it’s called FROST!
\n\n\nRemember back when I first lost Mr. Virgo and I told you I’d be talking a lot about grief and it was going to get real and it wasn’t going to be pretty? I still have readers that were with me since before he died and they can tell you…it’s often been a bumpy ride. I’ve learned a lot about grief in the last eight plus years. From my own. From yours. I know now to anticipate the waves because they can hit you hard. I’ve had a lot of waves hit me the last couple of weeks since losing my dear friend, Sparky. I’ll have more.
\n\n\nI decided yesterday that when the wave comes, I’ll acknowledge it…honor that pain. Because deep grief means deep love and I am so, so blessed to have many friends that I love to that depth. Acknowledge the pain, honor the pain, thank the pain for reminding you of the depth of love, then let go of the string on that balloon. Send it off up to the heavens. Then…and this is the important follow up…remember something truly wonderful about your person you lost. Their sense of humor. Their strength. Their ability to come up swinging every time life knocked them down. The way they made you feel when you were with them. Cry if you need to, but only as you watch the balloon. Then pick yourself up and move on down the road. Repeat as often as necessary.
\n\n\nI had an appointment in town yesterday and decided to go across the river to my favorite grocery story in Ohio. The traffic was abysmal. There was a bad wreck on the main drag and I couldn’t get around it. I felt my anxiety rise as we inched forward. What was I going to see? Would it trigger my PTSD? Then, just as soon as I felt those thoughts, I turned them to prayers. “Lord, be with the people in this wreck and comfort their pain and fear.” “Lord, give everyone patience as we sit here waiting for the traffic to move.” “Lord, lift any anxiety and fear in me so that I can be of service in some way.”
\n\n\nJust then, we got to the spot where three lanes of traffic merged down to one and a turn lane. And there were emergency vehicles coming in both directions. “Lord, part the traffic so the rescuers can get in.” I looked to my right and stopped. I let cars go through in front of me. I’m sure the people behind me were thrilled with me but that was what I did. When I got to the grocery store, people were literally driving around and around the jam-packed parking lot waiting for a spot to open up. Ohhhhhh, no…huh-uh. I didn’t need anything that bad. Besides, I had to stop at Walmart anyway to pick up prescriptions.
\n\n\nI made a couple of quick stops then went to Walmart. It was so crammed full and if I hadn’t been out of one of my meds, I would have skipped that one, too. I honestly felt like I was standing in a bee hive. I chatted with the other ladies in the line. Isn’t it funny when you look at people and think of them as “little old ladies” and realize they’re not that much older than you? I notice the skin on the back of my hands is getting thin. I can see the blue veins. Then I laugh. Because…there’s still blood coursing through those veins! “So. Snap out of it!” I hear Sparky say from afar.
\n\n\nI grabbed milk and eggs and oatmeal for cookies and got the heck out of there.
\n\n\nHo! Ho! Ho! I gotta GO!
\n\n\nAnd here it is…Christmas Eve. My heart is a little lighter. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t have to go to town and dive in the hive for a couple of days. At any rate, there’s cookies to be made. Peanut Butter Fudge. Candied Walnuts. Festive containers to be stuffed with delectable treats and delivered to the neighbors. Then, Christmas Eve Dinner for Two…Orange Maple Lamb Chops, Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter, Baked Potatoes, and Steamed Broccoli. Then we’ll watch White Christmas. And all will be as right with the world as it’s going to be this year. Our Christmas with the kids will be on Sunday, so I’ll have a lazy Christmas Day in my jammies, wrapping presents and knitting.
\n\n\nMay Peace be with you this Christmas…and always.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-12-24T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/12/24/the-ghosts-of-christmas-present.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/10/02/hope-is-an-action-word.html", "title": "Hope is an Action Word", "content_html": "\n“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”
\nLuke 2:1-5 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/28e265808a.jpg\")
How do you keep hope alive when the world seems to be crumbling around you? I know people…people I love…who are really suffering right now. Suffering with health issues…mental and physical. Suffering with financial problems, family problems, relationship problems. Breakups. Loss. Grief.
\n\n\nI think we are all suffering with a collective grief right now and it’s not easy to find the silver lining in that sometimes.
\n\n\nWhen I went to God last night and prayed over my keyboard, I asked Him what He wanted me to talk to you about today. He pressed on my heart…talk about hope. Not just hope with a little “h” but big ol’ capitalized HOPE…the kind we get when we look up and not down. The kind we get when we surrender our egos and ask for help. The kind of hope that comes with big LOVE. The kind of hope the enemy tries to steal from us.
\n\n\nHelp and hope are just a request away and can be yours every moment of every day for the rest of your life. Yes…even when the world is a dumpster fire and your life really sucks.
\n\n\nSomething funny happens here in West Virginia…as I imagine it does in most humid climates. You can be driving along on a warm, muggy day and suddenly hit a cold spot and your windows fog up almost instantly. You reach for the windshield wipers only to find…the fog is on the inside. Your mind runs through several scenarios…trying to figure out what is wrong. Why can’t I see? How did this happen so fast? How do I fix this?
\n\n\nIf it’s foggy on the inside, you have to take action on the inside or you’re in grave danger. You have to turn on the AC…turn up the temperature…and hit defrost. Blowing warm, air conditioned air onto the foggy windshield clears your view just as fast as it was taken.
\n\n\nRemembering to turn to God is like reaching for the knob on your dash. You have to take action. You have to DO something. You have to look for hope, ask for hope, pray for hope.
\n\n\nIt’s easy to lose hope in times like these. We wonder if this virus will ever go away. We wonder if the ugliness between people will ever get better. There IS good out there. There ARE many reasons to have hope for a brighter future. But, it’s not going to happen driving blindly down a freeway with a foggy windshield.
\n\n\nWe have to reach out and do something.
\n\n\nTake action.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-10-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/10/02/hope-is-an-action-word.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/05/another-dayanother-doctor.html", "title": "Another Day…Another Doctor", "content_html": "\n“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
\nRomans 15:13 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cd8cc69dcf.jpg\")
I told Mr. FixIt yesterday…we are at “that age” now. When you have WAY more doctor’s appointments than you’ve ever had in your life. It makes me crazy. I wish we could sync everything and get all of our appointments out of the way in one week then we could go a long stretch without another one. But, unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works out when you are dealing with two people with different diagnoses.
\n\n\nI had an appointment a couple of weeks ago with a new endocrinologist. I am still dealing with the hyperparathyroidism that led me to have surgery in Florida in March. If you were following along at the time, I had an adenoma (and the parathyroid gland it was attached to) removed from my neck. The surgeon was only able to visualize the top two glands. The bottom two are somewhere in my chest imbedded in my thymus gland. That would be fine if my parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were normal. But, they aren’t. They’re elevated and that indicates I have at least one, if not more, adenomas.
\n\n\nHyperparathyroidism is an invisible disease…except on paper, and in your body. The person suffering from it surely knows they have it by the symptoms. Diffuse, migrating pain. Hair loss. Extremely grouchy mood. Insomnia. Muscle cramps. Acid reflux and indigestion. Nausea and vomiting. Skin problems…itching, rashes, dry, cracked, peeling. Heart palpitations. Calcification of the arteries. Loss of bone density. Terrible brain fog. The list goes on and on.
\n\n\nIf left unresolved, it can cut years off your life. Dana Delany, Garry Shandling, and Jamie Foxx all had hyperparathyroidism. It is actually among the most frequent endocrine diagnoses. I was so disappointed that the surgery was only partially successful. I made the decision not to go back down to Florida to the Norman Parathyroid Center. That’s a long way to go for testing and appointments when I can go to The Ohio State University. My appointment with a new endocrinologist surgeon is today, so I would love it if you could send some prayers and good thoughts…not only for safe travel there and back, but for a skilled and confident surgeon who can take care of business fairly locally.
\n\n\nI remember calling my mom years ago and every conversation was about her and my brother’s most recent trip to the doctor, what was wrong with them, and what medicine they’re now taking. I used to get so weary and frustrated that all she talked about was what was wrong. Now…now I have a lot more empathy for what she was going through and wish I would have been a bit more patient and insightful with her. Water under the bridge…however, I try not to vent my spleen every time I talk to my kids.
\n\n\nIn the meantime…girls, it’s tomato season here in West Virginia. We stopped at my favorite greenhouse last night and bought four big, juicy tomatoes…fresh off the vine. We had tomato and mayo sandwiches (with a thin slice of ham on them) for supper last night. Oh, my…that’s heaven right there! I hope you are enjoying this first week of August as much as we are. I’m ready for another camping trip!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/05/another-dayanother-doctor.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Aging","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/08/04/bluebirds-and-grief-and-healing.html", "title": "Bluebirds and Grief and Healing", "content_html": "\n“But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
\nMatthew 9:12 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2123c007ed.jpg\")
I saw a story on the news shortly after Mr. FixIt and I got married. It was about a man on a mission. He had lost his wife and consequently, his sense of purpose. She loved her garden and the beautiful birds that gathered there. Especially bluebirds. That struck a chord with me because Mr. Virgo has always sent me bluebirds to comfort me since he died. Ron Rudolph paid homage to his wife’s memory by building bluebird houses.
\n\n\nYou can read all about his story on my previous post HERE.
\n\n\nSince this story went viral, Mr. Rudolph needed to add helpers to fill all the order for his bluebird houses and kits to make your own. And now, his daughter has written a children’s book to help young people learn to cope with grief. I received a message from the author, Kristy Boike asking if I would share the website for “Rise Up, Little Bluebirds” and…of course…I told her I was more than happy to do that. (Isn’t it interesting that I chose the name for the new camper… “The Birdhouse”…or “Birdie” for short…just before I read Kristy’s message? There are no such things as coincidences!)
\n\n\nIt just so happens, we went to the farm yesterday to mow. While we were camping, Gail shared a new app with me from The Cornell Lab called “Merlin” which helps to identify birds by description, photo, or sound. I played with it at the farm and, since the birds are not sitting on the nest at this time of year, I called in several species…one of which was the Eastern Bluebird. Two pairs came and sat on the telephone wire close to the house and listened…tipping their heads this way and that…trying to figure out why this human sounded just like one of them. It was great fun!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/39ae82901e.jpg\")
So, without further ado…please go check out this precious book and buy one (or more!) for any littles in your life who are going through a hard time with grief and loss.
\n\n\n“Rise Up, Little Bluebirds” Written by Kristy Boike, Illustrated by Kathryn Inkson
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-08-04T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/08/04/bluebirds-and-grief-and-healing.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/04/05/a-season-of-hope.html", "title": "A Season of Hope", "content_html": "\n“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
\n2 Peter 1:21 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee75c8977a.jpg\")
Easter always makes me think of hope. The darkness and fear of the Friday before gave way to glorious joy on the day of resurrection and it reminds me there is always hope. No matter how dark things get. I lived a Jewish life for twenty-seven years. My favorite Jewish holiday has always been Passover. Not only is the food amazing, but the story is so filled with hope.
\n\n\nPassover celebrates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt where they were enslaved. Moses led them away through a parted sea into the desert where they wandered aimlessly for forty years. FORTY YEARS! How can that be a hopeful story? For me...hope comes as they stand on the dry sea bed. They are no longer slaves...they are rushing headlong toward the freedom they have so desperately begged God for. But yet, they aren’t quite through. There are walls of water to either side that could come crashing down on them at any moment. It was through the hope of freedom and faith in God that they were able to forge onward.
\n\n\nCan you imagine? Taking a moment...just glancing from side to side at those walls of water? Marveling at the dry ground beneath their feet? Perhaps catching glimpses of the fishes looking all the world like an aquarium? What magic that must have been! They hurried forward with great anticipation, only to find themselves meandering through the desert with no comforts or meat or anything else they were accustomed to. They felt their lives were better when they were slaves. At least they knew where their next meal was coming from. Then God brought them manna and they got bored with that pretty quick.
\n\n\nIt was Moses that held the space for their hope. He knew what was coming, and he knew he couldn’t make them see that it was only a matter of time till they would be truly free. Sometimes that happens in our own lives. We see progress...forward motion...only to be met with obstacles that feel insurmountable. There is always someone holding our hope for us...a loved one, perhaps. A dear friend. The one person who will always hold our hope is Jesus. He has our backs at every turn, no matter what.
\n\n\nWe enjoyed our Easter Sunday. We worshiped together at home. We thanked God for the many blessings He has given us...especially His son. We spoke to family. We thanked God for their good health. We enjoyed the warmth outside and the sunshine and flowers and birds. We thanked God for his creation. We cooked a really great pot roast and thanked God for His amazing provision in our lives. It was a really good day that filled me with hope.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-04-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/04/05/a-season-of-hope.html", "tags": ["Hope","God","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/23/its-always-something.html", "title": "It’s Always Something...", "content_html": "\n“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
\nJeremiah 29:11 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3fd2d36c98.jpg\")
If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Right? That’s what Nanna Rosannadana always said! Yesterday I told you I wasn’t feeling well so we did a rerun of one of my favorite memories. My whole day Sunday was just discombobulated. I woke up late and forgot to take my calcium till late. I didn’t feel great. Then, as I took my shower to prepare to go see the kids, I started seeing little jiggly circular “hoops” of light when I turned my eyes from side to side. It made me kinda seasick. It didn’t hurt, and it wasn’t exactly like an ocular migraine. I was puzzled, but I trusted my instincts and opted to stay home while Mr. FixIt went without me.
\n\n\nI had a pretty low key day, but these flashes kept showing up. I was getting a little nervous about it and told Mr. FixIt if I still had them Monday morning, I would need to see my eye doctor. This is where my anxiety disorder kicked in just before bedtime and I had to take my “rescue medicine” and go to sleep.
\n\n\nIt’s difficult for most people to talk about mental health issues and it shouldn’t be. I have a history of anxiety....me and about 40 million other adults in the US every year. I got it honest....both my mom and my dad had it. And, both of my girls do, too. About half of those diagnosed with anxiety also have depression. It was really hard for me to accept this. I saw it as a flaw in my personality...that there was something “wrong” with me. I was somehow “less than”. While I wouldn’t necessarily call it my super power, it does tell you a lot about the kind of deeply caring and creative person I am.
\n\n\nIt’s not always easy to live with. There was a time when it nearly overwhelmed me. But nowadays, I’ve discovered it’s as much a part of who I am as the color of my eyes and the fact I have high cholesterol. I try not to let it get in my way, yet sometimes it does. I had a video chat with Daughter #2 Sunday night and we both cried because we miss each other. That was the top card that triggered an anxiety response. Mix it with PTSD and...well, it’s something I’ve worked on in therapy...and it’s something I live with. If I’ve had it this long, it’s not likely to go away...although, I did kind of hope the surgery would fix that, too. Anxiety is one of the symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism.
\n\n\nI always turn to scripture and tell myself I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And not to be afraid. I thought it was all the things that scared me that I wasn’t supposed to fear. Now, I’ve come to understand...it’s the anxiety I’m not supposed to be afraid of because it can’t kill me. It’s just an uncomfortable biochemical response to stressors.
\n\n\nWhen I woke up yesterday, the flashing hoop was still there and I called for an appointment with the eye doctor. I still wasn’t quite sure what was going on, until I went outside with my cup of coffee and sat on the deck. I looked down at my hand and saw swirly grey curls of what looked like smoke and I knew in an instant I was having another vitreous detachment. I had one in the right eye in April 2017...just two months after I got smacked in the face with an airbag when I wrecked my truck. The eye doctor told me then that one of these days, the other one would go.
\n\n\nIt’s not an uncommon thing to happen after the age of 40. I will spare you the anatomical drawing of an eyeball...here’s a description. When an egg is very fresh, the egg white is thick and the membrane that surrounds it sticks tightly to the shell. But over time, the egg white thins out and loses volume. That membrane begins to pull away from the shell. The same thing happens in the eye. The vitreous thins and the membrane begins to pull away from the retina. It’s not a big deal, but it does leave you with floaters in your vision and that is annoying until your brain compensates. Then you seldom even notice them.
\n\n\nThere aren’t pain nerves associated with this, so when the vitreous begins to pull away, it tugs at cells on the retina and sends signals to the brain that show up as light flashes. It jiggles because of the consistence of the vitreous humor...the gel. Even though it’s not a dangerous thing, it does increase your risk of tearing or detaching the retina...and that IS an emergency and needs to be dealt with right away. Remember, when I had my last one, it was just a couple of months after my subdural hematoma and concussion from the truck wreck. I really couldn’t remember what I should avoid. I had to laugh when she told me not to go on a roller coaster for a while. Darn...that was right where I was headed! lol
\n\n\nSo, if God can’t get me to slow down and heal from surgery...maybe the threat of blindness will get my attention...you think? No heavy lifting, no falling and hitting my head, no jumping up and down. It’s a really good thing it’s not mowing season!
\n\n\nI’d roll my eyes...but I probably shouldn’t do that either. ?
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/23/its-always-something.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/19/thunderbolts-and-lightning.html", "title": "Thunderbolts and Lightning", "content_html": "\n“Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.”
\nIsaiah 41:10 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d75d1a86d7.jpg\")
We had our first thunderstorm of the year yesterday afternoon. It rained off and on much of the day...not terribly heavy. Just fits and starts. After driving most of the day Tuesday, I had a slump yesterday. There were still things that needed doing. I picked up the mail at the Post Office. Mr. FixIt went to pick up the cat at the vet. I emptied the last of the stuff from the truck. I discovered the freezer in the garage fridge wasn’t closed tight before we left so we lost all the food in it. I found a leaky pipe in the basement. I did a load of laundry. I filled all the bird feeders and checked to see if the daffodils have bloomed yet. And, after that I was done. I was so hoping I’d be one of the rabbits that get better really fast after this surgery, but I have to be patient with my little turtle self. I took the steri-strip off my incision yesterday. It’s still quite swollen but it’ll get better before I know it.
\n\n\nWe were watching the news last night and Mr. FixIt went into the kitchen to fix a cup of tea. He called me in to look out at the road. There was a sheriff parked in the road directing traffic and a tractor was driving back and forth. I said, “I don’t know about you, but I’m nosy enough to go out and ‘check the mail’...what do you think?” He came along with me to see what what going on. Not a lot happens out here so this was big stuff. Apparently, a dump truck lost a bunch of dirt out on the road there and when it rained, we had a little slip-n-slide going on. We’re lucky no one went flying off over the guard rail.
\n\n\nOne of the favorite pastimes of rural folk is listening to the police scanner. I’ve never really gotten into that because I like peace and quiet. Instead, I either call my friend that has one, or I check the County Scanner Page on Facebook. You know you live in the smallest county in the state when someone comes on the page with “What’s going on?” and seventeen people come back with exactly what’s going on and where. It’s better than a game of telephone. Anyway, the report of the dirt falling from a dump truck was not only in front of our house, but also on top of the hill a few miles down the road. Nic & Son wanted to make sure we all knew none of their trucks were working in our area yesterday. I love small towns.
\n\n\nThat was the extent of my day. There’s so much work that needs to be done around here, but I am just going to make myself lay low for a few days and heal. That isn’t easy for me to do. At least it’s not mowing season yet!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/19/thunderbolts-and-lightning.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/14/day-another-day-of-recovery.html", "title": "Day 362: Another Day of Recovery", "content_html": "\n“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.”
\nMatthew 11:28-30 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d329c3417e.jpg\")
I hate to admit how much this surgery has taken out of me. I feel so much better as far as the symptoms I had before, but yesterday I woke up with a swollen neck I won’t scare you with. Apparently, the ice pack fell off during the night and I was laying flatter than I thought so I have that “flappin’ in the wind turkey neck” thing going on. And sore??? Oy. I had to get up and out some, though.
\n\n\nI asked Mr. FixIt to take me to the local Starbucks for a Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. Before surgery, I would have had a heck of a time with acid reflux. After surgery? Smooth as silk! Another win!
\n\n\nWe came back to the hotel and walked around a bit. I’m hoping Monday will be quieter with the weekenders moving on and we can hang out at this groovy pool. Once back to the room, I put my ice pack back on and stretched out, propped up this time. Still having trouble clearing my throat between the swelling and the pain. But I am absolutely convinced tomorrow will be better.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt came in late in the afternoon to see what I wanted to eat and I had this craving for Carabba’s. We passed one just a few minutes from our hotel so we ordered dinner to go and my sweetheart went to pick it up for me. Fettuccini Carabba....Alfredo with Grilled Chicken and Peas for me. Fettuccini Weesie...Alfredo with Shrimp and Scallops for my love. Along with a salad each, and bread with aioli...it was way too much food for one meal so we get to have the leftovers today!
\n\n\nThey say the third day after surgery is the worst. I have no idea why, but I’m just going to ignore that little old wives tale and feel great today...right? Thanks for all your prayers and support this week. I could feel your love around me and God’s tender care. I wasn’t a bit anxious when I was there. I felt like everything was under control and I appreciate your help.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-14T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/14/day-another-day-of-recovery.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/03/11/day-look-whos-on-the.html", "title": "Day 360: Look Who’s on the News!", "content_html": "\n“You always heal them and restore their strength when they are sick. I prayed, “Have pity, Lord! Heal me, though I have sinned against you.””
\nPsalms 41:3-4 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9c8e8c790e.jpg\")
After I had my covid test on Tuesday, they told me to “go home and stay there...don’t be around anyone that you don’t live with.” Well...that’s, like...everyone in Florida! I lasted till the sun started to turn everything golden then I couldn’t stand it...I had to get out of this room. We decided to take a drive and find a place to get something to eat. A Wendy’s salad was just what the doctor ordered! We pulled into a Walmart parking lot to eat and the sun was setting. I had to grab a quick photo. We were saying how pretty the sunset would have been over on the beach. But we watched the local news and the next week is supposed be 80-82 and sunny! I’ll take it!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0e9e17306f.jpg\")
Another fun thing...we were watching the NBC Nightly News last night and Lester Holt always does a feel good story at the end of the show. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a little notice on the NBC News app asking people to submit the last photo on their phones from before the lockdown last year. I submitted a photo showing me holding our three great grandchildren on my lap at the mall. When the story started, I started to say, “I wonder if they’ll show my picture?” And...boom, there it was! I was amongst good company with Dr. Fauci and Lester Holt himself. Pretty fun!
\n\n\nYou can watch the video on my YouTube Channel HERE.
\n\n\nIt was bittersweet, though...looking at all those pictures of all those people who had no idea the world was going to be forever changed the following day. It’s been a year now since the pandemic was declared. Just a few more days till my 365 Project is complete.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a79ee3454.jpg\")
I’m well prepared for my surgery today. I read the entire preparation app again that the surgical center provides. I have my little bag packed with the things I need for my very brief stay. I have to be there by 5:30 in the morning and I should be finished and out of there by noon. Then we can head to our other hotel and rest the remainder of the day. Thank you for all your prayers and support. This has been a long journey getting to this point. I read the stories of some of the other people who suffer with hyperparathyroidism and how it seems to take forever to get a diagnosis. This is not an innocuous disease. If left untreated, it can cut years off your life and it makes people miserable. I am so blessed to be here now!
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2519df2a3c.jpg\")
Let’s do this!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”
\nPhilippians 4:13 CEV\n
#Endurance, #Hope, #Faith
\n\n", "date_published": "2021-03-11T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/03/11/day-look-whos-on-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/26/day-fauci-ouchie.html", "title": "Day 347: Fauci Ouchie 2.0", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ca78c3225e.jpg\")
We did it! We got our second vaccines yesterday and the feeling of relief nearly brought tears to my eyes. It’s not over by a long shot. We still need to wear masks and keep doing what we’ve been doing because...we could carry the virus to others. The vaccines are 95% effective, so there is still a chance of catching Covid, however small. We are a long, long way from herd immunity, so the more of us who get the vaccine...the quicker life can get back to normal.
\n\n\nI will repeat this here, in case there are negative comments forthcoming. I am not afraid of Covid...but I sure do have a healthy respect for its capacity to wreak havoc with your health and end your life. I do not live in fear. I rest in knowledge. There is NOT a biochip in it. No one is going to try to control my mind. It is not the mark of the devil. It’s a vaccine...period. I’ve been vaccinated for a dozen different diseases in my life. This is no different.
\n\n\nI am SO grateful for the scientists who did the research in the decade leading up to the pandemic. Something like this was inevitable, although it certainly could have been handled better from the get go. I think a lot of lives could be saved. But, this is where we are now...this is what we have to work with. If they have to create boosters for variants...fine. I’ll take those, too. I am not afraid. This is what I did for a living...clinical pharmaceutical research coordination. I trust the science.
\n\n\nMy friend Diane got her shot yesterday morning and she called me to warn me about what to expect. When we went for our first shot, it was the first vaccine clinic. We got in and out in record time...far under an hour. We were supposed to go back last Thursday, but the clinic was canceled due to snow. So, this week they were not only doing #2 shots...they were also doing #1 shots and all the people they had to reschedule from last week. It was crazy.
\n\n\nThey directed us into short parallel lines in the parking lot. Then, one row at a time was directed out to join a long line that circled the parking lot, swung around and looped through to the second lot. At that point, we were given a clipboard to fill out our information and walk into the clinic. Inside was very quick and simple. We were directed to the first empty table. Our information was recorded, and we were directed to the inner room. There, a volunteer took us to a table where someone was seated with a line of vaccines in front of them.
\n\n\nIn our case, we had a nice young doctor from the clinic in our small town. Because I have a history of an allergic reaction to a medication, I had to carry a pink card with me and wait an extra 15 minutes afterward. We carried on conversations with others seated nearby and the time passed quickly. Our appointment was at 3:24 and we walked out the door at right around 6:00. A lot longer than the first time, but thanks to Diane, we were prepared with snacks. And I took my knitting with me. It was really quite pleasant. Any time I get to sit and chat with my fella is a good day!
\n\n\nWe went to Sam’s afterward and picked up some groceries and stopped for a salad from Wendy’s on the way home. I took a couple of Extra Strength Tylenol and hopefully that will take care of it. By evening, I could feel that I’d had the injection...just like the first one. I’ll let you know what side effects, if any, that we experience.
\n\n\nThis is a huge step in getting this under control. It feels good to do something that will benefit us all!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/26/day-fauci-ouchie.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/22/day-mourning-the.html", "title": "Day 343: Mourning the 500,000", "content_html": "\n“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
\n1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d8a675c6bf.jpg\")
This is Atlanta as seen from space. It is the home of around 500,000 people. People like you and me...young, old, professionals, blue collar workers, grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, kids of all ages and stripes. Imagine, if you will, driving into Atlanta today and find it...empty. Every citizen dead and gone...lost one by one over the course of one year. It’s unthinkable, isn’t it? No one in the airport, no one in the banks or hospitals or shops...every house deserted, collecting dust.
\n\n\nWe surpassed that terrible line in the sand yesterday. We have lost 500,000 beautiful souls from this nation. And that is probably a much lower than the actual number of lives lost because not all were diagnosed. Thank God we have passed the holiday surge that threatened to break the medical system. Now we’ll see what happens after spring break.
\n\n\nMore and more people are getting vaccinated, although there was a bobble in the system last week from the terrible winter storms across the country. We are heading into a warm week and will probably lose our snow by next weekend. Then it will be mud season. That’s fine with me...that’s what muck boots are for. I would much rather have to kick off my boots at the door than to be shut in because of the ice and snow. We have to be so careful when it’s slick outside. Mr. FixIt is on medication that could make a blow to the head lethal. And my bones are thinning because of this parathyroid tumor. I can’t afford to have a broken hip. So we become more cautious. Just another reminder that time marches inexorably onward.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/38dfe69f26.jpg\")
I really miss getting together with my friends. I came across a photo of my “last normal thing” the other day. I was at dinner with the women from my Bible Study Group. I look at that and think it looks foreign...no masks, sitting next to each other, laughing and hugging. I know we will get there again, but I also know...I will never look at gatherings in the same way for the rest of my life. I will look at them with far more gratitude than I ever did in all my years. AND...I will wash my hands and not touch my face and, even when the threat of covid is minimized, I will still wear a mask during cold and flu season. I mean, why not? I have only had that one little stint of a couple days of sniffles just before Thanksgiving. Masks and good hand washing keep respiratory illnesses at bay. I will be so grateful to have our second shots on Thursday.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt made split pea soup yesterday. I don’t know what it is about that stuff, but I cannot stand it. It tastes gritty to me, the color is questionable, and even with ham hocks in it, the smell is unappealing. I warmed up leftover Chinese food and called it good. I’m sure we’ll have to freeze some of it since I can’t expect him to spend the rest of the week eating nothing but pale green wallpaper paste...errrr, I mean....split pea soup.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/218662c3e1.jpg\")
I’m hoping to get out and walk more with the lovely temperatures coming this week. Wednesday is supposed to get up to 59 degrees here. That sounds like Heaven to me. I hope you all are doing well, are getting through whatever challenges you have been facing, and you are seeing a small glimmer of spring outside your windows today.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-22T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/22/day-mourning-the.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/05/day-feeling-a-little-frayed.html", "title": "Day 326: Feeling a Little Frayed, Are We?", "content_html": "\n“And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.”
\nGenesis 1:14-15 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec67f2d8b2.jpg\")
I chat every night with one of the dearest people in my life. Sue always has a supportive word, a kind thought, a golden nugget of wisdom to share with me. I didn’t grow up with a sister. One of my lifelong friends is my baby sister. Sue is the older sister I didn’t get to have and I love her dearly. I’ve been sharing with her of late....a bone weariness of the things that have been thrown at us for far too long.
\n\n\nI’ve gone through the grief of losing a spouse. I’ve gone through severe clinical depression and near death. I’ve gone through huge life changes that were cringeworthy in their own right. Now, I’m in a boat with a whole bunch of people...and we’re kinda hanging by a thread. Oh, we’re ok. We’re gonna make it through. We’re old enough and experienced enough to know...this too shall pass. But, man.....that constant surge of adrenalin and cortisol is getting pretty old.
\n\n\nEveryone handles stress in their own way. We all have different coping mechanisms. Some of us have more tools in our toolbox, simply because we’ve been through therapy to get us through crises. And, some of us have been blessed to have had a relatively easy life without huge upheaval. Getting out for a drive in the sunshine the other day was wonderful. Connecting with supportive friends is helpful. Having someone with me to share the day to day is a true blessing and it’s not lost on me how different things could have been if this would have happened say...six or seven years ago.
\n\n\nI have dear friends who are actively grieving tragic losses. To have to do that and cope with pandemic burnout seems unusually cruel and inhumane. One thing that has been giving me rays of hope is watching the “Christmas Covid Crush” begin to subside and the number of vaccinations going up. Slowly...ever so slowly. Nothing ever happens as fast as we would like it to, does it?
\n\n\nI find when I am at the end of my rope, there is decidedly less of the “ME” I need to get me through whatever I am facing. And I’ve faced enough crises to know...when there’s less “ME”, there’d better be more GOD because the alternative is a big black hole of despair. Oh, wouldn’t it be nice if God plucked us off the end there and set us down gently into a field of clover...by a nice stream, perhaps? But....noooooo...God ties a knot in that rope and helps me to hang on. He has the power to “fix things” for me. But, if He did that...what would I need HIM for? What would I learn from the experience?
\n\n\nSue sends me articles from time to time. I found this one about “Hitting the Pandemic Wall” to be helpful so I thought I would share it with you today. There are some good ideas and links that you may use. But, I also thought I would ask you some questions.
\n\n\nWhat are you doing in your daily life to keep from feeling overwhelmed? Have any past experiences helped give you skills you can use during this crisis? I know it can’t just be me that’s feeling a little...strained.
\n\n\nIn other words....really...
\n\n\nHow are YOU doing?
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/05/day-feeling-a-little-frayed.html", "tags": ["Health","Grief","Hope","Grace","God","Fear","Courage","Insight"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/02/04/day-weve-been-down-this.html", "title": "Day 325: We’ve Been Down This Road Before", "content_html": "\n““You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”
\nMatthew 5:3 MSG\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3d395ce754.jpg\")
I’m happy to be back today. I was suffering one of the less pleasant side effects of this parathyroid tumor...just another reason to get this thing taken care of as soon as possible. I’d say by this time next month, I should be well on the road to feeling like my old self. Big prayers, anyway!
\n\n\nYesterday was the most beautiful day. One of those really rare treats in a West Virginia winter...a crystal clear blue sky...not a cloud in sight. I slept soundly in the guest bedroom and didn’t awaken till late morning, but when I got up my guy was waiting for me with a great big smile. I always feel so much better when I see my sweet man. I told him we could NOT waste a minute of a beautiful day like this. Within a half hour, we were on the road to run some errands in town.
\n\n\nWe bought birdseed, picked up prescriptions, went to the grocery store, and stopped for Chinese food on the way home. I was telling sue the other night...I have a cross between severe cabin fever and agoraphobia. Something had to go...I needed out of this house. We are exceedingly careful when we go out. We even wear disposable gloves when we go shopping. Lots of hand sanitizer, masks, and we wait our turn going down aisles.
\n\n\nI saw this picture online yesterday and it reminded me...we’ve been down this road before. The very first polio outbreak occurred in Rutland County, Vermont. There were eighteen deaths and 132 cases of permanent paralysis reported. They felt at the time polio wasn’t contagious because families with many children only reported one becoming ill. It wasn’t until 1905 the contagious nature of the disease became apparent.
\n\n\nOnce the contagion was noted, it took another three years to identify the virus. Outbreaks occurred every summer, but it wasn’t until 1916 that it spread like wildfire in the crowded population of New York City. That summer, around 6,000 Americans died from polio and thousands more were left permanently paralyzed. From that point on, summers ran rampant with polio infections and pools, playgrounds and amusement parks were closed to attempt to mitigate the illness.
\n\n\nFDR fell ill with polio in 1921. He was very self-conscious about being seen in his wheelchair so he often used braces and canes in an attempt to look like he could walk. The iron lung was patented in 1929...the predecessor of the ventilator. I remember hearing about people in iron lungs that rested on two kitchen chairs in their living rooms. It was really scary.
\n\n\nVaccine trials began in 1935. Then, in 1952, there was a huge surge in cases. In 1953, Jonas Salk gave his own family the first polio vaccine which he had discovered. In 1954, huge vaccine trials began then in 1955, the results were reported. Unfortunately, there were problems with that initial vaccine. It was through that research that scientists discovered there was an issue with the treatment of the vaccine itself and immunizations were suspended.
\n\n\nAfter the vaccine made by Albert Sabin was licensed in 1960 with a single strain of polio, but by 1963, there was an oral polio vaccine that contained all three strains of the virus. Those are the little pink drops people in my generation remember receiving on a sugar cube. And summers became free again.
\n\n\nThis photo shows children being home schooled in 1937, listening to their teacher read their lessons on the radio. We made it through that period of time. Science now knows so much more about vaccines and the ways to deliver them. We have access to gene splicing and the mRNA carrier that delivers a small segment of the virus. Not enough to make you sick, but enough to tell your immune system... “THIS is what you want to kill when you see it.”
\n\n\nI know it seemed like this vaccine came on board so quickly, but the research has been in the works for years. We were blessed to have this technology available because without it, we surely wouldn’t have the ability to vaccinate the public against this scourge. The problem we are facing now is a race to get as many people as possible vaccinated before the virus mutates to the point the vaccine doesn’t work. Boosters are already being developed that will cover mutations. This is much like what occurs in the yearly flu vaccine.
\n\n\nOne of the most surprising observations during this pandemic is...the flu season just didn’t show up. Why? Because, we are wearing masks, we are washing our hands and using hand sanitizers, and we are keeping our distance and avoiding crowded areas. There are many lessons we can learn in what is happening now. We can be a resilient people. We have been before...we can be again. All those people who die every year during the flu season? Well, if we were more of a mask wearing culture, we could keep that number down, as well.
\n\n\nWe are having to adapt to a different life now. We’ve had it pretty darned easy all these years. If we could have gotten a hold on this in the beginning, we’d be in a different place now, but that’s water under the bridge. This is where we are now. So, this is where we need to build our new foundation for the future. Getting the vaccine into arms is a monumental undertaking. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished here in West Virginia. Governor Jim Justice and his team have done a tremendous job of showing the country how it’s done.
\n\n\nIt’s coming...help is on the way!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-02-04T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/02/04/day-weve-been-down-this.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Control"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/27/day-missing-my-gal-pals.html", "title": "Day 317: Missing my Gal Pals", "content_html": "\n““ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
\nJeremiah 33:6 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ab44c42346.jpg\")
BC...Before Covid...I used to get together with my girlfriends from high school at least once a month for coffee. We had a class dinner at least a couple of times a year. I met friends for walking, lunch, or live music. It seems like that was a whole lifetime ago...maybe two. And now, with the threat of the more contagious variants, it can make one weary.
\n\n\nI’m feeling there is promise of better days ahead, though. Mr. FixIt and I have had our first dose of the covid vaccine and we get the second on February 18th. The numbers are wobbling but with a slight turn downward. We’re getting a better handle on what needs to be done to prevent the spread and hopefully keep the variants down till we can reach a higher number of antibodies in the general public. Even wearing two masks doesn’t bother me. Whatever it takes to get through this quicker and get it behind us.
\n\n\nAs I told you yesterday, I’ve finished copying the posts from Facebook to my blog. But, what I did yesterday is scroll through the website and double check each post to see if they display properly. There is a step I take in posting where I select the main image I want to show up as the lead on each post online. It’s surprising to me how many times I missed that step. So, I spent a few hours scrolling back and fixing that. And, of course, that took me down memory lane.
\n\n\nIt’s amazing how adaptable human beings are. We are more careful with distance, we wear masks more, and we practice better hygiene. I worked in medicine for 42 years and I swear, I’ve washed my hands more in the last year than I ever have before. I’m fine with it, because I know...or at least I HOPE...it won’t last forever. While I do believe this coronavirus will always be around, I also believe we’ll get enough her immunity through vaccine and illness to tamp it down.
\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean I don’t miss my girlfriends. I am really looking forward to the warm, sunny days of spring where we can sit in the park with our coffee and visit. I’m not pushing it with indoors stuff because...I want all of my girlfriends THERE. I don’t want to lose a single one of them. I know right at the moment, there is mass confusion with the vaccines, but help is on the way. And, I know there is a disparity in the way the vaccine is being distributed. That’s also being worked on. Poor countries need the vaccine as desperately as the wealthier ones.
\n\n\nI still keep the healthcare workers, the scientists, the frontline and essential workers, our soldiers, our leaders, and all the people of the world in my daily prayers. I am loyal to my country, but I am also praying hard for ALL humanity...no matter where they live...that this crisis will be conquered sooner rather than later.
\n\n\nIt kinda puts missing my girlfriends for coffee into perspective, doesn’t it?
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-27T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/27/day-missing-my-gal-pals.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Change","Memories","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/25/day-turning-the-corner-on.html", "title": "Day 315: Turning the Corner on Covid", "content_html": "\n“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
\n2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/650a63712f.jpg\")
Slowly...ever so slowly...the Covid surge from holiday travel and gatherings has begun to come down. My friend sends me the West Virginia data every morning like clockwork. And we examine it for any promising sign that things are improving. I know the dominant driver of this decline is the fact that it’s January. We don’t have too many places to go. No holidays, no celebrations, no huge gatherings. Just football and fireplaces and reading a good book.
\n\n\nHindsight is always 20/20. They asked that we forego the family gatherings of Thanksgiving and Christmas. They warned us what would happen. And it did. And it was even worse than they thought. I worked in medicine for 42 years. I cannot imagine going through what those frontline workers have endured over the last three months. There will be fallout from this long after herd immunity is achieved. We will find the ripple effect reaching points we cant even imagine right now.
\n\n\nThe relief they must feel when they see the numbers coming down. When they see vaccines coming. When they see you staying at home and wearing a mask when you’re out...not only for yourself and your loved ones, but for THEM, as well. I know it must give them hope. I know it does me. There is a very real part of me that feels guilty that I received the vaccine and my beautiful daughters haven’t. One is a house spouse right now, and she probably already had Covid. But the other is a teacher and will be expected to go into the classroom without immunity. And that scares the h*** out of me.
\n\n\nIn the overall grand scheme of things, the collective stress level is coming down, I think. I know I feel it. As I sat down to write this, I had to really think about something to say. I mean, seriously...we watched football, sat by the fire, took naps. There are no alerts buzzing on my phone. No Breaking News Reports on the television. There are many things that are still uncertain, but living through it all has become far more promising.
\n\n\nWe’re having a fairly easy winter here in West Virginia so far. We have a little snow predicted this week, and one night is supposed to get down into the high teens. But that is so much better than the winters I lived through in Colorado when it wasn’t unusual to wake up to twenty-four below zero and three feet of snow this time of year. I’ll take this any day of the week...especially when we get those beautiful sunny days that are exceedingly rare here.
\n\n\nAs of last evening, I’m up to September 19, 2016 in copying my blog to my website. I have to copy through November 14, 2016 and I’m done! Great progress and a blessed relief. Pushing myself to complete this massive undertaking has been a labor of love and a walk down memory lane at the same time. I’m at the point where I moved into my grandparent’s farmhouse and was fighting a flea infestation from the farm cats. That was quite an ordeal at the time. Yet, I have such lovely memories of living on the farm.
\n\n\nI only have one trip to town on my schedule this week. I am sure I will have the website completed by this time next week and I can move on to the next thing. The weights are lifting, day by day.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-25T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/25/day-turning-the-corner-on.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Gratitude","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/19/day-the-ripple-effectraising-our.html", "title": "Day 309: The Ripple Effect...Raising our Collective Mood", "content_html": "\n“Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer. You are better off to do right, than to lose your way by doing wrong.”
\nProverbs 12:25-26 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f1150a72db.jpg\")
In psychology, the Ripple Effect is “emotional contagion in groups”. In other words, the emotions of one person can effect the mood of many others in the group. Negative energy is more readily spread. We’re all familiar with this in our daily interactions with others.
\n\n\nI think we can all agree there is a whole lot of negative energy swirling around in the world right now. It seems the volatile combination of a contentious political environment, a worldwide pandemic, and the resultant fallout of the two is taking it’s toll on everyone. Our collective mental health is suffering and I am praying in the coming months, we can start turning some of that around with calmer waters. When we get come semblance of control over this virus through vigorous health habits and herd immunity through vaccination and antibodies, we can get back to a more normal life.
\n\n\nWhen all this started last year, I don’t think the majority of people could even imagine it taking this long. It’s hard, I will not lie. I was telling Mr. FixIt yesterday...it’s not easy when you like each other and you get along. It’s got to be h*** when you’re having marital issues on top of it all. I personally know several who are really struggling with this and I hate it for them.
\n\n\nSo, what can we do to bring up the vibrations around us when we can’t get away? For me, my first outreach is to God for comfort. He’s always there to listen to my heart and lift me up. In addition, here are some suggestions that might also help you and those around you.
\n\n\nSo, today is Tuesday...let’s make it a better, brighter day for someone else. And, in return, that will make it a better, brighter day for us.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-19T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/19/day-the-ripple-effectraising-our.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/17/day-what-will-this-day.html", "title": "Day 307: What Will This Day Bring?", "content_html": "\n“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”
\n1 Peter 5:7 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/06d63f9141.jpg\")
Our days run together punctuated with high drama and mundane tedium. Since before Christmas, I have spent many hours every day...snuggled in my really awesome new recliner...moving those posts from Facebook to my website. Day after day...it’s pretty much the same. Which breakfast should we have today? Get the second cup of coffee. The hours are filled in between with writing. We don’t really eat lunch so the next big event is “What shall we have for supper?” Then it’s news and I’m off to write my post.
\n\n\nThe television drones in the background. I half watch old reruns of Andy Griffith and Frazier while I work. I can pretty much tolerate anything but westerns. We hit pause and discuss something that strikes me in a post written the year I moved into Grandma’s farmhouse....something funny, something sad. We enjoy the rhythm of marriage in our 60’s. It’s hard to be out and about like we were BC (Before Covid). So we’ve kind of adopted this sort of life-on-pause moment of comfort and acceptance...and immense gratitude that we don’t have to go through this alone. I know how much harder this would be if it would have happened when I was actively grieving.
\n\n\nWe are happy when a day goes by without a breaking news bulletin. We are happy when we laugh together over a funny sitcom. We are happy when we can sit in companionable silence and catch one of us smiling at the other. We forgive when close quarters cause frayed nerves and terse words to escape. We love even with the extra padding and lack of motivation. We share toast and tea and time.
\n\n\nWe’ve been having snow off and on. Big fat fluffy flakes coming down all willy-nilly. Mr. FixIt says “Blizzard!” I say “Squall!” We laugh. Inside jokes are a big source of entertainment. I love when a relationship gets to the point when you can say “Remember when...?” He went out to check something the other day and about busted himself slipping on the ice. I ask him to please wear his boots instead of tennies in the snow. He calls out “Be careful!” when I take out the trash. We’re “of a certain age” and we’ve got each other’s back.
\n\n\nThe days may seem to run over each other and blend together but I’m telling you this...if they don’t hold drama from hour to hour, not knowing what’s coming next, wondering what disaster has befallen us now....well, that is a good day as far as I am concerned. I can settle down in my big red recliner and pass the time in peace. Let us pray the days ahead are just this way.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-17T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/17/day-what-will-this-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Peace","Wisdom","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/12/day-the-birds-of-the.html", "title": "Day 302: The Birds of the Air", "content_html": "\n“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.”
\nJohn 16:33 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9622a30c63.jpg\")
It’s been a long time since we had a really deep down, heart-to-heart chat. It’s been a long time since I needed to process some really difficult things and deal with the resultant side effects. I’m NOT going to dive into politics here...and I don’t want to stir up a political maelstrom. If that starts up, I’ll just delete the unhelpful comments. This isn’t about politics. This is about pain.
\n\n\nI have PTSD. It’s one of those awful things you sometimes get when you face a particularly painful trauma, and I got it from watching Mr. Virgo have his heart attack and the ensuing resuscitation. It went on for what seemed like hours. I was left with flashbacks and debilitating anxiety. EMDR went a long way toward easing that pain. And, it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced the effects.
\n\n\nAfter the events of last week at our Nation’s Capitol, I was surprised I wasn’t feeling worse than I was. I seemed to be handling things pretty well and went on about my business. I now realize what I had done was to compartmentalize my feelings. I kinda packed them up in a neat and tidy box labeled “Bad Things” and pushed it aside. That doesn’t mean I didn’t FEEL things. I just dampened them down and moved them aside.
\n\n\nOver the weekend I started getting a splitting headache and my body hurt everywhere. I was afraid I was getting sick, but this felt more familiar. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I had an experience a few years ago where I came into close contact with someone I believe to be dabbling in dark things. My relationship with God has been so strong since Mr. Virgo died, that I seem to have this radar that goes off when I’m around darkness. I not only feel that crawly sensation on my skin, but I literally get sick to my stomach. I believe that is a spiritual attack and I am very careful to stay away from such things.
\n\n\nA Facebook “friend” writes posts from time to time about church and on the surface, it’s very upbeat. On closer inspection, there seems to be something off. A little too “Stepford Wife” or something. Yesterday, there was a post with a rather surprising photo that maybe could have been read a couple of different ways. I went in to read the comments for an indication as to which direction this was leading. Someone posted a comment with a video. I had seen this video the day before with a comment saying someone from West Virginia had posted it.
\n\n\nI totally expected to open the video and hear something Biblical and I can guarantee you....it was NOT. It was vile and I won’t go into further detail and I certainly won’t share it here. I had that immediate creepy crawly dark sensation on my skin and ran to the bathroom to throw up. I was sick for over two hours. I climbed in bed and read my bible for a while. That always comforts me and reminds me, God always wins in the end.
\n\n\nI felt much better afterwards. The headache is all but gone, as is the creepy crawly feeling. The enemy vanquished back. The verse I read was Luke 12:22-26...where we are told God takes care of the birds and we are so much more important than any birds. When I sat down to write my post last night, the first thing I saw on Facebook was this picture of my cousin Mike, cradling a female cardinal in his hands. It had managed to get into their screened porch, so he gently picked it up to take it outside. We call him “The Bird Whisperer”. I loved this little God wink...a cardinal coming to remind me how important we are to God and we have no need to worry if we remain close to his side.
\n\n\nThese are dark and trying times. I’ve been carefully winnowing my friends list on Facebook again. Not to weed out those whose political beliefs don’t mesh with mine. I welcome respectful repartee. But I don’t respect violence in any “way, shape, form or fashion”, as Governor Justice says.
\n\n\nToday is a brand new day and no matter what comes my way, I know...I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.
\n\n\n???
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-12T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/12/day-the-birds-of-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Insight"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2021/01/02/day-finding-hope-among-the.html", "title": "Day 292: Finding Hope Among the Stars", "content_html": "\n“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life! Don't worry about having something to eat or wear. Life is more than food or clothing. Look at the crows! They don't plant or harvest, and they don't have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. Can worry make you live longer? If you don't have power over small things, why worry about everything else?”
\nLuke 12:22-26 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f2a3b417d8.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/94583887d0.jpg\")
I’m in the hope business. My glass is always full...even when it doesn’t look that way. It may only have a drop of water left, but the rest is filled with air. Even though you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Most unseen things are. Being hopeful in difficult circumstances can be challenging, but it’s infinitely easier if you remember your glass is filled with lots of unseen things....love, faith, and that sometimes elusive yet forever ubiquitous element of life called HOPE.
\n\n\nJust as we turn away from what may be one of the most challenging years any of us will ever experience, we turn towards an entirely new year with a little less confidence. After all, last New Year’s Eve, the only pressing matter of the coming New Year was what was looking to become a contentious election season. Oh, little did we know what we had in store for us when we blithely watched the calendar flip over to 2020. It’s hard to trust 2021, isn’t it?
\n\n\nFor good reason. We knew the transition was going to be difficult, but most of us...myself included...never dreamed we’d be here at this point and still wondering. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go. This isn’t how its ever gone in my lifetime. I’d love to experience a little normalcy. We didn’t know there was going to be a pandemic that would rage out of control. We didn’t know 2020 would be the year of social unrest that it was. It would be one thing if everything was settled and packaged up and resolved, but it’s not. There’s a LOT of work to be done before we ever get to that true sense of peace, I think.
\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean we are without hope. There are more people trying to raise people up than those trying to break them down, I think. We just hear about the bad stuff more often because it sells. There are good people out there doing good work and making positive changes in our world. But, even more importantly, the things of this earth are finite and will eventually fall away. God has the entire universe in the palm of his hand and only He knows the Master Plan because He wrote it.
\n\n\nAs I wandered around the internet last night, I was looking for hopeful things. Sesame Street has created Rohingya Muppets to help children cope with the unthinkable horrors of the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. UPS Drivers are being celebrated and thanked for never giving up through the holiday rush. The vaccines are coming to a site near you and we can get on board and get this thing over with. The first meteor shower of 2021 is this weekend.
\n\n\nWe can always look up for hope. When I was going through a difficult divorce, I built my very first house I ever lived in alone. It was exactly as I wanted it...light and airy with lots of florals and stripes. I was surrounded by my antiques and family treasures. And I had a hot tub out back. On the darkest, coldest nights of the year, I would turn off all the lights, quietly step out the back door, hang my robe on the hook and slip into the hot and steamy water. I live away from town and the night sky was magnificent. I remember leaning back in the hot water and staring up at the billions of stars.
\n\n\nThe constellation Orion always caught my eye with the three stars representing his belt. Orion was always there...looking over me and my house from his celestial perch in the late autumn and winter skies. As I was searching for an image to go with this post, I stumbled upon the lates images from NASA as they created a composite image of the Orion Nebula as seen by the Hubble Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. I think they saved the best for the last of 2020...as if to say “Here, I know it’s been hard. But let’s look forward with new hope.”
\n\n\nBecause...that same power that blew this cosmic fairy dust across the universe blew life into our souls. I’ll never look at Orion’s Belt the same again. Remember...it is often the unseen things that have the strongest power and give us the greatest hope.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2021-01-02T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2021/01/02/day-finding-hope-among-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/12/28/day-christmas-thats-a-wrap.html", "title": "Day 287: Christmas 2020...That’s a Wrap!", "content_html": "\n“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race. It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.”
\nPsalms 19:1-6 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8ed4a9a5ba.jpg\")
Now that it’s Monday, Christmas 2020 is officially over. The tree will stay up for as long as we want this year. Of all seasons, this is the one we need to pour as much love and light into as it can possibly hold. Even though this year was certainly challenging, Christmas was not without its joys. We were able to exchange gifts remotely and in person, although socially distanced. It’s really hard not to hug these kids! The time will come again when we can...it’s not forever, it’s just for now, right?
\n\n\nI made a big meatloaf on Saturday night as our “Christmas Dinner” so we enjoyed cold meatloaf sandwiches as we watched football yesterday. I inadvertently got drawn into a project over the weekend that I wasn’t expecting, but I was glad to do it. I am one of the administrators of the Facebook page for our high school class. There are two files that keep getting updated. One is “Where are you now?” The other is the Memorial Wall... “Gone...But Not Forgotten”. Somehow, the memorial wall was deleted with twelve years of data and comments on it. Fortunately, several people have kept track of those we’ve lost over the years and I was able to reconstruct the list itself. But, all whose wonderful comments and prayers...some from class friends who are no longer with us...are gone for good, I’m afraid.
\n\n\nAfter I regained my composure over the loss of all that data, I set to reconstructing a new, improved list...with a back up. Typos were corrected and the list was changed to last-name-first to facilitate alphabetizing. We lost three class members this month alone. We had a very large class..somewhere over 700 students. Our Memorial Wall contains the names of 110 of our friends. It never gets easier when we lose one. And it doesn’t matter that our class was so big...we’re still family. “Once a Big Red, Always a Big Red.” I don’t know what it was about our class...we were tight. I’ve talked to classes before and after ours and many have never stayed in touch with their classmates, never attended a reunion. I think Facebook has helped people stay in touch and for that, I’m very grateful.
\n\n\nI was kicked back in my recliner all afternoon and looked up the see the sky on fire! What a gorgeous sunset. No pictures can do it justice, but trust me...it was breathtaking. I had my lap desk, my iPad, my laptop, my phone, and our yearbook balanced on my lap when I threw my phone to Mr. FixIt and implored him to run out and take pictures for me. Over the weekend, photos have been coming in from the family and they were filled with so much joy, I absolutely had to share them with you today.
\n\n\nJoy comes even in the darkest of times and we so need all the joy we can get right now. Right now, I can’t count on two hands the number of people I know who are sick with Covid or other serious health issues. And I cannot do a single thing but pray for them. I can’t go make them soup or hold them or clean their houses for them. I can’t get on a plane and fly to their side or hop in the truck and drive. It makes us feel so helpless. So, I take care of people in other ways. I’ve mailed out care packages. I’ve contributed small amounts to fundraisers. I’ve helped people who are helping people. I’ve lifted people up in prayer and told them about it. I’ve prayed with them. I’ve taken food to their homes. I’ve contributed food and blankets and coats to drives. I’ve rounded up at the checkout.
\n\n\nWe may be helpless in some ways, but we can make up for it in others. We may feel hopeless on this day, but we won’t always. We can become hopeful for the days of hope ahead. They will come. They WILL come! We can work together and rise up and meet this challenge with dignity and hope and grace...and most of all love. And within that...we will find our joy!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-12-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/12/28/day-christmas-thats-a-wrap.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/12/22/day-winter-solsticehere-comes-the.html", "title": "Day 283: Winter Solstice...Here Comes the Sun!", "content_html": "\n“...We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.”
\nRomans 5:3-5 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2508f2a887.jpg\")
We just went through the longest, darkest night of the longest darkest year. I always look forward to December 22nd as the beginning. It symbolizes the gradual...way TOO gradual...lengthening of the days. It won’t be too long till we’ll start noticing the sun setting a little later week by week. This day, and March 17th for some reason, are always days filled with hope and joy and promise.
\n\n\nI’m trying hard not to look at all the reasons to be sad this year, but it isn’t easy. Hearing all the tragic storied surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus and the inability of the medical community to keep up is just staggering. Coming on the heels of those reports are stories of the impending holiday with its travel and traditional gatherings that people just will not give up. The storm will surge again and again. We simply must make sacrifices for the effort for the common good. As I tell my family...it isn’t forever. It’s just for now.
\n\n\nDaughter #1 has been dropping hints regarding our Christmas present this year. She says it’s something I want. Something I discussed in a recent conversation. And I don’t have to go out and buy one now. I think I know what it is, but I’m not saying out loud. Mr. FixIt and I decided not to exchange gifts this year because we just bought the new recliners and a new microwave. And, he gave me an antique gold wedding band to replace the one that won’t go over my swollen knuckles. We received some beautiful handmade gifts from my step-daughter this weekend. There will be a few other things. Neighbors have brought cookies. And the former Mrs. FixIt gifted us a huge cookie tray with magnificent treats in it. So, we’re set. But, if the gift from my daughter is what I think it is, it’s going to be such a delight!
\n\n\nHubby #2 and I got married on this day, forty-one years ago. He was in his first year of medical school and we were poor as church mice. We got married at home with a couple dozen friends attending. We ate and drank and danced the night away. And we celebrated all the joyful days we had in front of us...as lovers always do when they marry. As it turned out, we did have many years of joy...and just as many that were dark and difficult...as often happens when lovers marry young. This day still holds that hope for a brighter tomorrow for me...no matter what else had happened on the date in the past.
\n\n\nOne of our local grands sent me pictures of our great grandson opening his Christmas presents from us this weekend. We decided it was imperative the cinnamon rolls will still need to be made this week and delivered before Christmas Eve! Mr. FixIt and I want to go for a long drive and see the Christmas lights so I’ll make them, package them up, and deliver them while we are out and about. We’ll be Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!
\n\n\n??????
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-12-22T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/12/22/day-winter-solsticehere-comes-the.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Comfort","Holiday","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/11/21/day-praying-praying-praying.html", "title": "Day 252: Praying, Praying, Praying", "content_html": "\n“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat; winter and summer, day and night.”
\nGenesis 8:22 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a14495a91c.jpg\")
When I left the house Wednesday morning, I headed to the clinic to drop off a specimen then headed out to the farm for my R&R. I had to sit in the clinic for an hour in the main waiting room. People were spaced apart and wearing masks. But, still...I was inside in a medical clinic...for an hour. I wasn’t really happy about it. All I wanted to do was drop off the specimen and leave. But, rules is rules, right?
\n\n\nI realized as I headed to the farm...I totally forgot to pack a cooler with some food. I stopped at McDonald’s and got some breakfast sandwiches, and at the Dollar General on the two-lane on the way to my destination. I was only planning to stay two nights, so that was plenty. I had boatloads of laundry to do and was finishing up the last of it yesterday morning, when my nose started dripping. My throat felt scratchy. I was coughing a little.
\n\n\nUh-oh.
\n\n\nI didn’t like the sound (or feel) of that. If I picked up something in that waiting room or Dollar General or McDonald’s drive-thru, I sure as the dickens didn’t want to take anything home to my sweetheart. I called him, and thankfully...he feels just fine. I told him how I was feeling and that I thought I’d better just stay put till I make sure it isn’t anything to be concerned about. I hope it’s just allergies from this dusty old farmhouse.
\n\n\nThere is a small service station and convenience store about seven miles from the farm. I wore two masks and gloves and didn’t come anywhere near anyone when I got there. I grabbed some food really quickly and was in and out of there in a whipstitch and headed back to the farm. The laundry is done and hanging in the bathroom, air drying the knits. I have a stack of magazines and my iPad and phone. I have plenty of food to last a little while. I’m sure it’s nothing and I’ll be heading home to Mr. FixIt soon.
\n\n\nBut, in the meantime...we wait.
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-11-21T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/11/21/day-praying-praying-praying.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/11/13/day-surprisesbad-good.html", "title": "Day 244: Surprises...Bad \u0026 Good", "content_html": "\n“From the church leader. To my dear friend Gaius. I love you because we follow the truth, dear friend, and I pray all goes well for you. I hope you are as strong in body, as I know you are in spirit.”
\n3 John 1:1-2 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/55d26999b0.jpg\")
One of my bonus granddaughters lost her beloved Lulu yesterday when she got hit by a car. Fur babies are such a part of our hearts and as much a member of the family as their little two legged siblings. It broke my heart to hear her tears over the phone as she is such a strong young woman. I know her heart will heal with time, but Lulu will always be a part of her heart.
\n\n\nWe learned of her loss on our way home from Lowe’s. Earlier in the day, I tried to heat up something in the microwave and...nothing. The turntable worked, as did the light and the fan, but no heating. Mr. FixIt fiddled around with it for a while to no avail. Fortunately, that “happy hoarder” had a small microwave out in the building and we set it up on the kitchen counter to make do for the time being.
\n\n\nIsn’t it amazing how you become so reliant on modern conveniences? I use a small 4-cup Mr. Coffee coffeemaker as Mr. FixIt drinks tea. I use a 16oz. Tervis insulated cup for my coffee and by the time I’ve finished the first one, the coffeemaker has timed out and turned itself off. If I decide to have the other half of that pot, I have to put my sweetener and Half & Half in it with the lukewarm coffee and pop it in the microwave. Even knowing full well the microwave was not working, I still found myself automatically opening the door to warm up that second cup. We are such creatures of habit.
\n\n\nSo, off to Lowe’s we went. We have a black stove and they didn’t have a black microwave in stock. Some appliance manufacturers have finished producing product for the year and the one we really wanted wouldn’t be in till March of next year! We settled on a Samsung that’s just as good and will be in on December 5th...allegedly. We’ll see. Large appliances are not easy to find these days. Just ask for anyone looking for a freezer!
\n\n\nMy biggest news of the day yesterday came in the form of a video conference with an endocrinologist in Texas. I’ve been trying to get answers to a medical issue I’ve been having for the last three years. It started with a sharp, stabbing pain between my second and third toe on my left foot. Then, the pain moved some there else, only to migrate on to a different spot within a few days. Mostly my feet and legs, arms and hands. The pain has caused me to stop exercising like I was, and consequently, my weight has ballooned. Other weird symptoms like insomnia, hair loss, exhaustion, brain fog, difficulty concentrating & focusing, crabby mood, headaches...just a general “I don’t feel good but I don’t know how to explain it”. Honestly, you feel like you’re developing dementia. My calcium was high, my Vitamin D was low, and my PTH (parathyroid hormone) was three times normal.
\n\n\nMost doctors don’t have a lot of experience with parathyroid disease. I’ve read, the average time it takes to diagnose it is three years and ten doctors. Well, it’s been three years and four doctors and I finally have a referral to a surgeon. I’m going to the top...the Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa. They are the world’s experts in the parathyroid. As a matter of fact...that’s all they do. If you have to have a parathyroid tumor removed, you want a surgeon who does a high volume of cases. For instance, the endocrine surgeons at WVU do an average of 30 parathyroidectomies in a year. The Norman Parathyroid Center does nearly that many in two days.
\n\n\nI know this may be TMI, but if you have these symptoms and a high calcium, go to parathyroid.com and read about this disease. A friend of mine just had the surgery a couple of weeks ago and she said within hours, the pain she has been dealing with for YEARS was just...gone. She is sleeping better, she isn’t cranky, she wakes up in the morning ready to go. It’s amazing. I’m not sure if I will qualify for surgery till I get the work up from the Norman Center, but I am so incredibly encouraged that we are on the right path now. It feels amazing when a doctor actually hears you and listens. Thank you, God!
\n\n\n?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-11-13T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/11/13/day-surprisesbad-good.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/10/02/day-where-do-i-findfeel.html", "title": "Day 203: Where Do I Find...Feel Good Friday?", "content_html": "\n“If medicine and doctors may be found in Gilead, why aren't my people healed?”
\nJeremiah 8:22 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b904472f7.jpg\")
Lord, have Mercy...these are hard times if we look at all we are shown. I’ve lost friends this year...some to death...some to politics. My list dwindles as people peel away from me for whatever reason. I had a friend ask the other night if we should unfriend till next year. I told her I am comfortable with civil discourse but if it made her more comfortable, she needed to do what was best for her. We decided to stay connected and work our way through the next few months. That being said, there are some friends I have had to put in “time out” by snoozing them for thirty days. When those thirty days are up, I can revisit and evaluate. I don’t unfriend people just because we have a difference of opinion. I DO unfriend people if they attack, are verbally abusive, or go beyond my personal boundaries of what I am willing to put up with.
\n\n\nSo...I snoozed the loudest, angriest, ugliest posts. Then...by mid week, my FB feed sounded like crickets. It’s been so much more peaceful and it left me the space to fill with hope and love. Hate doesn’t kill hate...only love does. My dear friend Diane shares the craziest, sometimes bawdiest memes and funnies and she helps keep me sane. She sometimes has a crusty exterior, but inside...she’s a marshmallow. She just doesn’t let very many people know. The other day, she sent me this. I watched it in messenger, but the sound wasn’t on. I thought is was so sweet...a speech therapist is getting married and her groom surprises her with the beautiful children she works with. Sweet. Then...when I prepared to write this post, I watched the full video with the sound and sobbed all the way through it...three times.
\n\n\nWe need more of this beauty and joy in our lives. These are hard times, yes. And there’s a lot of ugliness in this world. But....oh, my...there is still SO much beauty. Please don’t forget there is still so much beauty around us. Please don’t give up.
\n\n\nKeep looking.
\n\n\nKeep looking.
\n\n\nWATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO HERE!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-10-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/10/02/day-where-do-i-findfeel.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Be Joyful!","Kindness","Feel Good Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/09/21/day-be-betterdo-better.html", "title": "Day 187: Be Better...Do Better", "content_html": "\n“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
\nGalatians 5:22-23 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bbbef741b5.jpg\")
My mom always told me my mouth would get me in trouble someday and she was so right. There have been times...too many times...that I react and speak instead of take a breath and think. I try limiting my news time. I try staying off of social media more than just a few minutes a day. I try to get out and do something active. I try to end each day with a feeling of accomplishment.
\n\n\nI try.
\n\n\nI don’t always succeed.
\n\n\nToo often I get sucked into the maelstrom that social media has become. I get triggered. I get angry. I get frustrated. I get sad. When those things happen, it’s far too easy to start to respond negatively and that’s when the drag starts...like a weight around my neck, pulling me deeper and deeper into the depths.
\n\n\nThat’s not where the light is. That is not what brings me hope. Finding hope today is sometimes like parenting an obstreperous toddler. No matter how tired we are, we have to find something they’ve done to praise them for so they feel encouraged. In this case, it’s us that needs the encouragement. We need to shift the attention to what we are doing right, thank ourselves for do it, and do more of it.
\n\n\nMy friends and I talk about the Bible and share scriptures. We text them to each other periodically during the day for encouragement. We share bible studies. We send jokes that make us laugh and eases the tensions in our lives. Having a network with whom you can share life with is invaluable. Find your people...through church or a senior center or the library. Meetup is an app that helps you find likeminded individuals with similar interests.
\n\n\nGo through your friends list on Facebook. Pick five people a week to just send a random note to. Not a meme...but a heartfelt message letting them know you were thinking about them and you wanted to reach out to see how they’re doing. Send more goodness out into the world and it’s bound to catch on eventually.
\n\n\nFlood the world with kindness this week.
\n\n\nThink about what you are sharing with the world before you hit “send”.
\n\n\nDon’t contribute to the divisiveness that’s out there. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
\n\n\nResearch before you post. Include resources. Make your English teacher proud.
\n\n\nWhen that meme grabs your eye, think twice...three times before you share. Is it kind, is it true, is it necessary?
\n\n\nSend beautiful things out into the world. Do you really think your rant about the “other guy” is going to change anyone’s mind at this point? I can pretty much guarantee this...it may not change their mind about who to vote for, but it’s sure to make them look at you differently. We’re almost to Election Day. We are coming into the home stretch.
\n\n\nLet’s fill the world with a lot less bitterness and a lot more better-ness. Let’s see if we can put out this dumpster fire and create some beauty. Because...
\n\n\nKindness Matters
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
\nIsaiah 1:17 NIV\n
\n\n\n\n“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””
\n1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV\n
\n\n\n\n“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
\nJames 1:19-20 NIV\n
\n\n\n\n“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
\n1 Peter 4:8 NIV\n
\n\n\n\n“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
\nProverbs 17:27-28 NIV\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-09-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/09/21/day-be-betterdo-better.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/16/day-my-shining-ray-of.html", "title": "Day 151: My Shining Ray of Hope in a Phone Call", "content_html": "\n“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
\nGalatians 6:9 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3c5c7e4245.jpg\")
I worked on my website for a few hours yesterday. The office is across the wall from the television in the family room and my sweet hubby was snoozed out in his recliner with a shoot ‘em up action film going. I could feel every boom to my toes so I turned on my music. The booms melded with the tympani of the orchestra and soon I was blissfully lost in my work. Did I mention I hate television? We have agreed on a compromise. Until my second cup of coffee is done, there will only be old reruns of Andy Griffith on the TV. Then I can go do whatever else I want to do. Win-Win!
\n\n\nWe had three inches of rain yesterday between 6:00am and 2:30pm. I sure wish we could send some out west to help with the fires. Our high temp yesterday was predicted to be 73 degrees. I will take a day like that anytime!
\n\n\nAs soon as the rain let up, I packed up a few things and was about to head out the door to the camper when my phone rang. I was one of my dearest friends in the whole world calling from Colorado. She read my post yesterday and said, “You DON’T want to come to Colorado! The smoke is so bad, we can’t even go out of the house!” We went on to talk for an hour and I’m telling you...it was like salve to a sore place, as my grandma used to say.
\n\n\nBarbara and I are about ten years apart in age, yet my youngest and her oldest are only nine months apart. We became fast friends when her husband opened his practice in the same small Colorado town where Hubby #2 and I lived. She’s that friend you may not talk to frequently, but when you connect, the time seems to melt away. I felt 1000% percent better after talking to her and hearing she is going through much of the same things I am feeling with all that’s going on. I was her God appointment of the day...I am sure.
\n\n\nWhen we finally said our goodbyes, I grabbed my camping bag filled with books and writing implements and told Mr. FixIt I was “going camping”! So, as I am writing this, I am tucked into TOW-Wanda...pretending I’m camped near a clear mountain lake high in the Rockies and I can literally feel the stress peel off of my weary heart and mind.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51e87da544.jpg\")
There are ways to escape...even when you are bound to your premises. Remember to protect your mental well-being as well as your physical health during stressful times. Chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels and that can lead to a lot of physical problems in and of itself. A phone call. A good book. I’m reading Aunt Arie: A Foxfire Portrait and just love it. Aunt Arie is so much like my grandma and her contemporaries that I grew up with and her stories take me back to my childhood. A change of scenery...even if it’s just in another room or a short drive away...can do wonders for your frame of mind.
\n\n\nThere’s nothing like rain on the roof of a camper to put things in perspective and I am blessed to have this little home on wheels. I noticed a little bit of water on the floor so I need to do some sealing work in the next dry stretch.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/16/day-my-shining-ray-of.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","Love","Peace","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/11/day-another-bad-night-another.html", "title": "Day 146: Another Bad Night, Another Good Day", "content_html": "\n“I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.”
\nJohn 14:27 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6ea56db7c2.jpg\")
I used to have what I referred to as “bad nights” in the early years after losing Mr. Virgo. I will never forget the blessed feeling of relief when they finally let up. I will also never forget when they resurfaced years later and I couldn’t shake the thought that maybe this is just the way things are with the new new normal of grief.
\n\n\nThankfully, those bad nights are few and far between anymore. They are usually triggered by stress and...could there be anything more stressful than your new husband having two strokes not much more than a year after the wedding...compounded by everything else going on in this world today? We have had two deaths in the family in the last two weeks. One was my cousin’s husband. That stirs up those old memories.
\n\n\nI went to bed Sunday night like I always do. I slept so well on Friday and Saturday nights. I was hoping for a repeat. I wrote my post. I fed my sourdough starter. I took my meds and did my evening toilette. I climbed between clean sheets with the windows open and a cool evening breeze coming in. I put away my phone so I wouldn’t be tempted to lay there and surf or read or play games. In other words, I did everything right. Still...sleep did not come.
\n\n\nI laid there for hours...tossing and turning. I knew I was keeping Mr. FixIt awake, so I tried to just lay still so I wouldn’t bother him. Then I got a headache from laying in the same position. When Mr. FixIt doesn’t sleep soundly, he become a noisy sleeper. Every time he turns over, he either moans or shouts out...depending on the level of discomfort he has from arthritis. Suffice it to say...I watched the sun coming up.
\n\n\nI got up, drew my fuzzy robe around me, and walked outside to photograph the morning fog. I love fog...it’s so cool and mysterious and softens the world to a hazy glow. The fog also dampens the sounds of the world. The birds seem to whisper their tenuous calls so not to wake up Mother Nature before the coffee’s ready.
\n\n\nI wandered around for a while, went back inside and cleaned the kitchen, and finally...around 7:30...I thought I’d try again to sleep. That’s when the “bad” part of the “bad nights” hit. I laid there, realizing it had now been 24 hours I’d been awake. What if something happened and Mr. FixIt had a medical emergency and needed me? What if something happened to the kids? How would I be my best if I hadn’t had any sleep. You all know where that snowball went...right downhill.
\n\n\nI laid there, quietly willing myself to settle down, to not borrow trouble, to not wake up my husband. When he finally did wake up, I told him about my night and he urged me to not worry about a thing and get some sleep. I went into the guest room and slept till 3:30 in the afternoon!
\n\n\nWhen I awoke, we went to the farm to get the long ladder so I could seal the roof on TOW-Wanda. When we got home, we watched the news and then worked on the camper. I fixed a great meal, and the day was done. My biggest gift of the day came again from Miss Jackie. Her husband was a pastor and she is just a knowledgeable woman when it comes to the Bible. There, in her comment on yesterday’s post was her formula for maintaining mental health. A verse from Philippians. I’ll include it here.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/92848514cb.jpg\")
These verses are an instruction manual for maintaining balance in these crazy times. Good friends can bring such good advice when they are plugged into the light. I cherish those friends who tell me like it is, who gently correct...and who sometimes kick me in the butt when I need it. Thank you all for always being here.
\n\n\nAs Ram Dass said...”We are all just walking each other home.”
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-11T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/11/day-another-bad-night-another.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","God","Wisdom","Fear","Peaceful Moments","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/10/day-steadfast-through-the-storms.html", "title": "Day 145: Steadfast Through the Storms", "content_html": "\n“You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail.”
\nPhilippians 1:7 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fd1978df32.jpg\")
Let’s face it...2020 has been a year of storms. Every single day, we see something incredulous...something unimaginable...something so unbelievable our minds can begin to be numbed by it all. I don’t even need to write out the list, but who in their right mind would have thought up murder hornets and zombie cicadas...let alone all the other stuff?
\n\n\nI was feeling a little overwhelmed by it all this last week. I found peace in my garden and on my walks with Jesus. Then I would look at the news again and it would be another awful thing. Balancing between informed citizen and sensory overload is getting more and more challenging. Then, Mr. FixIt and I sat down to enjoy online church yesterday. Like He always does, the Holy Spirit brought me exactly the sermon I needed to hear.
\n\n\nPastor Heather spoke about weathering the storms of life. We are always guaranteed to have storms and more often than not, they come out of nowhere and we can be caught off guard. She happened to be on vacation last week with her family and there happened to be a hurricane come right through Myrtle Beach. She noticed the palm trees swaying in the fury of the winds, yet they were never uprooted or broken. It reminded her of the first few verses of Psalms.
\n\n\nThose who turn away from evil advice and don’t follow sinners or sneer at God find happiness in the teaching of the Lord, and they think about it day and night. It goes on to say they are like trees planted by a stream where they get their nourishment. This is what I want to be. A sturdy tree planted by the living waters where I can get my peace from the source. God tells us over and over the way to happiness.
\n\n\nWhen I first started writing this blog, I promised God if he would bring me the words, I would tell my readers where I find my peace. It is so terribly easy to be reactionary in this political climate. The other day I wrote a reactionary post that I not only didn’t give much thought to, but I also didn’t research it first. My sweet friend Jackie responded with a gentle correction. I so appreciated that. It didn’t escalate. It just suggested I “listen”. Action versus reaction.
\n\n\nA good lesson for us all.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/10/day-steadfast-through-the-storms.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Grace","God","Courage","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/08/09/day-into-the-woods-i.html", "title": "Day 144: Into the Woods I Wish I Could Go", "content_html": "\n“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won't follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, they find happiness in the Teaching of the Lord, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.”
\nPsalms 1:1-3 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3a749fe5b.jpg\")
I told Mr. FixIt yesterday that I want to go camping...right now. And I don’t want to come back till February. I don’t want a TV or a radio. I don’t want the Internet. I want my iPad and the ability to write and post essays to my blog everyday. But I don’t want anything else but peace.
\n\n\nI simply must find a way to stop getting sucked into the stories that upset me. I read an article warning against “doom-surfing”...getting on the internet and reading one bad thing after another till you’ve gone so far down the rabbit hole, it’s hard to find your way back. I tell myself, I’m being a concerned citizen. That I need to remain informed on current affairs. And, overall that is true. But, where I fall off the wagon is reading all the drama surrounding it.
\n\n\nI have sworn I won’t rant about politics on my page. Then, I wake up and look at my phone and see a trigger story. Before I know it, I’ve shot off my mouth and I haven’t even had coffee yet. I have a wonderful reader/friend who has been around the entire time I’ve been writing this blog. We have become good friends and have had lunch together when we were both visiting Denver. She commented so delicately...just one sentence...and it snapped me out of it. I wrote her a private message and thanked her for throwing me a line.
\n\n\nThere are lots of things I can do to improve this world, but ranting on Facebook isn’t one of them. It gives people the wrong idea of the kind of person I am. And face it...do you really think that off-the-charts meltdown you’re having on social media is going to change anyone’s minds of you?
\n\n\nI have seen some responses from people on my side of the fence and I cringe when I read them. I mean, I totally understand where they’re coming from, but I cringe, nonetheless. The last couple of days, I’ve been trying to really cut back on “doom-surfing”. I look at this picture and really, really wish we were there...away from all this angst.
\n\n\nSince it’s impossible to go live on a mountaintop till February, I’m going to have to come up with diversionary tactics. I’m going to start setting a timer when I get on the internet and stop looking when the time is up. So far, that app that tells me how long I surf online has done nothing but shame me for wasting so much time. Perhaps a timer will be more useful.
\n\n\nI did get a couple new baking books. I’m returning one because I didn’t realize when I ordered it that’s it’s for professionals working in bakeries and restaurants. The recipes make huge amounts and it’s just the two of us. (Although, I did send a loaf of sourdough bread to Daughter #1 for their wedding anniversary dinner.) I have mastered sourdough. Now I think I’ll try baking a nice brioche.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-08-09T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/08/09/day-into-the-woods-i.html", "tags": ["Hope","Anger","Forgiveness","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/07/26/day-not-what-i-expected.html", "title": "Day 130: Not What I Expected", "content_html": "\n“He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off.”
\nIsaiah 53:7 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/41c08929fb.jpg\")
Even with everything that’s gone on this year since the initial lockdown, yesterday felt different. Mr. FixIt and I were heading to our great-grandson’s 1st Birthday Party. We needed to make a stop at Walmart to pick some things up to take with us. There is only one entrance open now at the Walmart we shop at.
\n\n\n“This Door for Emergency Use Only” the sign said.
\n\n\nYellow caution tape lined the area where we were inspected for masks before entering the store. That is good. I want people to wear masks. But this time I could feel the longevity of this disease. It’s too late to say “If only everyone would have worn masks, we wouldn’t have to face months and months of this.” That ship has sailed. I am learning of more and more people getting the virus. People I know personally. The families of people I know personally.
\n\n\nWe went to the party and the family had placed signs on a table asking people to stay 6’ back. So, at one end, you have the young mommies and daddies with their little ones...all congregating around the pizza and the cake and the presents. At the other end, you had the grandmas and the grandpa and the family members that practice social distancing. Which was just fine. We visited at a distance and had masks to put on if someone sat a little too close.
\n\n\nWhat went through my mind was...the birthday boy is a year old now and I haven’t held him since February. Our great-granddaughter is almost three. She knows now which grandparents can’t hold her so she’s stop asking for cuddles. The baby is six months old now and doesn’t know who we are. It breaks my heart.
\n\n\nI look back over the photos in my iPad at times when social isolation and masks were something that they did in Hong Kong during SARS....not here. It’s getting to be hard to imagine going someplace with the freedom we had BC (before Covid). I try not to dwell on it, but it’s increasingly hard not to.
\n\n\nIt helps tremendously to think of what’s above and not what’s here on earth. This is not my home in the end. I am just passing through here and there is a home in heaven with my name on it. This is God’s promise to me. The Bible tells us we will have troubles here. It’s just the nature of life here on earth.
\n\n\nI fill my days, though. Lands...I don’t have hardly a moment to call my own these days. After the birthday party, we stopped for a burger on the way home. Then Mr. FixIt suggested we take a ride out this country road to where there were a lot of nurseries at one time. One of my cousins told us they are selling tomatoes and other produce in front of a couple of “high tunnels”...greenhouses that look like a Quonset hut.
\n\n\nThere was a table set up out front, under a folding canopy, laden with the most beautiful tomatoes you can imagine. There were peppers and cucumbers, too. There was a price list and it was all on the honor system. We don’t need tomatoes as ours are just beginning to ripen. And, they didn’t have green beans, which is what I’m looking for. So we didn’t purchase anything.
\n\n\nI can’t believe it is Sunday again...it just seems like yesterday. The time seems to be flying by...which I suppose is a good thing, given all the circumstances. Still, I really feel like we need to really feel the feels that go along with this crisis or we will miss the lessons we can learn from it. It’s easy to stay present when it’s a pleasant experience. Not so much when things are rough.
\n\n\nMaybe we will appreciate our freedoms more once this is all over.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-07-26T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/07/26/day-not-what-i-expected.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/18/day-my-love-is-like.html", "title": "Day 93: My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose", "content_html": "\n“Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.”
\nColossians 3:2 CEV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b9bf5fe893.jpg\")
In 1794, Robert Burns was working diligently to preserve traditional Scottish tunes for the future...the most famous of which is “Auld Lang Syne”. One of the songs he worked on was this:
\n\n\nO my Luve’s like a red, red rose\nThat’s newly sprung in june;\nO my Luve’s like the melodie\nThat’s sweetly play’d in tune:\n\nAs fair art thou, my bonnie lass,\nSo deep in love am I;\nAnd I will luve thee still, my dear,\nTill a’ the seas gang dry;\n\nTill a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,\nAnd the rocks melt wi’ the sun;\nI will luve thee still, my dear,\nWhile the sands o’ life shall run.\n\nAnd fare thee weel, my only Luve\nAnd fare thee weel, a while!\nAnd I will come again, my Luve,\nTho’ it were ten thousand mile.\n\n\n
Mr. Virgo used to work at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. He was the Food and Beverage Director, and once a year, the Annual Robert Burns Dinner was held there. Think men in kilts, good single malts served in proper thick-bottomed scotch glasses, steaming haggis, neeps and tatties...all to the tunes of bagpipes. Oh, he loved that dinner....so steeped in tradition and manly things and cigars. The highlight of the evening is the recitation of Burns’s “To a Haggis”, during which the haggis is ceremoniously split open. Followed by lots of drinking and dancing and entertainment...all to celebrate the life of Scotland’s favorite son.
\n\n\nThis was in January 2008. Mr. Virgo and I hadn’t been married a year yet. And then...just a couple of weeks later, the hotel went into receivership and budget cuts came hot and heavy. I soon came to learn, the Food and Beverage Director is a great job...till there are budget cuts. Then it’s one of the first to go. That sent us in a totally new direction and we moved shortly after to Pagosa Springs for a completely different adventure. So much has changed since that first married winter with a man now gone over seven years.
\n\n\nHere at the Ponderosa, where I share another newly married life with Mr. FixIt and a little black cat, there is a tiny rose bush that we are convinced will never survive another winter. I’m not good with plants as a rule, and this straggly looking thing is no exception. Mr. FixIt prunes it a little and dusts it for bugs and we leave it to its own devices. Then, just like clockwork, a single red, red rose bursts forth in all its glory...”newly sprung in June.” I cannot help but think back to another time and another place and another love. Not in sadness...not even with longing....but, with a smile from this bonnie lass, tho’ it were ten thousand mile...while the sands o’ life shall run.
\n\n\nI recently spoke with a woman newly widowed. She is not in a place where she can understand the full impact of what has happened to her yet. So, she certainly can’t see how the joy I promise she will one day feel again will ever be possible. It’s out there, though. It can’t be rushed. It’s like the red, red rose. One day you’ll walk outside and there will be a brilliant flash of color. Color the likes of which you haven’t seen for so long, you dared not hope to see it again. Yet here it is...right before your eyes. It is in that moment when you know...joy really WILL come again.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
\n1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV\n
#Faith, #Hope, #Love
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-18T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/18/day-my-love-is-like.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Love","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/06/17/day-kindness-matters.html", "title": "Day 92: Kindness Matters", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0d1b9bbf2d.jpg\")
My heart has taken such a beating in the last few weeks. Covid, killings, riots, politics, strokes...hokey smokes, it’s been crazy. Then, I go on Facebook to see the kids’ pictures and the violence is escalating. I went through my feed yesterday like a woman with her hair on fire. I’ve always been one to try to see both sides. And I find myself failing at that. I find myself sassing back and that is not the person I want to be. It is not the person God intended for me to be. So I went through my feed and if it stirred anger in me, I blocked posts from that site. That way, it won’t show up on my feed anymore when one of my friends share it on theirs. There were a few that I have tolerated unkind and flat out mean behaviors from and I just gave up and hit “Snooze for 30 Days”. I can’t do it. I won’t do it.
\n\n\nKindness matters. The kindest thing I could do...for them or myself...was to back away. Let them rant on their own pages. Maybe they’ll still be there after 30 days. Maybe they won’t. Maybe the 30 days will pass and I’ll find I didn’t miss that particular contact in my life. You know, just because you were friends fifty or sixty years ago in school doesn’t mean you grew up to have the same ideals, the same values, the same goals. I love my friends, don’t get me wrong. But there are sometimes very good reasons you didn’t stay in touch all those years beyond the lack of social media.
\n\n\nI’ve reconnected with people from my past that wouldn’t give me the time of day in high school. We ran in different circles. We lived under different economic circumstances. Maybe they were really shy and I just thought they were stuck up. For whatever reason, there are some that I have become extraordinarily close to. And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are those I truly loved and when I met them as adults, they weren’t the kind, loving people I thought they were. Life is hard. It wears us down. I don’t know what traumas went on in people’s lives between then and now. I just know when something isn’t healthy and, all sentimentality aside, I don’t need that in my life. No one does.
\n\n\nThe number of friends I have on social media is not the metage of my worth. Granted, I wasn’t the most popular girl in school so when Facebook first came out, I was pretty jazzed to find myself with so many “friends”. But, as my late Aunt Peeps said, I was talking to my “pretend friends” much of the time. There are different categories of friends and some are really nothing more than acquaintances. It’s ok to thin the herd a little when it is hurting you.
\n\n\nIf it were not for this blog, I would probably have backed away from Facebook years ago. But now I have skin in the game. Now I have a calling from God to share my stories and life experiences because somewhere out there, others are going through tough things too and it helps a lot to know you aren’t alone. That someone out there “gets you”. I share what God presses on my heart. Sometimes he’s quiet and all I have to talk about is baking bread or a story from these West Virginia hills of my youth. Other times, like now...he tells me to speak about kindness.
\n\n\nIt is SO incredibly easy to see all this chaos and think the world is all bad and it just isn’t. The media isn’t falling all over themselves to show you all the kind things. They’re out there...the kind people. And, if you can’t find one...
\n\n\nthen BE one.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
\nProverbs 14:21 ESV\n
#Kindness, #Generosity, #Love
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-06-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/06/17/day-kindness-matters.html", "tags": ["Hope","Gratitude","Love","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/05/10/day-a-different-kind-of.html", "title": "Day 55: A Different Kind of Mother’s Day!", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7435aab184.jpg\")
As I sat at my keyboard last night, I looked for pictures of my mom and thought of all the Mother’s Days we had together. Really...very few. Once I left home to seek my fortunes, I am not sure we ever got to see each other on Mother’s Day. I always came home in the summer months when the kids were off of school. But I always called her and sent her a card and flowers.
\n\n\nI keep my pictures of Mom in an album on my iPad marked “”Family”. That way, when I get lonesome for them, they’re all in one place. I thought of all the sad and sentimental things I could say about my mom and how much I miss her. But, the truth is...even though I miss her desperately right now...I would NEVER want her to have had to experience what’s going on in the world. All the anger and divisiveness and ugliness would have upset her greatly. She had such a tender heart. And this virus would have worried her to death. I am much more peaceful knowing she is with her family and with Jesus.
\n\n\nMy eyes scanned the photos and lingered on my own children...from when they were littles to when they had littles of their own. These girls made me a mom. I wasn’t always very good at it. I made huge mistakes and it broke my heart that I let them down. So many years were lost to depression when I just couldn’t seem to connect with them as they needed. I’ve spent much of the last twenty years trying to fix that. Trying to be a better mom. Trying to create new and better memories.
\n\n\nSince I moved back to my home state, I have returned to Colorado every summer to see the girls and spend time with my grandchildren. Then, the pandemic hit and I am not at all sure I’ll get to go back this year. There was a time when I would have focused on that loss and that’s all I’d see. Things are different now. Now I see where God is taking this situation and turning it for good.
\n\n\nMy girls and I have communicated more since the Stay at Home orders came out than we ever have. There are lots of phone calls and texts, sharing pictures, video chats. When I watch their Facebook feeds, I see them reaching back for THEIR comforting touchstones and I see myself there. In the raised bed gardens. In the baking and making and growing. In the phone calls asking for advice. It has warmed my heart.
\n\n\nIn the last two months, during this lockdown, I have finally realized...I made a difference in my kids’ lives. The things I taught them, stuck with them. And now, they are using those gifts I gave them to comfort themselves and their families. This means more to me than any trinket they could give me. It doesn’t get much better than this.
\n\n\nMr. FixIt told me last night he didn’t get me anything for Mother’s Day because shopping isn’t the same. And I told him not to buy me flowers. I smiled and said, “I have everything I need for Mother’s Day. I have a great big blended family that gives me great joy.” Besides, I’d rather have kitchen stuff than flowers that wither and die.
\n\n\nI hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. And if you are actively grieving, I hope you find some moments of peace and comfort with your memories of your loved one.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.””
\nProverbs 31:25-29 ESV\n
#MothersDay, #Children, #Holiday
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-05-10T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/05/10/day-a-different-kind-of.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/05/08/day-its-feel-good-fridaytime.html", "title": "Day 53: It’s Feel Good Friday...Time to Graduate!", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c160ff5e27.jpg\")
Yes, it’s Friday again. Whether you feel like it’s only been a couple of days since last Friday, or this week has been 53 days long...it’s that time of the week where we look on the bright side if we can. Hopefully there has been at least one good and positive thing happen to you this week.
\n\n\nFor me, it was video-chatting with family, getting my hands in flour in the kitchen, having one near-normal day where I ran errands, and last night my bonus son-in-law brought his youngest out to the Ponderosa to hit softballs while Grandpa and I watched from the sidelines. Oh, and I have a batch of sourdough in the fridge that’s been rising slowly overnight so I’m going to try my hand at baking bread today.
\n\n\nAs I watched our granddaughter hitting softballs way out into the field last night, I thought of her older sister. We were all supposed to go to WVU next weekend to see her graduate. There are kids all over the country in the same boat. Their hopes and dreams of a fun-filled last few months of their senior years were dashed by the pandemic. No proms. No big graduation. No after-graduation parties. No hugs from all the proud family members. Not much is the same these days and there is a lot of disappointment all around.
\n\n\nThere is ONE thing we can do for our graduates. We can still give them bits of sage advice to help them along life’s pathway. Something to enlighten, encourage, inspire them as they take this next step in an uncertain world...an uncertain time.
\n\n\nWhat is your best piece of advice to someone who was supposed to graduate this week? Let’s send them off with some profound bits of knowledge and encouragement, shall we?
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-05-08T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/05/08/day-its-feel-good-fridaytime.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Courage","Choices","Change","Feel Good Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/22/day-easy-does-itstay-home.html", "title": "Day 37: Easy Does It...Stay Home!", "content_html": "\n“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!”
\nPsalm 20:4 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f36f414d4c.jpg\")
We have really been sticking close to home...a huge change for us. We usually make several trips to town every week but we are limiting it to no more than one. Of course, that means it’s a longer trip so we can do everything that needs doing. It’s mundane stuff...kitty litter, bird seed, prescriptions, post office, and the pool store to get chemicals during their yearly sale.
\n\n\nI was pleased to see you can have your prescriptions delivered to your car at Walmart. There were a couple of designated spots with a sign giving a number to call and let them know you’re there. It took about 10 minutes and we didn’t have to go inside. Same at the pool store. They came out to the truck and asked what we needed, went in and had it in the back of the truck in less than five minutes. The post office box is in the lobby and there were two people there...a man who held the door for me and a post office employees sanitizing everything. In and out in less than 60 seconds.
\n\n\nThe only really trip inside was to Rural King. One set of doors for entering, the other to exit. They had an employee at each door. When one left another could enter. Since there were two of us, we had to wait for the second person to leave. We made a bee line to the back, waited in line for five minutes...six feet apart and with masks. Our reward for the day was walking a mile in the park. We ran into one of our classmates halfway through and he continued with us at the required distance. It was nice to see a friendly face.
\n\n\nToday is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Our garden is tilled. The tomatoes are loving the big window in the family room and have grown to double their size in two weeks. They are putting out blossoms and in order for them to set, I need to pollinate them with a Q-Tip since we don’t have bees inside. Only one blossom has opened. More will open today so I can touch the stamens from one to another with the Q-Tip to pollinate the flowers so they produce fruit.
\n\n\nEvery time I go to the store, I pick up a couple of cases of canning jars. I used to have a couple hundred of them back in the day, but that was one of the things that went by the wayside when I downsized six years ago. Rural King had an excellent assortment and related canning supplies at affordable prices. I’m really looking forward to gardening this year. In a few weeks, I can get my flowers for the pots on the patio. Usually I’m gone so much of the summer, I don’t get to do any of that stuff but this is shaping up to be a stay-at-home year, I’m afraid.
\n\n\nI know you are watching the Covid coverage, as we all are. There are so many schools of thought surrounding opening back up. I know I’m coming from a fairly comfortable position not having to get back to work. I know people are struggling financially. But I am erring on the side of caution. I don’t have anyplace to go in a hurry and I certainly have plenty to do here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to continue to isolate and take every precaution I can. I pray there isn’t a second wave, but if history serves and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 is any indication...there will be. Many, many more died in the second wave. I really feel we have to move forward with caution...but that’s just my medical background talking and the advice of advanced epidemiologists.
\n\n\nIn the meantime, I plan my garden...I stock up on canning supplies...I clean and organize...and the electrical designer comes out today to give us her recommendations for “Camp Marshmallow”! It will be cool and rainy today...a perfect day to bake an apple pie and put a pork roast in the oven for supper.
\n\n\nEasy does it!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-22T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/22/day-easy-does-itstay-home.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Growth","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/16/day-the-redbud-and-dogwood.html", "title": "Day 31: The Redbud and Dogwood are Blooming!", "content_html": "\n“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”
\n1 Timothy 6:17 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c1e6fa1074.jpg\")
Mr. FixIt and I have been watching the weather reports very carefully the last week. We needed to get out to the farm to mow so we have been waiting for a dry, sunny day. Yesterday and today both were forecast to be beautiful, but...there was a 60% chance of rain last night. The ground at the farm is very soft and since it’s in a holler, it just doesn’t dry out very well. A heavy riding mower could easily tear up the lawn if we weren’t careful so we decided to go yesterday.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1f96dc99c7.jpg\")
As I was gathering things up to leave, I asked Mr. FixIt if he would like to go spend the night at the farm since we were going out anyway. This coming weekend is when we were supposed to go to the beach, so we have both been feeling the disappointment of changed plans. This would be a nice little getaway and feel like at least we saw something other than our own four walls.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fcc384c891.jpg\")
As soon as we drove into the driveway, we saw the tarp on the vintage camper had been ripped off in the wind. We knew we needed to get that fixed as soon as possible so we quickly got the lawn mowed then headed to the closest town with a hardware store to buy a tarp. The drive there was stunning. The sun was shining. It was just warm enough to have the windows open and the wind blowing through our hair. On the way home, we stopped to pick up a pie and ice cream for dessert. I also finally had the opportunity to snag a shot of this really cool dry-stacked rock wall I’ve been eyeing for the last couple of years.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9044732535.jpg\")
Every time I had the opportunity, I stopped and took photos. After Mr. Virgo died, I realized I only had a handful of photos of him. He was always the photographer so we didn’t get many pictures of him. I’ll never make that mistake again. Now I take pictures of everything and everyone. I have hundreds of photos of Mr. FixIt and since I’m taking photos of him, I end up taking pictures of a lot of other things, too.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bc961034d6.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e4e70adf67.jpg\")
One of my friends from Grandma’s church posted a picture of a batch of Redbud Jelly. Unfortunately, I don’t have the stuff to make it at the moment, but I’ll have it for next spring!
\n\n\nStacie says it’s really easy to make and has such a delicate taste. And, my oh my...isn’t it just beautiful? I’m thinking Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits and Redbud Jelly are definitely on the menu for Spring 2021!
\n\n\nHere’s the picture of Stacie’s jelly and the recipe she sent me:
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/515ff01017.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb0799e981.jpg\")
I hope you are finding things to look forward to today. When we were at the hardware store yesterday, we bought seeds to plant green beans. The last three springs, the rabbits have eaten them. Now that we have Pumpkin the Guard Cat...we haven’t had any bunnies in the yard so maybe we will have beans this year!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/16/day-the-redbud-and-dogwood.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/12/day-an-easter-well-never.html", "title": "Day 27: An Easter We’ll Never Forget", "content_html": "\n“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.””
\nHosea 6:3 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/59d64cceec.jpg\")
I was ten years old when JFK was assassinated and I remember every detail of that day...and the days and weeks after. That event changed my life by taking away the innocent idea that everything is good in the world. Martin Luther King. Bobby Kennedy. The Challenger explosion. 9/11. All monumentally bad things that happened and changed the world in an instant.
\n\n\nLife went on after each one, but I’ll bet most of us remember where we were and what we were doing when they happened. The thing the past can teach us is...things change. Things can be really bad. But they’ll be ok again. Albeit a different kind of ok...but ok nonetheless.
\n\n\nI look back over the Easters in my life. There were a lot of them that didn’t hold any meaning to me other than the Easter Bunny bringing candy and colorful eggs to my kids...even when we were living a Jewish life. Because, in my house, it was ME making the choice to become Jewish and you don’t take Santa and the Easter Bunny away from a five year old.
\n\n\nThe Easters that had meaning to me during my childhood were when we went to Grandma’s little white church on the hill. We came back to her house and had a big supper and pigged out on candy. I remember one particular Easter, my paternal grandmother baked me a bunny cake that was so clever. And someone made my grandma a sugar egg that you could peek inside and see the Easter Bunny delivering eggs.
\n\n\nBefore Mr. Virgo died, we went to Mass for Easter but he always had to work the holidays, so again...not so memorable.
\n\n\nIt wasn’t till after Mr. Virgo died that I truly started to feel the true meaning of Easter. Good Friday is so somber and solemn and sad. Then Easter bursts forth with Joy at the first rays of morning light. Ever since I found my church home, I have enjoyed Easter Services with my church family and this time it’s different. We have to listen to our pastor online like the majority of others. It’s not the same as being there, but it’s still corporate prayer.
\n\n\nEaster has never changed. Whether we are in a building or not...THAT is not the church. WE are the church. Wherever two or more of you are gathered in His Name...there is love. If you are isolated and alone during this time...remember, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you so you are never truly alone. That was one of the biggest comforts to me when I became a widow.
\n\n\nYes...this is an Easter we will never forget. It’s a story we will share till the day we die. Things may seem dismal in the world. But Jesus overcame the world. It in with Him that I find my deepest Joy...even in the darkest of moments.
\n\n\nMay you all have a Blessed Easter. May you connect with loved ones on this day. And, may you find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
\n\n\nHe is Risen!
\n\n\n❤️?❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-12T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/12/day-an-easter-well-never.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","God","Holiday","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/04/05/day-a-lesson-from-nature.html", "title": "Day 20: A Lesson From Nature and a Song for Your Heart", "content_html": "\n“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”
\nJohn 20:1 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/977399901f.jpg\")
Yesterday was so beautiful on The Ponderosa. The forsythia and flowering quince are at their peak of color. The pear tree out front is so full of delicate white blossoms the limbs bend. The grass in the fields has filled in with a spring green that shocks the eyes in the glare of the sun. All around us, the woods are filling in...first the underbrush, then the trees budding. It is a sight to behold and one that brings peace and comfort to my soul. It brings promise in the midst of an ugly scourge that is threatening the world. The dichotomy between the microcosm of my world and the painful specter that is New York, Italy, and countless other locales Boggles the mind.
\n\n\nWe spent the biggest portion of yesterday outside. I cleaned out my truck to prepare it for the body shop on Monday. The camping gear was sadly put away for now. We had a socially distanced visit with some family in the driveway. Our first great grandson is getting SO big and it was really hard not to run and scoop him up in my arms. Fortunately, he is too young to understand all this and was happy to sit in the seat of their Jeep and play patty-cake with me.
\n\n\nAs I went about my day, cleaning and organizing, I watched the birds swoop in to the bird feeders. Mr. FixIt put up the hummingbird feeder and we are anxiously awaiting our first sighting. The flowering shrubs are so heavily laden with honey bees, you can hear them buzzing from twenty feet away. It does my heart good to see the bees. I think there are more this year than usual, which is a good sign.
\n\n\nNature can teach us many things during times of duress. Nature almost always finds a way to survive, even in the harshest of environments. So can we. Nature displays beauty at every turn, even when the going gets rough. So can we. Nature follows a set script of seasons and there is a time for every purpose. There is for us, as well. It’s just that, now we have this thing...this aberrant monster that we can’t control. And that is disconcerting. Disheartening. Discouraging.
\n\n\nEven in the most difficult moments of our lives, we can find courage, we can seek beauty, and we can display kindness. In my search for Christine Lavin’s song about adjusting your dreams, I stumbled upon another of her works. At first, I was a bit afraid to listen as the title is “As Bad As It Gets”. She wrote it for someone she loved very much who was going through a devastating medical crisis. When I listened to it, I thought to myself it was something I wish I would have found early on in my grief. I find it comforting in the light of where we are right now and thought I would share it with you here this morning. Christine sent it to me to share in the hope that it helps you.
\n\n\n“As Bad As It Gets” by Christina Lavin: https://vimeo.com/233368854
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n“And his disciples asked him, \"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?\" Jesus answered, \"It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.\"”
\n\n\nJohn 9:2-5 ESV
\n\n\n#Struggles, #Coronavirus, #Faith, #ChristineLavin
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-04-05T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/04/05/day-a-lesson-from-nature.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/28/day-when-it-rains-it.html", "title": "Day 12: When it Rains, it Rains and Rains and Rains!", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ba2cb99b24.jpg\")
We are heading into what is one of the wettest times of the year in West Virginia. At the same time, the temperature is beginning to rise and that combo is what wakes up the grass and gets it growing. Every spring there are funny memes of people trying to mow the lawn in scuba gear. Sometimes it’s hard to get the garden plowed if you didn’t jump on it in early March. Then you have to wait for it to dry so you can plant. I’m not complaining, mind you. At least we aren’t planning to have more snow or hard freezes at this point like what I was used to in Colorado.
\n\n\nWith the pandemic, and the resultant shock waves going through the economy, it looks like we may be staying put here for a while. If I am anything, it’s flexible. And Lord knows we are all going to need to embrace that trait in the foreseeable future. We are blessed with a home and land and safety. There’s no need to rush into anything right now. Besides, that will take the pressure off and we can take our time fixing this place up.
\n\n\nWith all that in mind, Mr. FixIt and I have been talking about having a bigger garden here at The Ponderosa. I’m picking up a case of canning jars every time I go to the store. I bought a new gasket (plus a spare) for the pressure canner. One of the problems with growing a garden in the country is the wildlife that stand around waiting for the salad bar to open. We have tons of rabbits and they eat my green beans every year. We also have deer. In the past, Mr. FixIt grew a big garden here and used an electric fence to keep the deer out. I’ve been looking at a setup like the one pictured above...at least for the salad stuff that the rabbits get into. I don’t know how big we’ll actually go, but I really like the idea of the raised beds. It’s better on your back.
\n\n\nA couple of years ago, we bought a shaded gazebo for the deck by the pool. We didn’t put it up last summer because we thought we would be pushing to get the house on the market and wanted to save it for the new house. Since that isn’t happening right away, I think we’ll go ahead and do that when the weather clears up a bit. There’s still the bathroom to finish. And the drain at the bottom of the outdoor stairwell to enlarge and install a sump pump. And then the second bathroom and the wallpaper in the dining room needs to come off. The list goes on and on. I’m hoping when the pandemic eases and gathering restrictions are lifted, we can get the boys out here to help us get some of these big jobs completed.
\n\n\nAs I sit here in our home, safe and secure, and for all I know...healthy and virus free...I count my many blessings. As of this writing, no one I know is affected by the virus itself...just the inconvenience of isolation. I’ve been video chatting with the family. I pray a lot...every day. I limit myself to NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt...thirty minutes with an uplifting story at the end. It’s all I can take.
\n\n\nThe other night, when I was admittedly overdosing on news and watching every update, I was sitting here writing my post and all of a sudden, I just went numb. My hearing was muffled. My skin was tingling. My heart was pounding. I wasn’t necessarily frightened. I didn’t feel the surge of adrenalin like I usually feel if I’m having an anxiety reaction or panic attack. I felt detached...like a casual observer. My inner spirit told me what was happening. I was overwhelmed. I was grieving. I’ve been passively watching life as we’ve known it fall apart and it felt way too familiar. I closed my eyes and leaned back and listened to my body cry out to me for mercy. So, I talked back. I soothed my fear. I reminded myself that God is still here...He is always here. I concentrated on my breathing and feeling the air as it moved in and out of my nostrils. I reminded myself I was safe here. Nothing was happening to me in this moment. Mr. FixIt was safe, too. I reminded myself that, even though there are so many things going on right now that are out of my control, there are still many things I can do to feel more at ease.
\n\n\nWhen people tell you to just count your blessings, they aren’t necessarily trying to be dismissive of your fear. I have found the action of actually counting my blessing to be soothing. Directing your thoughts to something in the here and now can get you off the runaway train of fear. Looking around the room and naming five things. Closing your eyes and counting five sounds...five smells...five textures can bring you down off the ledge of anxiety. As I went through this exercise, I could feel the numbness leave and my heart rate slowed down. My hearing came back clear and I was fine.
\n\n\nI may have to talk myself down off the ledge any number of times in the coming weeks. I don’t know. What I do know is...we are ok. We are safe. We are here. And, we are planning a garden for when the brighter days come.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-28T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/28/day-when-it-rains-it.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Humbled","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/25/day-kindness-changes-everything.html", "title": "Day 9: Kindness Changes Everything", "content_html": "\n“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
\nIsaiah 43:2 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e74abd4db7.jpg\")
If there was ever a time to be kind, it is now. Under normal, everyday circumstances the emotional climate would be highly individualized. These people happy, these people sad. These people stressed, these people relaxed. There would be clusters of people sharing the same emotions surrounding a particular event like a wedding, a death, a concert, a family gathering. Never in our lifetime has there been such a global group of people sharing the same emotional event at the same time. For those of us who can easily pick up on the vibes of others, this feels like having your brain in a frying pan set on high. Those of us who have gone through it know this feeling. It has a name. Grief.
\n\n\nNeedless to say, everyone is living with a heightened set of emotions. We are all experiencing grief in a collective way. Whether you are fearful, anxious, filled with dread. Or resolved, determined, keeping calm and carrying on. All of these states of being are emotionally taxing and make burnout a very real possibility. This elevation of being can make us respond and relate in ways that are totally unexpected and unlike the person we really are.
\n\n\nThat’s why we saw people getting in fights over toilet paper last week. It was crazy to us...but it was perfectly rational to those people who were in the moment. I think we all need to step back and breathe a little. Do a little meditation. Do a little yoga. Say a little prayer. Light a candle. Take a bubble bath. Drink a nice cup of tea. Go for a walk. I know I’m being repetitive here and I’ve said these things before, but I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to practice self care when you grieve.
\n\n\nIf we burn ourselves out now, we aren’t going to have the energy to fight anything that’s coming our way. We need to be our healthiest selves. We need to focus on eating good, immune boosting foods. We need to avoid lots of empty calories like sugar and alcohol. We need to resist the temptation to zone out till it all passes over...immersed in junk TV and junkier food.
\n\n\nAbove all, we need to practice kindness...to each other, and to ourselves. Kindness goes a long way toward soothing ragged nerves. West Virginia’s numbers doubled yesterday. And there’s a case in Wood County now, so it’s here. My stepson calls us every day to check in. He’ll pick up whatever we need and bring it out to us. We have two medical appointments...one tomorrow, one Thursday...and then we are home for a solid week. We are taking every precaution.
\n\n\nI find I’m not accomplishing what I thought I would do. I have yet to start stripping the wallpaper in the dining room. I haven’t started sorting through papers or getting rid of junk. I’ve been binge-watching West Wing with Mr. FixIt and staying to maintain social distance from the refrigerator. I resisted baking again today, but we have some rapidly browning bananas so I’m going to be forced to do something with them because I don’t want them to go to waste.
\n\n\nHere’s your helpful hint for today:
\n\n\nJust because the IRS has postponed the filing date to July 15th for federal taxes does not necessarily mean your state has followed suit. As a matter of fact, there are very few states that have. As of this writing, West Virginia has maintained April 15th. Since we have to file state, we might as well file federal at the same time. It’s my goal to get that done next week.
\n\n\nHere is a link to TurboTax with an explanation.
\n\n\nHang in there, dear ones. It’s about to get bumpy...but we can get through this. Whatever your faith or inclination...be it prayer or good thoughts or positive energy...keep sending it. We need all the help we can get!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
\nRomans 12:12 ESV\n
#Hope, #Trials, #COVID19
\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/25/day-kindness-changes-everything.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/21/day-five-love-in-the.html", "title": "Day Five: Love in the Time of CoVid", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ce8f7636b7.jpg\")
Thankfully we didn’t need to venture to town yesterday. Instead, we took a drive over to the farm to check in. Oh...what an amazingly warm day it was. I actually saw the thermometer at 79! All was well at the home place. The daffodils are blooming as are the forsythia and the flowering quince. The irises are shooting their flat, sword-like blades out from the wet, awakening earth. As you drive out through the country, the bushes along the roadsides are gaining a green, ghostly hue as the leaves begin to form.
\n\n\nThis is rockslide season and we saw evidence of several...one was actually encroaching on the road. The highway crew hadn’t gotten to it yet. It is supposed to get chilly again this weekend and then I wouldn’t be surprised if we stay in the high 50’s, low 60’s for a while. I don’t think there’s much of a chance of having another freeze this spring.
\n\n\nSpeaking of spring, with all the madness going on in the world, I totally missed the first day of spring! It’s here...even though it is highly overshadowed this time.
\n\n\nI read something yesterday that someone shared. It was a letter to the humans from the vantage point of the CoVid-19 virus. It spoke of how we haven’t been paying attention. We have been so busy chasing after stuff and working to achieve a lifestyle that is unsustainable, that finally the earth broke. There were horrific wildfires and we looked on with morbid curiosity and counted our blessings it wasn’t us. There were deadly hurricanes and we sighed and looked on with a tinge of sadness at the devastation. Then our attention shifted elsewhere and the thoughts and prayers were replaced with the next thing in the news cycle.
\n\n\nWe as a people are so self-centered. We look out for number one. Maybe, just maybe this virus swooped in to get our attention...to wake us up to the devastation around us. To how unhealthy the world has become. And if the world is unhealthy, WE are unhealthy.
\n\n\nI saw a picture of a mega freeway in Los Angeles. There were eight cars on it. I think someone said it hadn’t seen that little traffic since the Watts Riots of 1965. I commented that maybe Mother Earth is going to be able to catch her breath. Maybe the skies will clear. Maybe the sun will shine a little brighter. Maybe the waters will freshen a little. Maybe the pH in the rain will normalize and the fish will flourish.
\n\n\nMaybe the quiet stillness will give us time to stop the frenetic pace we have set for ourselves and we can really connect with our family members...even if it’s through a window or over the phone or FaceTime. I’ve already noticed more caring for each other. Children are checking in with their parents to see how they’re doing. They are offering to run errands or go to the store. Strangers are helping strangers.
\n\n\nThis is a time like no other we have faced. But, our grandparents and great grandparents were called to war. They were bombed and food was rationed. They grew victory gardens and knitted socks for troops. All we are being asked to do is stay home. While the threat of the disease itself is terribly disconcerting, we can do things to help prevent the spread.
\n\n\nI’ve heard the youngsters say, “Ah, it’s not going to affect me. It’s just the Boomers.” Well, first of all, no. It’s not just the Boomers. They are finding people much younger than they first thought are getting sick and some seriously. And...who do you think those Boomers (and the generation or so after them) are? They are the doctors, scientists, financial wizards, farmers...the experts. The ones who hold the keys to a great deal of knowledge. Those who say they’re “just Boomers” had better learn a whole lot pretty darned quickly.
\n\n\nI’m having nightmares. I rarely remember dreams, but I’m having dreams of death and dying. Too much news. Too much information. I had to step back and stop watching as much of it. I have to limit myself to a half hour of news a day. Just to stay up to speed with any breaking news. To counteract the bombardment of bad news, I’m putting in twice as much good.
\n\n\nYesterday, I baked a pie. I went to the farm and sat in my grandma’s chair. I did an hour of meditation/yoga on Facebook Live with my dear Earth Mother yogi friend, Sue in Colorado. I snuggled the kitty. I walked around our property with Mr. FixIt. I made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for supper and pie for dessert. And I spent time studying my bible devotionals. It was a good day...even though the virus is creeping closer.
\n\n\nMy God is bigger than any virus. He’s bigger than any of my stuff. When I remember who’s in charge here and how this story ends, even if I caught the virus and went to Heaven...I win. Because HE won...and I put my faith in HIM.
\n\n\nI will not be afraid.
\n\n\nI will not be afraid.
\n\n\nI will not be afraid.
\n\n\nYou can watch my friend Sue’s movement meditation video here.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-21T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/21/day-five-love-in-the.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/20/day-four-holy-catsits-feel.html", "title": "Day Four: Holy Cats...It’s Feel Good Friday!!!", "content_html": "\n“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
\nPsalms 19:14 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d6e6dee0db.jpg\")
One of the benefits of living in West Virginia is the rural nature of things makes social distancing pretty easy. After all...it’s what we’ve done for generations. It isn’t a big stretch for Mr. FixIt and me to hang around The Ponderosa or The Farm, but we do normally take several trips a week into town. We decided yesterday, the biggest change we’ve seen in our lives is not getting to dine out. I didn’t realize how often we eat meals away from home till that little luxury was taken away.
\n\n\nWe had to make a trip to town yesterday. We got the estimate on the damage to the truck...to the tune of $3,000! Yikes! Thank God for insurance. Mr. FixIt had a doctor’s appointment. I was not allowed back with him. Have you ever accompanied a man to the doctor?
\n\n\n“So, how are things going?”
\n\n\n“Good.”
\n\n\n“Are you having any problems?”
\n\n\n“No, not really.”
\n\n\n“How’s that back pain?”
\n\n\n“About the same.”
\n\n\n“Is that new medicine I gave you last time helping.”
\n\n\n“I think so.”
\n\n\n“Any questions?”
\n\n\n“Nope.”
\n\n\n“Ok, then...you’re looking great! Let’s see you back in about three months.”
\n\n\n“Ok.”
\n\n\n?♀️
\n\n\nWhen Lorie told me I had to stay in the waiting room, I looked at Mr. FixIt and narrowed my eyes.
\n\n\n“You’d darn well better tell him everything!”
\n\n\nHe’s a good listener...he was in there forever. And he came out and addressed every single thing I would have wanted checked.
\n\n\nWhat’s the message here? Oh...that he’s a grown man and can take care of himself in his appointments? Of course he can. Sheesh. But, that being said, men...no matter how diligent they are...sometimes forget the details of the conversation. Or they don’t quite grasp the subtle nuances of a new medication direction. Having a second set of ears helps tremendously, especially when they belong to someone who loves you. I also have the experience of sitting with Mr. Virgo and having him say no to every test our doctor wanted him to have and he was dead five months later. So, yeah...there’s that.
\n\n\nWe went to Walmart to pick up some prescriptions and bought a new tire for the truck. It wasn’t very crowded and everyone was practicing social distancing. We didn’t hang around long though and we hightailed it back home where I prepared a sumptuous dinner of steak, broccoli, and baked potato.
\n\n\nThere is always something to feel good about. For instance, yesterday Lester Holt told us to leave those boxes from Amazon outside for 24 hours because the virus can’t live that long on cardboard. He also said to wear gloves when you open the boxes because many of the products come from China. Why do I feel good about this? Well, I’ve been trying to cut down on my online (sometimes comfort) shopping and this is the perfect time. We can free up all those workers in the Amazon warehouses to focus on getting medical goods and critical supplies shipped and not have to worry about my books or batteries or what have you. And, I’ll be saving more money and who doesn’t need to be doing more of THAT right about now, am I right?
\n\n\nAnother feel good thing...people are talking nicer to each other. At least, that’s been my experience these last few weeks. We are finally getting back a little of that “we’re all in this thing together” vibe and I don’t think it’s humanly possible to have my fill of that! Letting people in line in front of you. Standing back and letting someone have the first choice of a piece of meat...even if that means you don’t get the one you had your eye on. Texts and phone calls and “I love you’s”...these are the sweet sounds of compassion I’ve been yearning for so desperately the last few years.
\n\n\nI was telling someone yesterday that I listened to NY’s Governor Cuomo address the coronavirus on TV and he spoke so kindly. He was efficient and honest and came across as trustworthy and compassionate. When he spoke...even without listening to what he was saying...his voice was soothing, calming. He told folksy stories as a way to humanize this pandemic and allay our fears. I seriously felt my emotions well up in my chest and the sting of tears as I realized...we don’t hear enough of that. And we’re getting beat down because of it. Let’s not wait for the powers that be to be kind and compassionate. Let’s take the bull by the horns and do that ourselves.
\n\n\nThis is exactly how we make THE WORLD great again. Because, all we’ve got is God and each other. And dogs. We’ve got dogs. Oh, and cats, and birds, and.......
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-20T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/20/day-four-holy-catsits-feel.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Courage","Choices","Feel Good Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/16/what-happens-if-nothing-happens.html", "title": "What Happens if Nothing Happens?", "content_html": "\n“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
\nProverbs 17:17 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d29ad2fc50.jpg\")
We’ve been listening intently to the news. We’ve followed every story, listened to every nightmarish tale, seen and heard things we wish we’d never seen or heard. We’ve pillaged the stores in a way that would make a Viking proud. We’ve hoarded toilet paper, hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and cleaners. Our pantries are stocked with everything from diapers to donuts. We’ve got every medicine available for every eventuality. The schools are closed. The stores are cutting back hours to give the staff enough time to restock. The hospitals are rationing supplies and making contingency plans for every possible scenario. And so...we wait.
\n\n\nWe are socially distancing ourselves. We are staying home...away from crowds and germs. We are binge watching every series on Netflix that sparks our interest. We are learning new skills. We are putting away food and reading. We are checking in on those who might need our help. We are watching church online or on television. We are reaching out with phone calls and texts and, dare I say...handwritten letters.
\n\n\nAnd...we wait.
\n\n\nAnd wait some more.
\n\n\nWhat happens if...after we’ve waited and waited and sacrificed and been inconvenienced... What happens if...nothing happens? No big surge of disease. No drastic sudden influx of all these “hundreds of thousands of sick people?”
\n\n\nI’ll tell you what SHOULD happen. We should breathe a HUGE sigh of relief because it means what we did...WORKED. It means we flattened the curve. It means we sacrificed our usual routines and made the most of it and we saved countless lives.
\n\n\nI know there will be a bunch of us who do that very thing. We’ll high five and say “Well done!” We’ll thank everyone in healthcare and the service industries. We will do our best to boost up the mom and pop business that took a hit from the shutdowns. We will praise our health officials who made difficult and unpopular decisions. And hopefully, we’ll remember to thank God for never leaving us in our darkest hours.
\n\n\nIf we have an ounce of forethought...a shred of decency...a touch of humanity we WON’T be that person who stands up and screams that it was all a hoax. That the whole thing was conjured up to throw an election or to make any one person or party look bad. That is petty. We must be better than that.
\n\n\nIf we gain anything...just one tiny thing from this whole meshugas...it’s that we start looking for the humanity in each other again. We need to start finding love and kindness again. We need to remember...we may be different wings, but we’re flying the same bird here. Please, for the love of God...let’s turn something that’s potentially terrible into something that helps us see the divine in each other.
\n\n\nLet’s let the legacy of the coronavirus be compassion.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-16T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/16/what-happens-if-nothing-happens.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/03/05/shake-your-can.html", "title": "Shake Your Can", "content_html": "\n“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
\nColossians 3:12-15 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5adbde9374.jpg\")
Last Sunday, our Pastor delivered another wonderful message. This time he was talking about how we can get flat and stale in our faith after time. We can become complacent and go to church simply to be fed every week. We can get comfortable. We may think, “I’m saved...I’m good. I don’t need to _________ (fill in the blank...serve, share, invite, get involved). We can do that, of course. But, we could be so much more if we just shook things up.
\n\n\nIf we wake it up and shake it up, God’s light in us will be so much brighter when we carry it out in the world. And, heaven knows...this world needs all the light it can get! The Pastor used a great visual. He had a can of soda in his hand when he asked a woman from the front row to come forward.
\n\n\nHe showed the woman the can.
\n\n\n“Are you afraid of this can?”
\n\n\n“No,” she said.
\n\n\nHe started shaking the can violently and poised to open it in front of her.
\n\n\n“How about now?”
\n\n\nThe woman laughed and took a few steps back.
\n\n\n“Yeah...I’m afraid of it now!”
\n\n\nHe made his point. The enemy doesn’t pay us much mind when we’re being complacent and doing enough to get by. He isn’t afraid of us. But shake us up and see what happens. That gets his attention because the last thing he wants is for us to be all up in it.
\n\n\nYou wanna make a difference in this world?
\n\n\nGet up and shake your can!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-03-05T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/03/05/shake-your-can.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Wisdom","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/25/uncharted-territory.html", "title": "Uncharted Territory", "content_html": "\n“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
\nHebrews 1:14 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c42c2798a4.jpg\")
There is nothing like a health scare to shake you up....wake you up. After losing Mr. Virgo the way I did, my fear level Friday night isn’t surprising. But, now we’re here...we’re home...we’re processing. We’re walking on eggshells a little bit...feeling our way out on the ice to make sure it’s solid beneath us.
\n\n\nI’m trying not to be hyper-vigilant. Mr. FixIt is trying not to worry me. We both slept the deep sleep of exhaustion and relief on Sunday night. We had a very laid back day yesterday. We didn’t even get out of our jammies. We ate and slept and watched movies. We smiled and kissed and hugged a lot...because we can.
\n\n\nWe’ll keep a low profile for another day or so. But then, it’s back in the saddle...albeit at a bit more slower pace. Look...we both have health issues. We aren’t 37 anymore. Waking up to that...getting our heads out of the sand...is important. It reminds us to be present in each moment. We don’t have the time to waste anymore.
\n\n\nYes, we’re a little sad. And, we’re more than a little scared. But...we can’t walk on eggshells forever. We can’t stop living. We just have to be watchful and live our best lives. So, we made follow up appointments. And we looked at vacation rentals to extend our April beach trip by an extra week. Leaving him and going off on solo adventures might take me a while to get comfortable with. We’ll just have to see.
\n\n\nLike I said...it’s uncharted territory. Deeper conversations will come as to how we will navigate it. But for now, we are just resting easy and feeling ever so grateful that this wasn’t any worse. Mr. FixIt felt much better yesterday. Thank you all so much for your kind words of love and support and, of course, for your many heartfelt prayers. We appreciate them so much!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-25T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/25/uncharted-territory.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Gratitude","Love","God","Aging","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2020/02/06/love-is-all-there-is.html", "title": "Love is All There Is", "content_html": "\n“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
\nPsalms 118:24 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/31583216f6.jpg\")
Back in late December, I sent out an urgent prayer request for my sweet friends, Greg and Sean. Greg had come home from work on a Thursday night feeling achy and in less than 48 hours, he was life flighted to Denver, in a medically induced coma, and on life support with bags and bags of medicine and oxygen and tubes running in and out of his body. It was touch and go for quite a while.
\n\n\nSean wrote a daily entry on Caring Bridge, keeping their many friends and family informed what was going on. I came to look forward to the new update everyday so I would know what to pray for next. The pictures Sean posted of our sweet friend were heartbreaking. And slowly...ever so slowly...things turned around. A tiny improvement became a bigger one and a bigger one. He came off the machines. The tubes were pulled. He started eating bite by precious bite till now he is in a rehab center not far from their home. He’s regaining his strength and starting to do things for himself again. Sean’s reports are coming as praises now for the little milestones her sweet husband is making everyday.
\n\n\nLast night’s journal entry talked about how it felt when, as she was walking away from him to leave, she turned around to look at him once more. She caught him watching her, smiling...their many years of love communicating without words and her heart soared. She will never take the little things for granted again. I used to wonder what our lives would have been like if the CPR would have been successful and Mr. Virgo could have returned home after rehab. Those thoughts used to drive me crazy because it was an entirely moot point, wasn’t it?
\n\n\nThe Bible tells us to think on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy...think about such things. Daydreaming about “what-ifs” doesn’t meet any of these criteria so I learned to leave such thoughts alone.
\n\n\nThat being said, I found out the other night, another friend from the same community is going through much of the same thing as a result of complications of the flu. Please keep M.O. in your prayers. This year’s strain seems to be particularly virulent. And with the Wuhan Coronavirus spreading, there is even more reason to keep your house neat and clean, avoid crowds, use good hand washing techniques, keep your hands away from your face, nose, mouth and eyes. Don’t kiss babies. Keep a handful of masks in a ziplock baggie in your purse or car. If you’re sick, stay home. Keep hand sanitizer on you at all times. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, they say.
\n\n\nThere’s a lot of sickness in the world these days. Common sense and lots of love go a long way to curing a lot of ills. When that doesn’t work...try chicken soup. It’s love in a bowl.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2020-02-06T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2020/02/06/love-is-all-there-is.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/31/seeking-comfort-in-an-uncomfortable.html", "title": "Seeking Comfort in an Uncomfortable World", "content_html": "\n“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
\nPsalms 41:3 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/307005306f.jpg\")
Well, dear ones...this is it. The last day of the year. The last day of a decade. And oh...what a time it has been. At the beginning of it, I was happily married to Mr. Virgo...living in Denver and not much liking that part, except for being in close proximity to my children. Not that I got to see them much. I was very focused on my husband and didn’t see past the end of my nose. A major regret.
\n\n\nThree years into this decade, my life stopped when Mr. Virgo died unexpectedly...and I set out to create a new life with a new me. I sold the only home I had ever owned on my own. I made some bad decisions...but I’ve also made some good ones. I’ve driven tens of thousands of miles. I settled into and lived in the home of my heart on a beautiful farm that’s been in my family for nearly ninety years.
\n\n\nI’ve connected with some really wonderful people, and reconnected with people I’ve known for a lifetime. I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words as I poured out my grief and my heart and my love into the ether sphere. I married a man I initially set eyes on when I was six years old.
\n\n\nI gained people. And...I lost people I loved dearly.
\n\n\nI totaled a truck and escaped with nothing worse than a small brain bleed that left me struggling to remember things for a couple of years, which filled me with fear. This last year, things finally started to fire on all cylinders in my poor noggin and I feel more like myself than I have in a very long time.
\n\n\nI’ve aged a hundred years in some ways. I’ve gotten much younger in others.
\n\n\nI got a cat. Well...she got me.
\n\n\nI gained a huge extended family and I’m now not only a grandma....I am a GREAT grandma to two little ones with a third one due any day now. I am a GiGi, to be exact. A Mom and a mother-in-law and a Nana and a GiGi. A sister and a friend and a wife. How cool is that?
\n\n\nI went to Church Sunday night and Pastor Justin asked us to think about who we were before we were saved. In that moment, I realized THAT’S what has been hovering in the back of my mind as I contemplate the end of this decade. Because it was the beginning of the previous decade when my life very nearly came to an end.
\n\n\nI let myself cry as the music wafted over me, the Holy Spirit covering...filling me with his Love. My life has moments of demarcation with lines in the sand marking the points between “before” and “after”. The overdose. My mom’s death. Finding Jesus. Meeting, then losing, Mr. Virgo.
\n\n\nFinding ME.
\n\n\nFinding love again.
\n\n\nMarrying a wonderful man.
\n\n\nAll while traveling. I get bored being in the same place too long. I need to seek new horizons from time to time. I need to get away and “blow off some stink” every once in a while. I need to recharge...away from everyone and everything I know. I need to go where no one knows me and rest in the anonymity that comes with the unfamiliar.
\n\n\nI get uncomfortable when I become too comfortable. When things start to get too predictable, I need to shake things up. I tried to count how many houses and apartments I’ve lived in during my lifetime and I lost track. I crave change. Thank goodness I’m married to a very understanding man. It makes me easier to live with, I think.
\n\n\nI don’t usually travel like I did this year...not since I was on the road with the camper after Mr. Virgo died. It was different this time. It was harder to be away from my sweetheart. Partly because I genuinely love being with him and partly because I’m older now and I have intimate experience with loss. Things have changed. There’s more to lose now. I’m not sure how much I’ll travel in the coming year...but I’m sure it won’t be quite like 2019.
\n\n\nWe’re heading out tonight for a family bowling party to ring in the New Year. I can’t remember the last time I bowled. I can’t remember the last time I was out past 10:00! I have to remind myself...I’m only 66. There will be plenty of time to lay down when I’m dead and gone, right?
\n\n\nMaybe I can take a nap before we go.
\n\n\nHappy New Year, my dear ones! If you are struggling, may 2020 bring you peace, prosperity, and good health. You are so loved.
\n\n\nThank you. Truly...thank you for being here all these years. I am eternally grateful for the connections I have made through this page.
\n\n\nBe blessed!
\n\n\nGinny
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
\n\n\nPsalms 96:1-3 NIV
\n\n\n“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
\n\n\nPsalms 90:12 NIV
\n\n\n“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
\n\n\nProverbs 16:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-31T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/31/seeking-comfort-in-an-uncomfortable.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/10/love-to-the-rescue.html", "title": "Love to the Rescue", "content_html": "![\"Friends\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2ca326057b.jpg\")
“One of my besties! Deneene and her sidekick, Griffen the Grey, came for a visit. She’s good for what ails ya!”
I wrote in yesterday’s post about feeling “in the ditch”. I struggled for a few days with grief waves triggered by a traumatic loss in the family. Then, in swept my dear friend Deneene with lots of love and her trusty sidekick, Griffen the Grey. Griff is a nine month old French Bulldog who wriggled his way into my heart when we visited Deneene and her husband Mark in South Carolina this summer.
\nI had been greatly anticipating Deneene’s arrival for the last week and when she walk in the door, all the “holding it all in” released with her big bear hug. I had the gas stove in the family room fired up so it was nice and toasty. And I had the TV on with this really great ten hour YouTube fireplace video running in the background. We have a huge TV because the family room is huge. It used to be a two car garage, so if you want to read the fine print at the bottom of the screen, you need a big TV. When Deneene walked in, she said she could see the fire blazing from the road leading past our house. I was glad no one thought the house was on fire and called 911!
\nWe didn’t stay up too late and talk because my friend is a new grandma and had just spent a week at her daughter’s helping out with the new baby. She was pretty tired so we said goodnight early. Deneene is not a real morning person, so when Mr. FixIt and I woke up at 8:30, I told him to be really quiet so as not to wake her. I forgot that puppies get their mommies up really early and she had been waiting for US to get up and keeping Griffen quiet.
\nWhen I heard them talking in the family room, I quickly dressed and went into the kitchen to cook breakfast. Scratch biscuits with homemade sausage gravy and eggs. OMGosh! It’s been forever since I fixed that and it was SO good. I made Paula Deen’s Cream Biscuits. They are love in the palm of your hand. Look up the recipe. Super easy! And sausage gravy couldn’t be easier to make than mine. Fry a pound of sausage till browned, sprinkle about a third of a cup of flour over it and stir till combined then slowly pour enough milk over it to loosed it up, adding more milk as it cooks, stopping when you get the right consistency.
\nAs we sat and ooohed and ahhhed over the delicacy before us, we slathered butter and local orange blossom honey over the rest of the biscuits till there were just three left. I tucked them in a bag for Deneene to take with her to nibble on the road. Deneene raved over our hospitality and I told her it was the best B&B this side of the Mississippi…and it’s free!
\nWe said our WV goodbye. She announced she should be leaving. We told another story. She said she really should get going. We hugged and talked about when we would get to see one another again. She gathered up her things. I made sure she didn’t forget her biscuits. We walked to the door. We hugged again and declared it had been too long since the last visit and we shouldn’t wait so long next time. She double checked if she had everything. I asked if she needed a bottle of water for the road. She picked up her bags and we had another long hug at the door. As she walked through, we noticed she had set down the biscuits when she put on her coat so we retrieved them for her. If it hadn’t have been raining, we would have walked her to her truck and the goodbye would have lasted another fifteen to twenty minutes. Thus is the nature of goodbyes in the country. It’s a goodbye full of love!
\nI called after her, “Don’t forget to text when you get there!” If it was dusk, I would have said, “Watch for deer!” That’s West Virginian for “I love you!”
\nDeneene honked from the road as she drove by and I waved madly from the front window. And she was gone. My friend whom I helped through her own grief had come and returned the favor. I felt so much better after her visit. I have a big deadline to meet this week so after Deneene left, I packed up and went to the farm where I turned the TV to the same fireplace video. I survived another wave and I’m on to the next thing. Such is the nature of grief. It just gets incorporated into life and you move forward. Thank you for your support yesterday. You have no idea what that means to me. I wish everyone who grieves had cheerleaders like you to support them through their journey.
\n❤️
\n“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-10T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/10/love-to-the-rescue.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/08/bucket-lists-miracles-making-memories.html", "title": "Bucket Lists \u0026 Miracles \u0026 Making Memories", "content_html": "John 15:12 NIV
![\"Santa](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3f266091b.jpg\")
“When being Santa is on your bucket list…”
This is the time of year where Christmas is around every corner. The twinkling lights and bustling shops, the carols and the wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen…they all bring up memories. And, while there is a plethora of “warm-fuzzy” memories, there are also sad painful memories that show up with the turn of the calendar and the darkening of the days.
\nChristmas was Mr. Virgo’s very favorite holiday. When he worked at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, he was asked to play Santa one year. You would have thought he was stepping on stage at the Met. He was thrilled…not only to play the role, but to grow out his beard. You often are not allowed to have facial hair when you work in Food & Beverage. This was a treat, all the way around. I know what joy that brought him.
\nOne of my high school friends brought us some devastating news a while back. Her sweet brother, Ed Lowe, was diagnosed with cancer. When they did an in depth work up, they found out it had spread through his body. Ed is a pastor, and he knows where he will go when it is his time. He’s taking advantage of every treatment option and covets the prayers of anyone who will pray for a miracle with him.
\nWith his typical optimism, Ed has set out to work on his bucket list. With Christmas fast approaching, he put his wish out there….to be Santa in our hometown Christmas Parade! Phone calls were made and before you knew it, Ed was being fitted for his Santa suit and got to ride down Market Street on a float…waving and smiling and throwing candy to the children lining the parade route.
\nThese are the happy/sad stories we read about this time of year. This is a memory that will be cherished by so many people, no matter what the outcome of Ed’s health scare may be. I’m telling you this story because I love my friend, Janet. I love her fierce devotion to her brother. And, I am asking you to do something for us. Whenever you see Santa in the coming weeks, please send up a prayer for a special man of God who wants his own Christmas Miracle. Please pray for Ed Lowe…and all the others who need miracles, as well.
\n?❤️????❤️?
\n“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-12-08T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/08/bucket-lists-miracles-making-memories.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "title": "Recovery Day", "content_html": "Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9e70d90054.jpg\")
“Christmas Lights & Pie”
When all the food is put away…when all the dishes are done…when all the guests have said their last goodbye…what time is it? It’s time for PIE! Well, really…is there ever a BAD time for pie? We turned off the lights…all but the tree. And just enjoyed the quiet.
\nI took the kitten in bright and early to be spayed and immediately came home and slept three more hours. Working to put on a big family dinner takes the starch out of you. And it gets harder the older you get.
\nThe babies were so much fun. Princess First was in rare form, ate like a champ, colored brilliantly, and melted me with “Pweeze, Gigi!” I’m toast. Then there was Prince Second. Oy, he is a solid chunk of sheer joy. He smiles and coos and bats his big eyes at me. All I wanted to do all day was kiss and nibble on those cheeks…they are so delectable!
\nOnce the kitten was ready, I went to pick her up. They informed me she needs to stay in the house for the next ten days. You know what that means, don’t you? It means we now have an indoor cat. Bring me all the antihistamines in the land! It’s better, really. I worry about her outside with that road even though she was safe in the pole building every night. I also found out we can board her with our vet when we go out of town. So it was a win-win day.
\nNow I can turn my focus back to writing. The OH-WV Chapter page on the new Girl Camper website needs my attention every couple of weeks. There are presents to make. Cookies to bake. Calls to make. Cards to send. This will be a busy and quick month for all of us. Then we can start making all our camping plans for the New Year! There’s going to be some fun things happening on the east side…up and down the mid-Atlantic area so keep your eyes peeled for announcements!
\nKaty bar the door…all heck is gonna break loose around here!
\n❤️
\n“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-12-03T02:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/12/03/recovery-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Holiday","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/25/motivation-monday-kindness-matters.html", "title": "Motivation Monday: Kindness Matters!", "content_html": "Proverbs 24:27 NIV
![\"Kindness](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f6bb02f14d.jpg\")
“Just be kind because…kindness matters!”
I miss Mr. Rogers. I want to go see the Tom Hanks movie while it’s in the theater because I need a giant dose of his goodness. I wonder what he would think of our “neighborhood” now? After a week of watching grown a$$ men on national television acting like petulant two years olds (and I’m not choosing sides here…there was all kinds of nasty all the way around)…kindness seems to have left the building.
\nBut has it really gone away completely? Or is it just buried somewhere below the fold because, like sex, all forms of violence sells much more than kindness? I comb the news everyday for the feel-good stories….for the tales of heroes and shining stars. They’re out there…but man, you sure have to look hard for them.
\nLet’s look at some inspiring stories that happened this month. After a scheduling snafu at a Waffle House in Birmingham, Alabama left a young man all alone to man the entire restaurant, kind customers noticed what was happening and jumped in to do everything from wash dishes to wait tables and deliver food. No one made a big deal about it. They just got up and helped…no questions asked.
\nThe manager of a New York Bagel shop got a frantic call from a customer. She left her car keys on the counter of the bagel shop. She had left her car running while she ran in to pick up her order and didn’t miss the keys till she was at her destination several hours away. At that point, she was unable to start her car. The shop manager jumped in his car, took the keys to the customer in Pennsylvania, then turned right around and drove back so he could open the store the next morning.
\nA man with no kids of his own paid off the lunch debt for every child in nine Florida schools.
\nA boss paid off his employee’s mortgage so the Vietnam vet could retire.
\nA hospital in Pittsburgh knitted little cardigans and dressed every baby like Mr. Rogers for World Kindness Day.
\nThere are kind people out there. Please don’t let the nastiness we see color the way we see everyone. One of the most important things I learned from the hearings last week is this…Russia is very, very busy sowing seeds of discord in our country. They want neighbor to turn against neighbor. They are the ones sitting back in glee, watching our country self destruct.
\nI say we fight back. I say we stand up and say enough is enough. When I wasn’t spending every day at the farm anymore, I walked around the perimeter of the property with my grandma’s Bible and proclaimed to the enemy that he had no dominion there to protect the home and property. We can do the same thing for our homes, our cars, our property, our neighborhoods. We can proclaim our boundaries. We can reclaim our lives. We can salvage kindness, and it may not be easy.
\nLook for the helpers. Ask for discernment and watch out for the insidious encroachment of evil in our midst. Stop reacting to everything and ask yourself, “Is this information true? Where/who is it coming from?” I know you can’t put smoke back in a bottle, but we can sure try to raise the kindness titer in this world by spreading it in our own sphere of influence. There IS good…you just have to change your focus and look for it.
\n❤️
\n“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-11-25T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/25/motivation-monday-kindness-matters.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/14/a-new-approach-to-winter.html", "title": "A New Approach to Winter", "content_html": "Galatians 5:22 NIV
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/837537ab94.jpg\")
“Making choices to find more joy…that’s my approach to winter this year.”
I started dreading winter with a vengeance after Mr. Virgo died. I wasn’t crazy about it a long time before that, but after he died the snow shovel only had one name on it and that was mine. Before long, I began to dread fall because winter wasn’t far behind. While I was out on the West Virginia Tour in the RPod, it began to dawn on me how negative this was becoming.
\nI can’t change the weather. I can change my geographic location, which I’ve done. Just moving to West Virginia has added at least two full months of warmer weather with a longer growing season. If I wanted to get away from cold weather entirely, I’d have to move much further south and for now, that isn’t in the cards for Mr. FixIt and me.
\nWe love West Virginia. It’s our home…the home of our hearts. It took me a long time to get back here. I’m not about to go someplace else at this point. So, that leaves the adjustment up to me. I saw this meme the other day and it really hit home. I can choose to hate winter, and now fall because winter is right after it. I’ll be miserable and consequently make everyone around me miserable. Because, we’re still going to have the same amount of snow and cold weather no matter if I’m happy or sad.
\nWhen I was a little girl and would get upset, my grandma would tell me to just “scratch my mad place and get glad”. In other words, get over it kiddo…you’re not in control of everything. This year I’ve decided to scratch my mad place by embracing all the wonderful things I can do in the colder months that I can’t do in the summer.
\nI have a much better winter wardrobe than summer. I can look forward to wearing my really pretty sweaters and boots, hats and coats.
\nI never drink hot beverages other than coffee in the summer. In the fall and winter, I pull out my tea pot and enjoy a cuppa in the middle of the afternoon. Or, I can hug a mug of hot cocoa with yummy, gooey, melty marshmallows in it.
\nIt’s way too hot in the summer to bake so I indulge in trying out new recipes in the cooler months. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at baking sourdough bread. So this winter I’m going to order some sourdough starter and see what I can do.
\nWinter has given us the break we need from outdoor chores so Mr. FixIt is back at work on the master bath. While he’s doing that, I am going to steam off the wallpaper in the dining room, paint the walls, and put up new curtains. Then we can tackle the main bath.
\nI haven’t touched my book since February. This winter, in my down time, I’m going to try to wrap that up once and for all then we can focus on getting it published.
\nWe have a new great grandson coming in January!
\nWe always try to get down to Florida in February and that’s something I always look forward to.
\nHaving goals allows me to set joyful things in front of me…something that has helped me ever since Mr. Vigo died. Just reading this list makes me feel far less frustrated by the cold weather. The meme is right…there will be the same amount of cold, no matter what. I might as well embrace it.
\n❤️
\n“The animals take cover; they remain in their dens. The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-14T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/14/a-new-approach-to-winter.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","New Ideas","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/11/04/does-time-heal-all-wounds.html", "title": "Does Time Heal All Wounds?", "content_html": "Job 37:8-10 NIV
![\"Time\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4c33d304c7.jpg\")
“Does time heal all my wounds? Not in my time…but in God’s time.”
I’ve been struggling a little with re-entry. The rhythm of the road is different than that at home and I always have a bit of a hard time adjusting. It’s a little like the let down after the holidays…you know, when you have to get back to reality. Not that it’s a bad thing. It’s just always a little sad when the party is over.
\nYesterday morning I woke up at what seemed like a reasonable time with the time change. As I stretched and thanked God for letting me open my eyes to face another day, I went through my morning inventory. I noticed I felt a little down so I searched around in my mind as to what might be going on beyond the normal re-entry slump.
\nThen it came back to me. I was having a dream when I awoke. In my dream, I was sitting at a desk, going through my calendar, and realized it had been over six-and-a-half years since I had spoken with Mr. Virgo. In the dream, he hadn’t died…I had just seemed to have lost contact with him. I was really confused, like…did I go someplace and forget him? Did I tell him I’d call him when I got there and then just…didn’t? If that was the case, then why hadn’t he tried to contact me? What on earth was keeping him so tied up that he couldn’t find the time to text or call me? Then, of course, I woke up. And reality is reality. He is gone. I am here and happily married to Mr. FixIt. So, why did I have such a dream?
\nThere aren’t answers to that, really. I believe it was Freud who said, “a cigar is sometimes just a cigar”. There’s no reason to psychoanalyze every little thing. We have dreams. Things happen. Life moves with its own rhythm. Still, dreams like that can stir something deeper and create a ripple in the force.
\nThe day went on and was lovely. Church, breakfast, errands, a nice Sunday afternoon snooze. Then, I went into the bedroom for something and had that old familiar urge to call my mom. I always called her on Sunday evenings. I miss those calls and it made my heart ache a little. Then I thought of my kids and how busy they are and they don’t call me on Sunday evenings and…
\nThat particular snowball had to stop right there. It doesn’t do any good to go down that road and make myself miserable over things I have no control over. There are wounds that heal with time. They become so small they don’t even leave a scar. There are wounds that heal and leave visible scars. Then there are those that not only have the scars, but also have varying degrees of pain. Like the phantom pain of a leg long gone or a throbbing knee when it rains.
\nGrief and time. I see them like those models of DNA. A twisted ladder, connected and spiraling. Never really finished. Never quite tangible. Always affected by our emotional temperature. No…time doesn’t heal all wounds. But, God does. When I remember to stop trying to handle hot coals with my bare hands and give them to my Father to carry, my wounds are bound up. It’s just the remembering to turn them over that trips me up every time.
\n❤️
\n“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-11-04T02:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/11/04/does-time-heal-all-wounds.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Comfort","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/27/love-letters-from-beyond.html", "title": "Love Letters from Beyond", "content_html": "Psalms 147:3 NIV
![\"Love](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0c336c8efc.jpg\")
“Leaving love notes behind for your spouse to find later…what a gift!”
My friends and I camped at Beaver Creek State Park last night. We so seldom get together, just the three of us and when we do it’s always so special. It’s always tempting to stay up really late and sleep in the next day, but Janine and I both had long drives home. We called it a night fairly early and were up and ready for coffee by 8:00. We chatted over a leisurely breakfast and prayed for each other before we finally broke camp by 11:00. I pulled in to the Ponderosa around 4:00, dropped off the camper, and turned right around to go back to town for small group. I’m not signed up for this session, but I wanted to visit and share in the fellowship with dear friends from church.
\nI was seated by a new member of the group. Jonna is a widow of two years. I put my hand on her arm and told her how sorry I was for her loss. We chatted about the similarities and differences between people’s grief experiences. She knew ahead of time that her husband was dying and she was thrilled they had time to have important conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they were.
\nJust before our meeting started, she leaned over and lowered her voice a little.
\n“Wanna know the BEST part?”
\nI was intrigued. I had never thought about “the best part” of grief.
\n“Yes….please!”
\n“My husband hid love notes for me everywhere! I’ve found over twenty of them already!”
\nMy heart melted. I remember finding a note Mr. Virgo had left me for Valentine’s day just a month before he died unexpectedly. I know how precious that is.
\n“I’m not going to go looking for them. If I find one, it’s a gift! I found one the other day in the file of Explanation of Benefits from the insurance!”
\nI leaned over to her and said, “I think that is just the sweetest thing!”
\nThat’s a good man, right there. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what these little gifts would mean to the woman he had married thirty-eight years prior. Even when he was ill and in pain from the amputation of his leg, this gentle giant left his sweetheart love letters from beyond. Yes…that’s a very good man!
\n❤️
\n“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-27T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/27/love-letters-from-beyond.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "title": "Stitched with Love", "content_html": "2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
![\"Quilt\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c1c6bb2422.jpg\")
“My friend’s comfort quilt is on its way. She’s had her first dose of chemo.”
My dear friend’s quilt is on its way out west. As I sat and hand stitched the binding, I listened to praise music for a bit, then I switched over to my daily devotional. My Bible app on my phone has a function where someone reads the Bible to you. That is especially handy for my Bible plan that I’m working on. It’s planned so that you read the entire Bible in a year. I’ve only read the Bible completely once. I read it from cover to cover…from Genesis to Revelations. That’s tough. You get stuck in all those begats and Kings and it’s difficult to keep from going cross eyed.
\nThis plan reads a couple of chapters from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then it reads some from Psalms and finishes with Proverbs. Every day. Once I got two weeks behind and swore I’d never do that again. Then over the weekend, I hit the two week behind mark again. Currently I’m only behind nine days. I have some catching up to do. Listening over the headphones accomplished two things…it helped me catch up a bit and it let me stitch the Word into my work. Then I prayed over the quilt and hugged it close and sent it off to my friend, hoping she feels the love and hugs and prayers put into each stitch.
\nI’m counting down the days for my trip now. We’ve all learned from experience just how fast a week can go by. It will be no time and I’ll be off to the Hershey RV Show. I’ll meet Janine there and we’ll work the show for two days. Then we’ll be off to Huntington, WV.
\nI’ve been researching stays for my trip and all the writing that is going to be involved with it. Lots of driving. Lots of photo editing. Plus another project that’s coming up very soon. PLUS my own writing here. That’s a ton of work. What I will have to do is share my trip writing here on some of the days. It will be extremely difficult (I think) to write the daily essays you and I have become accustomed to. Then again, writing on this blog has become my bedtime ritual and I may not be able to sleep until I write something here.
\nAt any rate, you and I are about to embark on a VERY exciting journey filled with fun experiences and beautiful scenery. And sometimes we’ll still talk about grief. Because, you know…it’s what we do here. Grief and joy can exist at the same time.
\n❤️
\n“a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-09-06T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/06/stitched-with-love.html", "tags": ["Health","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Courage","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/04/the-other-side-of-fear.html", "title": "The Other Side of Fear", "content_html": "Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36c271d072.jpg\")
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” Jack Canfield
I hear from a lot of widows who face fear as one of their most difficult symptoms of grief. Fear of the unknown…fear of being alone…fear of other people’s motives. Navigating grief is difficult enough on it’s own. Add fear, anxiety, and even full blown panic attacks and it ratchets grief up to an unbearable level.
\nI’ve always had a bit of an anxious nature. Anticipatory social anxiety. Commonly called “stage fright”. I’ve come a long way in learning to control it. Sometimes it bothers me. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve learned the things I most want to do lie on the other side of that fear, so I have to figure out ways to get through to the other side in order to find my bliss.
\nThe fear I felt early on after losing Mr. Virgo was different than my usual pre-speech jitters. It was hold-onto-the-edge-of-the-mattress-all-night awful. Through trial and error, I’ve learned a lot of skills…tools for my tool box, so to speak. If I feel myself amping up, one of the things that almost immediately calms me down is listening to praise music. If I’m singing at the top of my lungs, its really difficult to be scared.
\nI’ve had so many people tell me they would really love to take off camping or traveling by themselves but they are too scared. The bottom line any grief mentor should take is honoring what others are and are not capable of. That being said, if it really is something you want to do, there are ways you can ease into scary situations without jumping in with both feet.
\nFinding a like-minded friend to do things with can help a lot when it comes to doing new things. Taking little baby steps helps, as well. If your dream is to take a month long trip to Europe but you have panic attacks going to the grocery store, you need to desensitize yourself. Start with little excursions. A short day trip. Repeat till you’re comfortable. Then an overnight, then two…you get the idea. Getting professional help can go a long way toward building your confidence and getting down to the root of the issues you face.
\nWhen I was planning the trip to Colorado, my biggest concerns were the social obligations of my daughter’s wedding and being so far away from Mr. FixIt. Losing Mr. Virgo so suddenly brings the possibility of a repeat to the forefront of my imagination. So, yeah…that makes me nervous. The night before the trip, my stomach was in knots but I did my routine and the next morning, I was good to go. It’s not the actual DOING that bothers me…it’s the anticipation. And, sometimes I just have to do the thing and feel the fear.
\nI’m really excited about the opportunity to take this new camper around. There’s nothing about it that scares me, per se. I may have pre-trip jitters the night before. I may not. Knowing what it is, knowing how to redirect my thinking, knowing just what I need to do helps me feel less out of control and more confident in my own abilities.
\nWhat I want is often on the other side of fear, but that’s exactly what makes the experience so much richer. I know exactly what I had to get through to get there and that makes me brave! After all…so far, I have survived every single experience I’ve encountered in my life!
\n❤️
\n“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.\"”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-04T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/04/the-other-side-of-fear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/03/random-acts-of-kindnesssenseless-acts.html", "title": "Random Acts of Kindness...Senseless Acts of Beauty", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
![\"Kind](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4749d18769.jpg\")
“My grandma always said you can catch a lot more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”
About thirty years ago, a woman named Anne Herbert wrote something on a placemat in a restaurant. “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Since then, countless posters, books, t-shirts, and movies have incorporated this idea of doing something for others…some kindness…without expecting anything in return. Things like paying for the person behind you in the drive through at the local coffee shop. Or, leaving a basket of flowers on someone’s doorstep. Or, something I like to do every once in a while….put a sticky note on a $5 bill with a note like “God loves you!”…then tuck it in a book at the library or a book store.
\nPracticing random acts of kindness didn’t start with Ms. Herbert, of course. The original practitioner was Jesus, of course…and we would do well to strive to emulate Him. Being a good person seems to be rapidly going out of style. My dad wasn’t what you would call a profound thinker, but he said one thing that always stuck with me. “Computers will be the downfall of mankind.” I think I rolled my eyes when he said that. But maybe he wasn’t so far off.
\nI don’t think it’s computers, per se, that will be the downfall of man. I think it’s how computers are used. Social media has created a monster. It’s given people a voice who may never have had one. It’s placed a filter between people….it’s created an US against THEM atmosphere. And, it has taken away the social filter of eye contact, allowing whatever vitriol that comes to mind to flow through the keyboard without repercussion. Cyber bullying isn’t limited to 8th grade girls and misunderstood emo boys.
\nI will have to say…thankfully there has been very little in the way of nastiness on this page. I won’t tolerate it and the few times it’s happened, the instigator has been blocked and the offending message deleted. That isn’t the case everywhere. It’s hard to judge the “tone” of a message when it’s written. All it takes is one “rude” comment to unleash a flood of bullying back and forth…and that’s with grown adults!
\nIt’s a new month. School is back in session. I don’t want to wait for Christmas to have the good feels. Let’s go out today and do kind things for people. If it’s not new to you, great! Keep up the good work! If it’s been a while and you’d like to rectify that situation, go out there and do something nice for someone today. And if someone does something nice for you, pay it forward.
\nWe attract to us what we dish out. If we are negative and uncaring, we just get more of the same. If we are kind and loving, there is a better chance of attracting that same kindness and love. If it doesn’t come right away…keep trying. It never hurts to spread good vibes around the world.
\n❤️
\n“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-03T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/03/random-acts-of-kindnesssenseless-acts.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/09/02/the-tug-of-war.html", "title": "The Tug of War", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:32 ESV
![\"Angel](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9046855216.jpg\")
“Angel on one hand, devil on the other…trying to have their way with me.”
Mr. FixIt and I haven’t had a lot of time together this summer. I was gone a lot and, even though he joined me for three weeks in Colorado, we both have been working nonstop at this and that since we got home the first week of August. Here it is September already and I’m already preparing to leave again.
\nWe miss being together and we both know the importance of devoting time to our relationship. It’s been really nice this weekend because we took three days off for some much needed R&R. When I woke up yesterday, I was tired. My allergies have been giving me fits creating fluid in my ears which sometimes makes me dizzy. I laid in bed for twenty minutes telling myself it was perfectly fine to stay home…we didn’t have to go to church. I mean…it’s just this once, right? We go almost every Sunday when we are home. That deserves a day off to sleep in. I just didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel like going.
\nAs I let these thoughts run through my mind, I was almost convinced to turn over and go back to sleep when a stern “voice” shook me from my reverie.
\n“When you don’t FEEL like going is exactly when you NEED to go!”
\nI quite literally jumped out of bed.
\nOhhhhh….my thinker was what was “sick”. Church is the place it gets healed.
\nWhen I’m thinking I don’t need to go to church is exactly when I need it the most. And yesterday, I am not kidding…church felt like plugging in my jet pack. I got fed the energy and grace and love and lessons I needed and I left there convicted. Convinced the place to feel better is to draw closer to Jesus, not turn over and go back to sleep.
\nIt’s not enough to go every Sunday and get plugged in, hoping the charge lasts till the following Sunday. That obviously didn’t work last week because I easily could have opted out. My tug of war pitted the proverbial angel on one hand and devil on the other…each trying to pull me to their side. I know I can’t ever go wrong when I choose Jesus.
\nThe key is to draw closer…constantly. The Bible says we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The way to do that is to turn whatever you are doing into worship. Whether you are singing in the choir or scrubbing toilets, it can be done with a tone of worship and praise. And when we pray, we are to devote ourselves “to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2)
\nJust that boost, and the conviction to keep close, has given me rest and regeneration. I feel so much better and not nearly so overwhelmed by all I need to accomplish in the next two weeks. I came to the farm after church…to my place of meditation…to the home of my heart…and enjoyed a quiet evening while Mr. FixIt bowled. Today, I’ll go back home and get some work done. Perhaps I’ll pressure wash the deck!
\n❤️
\n“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-09-02T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/09/02/the-tug-of-war.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Aging","Choices","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/31/like-sands-through-the-hourglass.html", "title": "Like Sands Through the Hourglass...", "content_html": "Romans 12:2 NIV
![\"Comfort](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7d84449dc2.jpg\")
“Sending some cheerful hugs, love and prayers to one of my dearest peeps!”
One of my dearest peeps is having a medical issue that will involve a lengthy period of medical treatments. I can’t be with her or give her hugs or bring her casseroles, so I’m doing the next best thing…I’m sending her a little “Comfort Quilt” to stuff in her tote and take to the hospital. I told her when she wraps herself up in it, she can feel my hugs and prayers because I’m putting both in it!
\nI spent yesterday afternoon at the little quilt shop in town, cutting and sewing the quilt top. The owner and I spent the time chatting and visiting with the other women who came in to shop. When they were all gone, she asked if I would mind if she turned the TV back on. The last time I was there, she had been watching quilt tutorials. I normally hate TV, but anything educational is quite tolerable.
\nImagine my surprise when she turned on…wait for it…..Days of Our Lives! I didn’t even know that was still on the air! Well, I’m here to tell you…it is. I haven’t watched soap operas since Daughter #2 was a baby. I usually watched while I folded the laundry. Here’s the crazy thing…
\nMaggie…Victor…Marlena…they’re ALL still there!!!
\nAnd they’ve been stuck in the same wine cellar since 1990!!!
\nSeriously though…other than people carrying cell phones, you wouldn’t know 29 years had passed. There was one actress on there that plays two characters…one of whom wears those false teeth that made her look like her daddy drank up all the money for her orthodontia. And she had such a grossly over-exaggerated fake southern hick accent that it was insulting. Every word she said made me want to get up and slap her for making fun of me and my people.
\nAnyway, I finished the quilt top and the shop owner will quilt it on the long arm tomorrow and I can pick it up Tuesday, sew on the binding and get it sent off with lots of love and hugs and prayers for complete healing and minimal side effects. When I get it finished, I’ll post another picture and you can send your prayers and hugs along with mine!
\nTill then…I hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend. And, if you’re in the way of the hurricane…please be careful out there!!! Prayers for your health and safety!
\n❤️
\n“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword.....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”\nRomans 8:35, 37 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-08-31T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/31/like-sands-through-the-hourglass.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Comfort","Grace","Love","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/29/grief-time-grief.html", "title": "GRIEF + TIME = grief", "content_html": "
![\"Grief](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/efad09dc8b.jpg\")
“Grief is a process that varies from person to person…but there are some general similarities.”
The other day I read a Tweet that stopped me in my tracks. A woman said she had cut her two best friends completely out of her life because in the entire year after her niece died, neither one of them bothered to check in with her. Her comment came after someone checked in…a full two years after her tragic loss. He texted her with a very simple message…
\n“I’m just checking in to see how you are coping after the death of your niece.”
\nSimple. To the point. And, so welcomed it brought her to tears.
\nIt prompted me to reflect. When was the last time I checked in with my friends who have lost loved ones? I get so wrapped up in my “work”, my “ministry”, with the bereaved, I forget to reach out and connect myself sometimes.
\nLast night I spent a good two hours writing quick texts to several of my peeps who had lost someone significant in the last couple of years. I heard back from them and the response was universal…”You have no idea what it means to have someone remember to ask how I’m doing!” “Thank you SO much for checking in…it means so much to me!” “My own kids don’t even want to listen!”
\nIt’s true…once a “reasonable amount of time” passes, people move on with their lives. And, unless they have been bereaved, they may not understand that you haven’t. I remember how I felt abandoned. Like no one cared anymore. That isn’t true, of course. They just don’t have a point of reference for the depth of your pain and…it would scare the crap out of them if they believed that depth of pain could possible last more than a few months.
\nThere is no way to compare your own experience with that of another. Your grief is different than my grief. And it doesn’t matter how your person died…your grief is the worst grief ever because it is your own. But truly, I’m here to tell you, there is some grief that I cannot begin to imagine. Like the mother whose son was murdered by terrorists and left to die on the roadside. Or the mother whose daughter was found dead three days after a heroin overdose. Or the wife who returned from the grocery store to find her husband dead on the back porch from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
\nThere are so many stories in the work that I do. It breaks my heart into little pieces. And, it makes me think, “If he had to die, at least it wasn’t like that!” I find myself feeling grateful it was “only a heart attack.” I didn’t have to watch him slowly fade away from the ravages of cancer.
\nAs I talked to my friend whose son was killed a little over a year ago, I thought back over the years since Mr. Virgo died. And, while there isn’t some neat and tidy delineation from year to year, there is some general sense of first, second, third, etc.
\nThe first year is such a fog. You are numb. You are just trying to get the next thing done, the next paper filed, the next account closed. Closet? Check. Accounts? Check. Cellphone? Check. The first year becomes a blur…a cross between busy and madness.
\nThe second year can be surprisingly rough…like you are standing in high tide during a storm surge. Your footing shifts like the sand beneath you in the ocean. Each wave hitting you blindly, knocking you beneath the surface. And…you can’t swim. Not even close.
\nAt some point along the way…you hear it. A little snippet of music. A little bubble of laughter. A little glimmer of color peeking through a stormy sky. And that’s when the tides begin to shift a little. The waves not quite so hard. Or…maybe we’ve become better swimmers.
\nFor me, the third year gave me a little breathing room. It was a period of exploration and self-discovery. A time of reaching out and stretching beyond my past and stepping a bit more boldly into the future.
\nThe fourth, and beyond, found me building a boat to carry me over the waves till the next storm comes.
\nI listened intently to my friend sharing her grief. I asked questions. I resisted the urge to share my experiences except to say the occasional “Yes! I get that…I felt that, too!” It was amazingly comforting to me when I found others shared some of the same things I was experiencing. At some point in our conversation, she asked…
\n”How is your life?”
\n“I feel bad sharing how wonderful my life is when yours sucks so terribly,” I said.
\n“No…don’t ever feel bad about that! Your story gives me hope!”
\nAnd that…in a nutshell…is what keeps me going. It keeps me telling stories…even when you hurt…even when I hurt. Because life keeps going on around us whether our sense of time has stopped or whether death has taken the joy from our hearts. I write about Jesus and faith. I write about grief. I write about pain. I write about love and joy and rocking babies. I write about travel, and camping, and becoming strong. I write about farms and mowing and fried green tomatoes. I write about life and all it’s little bits…both good and bad.
\nBut mostly…I write about hope.
\n❤️
\n“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-29T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/29/grief-time-grief.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/21/always-choose-joy-unless-you.html", "title": "Always Choose Joy. Unless You Can’t...", "content_html": "Psalms 119:114 NLT
![\"Compassion](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7ff59e4aca.jpg\")
“Here’s to the compassionate people!”
I’ve been on a JOY kick all year. Ok. I get it. I just got married in October and I’m full of the feels. But yesterday, I got a reminder that sometimes…no matter how much you WANT to…joy eludes you for an indeterminate amount of time.
\nI belong to a few widow’s support groups on Facebook. I have cockily thought to myself from time to time that I certainly don’t NEED a widow’s support group anymore. That is, until I DO. Then I am ever so grateful for those who share and lift each other up, no matter where they land on the grief/time continuum.
\nThere have been times when I read about the desperate sadness we as the bereaved quite normally go through and my heart breaks for them. I think of all the times I didn’t think I could go on. I think of all the wonderful people who supported and loved me through the most horrific event I have experienced up to this moment in time. There were people I didn’t even know…you readers…who lifted me and helped me move forward, even as I tried to lift others.
\nBut yesterday there was a post that garnered a good deal of pushback and it gave me pause. Basically, this person was saying…just choose joy. That’s a gross simplification, but that was the bottom line. Just choose joy. It made me think about my cheerleading and jumping on the JOY TRAIN and how it may seem dismissive of those who are still in the active throes of grief.
\nIt’s damned hard to find joy when the person who was so much your SOURCE of joy is no longer here. I know this in the core of my being. When I was in my darkest dark place in grief, I truly felt I would never find a glimmer of happiness in this lifetime again…let alone JOY. And yes…you DO have to make a lot of choices in this new normal. One of them is choosing to keep living. Choosing to keep trying. Choosing to keep moving forward no matter HOW hard it is or lonely or heart breaking.
\nWe choose to do this for others….our kids, our parents, our friends…even our person who “would want me to live my life”. Eventually, it is my fervent HOPE that we choose to do this for ourselves.
\nI have been guilty of using the word “choose” a little too blithely, I’m afraid. And if I have, and it has caused you pain, may I offer my humblest apologies. It is not easy to choose when you are in overwhelming pain. It’s not that I forgot this…but maybe I push it a bit too far out of reach to mentor as effectively as I would like to.
\nI want you to have hope. I want you to find joy. I want you to experience good things in your life again. I know it CAN happen…I’m proof. It just needs to happen in its own time. And when you DO experience what passes as joy, it may not look the same as someone else’s and that’s ok. I just wanted you to know…I haven’t forgotten those of you whose hearts are so incredibly crushed. I will strive to always hold a sacred space for you here.
\n❤️
\n“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-21T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/21/always-choose-joy-unless-you.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Change","Widow","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/18/let-the-sun-shine.html", "title": "“Let The Sun Shine...”", "content_html": "Psalm 119:50 NIV
![\"Woodstock\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f5e6c92329.jpg\")
“The Ubiquitous Photo from Woodstock”
Fifty years ago this weekend, a gazillion people descended on Mr. Yasgur’s New York farm just five hundred miles from where I grew up. What started out as a ticketed music event soon devolved into chaos as tens of thousands of unticketed hippies made their way into the tiny village of Bethel. The festival had already suffered a last minute change of venue and was seriously short on cash, but there came a point where Woodstock took on a life of its own.
\nFifty years have passed. I didn’t go, of course. I was only sixteen and actually didn’t even hear about it till it was on the news. Not that I would have done something so brazen as to defy my parents because I know they never would have allowed me to go. I never even skipped a class in school, let alone run off to a hippy concert five hundred miles away. Still, I marveled at the mass of humanity. And, I liked the music.
\nIt was such a crazy summer…the Summer of ‘69. The Summer of Love. That’s what we called it. But the older generations thought we young people were out of our minds. Sex, drugs, and Rock & Roll. And now look where we are. I saw a meme today. A grandpa was saying he fought in WWII and built his house with his own two hands. His great grandson said, “Sometimes I put a meme on Facebook and it gets a lot of likes.” That is so sad…and unfortunately, all too true.
\nWe didn’t have the internet in 1969. We didn’t have the news on 24/7/365. We didn’t have violent video games. We didn’t have as many latch key kids and no iPad kids or YouTube kids. Dr. Spock was just beginning to tell us how to raise our kids and to never swat their butts or we would bruise their fragile self-esteems. I’ll tell you what, if I sassed back to my parents, they bruised my “self-esteem” with whatever was handy. I did the same with my kids. Nowadays, you can have your kids taken away for that. And they know it.
\nI remember Daughter #1 saying she was going to call Child Protective Services because I wouldn’t let her go to a party. I smiled and recited the number to her. Then I took her car keys. It’s hard to parent now. Having the grandkids over this week with their own little ones made me compare how easy I had it compared to what they are facing. And I didn’t have it all that easy.
\nAfter my first divorce, I was a single mom in Denver. My family lived in West Virginia. I didn’t have anyone I could leave the baby with while I went to work. I had to find child care…and pray they wouldn’t hurt my daughter. I lived in HUD housing, on food stamps and WIC. I drove a beat up old Pontiac that I paid some Iranians $200 for. The hood and the trunk were wired closed with coat hangers. All four sides were dented in. I prayed every day I could get to work so I could take care of us. I didn’t have a smart phone and five sets of grandparents to step in when I was overwhelmed.
\nGod knows, I made plenty of mistakes in those early years. It’s a wonder we made it through. The music of 1969 was five years old before my daughter was born. I look back now in awe. I knew I’d be “old” someday. I just thought it would take longer. Oh, sixty-six isn’t OLD, exactly. I sure feel the difference, just in the last couple of years. Mr. FixIt and I work very hard and it’s taking it’s toll. I hurt in places that never hurt before. It takes me a bit to get moving. But, like my husband says…you’ve got to keep moving or you’ll stop.
\nFifty years since Woodstock…and there’s a real part of me that genuinely feels a little past my prime. However, I’m about to take a brand new camper wherever I want for five months and write about it! Isn’t that just about the coolest thing? I wouldn’t take who I was in 1969 back for anything!
\n“Let the sun shine…let the sun shine in…the sun…shine in!”
\n❤️
\n“I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-08-18T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/18/let-the-sun-shine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/14/the-farm-is-failing.html", "title": "The Farm is Failing", "content_html": "2 Peter 1:13 NIV
![\"Green](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9a329f48ca.jpg\")
“The farm is the home of my heart…but it’s aging rapidly.”
Mr. FixIt and I have been back from Colorado for a week now. We talked over the weekend and decided to go to the farm for a couple of days because I haven’t been there since the third week of June. I really miss the farm when I’m away and can’t get there. Then, Monday morning came and there was so much to get done at the Ponderosa. Still…the farm…
\nI decided to bring the dirty laundry and come to the farm on my own for a couple of days. Mr. FixIt is capable of taking care of himself and, while he misses me…he understands my need to be at the farm sometimes. He’s a good guy.
\nThere was a hard rain come through yesterday. I sat on the front porch and watched and it was soon over. The sun came out and the green dazzled my eyes. Everything was so clean and fresh. I sat for the longest time and just scoured the hillside and surrounding area…looking for differences.
\nThe power line coming to the transformer on the pole in front of the house is noticeably drooping down low over the road. A tall vehicle could easily catch that. I’ll have to report it today. Also, the big pine tree on the bank seems to be leaning further out there over the driveway. I pulled up older pictures from the same vantage point to verify both the line and the tree. Something’s going to have to be done with that, too.
\nI noticed Monday afternoon, there’s a wild grape vine on the power line between the house and the cinderblock building. None of that was there before I left for Colorado. This monsoon summer has created an overgrowth the likes of which I have never seen here. It’s like a tropical rain forest.
\nWhen I did a walkabout yesterday, I noticed another tree on the hillside across the creek from the house that has split in half. But it appears the uphill half is actually falling up the hill. That has always been the main concern here. This little holler is so narrow, and the ground is shale and very soft. It wouldn’t take much to bring trees down on this house.
\nMaybe the earth is taking her back. Maybe it’s the natural progression of old farm houses. I do know, to bring this place back to life and prosperity would take far more money than it’s worth. And, a ton…an absolute TON of work. We’re not OLD…but we are 66 and 67. The other day, I told Mr. FixIt…if we were just 30 years younger, we could do so much with this place.
\nI think what I have to do is start saying goodbye to the old home place…in earnest. I know there will come a time when it isn’t safe to stay here without cutting down a bunch of trees…without upgrading the electricity…without shoring up the beams in the basement and the attic. My time here is getting shorter…I can feel it. I’m working on girding my heart in preparation.
\nIt’s like the old man who can tell it’s going to rain by the pain in his knee. The only difference is…this pain is in my heart.
\n❤️
\n“\"Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-14T01:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/14/the-farm-is-failing.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Presence","Warning","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "title": "A Vivid Imagination", "content_html": "Haggai 1:4 ESV
![\"Snow-cone](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3818f43118.jpg\")
“The moment I saw this, I knew it was the answer to my dream!”
I was probably about ten years old when I got my first (and only) childhood bike for Christmas. I remember lusting after the sleek English racers I saw some of the bigger kids riding. Oooooo, the idea of all those gears and the trendy dropped handlebars and the hand brakes…I could just picture myself tooling around the world, peddling that bike, looking ever so sporty and sophisticated. I had a vivid imagination!
\nChristmas morning came. I jumped up out of bed in my worn and tattered flannel jammies, and ran to the living room. There, leaning on its kickstand in the middle of the living room, was a brand new shiny blue bicycle! It wasn’t an English racer. It didn’t have any bells and whistles. It was a heavy, single speed monstrosity from Sears with the label “J. C. Higgins”. It was a sturdy, reliable bike and it didn’t take me long to figure out Mom couldn’t afford that trendy bicycle. I was darned lucky to have this one and not some hand-me-down from one of my cousins.
\nI used to ride that bike all over the neighborhood. The following summer was the first time Mom let us stay home unsupervised. I played outside from first thing in the morning till I needed to be in to start supper before my folks got home from work. I remember having this intense fantasy of riding my bicycle to Canada. I envisioned panniers on the back…before I even knew what panniers were. I pictured what I would pack in there. I had read The Boxcar Children a dozen times so I knew just what I would need to survive on my own.
\nIn my ten-year-old brain, I had it all figured out. I would need money to survive so I would need to either get a job or sell something. The Christmas Wishbook from Sears arrived that fall and I ran to my room with it to figure out how I was going to raise funds for this epic adventure. And there it was! A snow-cone maker!!! My friends and I LOVED snow-cones! I figured if I had one of these babies, I could set up a stand out in front of the house and blow all those Lemonade Stands out of the water. I mean…who could resist a great snow-cone on a hot summer day, right???
\nI look back at my youthful exuberance and my little girl naïveté and smile. I was sure I would sell a gazillion snow-cones from this cute little plastic gizmo. Just as sure as I would ride my bike to Canada. Well, I never rode my bike to Canada. I didn’t get the snow-cone maker. But I’ve been on lots of adventures. And, I’ve done things I never thought I could do. And now…I’m going to get to have another GRAND adventure and they’re handing me the camper to do it in!
\nBelieve me…I know how blessed I am to get this opportunity. Between now and the middle of September when I pick it up, I need to plan out an epic road trip. I’m thinking it would be really awesome to combine this with several Meet & Greets and get a chance to meet you wonderful “Ranchers” along the way! I’m just in the formulating stage but I’m thinking this could turn out to be….
\nGinny McKinney’s R-Pod-196 Adventure!
\nStay tuned to Marshmallow Ranch for details as plans fall into place!!!
\n❤️
\n“For nothing will be impossible with God.\"”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-13T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/13/a-vivid-imagination.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Peace","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/05/full-up-to-here.html", "title": "Full Up to Here!", "content_html": "Luke 1:37 ESV
![\"Bumper-to-bumper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1645f43e4e.jpg\")
“Sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic up to Eisenhower Tunnel”
When I first moved to Colorado, Denver was a cow town compared to what it is today. In 1975, the Denver Metro Area consisted of approximately 650,000 people from what I can deduce for a graph I found. The population now is over 3,000,000! And it’s not just the Denver Metro Area. The states population has grown steadily….every single year. It’s crazy!
\nWhen I moved to Glenwood Springs in 1986, there were two stop lights in the entire town. If it took us five minutes to get across town we thought we were in some terrible traffic jam. Now, it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, traffic everywhere is bumper to bumper.
\nWe left Montrose yesterday morning at 10:30. It took us eight full hours to drive 263 miles to Denver! Clear roads. A little rain around Eagle. The majority of the time spent driving was between Silverthorne and Idaho Springs. The Eisenhower Tunnel is a huge bottleneck and as soon as the toll lane starts around Idaho Springs, things loosened up and we made good time.
\nI thought it was exacerbated by the fact I have lived in the country for the last five years, but everyone here comments on it. And I have to tell you, I have never in my life walked into a Walmart or a mall…anywhere…and had the thought of a mass shooting go through my mind. But last night, we stopped at Walmart on our way to Ben & Sue’s house, and that’s the first thing that came to my mind.
\n“What is that crowd doing hanging around the front entrance?”
\n“Is there going to be trouble here?”
\n“Where is the nearest exit?”
\nI hate that. I hate that chill that went up my spine. I hate that I looked in the faces of those around me and wondered what they were capable of. Then I found myself in the cereal aisle and I heard Mr. FixIt’s friendly banter. He can (and does) speak to anyone.
\n“You only came in for two items? Well…you’ve sure gone over on this trip, huh?”
\nI turned to find a Hispanic woman smiling shyly at him.
\n“Yes…it happens all the time!”
\nI looked in her face and saw kindness and a slight self-deprecation at her inability to stick to a shopping list. And, what I saw was no different than me.
\nI smiled warmly at her and said, “Oh, I do that, too! What’s worse is when I come home and don’t have half of what I came in for in the first place!”
\nThis was a welcome moment in an otherwise horrifying set of current events. I am devastated. I am outraged. And, I will do what I can and not just send thoughts and prayers, although those are flowing fervently. My heart is broken for the victims of yet more violence.
\nWe pack up the truck this morning and say goodbye to to our Colorado peeps and hit the road for West Virginia. Please keep us in your prayers for travel mercies but more importantly, pray for those innocents who were just going about their day.
\n❤️
\n“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.””\n\n", "date_published": "2019-08-05T01:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/05/full-up-to-here.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","God","Fear","Courage","Warning","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "title": "No Worse for the Wear", "content_html": "Isaiah 35:3-4 NIV
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/80978dfcd7.jpg\")
“While once sleek and shiny, these vehicles still hold a deep beauty.”
We left Ridgway yesterday saying goodbye to our friends, Linda and Jim. We both choked up…goodbyes have always been difficult for me ever since I lost Mr. Virgo. We just don’t know if and when we will meet again and it tears at my heartstrings. I know Linda loves Colorado, but deep down, she has that Ohio farm girl in there somewhere. I loved watching her as she listened to Mr. FixIt’s unmistakable West Virginia accent and she was transported back over the years and the miles to the home of her youth.
\nEven though we didn’t go to the same high school with Linda, we know many of the same people…one of whom is Jeff. He and his wife Julie moved to the Ridgway area a couple of years ago. It’s funny how the webs of friendship cross over. Linda and Jeff were both friends with Cindy (a girl from my class) and that’s how they connected. I am friends with Cindy and that’s how Linda connected with me and the connection with Jeff was made through Linda and because he was on the boy’s gymnastics team while I competed with the girl’s team the same year. And….Mr. FixIt was on that same team with Jeff! See what a teeny tiny world it is? Jeff and Julie joined us for dinner at Linda’s Wednesday night. Mr. FixIt hadn’t seen Jeff in forty-eight years. There were lots of stories and laughs and we all had a grand time.
\nWe drove north out of Ridgway, through Montrose and Olathe (home of Olathe Sweet Corn) and on to Delta. I kept my eyes peeled for a place I found when I was on “The Grand Adventure”…that three month odyssey into the wilderness and backroads after Mr. Virgo died. It’s just a vacant lot on the main drag that’s filled with old, broken down cars and trucks. I don’t know why it attracted me that first time, but I couldn’t wait to show Mr. FixIt.
\nWe were almost to our turnoff to head east over McClure Pass when I saw them. Red vehicles…either from the faded and flaked paint or the rust beneath. Some had their hoods strapped down. Others had holes in the glass from years of being the target of vandals or the errant stone thrown back in the day when they motored down the highways of old. Mr. FixIt caught his breath.
\n“Oh, wow! Would you look at that!” A smile crept across his face and his eyes sparkled like a little boy who just found the coolest treasure stuck on a dusty shelf. I immediately pulled over and threw the truck in park. We jumped out and walked up and down the rows of derelict automobiles resting on their rims because of long ago rotted and airless tires. We peeked in through hazy windows at the scraps of stuffing clinging to the old and rusted springs of the seats inside.
\n“Oh, look! Is that a Nash? A Studebaker? What’s this one? Ford used to make a Cortina. Do you suppose that’s what this one is?” This went on and on as we dodged the large mud holes formed from the afternoon storms we’ve been getting and made our way through the maze of cars.
\nAs I looked at these rusted out hulks, I thought about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I have to be perfectly honest…I’ve had some trepidation about the wedding this weekend. My daughter’s dad lives in a world I no longer belong to. He’s a doctor, and consequently lives like a doctor in a fine house. With fine friends. And a fine wife. Fine furnishings. Fine food. A fine life. I used to circle in that orbit, although I never really felt a part of that world, although I tried very hard to make myself fit in.
\nI have to admit. I’ve let myself be a little self conscious about my comfortable tummy and my jelly thighs and my granny-wing upper arms knowing ever so painfully how that was judged by those in that orbit. I’ve been praying about it a lot. And God whispered to me as I wandered amongst these vehicles what were once sleek and shiny and new.
\n“You don’t have to fear that world. You don’t have to feel bad for the way you fit in your body all comfy-like. You don’t have to concern yourself with what anyone else thinks of you….just remember I love you. Completely. Just the way you are. Just love them all the way I love you.”
\nYou see…the very act of feeling self conscious and judged puts me in a place where I’m being the judge. I don’t know what’s in their hearts and minds. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since those days so long ago when I circled around that orbit. It’s a foreign land to me now. I have no reason to feel “less than” anyone. I can walk right in, on the arm of a man I adore and who adores me right back. We’ve created a life that fits us perfectly and we’re perfectly happy.
\nIt’s all about love, trust, letting go, and letting God take care of the details. I’m comfortable in this life, this body…no matter where I go or who I run into. None of this is about me anyway. It’s totally about my daughter and her joy anyway. Yes…it’s all about love!
\n❤️
\n“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.” Isaiah 64:8-9 NIV\n \n", "date_published": "2019-08-02T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/08/02/no-worse-for-the-wear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "title": "Abundance", "content_html": "
![\"Weminuche](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d11d631cee.jpg\")
“Heading into the Weminuche Wilderness”
Joyful abundance! Mr. FixIt is such a great traveler. I love showing him places he hasn’t seen. As a matter of fact, he told me the other night his neck hurts from swiveling back and forth, trying to take it all in. We arrived in Pagosa Springs on Friday afternoon. This is where Mr. Virgo and I lived in 2008. He was the General Manager for a 4200 acre luxury resort here and I did the marketing and catering. It was a short-lived position as our job was to try to turn their losses into profits and try as we might, it was not to be. This is the nature of being a fixer. If you can’t, they close and you lose your job. If you can, they sell and you lose your job. We didn’t really expect to be there long term.
\nPagosa Springs is a gorgeous area and I enjoyed the rugged beauty of it. I did not like the short summer, long winter, and gobs of snow. So I was just as happy to get out of there and move on. Still, it is someplace I wanted Mr. FixIt to see and experience. We went out for a wonderful breakfast yesterday morning then headed to the backroads. Mr. Virgo and I used to spend every day off exploring the many dirt roads in the Weminuche Wilderness. This is where I came when I started my grief journey in Little TOW-Wanda. I carried strands of Mr. Virgo’s silver hair into the dense woods above Williams Lake and buried them at the base of a tree, affixing a cross to mark the spot.
\nWe didn’t walk back into the woods yesterday. That wasn’t part of the deal. That was mine…my memory. As a matter of fact, as we drove deeper and deeper into the woods, I felt Mr. Virgo so strongly…as if he were gliding along with us. I told Mr. FixIt story after story. Here’s where we worked. Here’s where we shopped. Here’s where we loved to eat dinner. There’s the car wash where they had to unfreeze the doors so we could get out. That little bakery has the best pastries. This restaurant has the best coffee. My sweet husband held my hand and smiled and nodded and encouraged me to share because he knows this helps me heal and move forward.
\nThen…in the middle of the afternoon, we found out…great grandchild #3 is on the way!!! Another little boy…arriving in January!!!
\nMy heart is about to explode! THIS!!! This is what I so very nearly lost in January 2000 when I overdosed. At the time, my world was so small, so dark, so difficult and I couldn’t see anything beyond that darkness. And now…look at this! My world is so blessed with such abundance and joy, I can hardly contain myself! Babies! The Wedding! My sweet husband! My wonderful family! My health! My heart!
\nThank you…..thank you dearest Heavenly Father…for healing my family…for healing me…for giving me Mr. Virgo to show me I was worthy of earthly love…for giving me Mr. FixIt for helping me through the most difficult period of my life…and for this tremendous family, mine and his, that brings our numbers up and up and up! I’m so high on life, you have to scrape me off the clouds!
\n❤️
\n“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-29T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/29/abundance.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/26/road-trippin.html", "title": "Road Trippin’", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
![\"Loveland](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1051e28824.jpg\")
“Views from Loveland Pass”
We got a slow start yesterday. We cleaned out the truck and packed, checked and rechecked to make sure we had everything, then almost pulled away without my brother’s package we waited for. Once we retrieved that, we were on our way! We drove over to the west side of town, down through Golden, then out Clear Creek Canyon and picked up I-70 at Idaho Springs. I love starting out my trips that way. The canyon immediately makes you feel like you’re in the mountains and you don’t have to run the gauntlet that is Floyd Hill.
\nWe exited the interstate just before the Eisenhower Tunnel and took Route 6 over Loveland Pass. We have a function on our GPS that tells you what your elevation is. It was right on…11,995 feet at the top of the pass. We stopped and took lots of pictures along the way. It was so much fun to play tourist and show Mr. FixIt some of the hidden beauty of Colorado.
\nWe dropped down into Keystone then on into Frisco. I was hoping the weather would be cooperative and we could check out the chuck wagon dinner at Two Below Zero, but it was really cool and rainy so we decided to try another time. We walked the streets of Frisco, checked out the little shops, and ate dinner at Bread + Salt. I wasn’t overly impressed, but I was hungry so it was ok.
\nThis is a Gypsy trip…one without reservations, except for the wedding stay. We sat in the truck and browsed the hotel.com app and chose a hotel in Keystone with a really reasonable price. $76…but with taxes and fees it was $92. Welcome to tourism in Colorado. The room was perfectly fine. The beds were comfy and clean, there wasn’t an exceptional amount of noise, and there’s a complimentary breakfast. You can’t beat that when you consider most of the others in the tourist towns here are upwards of $200 a night.
\nThe biggest problem that occurred was when I went to check in. I cannot find my driver’s license anywhere. I’ve searched through everything. The last time I remember having it was at the Quick Care on the 22nd. I called them and the pharmacy and they don’t have it. So now I have to see if I can get a replacement sent to me here. It’s not the end of the world and it certainly won’t ruin my fun. But I am frustrated that I’ve misplaced it.
\nI have no idea where we’ll end up today, but no matter where it is, it will be beautiful! Colorado has some stunning scenery!!! Oh…and please send up a little prayer for our family that is scheduled to grow in the next day or two. Our great grandson will make his debut in West Virginia and we can’t be there to welcome him. Prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy, happy baby, mama, and daddy!
\n❤️
\n“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-26T01:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/26/road-trippin.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Gratitude","Love","God","Peace","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/25/a-glimpse-of-heaven.html", "title": "A Glimpse of Heaven", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/feef1d3d12.jpg\")
“A Glimpse of Heaven in the Colorado Night Sky”
I knew this would happen. I blinked and a month flew by. I left on this journey exactly four weeks ago. Time is such a weird thing after loss. On the one hand…it flies. On the other…it stands still. I got some quality time with my Colorado family. Mr. FixIt has been here almost two weeks already. The package I’ve been expecting for my brother arrived yesterday so now we can pack up and go off on a little adventure on our own before the wedding.
\nGrandma L. is still hanging in there. She is such a strong woman. She rallies and fades, rallies and fades. They moved her from her apartment at assisted living to a skilled nursing facility on Monday. She had a dream on Tuesday night. At least, she thinks it was a dream. She was lying in bed and her legs felt like stone. But then, she was standing up…strong and vital. She looked around it was so glorious. She saw a crevice and knew she was supposed to jump over it. She knew she COULD. She didn’t see Grandpa right off, but she knew she could find him easily. Instead, she decided to come back and tell us all how absolutely peaceful and grand it is. I love that she could see it all so clearly and she isn’t afraid.
\nI know she might pass away while we are gone, but I didn’t want to wear her out by adding to the number of visitors going to see her. There are other closer relatives who need to spend time with her. I was able to hug on her last Saturday at her birthday party and she absolutely knows how I feel about her. Her absence will leave a gaping hole for quite some time in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
\nWe all went out for supper last night after they moved everything out of Grandma’s apartment at the assisted living place. There were twelve of us. As I walked back to the table with my food, I paused for a moment and gazed over this beautiful family my daughter was so fortunate to marry into. Another part of my bonus family. We are so blessed…with kids and their kids and us grandparents. We are becoming the matriarchs. I thought it would take longer.
\nMr. FixIt and I will head out today for a week of touring the state. We were supposed to do this with the camper, but it’ll all work out without it. I love showing him places he’s never been! So…here we go on another road trip, y’all. Hang on!
\n❤️
\n“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-25T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/25/a-glimpse-of-heaven.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/22/finding-hope.html", "title": "Finding Hope", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
![\"Rainbow\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b25e386f0.jpg\")
“God’s promise.”
There have been so many times in my life when I felt I had no hope. I didn’t know about spiritual warfare. I didn’t know the enemy was the one whispering the lies about me into my heart and mind. My life had long stretches of darkness and it wasn’t until I became a Christian that I started to see light at the end of the tunnel.
\nWe went to church yesterday and took Little with us. We sat with our friend Rick and his wife Connie. The pastor is preaching a series on the elements and yesterday was about the wind. And hope. He focused on Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones. As far as Ezekiel could see, the valley floor was covered with dry, sun-bleached bones. This represented the dried up, faithless Israelites. The Lord asked Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones. To tell them to listen to the Word of the Lord. When he did this, the bones started to rattle and come together. Tendons and muscle and skin formed and soon, they looked like you and me. But they had no life. No inner spark of hope. When Ezekiel told God he had only been halfway successful, God breathed his breath upon the bodies and they came alive and rose as a mighty army.
\nI know what those bodies felt like. I was dry and sun-bleached in my bones for such a long time. And, when I surrendered, God blew His breath…His Spirit…into me and I rose up like a mighty warrior. Whenever I begin to feel less hopeful, I look for the wind. Mr. FixIt remarked the other day…it never seems terribly hot here in Colorado. Even when the temperature nears triple digits. The reason is two-fold. The humidity is low. And there is always a breeze. You can feel it across the hairs on your arms. And when a wisp of your hair blows across your face. You can see it in the trees and grasses of the field. You can watch it even high above the earth as the clouds in the sky scud along.
\nWhen I look for the wind, I can see the breath of God as he works over us…his children. Even when I don’t see God’s promises in my current circumstances, I know He is there…working in the background. Even in my darkest moments…during the years of depression and the overdose, during a painful divorce, during the grief I suffered after losing Mr. Virgo…He was feverishly working to turn these terrible situations into something He could use for His Glory.
\nFinding hope in today’s world can be so terribly difficult. It is easy to lose hope and see no way out. If you can just remember to feel the wind on your skin and focus on some good thing in your life, you can ignite hope within your soul. Even the smallest ember can be fanned into a flame when you seek and use the Breath of God.
\n❤️
\n“The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’ ” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’ ””\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-07-22T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/22/finding-hope.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "title": "Mother Cabrini Shrine", "content_html": "Ezekiel 37:1-14 NIV
![\"View](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/881b040d23.jpg\")
“The view from Mother Cabrini Shrine is stunning!”
The other night when I picked Mr. FixIt up from the airport, I was accelerating to get on the interstate when the transmission made an eerie slipping sound. I turned to him and said, “Did you hear that?” He did…it wasn’t just me! I had heard this same noise several times and I was really worried something was wrong with the transmission. But, Mr. FixIt has been in that truck hundreds of times and never heard it.
\nBefore I even got up yesterday, he and Ben had looked up the number for a reputable transmission shop nearby and as soon as I had a cup of coffee, I called them up. They told me to bring the truck right in and they would check it for me. The transmission fluid was low and they added a whole quart to it. Then the manager of the shop drove the truck around and came back. He said it made every sound it was supposed to and no slips. No surprise there. However, when I got out and drove it, I was pleasantly surprised to feel and hear how smoothly it was shifting, so I think we may have fixed the problem. When we prepared to leave, I asked how much I owed them and they said, “Not a thing. You have a great trip!”
\nIf you need a good transmission place in Arvada, Colorado…go to Jerrod’s!
\nSince we suddenly had a free day in front of us, we ran to Starbucks for a cup of coffee then headed to the mountains. I was thinking of taking Mr. FixIt to Red Rocks Amphitheater, but I could see dark clouds starting to form in the west. I decided instead to turn into Mother Cabrini Shrine to explore instead.
\nIt has been a full forty years at the least since I’ve been up there. I once went up there and just sat in the field near the shrine to gaze out over downtown Denver. I haven’t explored when improvements were built there, but I don’t remember all those steps. My memory had a path going up and you could walk out into the field surrounding the statue of Jesus at the top of the hill. But, like I said…it has been four decades since I was there so I’m not sure my memory is accurate.
\nI was surprised the chapel didn’t have candles to light in memory of someone. But there was a grotto below and a much smaller chapel with candles. I lit four candles for special people and said prayers for all of you. Then we went down to the springs. When Mother Cabrini purchased this land for a retreat for orphans, she told others she got it so cheap because there was no water. When she explored the land, she struck a rock with a staff, it broke open, and fresh spring water flowed out from it. We each drank a glass of this miracle water and thanked God for the blessing of the water in such an arid place.
\nMother Cabrini is the first American to be canonized as a Saint. There is a small museum on the property with personal articles that belonged to her. There were also religious relics on display. You could even take a free third degree relic which was a laminated card with a tiny piece of fabric which had come into contact with Mother Cabrini’s clothing somewhere along the line. It was all quite fascinating.
\nWe left just as it started to sprinkle and headed to Olive Garden for an early supper. Then back to Ben and Sue’s. It was a fun day and a good workout with all the steps up to the Sacred Heart statue. This photo was taken about halfway up and if you zoom in, you can just make out the tall buildings of Downtown Denver in the distance. Day one of exploring is under our belts!
\n❤️
\n“\"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. \"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-16T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/16/mother-cabrini-shrine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "title": "Revisiting Memories", "content_html": "Matthew 6:1-4 ESV
![\"Drum](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e517053898.jpg\")
“Daughter #2…Marching to her own drum!”
When Daughter #2 was thirteen years old, she and I took off for a three week road trip. It was epic. She was not only in that early teenager mode. We were also working on repairing the damage done from years of depression and too many prescriptions and martinis…not to mention the overdose. It took a lot out of our relationship.
\nWhen I arrived in Denver this visit, the ultimate goal is the wedding. My baby is getting married. My little Moon Pie. Only, she’s a full grown woman…out on her own…thriving…dancing to her own drum, as always. We saw each other the day after I got here and spent several hours visiting and dining out. She made me promise we would do one special thing…just the two of us…before the wedding.
\nShe wanted to go antiquing.
\nI couldn’t believe my ears. Antiquing? This poor kid was dragged, kicking and screaming, into every antique store in West Virginia, I think. And several between there and Colorado. I loved going to antique stores. She did not. So, this was new. I asked her what brought on this miraculous transformation.
\n“I don’t know. Just…suddenly, I find myself looking at antiques online. For fun.”
\nLadies and gentleman…there IS life after adolescence!!!
\nSo, yesterday was our antiquing adventure. We started out by having lunch with Daughter #1, Big, and Little. Oh…if you have children, you know what that did to my heart…sitting there with my Colorado kids! ❤️melt After lunch, Daughter #2 and I went to the Brass Armadillo off I-70 and Kipling.
\nWe walked in and she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, and she gasped.
\n“This place is HUGE!”
\nYes, my girl…it is!
\nWe wandered around for three hours. She kept grabbing my arm and pulling me over to see this or that. Lots of oooohs and aaaahs and wows. Several times she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight and thanked me so much for doing this with her. That’s when I realized…this was SO much more than going to see a bunch of old stuff.
\nThis was a celebration. Of healing. Of love. Of warm memories shared. Even of forgiveness. This was a bonding ritual…something only she and I could share as the wedding rapidly approaches and her life is forever changed. This was incredibly special. And we enjoyed every minute of it.
\nWe didn’t get to see 1/4th of the store before we were both fried. We left arm in arm and headed out to the truck. I drove her back to her car. As she prepared to leave she reached over and kissed me on the cheek.
\n“Thank you, mamacita. That was so much fun!”
\nYou’re welcome, Moon Pie.
\n❤️
\n“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-07-13T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/13/revisiting-memories.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Aging","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/07/03/trailer-troublewith-a-capital-t.html", "title": "Trailer Trouble...With a Capital T", "content_html": "Psalm 127:3 NIV
![\"Trailer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e40fd56643.jpg\")
“Damage to the camper indicating it is no longer towable.”
Whenever I travel with one of my campers, I always circle around and do a visual safety check. I check before I head out. I check when I park for the night. And I check when I get to my destination. Saturday night I stayed at a hotel in Russell, KS. I did my walkabout when I locked her up to go inside and there was nothing wrong. Same thing the next morning before I headed out on the road for the final leg into Denver.
\nWhen I arrived at Ben & Sue’s house and I was unhooking, I noticed the front curbside corner of the camper had separated a little. It looked like a couple of screws had popped and all I would need to do is screw them back in. I was hot and tired and not planning to tow anytime soon so I decided to wait till I was better rested. The first chance I had was yesterday morning.
\nI went out and looked at the corner again. I tried to push back on the panel but it would not move. This indicated to me there was weight behind it and my original idea was not going to work. I got down on my knees and looked back at the base of the trailer where it meets the frame and this is what I was faced with. The other side looks almost as bad.
\nThat silver metal cover is the rock guard. It’s called diamond plate. It is heavy gauge and does NOT tear easily. I knew as soon as I saw it what had happened. When I first bought the camper, I notice there was about a two to three inch water stain on the mattress below one corner of that front window.
\nThese windows notoriously leak. That’s why most camper companies don’t build a camper with them anymore. I asked the previous owner when I was inspecting the camper if it leaked and she said she had never noticed it before. Maybe it happened over the winter and was new. There was another red flag…the front surface had become delaminated. There is a fiberglass material fused over the wood walls in this camper. If there is a leak, over time…the surface will come away from the wood and have a rippled appearance.
\nIt was a red flag that I didn’t understand was HUGE. I was thinking “little r”. Nope….big mama-honkin’ R! The more I camped in this new-to-me camper, the bigger that little leak got. I figured as soon as I had time, I would pop that front window out and re-caulk it. Done. Easy peasy. But it kept raining and I kept busy and then…boom!
\nWhat happened was, driving across the washboard that was once I-70 caused the board across the bottom front of the camper (that had obviously softened or rotted) to buckle from the weight of the camper body being repeatedly slammed down on it. This brought the body down over half an inch, dropping it onto the frame that comes out to create the tongue and hitch.
\nLayman’s terms? The camper is not towable in this condition. There are several scenarios that can happen here.
\nI don’t want to say I feel stupid. But I didn’t do what anyone who buys a used camper should do. I didn’t have it inspected by an RV professional. The inside showed no damage…it was pristine. All but that tiny leak. The only thing that made me feel better was this: The only way I could have known that board inside was rotten was to tear the front off the camper and you can’t do that. I had no way of knowing. It was just one of those unfortunate issues that sometimes comes with used campers.
\nI have backup campers at home. Everything will work out. I am VERY grateful nothing terrible happened on the road like the frame breaking in the middle of Kansas. This is workable…it’s not the end of the world. I will inevitably lose money on this deal, but that’s a lesson learned and an excellent teaching moment when I mentor women campers.
\nI tell my husband this over and over and over. “You get what you pay for.” I had the money to get a new(er) camper, but I went for the deal. Sometimes that “good deal” just doesn’t work out. And then again….sometimes rainbows come after the worst of storms! I wonder how God is going to use this for good? There is a reason this has happened here and now. I just don’t know what it is yet!
\n❤️
\n“It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” Isaiah 4:6 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-07-03T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/07/03/trailer-troublewith-a-capital-t.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Growth","God","Wisdom","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/15/facebook-memories.html", "title": "Facebook Memories", "content_html": "
![\"Home](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec2fffce65.jpg\")
“The Storm King House”
Oh, sometimes those memories that pop up on your timeline are killers, aren’t they? On my birthday, five years ago, I put my Colorado house on the market. I bought this house when Hubby #2 and I split up. It was about a third built and I chose my colors, carpeting, cabinets and countertops, and all the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Even though Daughter #2 was only eleven years old, she spent three weeks at a time with each of us. It was, essentially, the first time I’d ever lived sort of alone.
\nI was so proud of the house. I did the landscaping myself…laying sod, planting trees and flowers. This was before the days of “TOW-Wanda” so my little house was my sanctuary. I decorated like girls lived there…because, they did. I had green and white striped sofas and lots of florals. No TV. The antique rolltop desk that my uncle left to me when he died sat where an entertainment center was supposed to go.
\nI didn’t have curtains. I needed all the light I could get. I loved that house. Then, Mr. Virgo came along. Six months after he moved into the house, he diplomatically asked if I had ever given any thought to redecorating. I think the fru-fru girly stuff was getting to his mountain man sensibilities. I acquiesced and when we were married, we got rid of all the furniture and started over.
\nA friend of mine was moving to Hilton Head and didn’t want to take the furniture from her million dollar house, so I bought about $25,000 worth of furniture from her for $4,000. We painted the first floor living area as loft gold, hung tapestry valances, and brought in the new furniture. We had the painting behind the dining room table done by a Colorado artist. And we found the breakfast table and chairs at a local furniture store.
\nI felt so….grown up. All this sophisticated furniture with my homey touches of family antiques filled my heart. I really, REALLY loved my house.
\nThen Mr. Virgo died. We had just refinanced the house five months before he died. In order to give us flexibility with payments, we went with a thirty year mortgage with the understanding we would pay it off quickly when we were flush and still stay afloat on the lean months. Now I was faced with a tenth of the income and a mortgage that wouldn’t be paid off till I was ninety years old!
\nI quickly began to hate the house. It needed new carpet, new windows, new appliances, new paint. It was nickel and dime-ing me to death. And there were memories around every corner. I couldn’t stand it. I stayed away as much as I could. They tell you not to make any major decisions in the first year after losing your spouse. So, I waited till the next summer and decided to sell.
\nI wouldn’t change a thing, really. I made my decisions based on what I was faced with in the moment. I suppose, maybe I could have kept the house and rented it out, but that just presents a whole different set of problems. We went through that when we rented it out for three years while we worked around the state. In reality, it would have been cumbersome.
\nDo I miss it? I don’t know…I look at these pictures and remember how beautiful it was. I remember all my stuff I had in it. I think the thing I miss the most is that great front porch. But that is not the life I live now. That was then. This is now. I have a life now that I wouldn’t trade for the world. And, when we build our retirement home, we can make it any way we want it. And I’ll have a big front porch just like this one. That’s the one thing I’ll ask for special.
\nFacebook Memories….sometimes they blindside you. Sometimes they show you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
\n❤️
\n“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” Hebrews 3:4 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-15T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/15/facebook-memories.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Courage","Downsizing","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/13/happy-birthday.html", "title": "Happy Birthday!", "content_html": "
![\"Night](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bc2e7772e8.jpg\")
“Happy Birthday, to ME!”
June is my birthday month.
\nI love June. I love my birthday. So I just combine them and celebrate the whole month!
\nAfter sleeping twelve hours straight on Tuesday night, Mr. FixIt and I went down to the beach and walked then played in the pool for a while. After lunch, I took a three hour nap. Seeing a trend there? It’s all about ME ‘cause it’s my birthday month!
\nJust as I woke up, Mr. FixIt walked in to make sure I didn’t sleep too long and not be able to sleep later. Then he asked me that question every woman longs to hear.
\n“How would you like to go eat ice cream for dinner?”
\nBack off girls…I saw him first!
\nYes, ladies…I have married the perfect man. Not only does he celebrate my birthday with me for a month…but he also takes me out for an ice cream dinner. Sexiest man alive.
\nAfter a dinner of butter pecan in a chocolate dipped waffle cone, we drove around. We shopped at a couple of Mr. FixIt’s stores. We found Aldi’s and picked up a few groceries. Wonderful strawberries for a dollar.
\nA simple day…Birthday Eve.
\nToday is my actual birthday.
\nSixty-six. Wow. Why does it sound so much older than sixty-five?
\nSome of the grandchildren were over Monday evening before we left. I told them how old I was going to be.
\n“Sixty-six! Can you believe that? It has been half a century since I was sixteen! Half a century!!! You know that’s fifty years, right???”
\nMy wise grandson-in-law said, “Did it go fast?”
\nHow do you answer that? Yes…it flew by in a nanosecond! No, it lasted forever! It’s both.
\nIt’s the coolest thing…to be sixteen plus fifty. I was sixteen in 1969…the summer of love. “God Bless Pink Summers ‘69!” That’s how my best friend signed her letters when she was off at a summer internship. Woodstock. Rock and Roll. Hippies. Bell bottoms. Long hair.
\nI thought I was free.
\nI was so wrong.
\nIt took living those fifty years to actually BECOME free. Funny how that works. I’d hate to have gone through all that and not learned the beautiful, hard, gritty, wonderful lessons involved.
\nSixty-six. Nope, that doesn’t bother me a bit.
\nI’m a crone now. I love that!
\nHappy Birthday to ME!
\n❤️
\n““ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-13T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/13/happy-birthday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/05/finding-my-father.html", "title": "Finding my Father", "content_html": "
![\"Father](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6c6d0a0742.jpg\")
“I don’t remember having a loving relationship with my dad…ever.”
Father’s Day is coming soon. I don’t remember ever seeing a photo of my dad holding me. I don’t remember him offering his hand to help me walk. I don’t recall any kissed booboos or falling asleep in his lap. I do remember him bouncing my brother and me on his knees to the tune of Bonanza when it aired on Sunday nights. I remember watching fireworks from the car three blocks away from the park. I remember going fishing with him…once. I wouldn’t touch the worm. He was done.
\nMy relationship with my dad was complicated. Like every little girl, I sought his approval. It never came. I sought his love. He didn’t know how to give it. He never saw me sing on stage. He never watched me perform on the balance beam. As my brother and I aged, Dad became more and more lost in a bottle of Four Roses.
\nBy the time I was an antagonistic teenager, our relationship had devolved into angry shouting matches and stony silence. He became “the man who lived upstairs”. I married and left home with the first boy who would have me and I didn’t look back. By the time I was twenty-one, to my mother’s great relief, they were divorced.
\nDad went back to his roots and moved into a trailer on his sister’s farm. As a widow, she was extremely careful of her reputation and when dad had to be driven home from the bar one night, she stormed into his trailer the next morning and struck him on the bottom of the feet with an iron skillet. She informed him there would never be another incident like that or he would find himself out on his ear. He ended up going on the wagon and found Jesus and married a childhood friend.
\nI never really knew that man…the one all my cousins knew. The one all the town knew. The one who went to church every Sunday and became the model citizen…to everyone outside. But inside? Our relationship stayed exactly the same. His modus operandi was “blame and shame”. I tried. Lord knows I tried to have a relationship with him. But, in order to do that, I needed to talk about what had happened and he wasn’t interested.
\nIf he would have just once said “I’m sorry, Sis.” Oh, I learned to forgive him because he did what he knew, but that apology would have gone a long way toward mending my broken heart. Instead, I married father replacements. First, the stern disciplinarian. Then the busy doctor who couldn’t express his true feelings. Then Mr. Virgo came along and healed that spot in my heart that needed to know I was loved and cherished and….wanted.
\nStill, I remember my therapist telling me one time, “You know, Ginny…you’re never going to find your father’s love.” I was bereft. It was as if the final page was read and the book snapped shut. The End!
\nWhat do I do now?
\nI went on. I put a bandaid over the spot where I wanted dad-memories in my heart and went on. After all, I was an adult. I was functioning as best I could with what I had to work with. It was ok, I said to myself. I don’t need a father. I don’t need anybody. Mr. Virgo was the only man I really let in and even he didn’t get to see every room.
\nThen…my dad died.
\nThen…Mr. Virgo died.
\nI was never, ever going to feel that unconditional love again.
\nI was wrong. I found love again…deep, true, lasting love with Mr. FixIt. And, I was a Christian. I had God. He was my Heavenly Father…but, I still wanted a DAD!
\nThis has been on my heart a lot in the last few weeks. And, just like clockwork, here came the Holy Spirit to minister to that sore place within me. Recently, every sermon has been some variation of this theme.
\n“Your dad wasn’t there for you. It’s ok. You don’t need him. He was here to do what only he could do and it hurt. But here….I’ve got some really great news for you.
\n“God IS your dad! He loves you…absolutely…unconditionally. He CRAVES when you come sit with him and lay your head on his shoulder. He WANTS you to take his hand and walk with him. He LOVES it when you talk to him and tell him how your day went and share worries of your mind. He DESIRES you to trust him like the dad that he is. He NEEDS you to know he isn’t ever going to leave you….not ever!”
\nWow! How awesome is that? Knowing this…I mean really deep down in my bones KNOWING this…has healed some place deep inside my heart. I don’t have to look for my dad anywhere but up. When I want to hear him talking to me, I read the words he left for me to follow. When I don’t please him, he lets me know. The most important thing he wants me to know is I am the joy of his heart. The object of his greatest longing.
\nFinally….finally I found my father….in my Father.
\n❤️
\n“The same way a loving father feels toward his children— that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you.” Psalms 103:13 TPT\n", "date_published": "2019-06-05T01:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/05/finding-my-father.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Aging","Choices","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/06/01/from-beast-to-beauty.html", "title": "From Beast to Beauty", "content_html": "
![\"Luna](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81bfe2d0d2.jpg\")
“The glorious Luna Moth!”
It takes about ten days for the egg of the luna moth to hatch into a tiny caterpillar and another five to six weeks for that caterpillar to go through multiple instars (stages of growth) to reach its full size…2.5” long by 3/4” diameter. That’s a big green worm! Once it reaches its full size, it spins a cocoon and usually about two weeks later, the moth emerges, wings shriveled and damp. Over the course of several hours, fluid is pumped into the wings, they dry, and voila…one of the largest silk moths of North America emerges to grace us with its presence.
\nNormally, the luna moth has a wingspan of about 4.5” but they can be as large as 7” across. This fellow is a male. His wings angle backwards somewhat and his abdomen is smaller because he isn’t carrying the 200-400 eggs the female has. They fly in the evening and at night in late spring and early summer. They don’t particularly like when the temperature dips into the 50’s. They’ll be somewhat paralyzed until it warms up.
\nI love when I catch sight of one of these beautiful moths. You don’t see them quite as often as you used to because a type of predatory fly was introduced to control the invasive gypsy moths and they’ve damaged several species of moths, including the glorious luna.
\nMr. FixIt called me into the kitchen last night so I could see this fellow. I ran outside with my phone so I could take pictures while the light was still good. As I was coming back inside, I found the remains of a luna who wasn’t so lucky…wings scattered here and there, coated with drops of dew. Nature. It’s a rough world out there.
\n![\"Luna](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4acaa9e388.jpg\")
“The remnants of an unfortunate demise.”
When I came out to the camper to write afterwards, I watched a video on Facebook. The premise was two former classmates run into each other in the parking lot of the grocery store. They chat and it becomes apparent one is wealthy and the other is not. The one who was not tells the other about her son getting a job after graduation and that he is thriving and so happy. The other kind of turns her nose up a bit and brags about HER son who is going to Stanford. And, as a matter of fact, he was on his way to pick her up….wasn’t that sweet? The poorer mother smiled and nodded and congratulated the other mom on her son’s great achievements. But you could see when wealthy mom left, the working boy’s mom looked a little let down.
\nI am ashamed to say, I can relate to that…however fleetingly. This is the time of year when news of graduations fill the pages of social media with our darlings’ academic accomplishments. It’s beautiful and I don’t begrudge them their joy. Not one bit. We were thrilled when Daughter #1 got her Associates Degree, majoring in drama. We told her that, and $3.50 would buy her a cup of coffee and she should go on and at least get her Bachelors Degree. But no…she and her fiancé had other plans and married a month or two after graduation.
\nAt some point along the way, she realized perhaps her parents had been right and she had an excellent opportunity to go back to school at which time she became a Special Ed teacher. Again, we were so proud. Then, somewhere down the road, she went back and got her Masters. She’s still married to her college sweetheart and coming up on their 24th anniversary.
\nDaughter #2 is brilliant…maybe more so than her sister as far as IQ goes. But she has always danced to her own music, struggled over eight years getting her Bachelors but never gave up, and now works in management in the food service industry…the love for which she received from her beloved stepfather…Mr. Virgo.
\nIn the movie I watched earlier, the Stanford son berated his mother for keeping him from his friends and let her know she was distinctly cramping his style while the poor son brings his mama flowers and tells her how much he loves and appreciates her for everything she does for him. A dramatization, for sure. But there is much truth there, unfortunately.
\nA while back, a friend from long ago posted photos of her daughter getting her doctorate. They flew to Australia to visit her where she was doing research. Her two younger daughters were married, one after the other. Beautiful. Successful. This girl and Daughter #2 had play dates together when they were babies. I had a moment of full on green envy.
\nFor only a moment. Because, in that moment, Daughter #2 called me on the phone. I sat back and listened to her go on and on about the upcoming wedding and how her dress is just so perfect and makes her look like a million bucks. We chatted about how the bouquets are being made with origami flowers from comic book pages. And she found a real Viking drinking horn at a pawn shop and that’s what they’re going to toast with! Wow! And under her dress? Tie dyed Vans…of course!
\nAs I listened to her happy voice, my mind drifted back over the many phone calls when she struggled and suffered through depression and anxiety. Really struggled. And I realized…rich, poor, Stanford, Community College, PhD, shift lead in a restaurant…none of that matters. She’s happy. There is light and life in her voice. My eyes filled with tears…from shame that I was even momentarily envious…and from sincere joy and relief that my baby didn’t end up a statistic like so many others have.
\nI still have her here…in all her quirky, wonderful weirdness. As we prepared to hang up, she gave me that sweetest gift every mama craves.
\n“I love you, mama…all over your face!”
\n“I love you too, Moon Pie.”
\nShe made it…just like the caterpillar to the glorious Luna.
\n❤️
\n“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-06-01T01:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/06/01/from-beast-to-beauty.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/31/keep-moving-forwardalways.html", "title": "Keep Moving Forward...Always", "content_html": "
![\"Wedding](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c2e94a63b9.jpg\")
“I’ve finished the wedding quilt!”
I have over 28,000 emails on my iPhone. This makes my daughter crazy. She says, “What if you missed something???” I say, “Yeah, there’s always a chance of that. But, what if I stayed on my phone for 8 hours a day reading, answering, or deleting every e-mail that came through? I wouldn’t get anything else done.”
\nI have been known to miss an occasional message, but for the most part, when I scan through, I see the important stuff. A couple of weeks ago, I saw something intriguing come through. Someone was searching for quotes about if or how and why blogging through grief has helped me cope. I wrote back and didn’t think much more about it.
\nIt was a rainy, cool day yesterday. I cuddled up in my little camper and stitched the binding on my daughter’s wedding quilt and listened to the rain hit the roof. Occasionally, I caught a glimpse of something brown running by and under my camper. It was two large rabbits. They chased each other all afternoon and made me smile. They made me think of Watership Down. One stopped beneath my window in plain sight. I whispered, “Be careful of the hrududus, bunny!”
\nSometimes I feel like I run out of things to say here. I think maybe you’ve heard every story I ever knew. Sometimes I think I begin to sound like your slightly dotty Aunt Felicity who tells you everything she ate today. I know that’s an exaggeration, but still…I wonder if I’m wearing out my welcome. When I stitch or knit or mow or drive, I have conversations with God and I ask him to tell me when I’m done. And, every…single…time, He sends me someone to tell me, “No, dear one. Not yet. Someone tomorrow needs your stories.”
\nAs I stitched on my daughter’s wedding quilt, I watched old black & white reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. Up popped a message from a reader I haven’t heard from in four and a half years. In those years she had lost a husband. Had gained a love. And nearly lost him to a silent heart attack. My posts that they’ve been reading together helped them to see how life can change in an instant. They are working together to create a new life, new adventures, in a new direction. They asked me to please keep doing what I’m doing. It made me cry. God knows our hearts. He hears our pleas. And he sends us answers if we’ll just slow down and listen and pay attention.
\nAfter reading that, another message popped up. It was from the woman who wrote to me two weeks ago seeking that quote and the article was published yesterday. I read down through the stories of all the people she had quoted and realized two of them I am connected with on Twitter. I’ll connect with the others now.
\nGrief is a solitary business yet it thrusts us into a community of others going through similar experiences. The biggest point I made in my story for the article was this…you are not alone. No matter how hard grief is. No matter how isolating it is. No matter how crazy and lonely and forgetful it makes you…you are never truly alone. For me…I have Jesus and my family and you guys.
\nI’m not about to quit on that.
\nYou can read the collection of stories here: https://www.aklander.co.uk/news/why-blogging-can-help-with-grief
\n❤️
\n“For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-05-31T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/31/keep-moving-forwardalways.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/26/smoke.html", "title": "Smoke", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 9:26-27 TPT
![\"Smoke\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c7951b9595.jpg\")
“Life has a certain synchronicity. It swirls round and round like wisps of smoke.”
Mail delivery is different when you live on a rural route. When you drive out any two lane blacktop, there are dirt roads that go off up into hollers. There may be a dozen or more houses up there, but it wouldn’t be feasible to send a mail carrier up every little dirt track. So, you often see a whole row of mailboxes on the corner and everyone has to pick up their own mail. Our mailbox is across the two lane from the Ponderosa so we either walk up or stop on our way out when we go somewhere.
\nWhen I first moved in with Mr. FixIt, I seldom got any mail here. I have a post office box that I use for my business so it was just easier for me to get all my mail there. Because the majority of the mail was his, I never really saw it unless I picked it up. Mr. FixIt was throwing away junk mail one day and casually remarked, for some reason he had received coupons for cigarettes. He couldn’t figure out how in the world he ever got on their mailing list.
\nWe went into town yesterday to decorate graves on Mr. FixIt’s side of the family. We stopped to get the mail and there was another cigarette advertisement. He handed me the mail and said, “See? We got it again!” I sat there, holding the mail in my hands. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat and I could barely breathe.
\n“Is this the brand you got before?” I asked.
\n“Yes. It’s always the same.”
\nI ran my fingers over the familiar green box and smiled. Kools.
\n“You know…this is Mr. Virgo’s brand.”
\n“Whoa. That’s weird.”
\n“No…not weird. It’s just a message. A sort of hello from beyond.”
\nI don’t know how things work on the other side exactly. I know there is heaven. And I know the Bible says there is a veil between the worlds and those in heaven cannot see or connect with their loved ones on earth. I also know God loves us and wants to comfort our hearts when we lose loved ones so He sends us things that strike a chord with us. In my case…bluebirds. A particular song that’s out of place. Flickering lights. And, an ad. Of all the cigarette brands that are out there, the one that came was Mr. Virgo’s. It’s not even what I would consider a top brand. Why that one? On Memorial Day weekend?
\nI reached over and took my husband’s hand. I smiled and looked out the window at the passing scenery. I marveled at this lovely life and all its synchronicity…curling round and round like wisps of smoke.
\n“Hello, Mr. Virgo” I said softly. “Thanks for coming to see us.”
\n❤️
\n“Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-05-26T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/26/smoke.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change","Widow","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/20/a-lovely-summer-evening.html", "title": "A Lovely Summer Evening", "content_html": "John 17:7 ESV
![\"Peony\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2fe8718a19.jpg\")
“Spring? It’s more like summer here in West Virginia!”
Ok…it’s not officially summer for another month. But the temperature on the truck was 93 yesterday afternoon so that is close enough for me! Mr. FixIt and I camped in the yard beside the big building Saturday night and it was wonderful. The windows were open and a small fan on low kept us very comfortable. The mattress in the camper is better than any in the house and it’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a week. The climb-over-you bed configuration wasn’t a problem so I think we’re a go for the big Colorado trip later this summer.
\nChurch was wonderful…again. As I stood there, holding Mr. FixIt’s hand, praising with the other…I counted my blessings as I counted my bonus family down the pew. Afterwards was breakfast out and catching up with what’s going on in their busy lives. (They thought it was very funny that their grandpa and I camped in the yard. He does lots of new things since I came along!)
\nWe delivered a saw to his son and checked out the deck they are rebuilding. Then we headed home. I had a deadline to meet on this new writing project I’m involved with so I climbed in my little camper, turned on the AC, and got busy. In the meantime, someone came to look at the camper we are selling. When we were both finished, we did that very fun thing we love to do…we took a drive and stopped for ice cream!
\nAs we walked back in, the light was perfect on our peonies just outside the back door so I had to stop and snap a picture. It was the perfect summation of the day…soft and sweet, warm and blessed. As I write this, I am again in the little camper, the windows flung open, the frogs peeping in the creek beyond the far field. What a rich and lovely life we lead!
\n❤️
\n“The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers. The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived. I hear the cooing of doves in our land, filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth.” Song of Songs 2:11-12 TPT\n", "date_published": "2019-05-20T01:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/20/a-lovely-summer-evening.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/05/08/too-close-to-home.html", "title": "Too Close to Home", "content_html": "
![\"School](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/57405224ec.jpg\")
“How many more children have to die before something is done about this?”
Another school shooting. Seven miles from Columbine. They recently observed the 20th anniversary of the school shooting that seemed to change everything. Copycat killers, looking for moments of notoriety, sprung up everywhere, it seems.
\nWhat is causing all this? I have my theories. Personally, I think things started taking a giant slide down a slippery slope when Dr. Spock said don’t spank your kids. I’m not for violence by any means, but my kids got a proper swat on their butts when they were out of line. And they are great adults.
\nKids aren’t given outlets for their anger anymore. I was talking with my son-in-law’s mom last night. Her mother was discussing this with her contemporaries in the assisted living center at supper. She said, in her day and age, there were bullies, and kids got in scraps, but you had a row and got it over with. Now, children are handled with kid gloves and they can’t fight back.
\nThey also get left with video games and the internet as their babysitters. You cannot tell me that violent video games don’t have an impact on children today. How can it not? You can’t sit for hours at a time, shooting and maiming “people” in this realistic scenarios and not be desensitized to the violence. It becomes the norm.
\nThis one hit close to home. While not in my daughter’s district, she teaches at a STEM school and my granddaughter is a student at that same school. (Not the one where the shooting occurred yesterday, thank God.) She used to work with many of the teachers at the school where the shooting occurred. The principal is my daughter’s sister-in-law’s best friend.
\nThis is getting too close.
\nThey’re ALL too close!
\nSomething has to be done. Our children go into a war zone every single day. Teachers and school staff, too. This is not the country we were raised in. It’s not the country my children were raised in either. I own guns. But my guns are locked up in a safe. I have a .22 hidden when I am at the farm in case I’m bothered by a two-legged varmint.
\nI pray. I pray a lot. But, something has to be done. Our children are killing and being killed. Prayers are wonderful…but we need more. I’m not writing this to invite debate. This is not the place for that. There are better places for that…like with our representatives. I’m just crying out as a Nana. A very, very concerned Nana.
\nAs an aside…I arrived at the campground without incident.
\nI pray for those families. The ones who got the call. And for the families of the shooters. how horrifying.
\n???
\n“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-05-08T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/05/08/too-close-to-home.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","God","Anger","Fear","Courage","Warning","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/17/a-good-tired.html", "title": "A Good Tired", "content_html": "\n
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
\n\n
1 John 3:11-12, 14-15 ESV
![\"Spring](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4bcb6b5b9c.jpg\")
“Spring flowers make my heart sing!”
Now that the taxes are done, submitted, and accepted, our attention can turn to other things….mainly, mowing. With the rains we received over the weekend, the grass growth was remarkable and it couldn’t be put off another day. We had a neighbor brush hog the far field last fall when we were preparing for the wedding. That field is really rough and needs to be mowed really regularly or we’ll have to resort to the brush hog again. I got about half the field mowed at the Ponderosa then we had to head for the farm. Mr. FixIt mowed while I hauled dropped limbs and did laundry. It was 7:30 by the time we were done and ready to head back home.
\nThis is the kind of tired that feels good. When you do a good solid day’s work and you have something to show for it. When your muscles are sore and you’re hungry and you know you’re going to sleep soundly…that’s a good day’s work. We still have much to do to prepare for our trip but once we are there…it’s beach time, baby. I can’t wait to see Ben & Sue…my son-in-law’s parents. They are joining us for the week and it’s going to be SO much fun. They are the dearest people and we can’t wait to show them all around the Outer Banks!
\nI do have a favor of you. I have an appointment with the orthopedist today for this pain I have in my foot. I think it’s a Morton’s Neuroma and if so, I will likely need a shot in the ball of my foot, which…as you can well imagine…I am not looking forward to. I am preparing myself with lots of prayers and meditation. Please add me to your prayer list that everything goes smoothly, the pain is little to nonexistent, and that whatever they do, it takes care of the pain and I can get back to exercising regularly! Thank you in advance!!!
\nI’ll let you know how it went!
\n❤️
\n“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.””\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-04-17T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/17/a-good-tired.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm","Growth","Comfort","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/14/darkness-into-light.html", "title": "Darkness into Light", "content_html": "Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV
![\"Palm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fdc47d0300.jpg\")
“Looking back, I am humbled by my deliverance.”
The stress of doing taxes this week made me sit back and reflect how differently I cope now as opposed to twenty years ago. Back then, I felt like that guy on Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour. You know the one…he twirled plates on top of sticks. First one, then two, then five…and eventually, he had about twelve of them spinning. He ran from one stick to another, desperately trying to keep all the plates spinning without crashing to the ground.
\nI did a great job spinning plates till…I didn’t. I burned out. I hit the wall. There were lots of reasons why, but the bottom line was…I didn’t have good coping skills. I had an alcoholic father. I seriously should have known not to push the drinking thing. But, more and more, I relied on alcohol to prop me up.
\nI had situational anxiety. Going to a party? I’d have a drink in the bathroom while I put on my makeup and called on “Ginny the Party Girl” to step forward…emboldened by a beer. Going to the game with the hospital administrator and his wife? Drink LOTS of beers. Hosting a dinner party for the medical staff? Wine…more wine! It got worse and worse.
\nWhen my marriage started to fall apart, I was terrified. I had no idea how to cope because I worshiped at the altar of my husband. I only had a cursory relationship with God and I didn’t know Jesus at all. I was relying entirely on someone fairly unreliable….myself. When thing became difficult between me and my husband, I started drinking about an hour before he was due home so I could get through the evening. Many times I just got too wasted to cook so I went to bed, leaving my family to fend for themselves.
\nAt the very end of our marriage, I found myself standing in a closet in the dark, drinking really expensive tequila straight from the bottle. I knew…KNEW in that moment that I was in dire straits. Unfortunately, when you are in that place, it’s really, really hard to pull yourself out of it without some help. I was just functional enough to fool people into thinking I still had it together…but I did not.
\nOur last Thanksgiving, my best friend’s husband caught me sneaking into their kitchen during dinner and drinking shots of tequila. I fell asleep on their couch while all the guests were at the table having dessert. I was desperately ill, but I was also an embarrassment. My husband didn’t know what to do with me. When I overdosed a couple of months later, I made the decision for him and I went away to get the help I needed.
\nNow, as a Christian, I know that God uses all things for my good and for HIS glory. Last week in church, I said my usual prayer…”Lord, if you have a message just for me, please deliver it through Pastor Justin.” And, in his message, God sent this…
\n“God will use your experiences for your good. He will use them for His glory. Your experiences are your story and your story has power. It has the power to change people. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and share your testimony.”
\nI smiled.
\nGod himself told me in that moment that, no matter how bad I got…no matter how messy my life was…no matter how dysfunctional I had been…He had saved me. HE came for ME! He left the 99 and came for the ONE. And when He found me, He carried me on His shoulders back to the flocks and announced to all…”Look, I’ve found my lost sheep! Come! Help me celebrate!”
\nI know God has great things in store for me. I anticipate the unexpected, just like Christine Caine preaches in her book, Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure. Yes, sometimes the unexpected is bad. But, sometimes it is amazing. I could never in a million years have imagined back when I was in the throes of torment…where I’d be today. I am so incredibly grateful that Jesus never gave up on me. He pursued me relentlessly because He had a plan. He knew what I was capable of. I am so humbled by His Love. Through Him, I can turn a dark and painful time into a testimony of the Goodness of God
\nOn this…Palm Sunday…remember the triumphal return of Jesus to Jerusalem is also the beginning of Holy Week. It is the true beginning of the end of His earthly walk. May you all be blessed and humbled in the coming week.
\n❤️
\n““What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-04-14T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/14/darkness-into-light.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/07/towwanda-iii-day-cleanup.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda III: Day 1 - Cleanup", "content_html": "Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0ce5aedbab.jpg\")
“The first thing that had to go was the bunk bed over the main bed.”
The first thing I did yesterday…after coffee, of course…was head out to the new camper. I could hardly sleep the night before, I was so excited. I didn’t realize how very much I missed my first camper till I got a load of this one! I hooked it up to electric and checked out the systems again. The air conditioning worked fine. I cleaned the filter screen in the AC unit so it works more efficiently. The fan, lights, and microwave. I haven’t checked the refrigerator yet.
\nMr. FixIt was kind enough to bring a ladder and some RV cleaning products out to the camper for me as well as a hose and scrub brush. I started scrubbing with an RV wash/wax combo and followed up with a Norwex cleaning cloth and Norwex cleaning paste to get the black streaks off. I rinsed it well and checked inside…NO LEAKS! Yesssss! No leaks is a good thing…especially with a 2007 camper. This thing is built exceedingly well.
\nThe camper is a Cikira Classic Cruiser 18FB…which roughly translates to an 18 foot camper with a front bed. From what I can find, Cikira RV wasn’t around for very long, but I don’t think that was because they lacked a quality product. If this camper is any indication, the quality is excellent. The RV industry isn’t easy to break into. But more importantly, look at the date of my camper. The economy in 2007 was booming and people were traveling a lot. Then 2008 came and the bottom fell out of the market. No one was spending money on anything extra. I know…that’s when I had to close my needlework shop. Hobbies like camping and needlework are the first to go when it comes to extraneous expenses.
\nOnce I had the outside walls scrubbed down, I opened the awning and gave it a good wash. I left it open to dry in our beautiful 72 degree weather and closed it up before dusk so it wouldn’t gather the dew. Then it was time to head indoors. The first thing that had to go was the bunk bed overtop the main bed. The previous owners had a 10 year old daughter who loved the bunk above, but it was too confining to lay underneath it and I knew I would hit my head every time is sat down. The bunk was secured with sturdy angle iron and the plywood base was screwed securely to it. I removed the twin size memory foam mattress and Mr. FixIt helped me carry it down to the storage room. We can use it for an extra if we have overflow company.
\nThe front piece of the bunk bed was a long piece of heavy angle iron attached to a decorative wood front. I removed that piece but left the other three pieces of angle iron connected to the three walls above the windows. This way, if we ever need the bunk bed again, we can pop it back in easily enough. Taking that bunk out opened up the entire bed area and made it much more comfortable, roomy, and light. By this time I was fried so I gave in and snuggled up on my new bed and took a nap.
\nSo, our blessings continue. Our great granddaughter is being dedicated to Jesus in church this morning! My heart is so happy!
\n❤️
\n“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-04-07T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/07/towwanda-iii-day-cleanup.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/04/renovations.html", "title": "Renovations", "content_html": "Mark 10:16 NIV
![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c33e463b03.jpg\")
“There’s something about vintage kitchens that speaks to my heart.”
I came across this picture on Pinterest the other day. I don’t…CAN’T…spend as much time on Pinterest as I would like to. I have too many irons in the fire right now and I know what a black hole Pinterest is. It’s a candy store for creatives and I get SO lost. I pop in there every day because I get notifications. Almost always, there’s something on my landing page that I might pin if it’s an idea I’m working on, thinking maybe there WILL be a time when I can be a bit more leisurely. I look at my notifications, then I’m out of there…1-2 minutes, tops.
\nThe reason this particular picture grabbed my attention was a memory. Hubby #2 and I moved into our first house a couple of blocks from the medical school and this cabinet, and one just like it on the opposite wall, was in our kitchen. It formed a walkway into the breakfast nook where you sat in front of a big picture window.
\nThe view out the window was unremarkable, but that kitchen was one of the coolest in any house I’ve ever lived in. It was big and roomy with tons of storage space. It had a window over the kitchen sink which is always a must have for me. To this day, I cannot remember if the countertops were red or green…but I definitely remember that vintage style. It spoke to me…even as a young woman.
\nYou don’t find vintage kitchens like this much anymore. We are a throw away society with a newer is better attitude. The young wives of the ‘80s wanted new and better and hopefully not avocado green or harvest gold or that hideous brown copper toned color. No offense…if that’s what you have or what you love, but it was an affront to my sensibilities then and it remains so today. There is NOTHING nostalgic about that for me.
\nSpeaking of renovations, we are still in the throes of redoing master bath at the Ponderosa. I have never been married to a man that could fix or build anything. Seriously, if anything got built or renovated or decorated, it was my doing. I’m the one with the power tools. Well, I was. They all were stolen when someone broke into my storage unit and broke my heart. Mr. FixIt knows how to do everything. He didn’t get his name for nuthin’.
\nHere’s the thing. When I fixed up my mom’s house to put it on the market, I did the entire house myself except for installing the kitchen cabinets, connecting the gas for the new range, and updating the electrical service to the house. I tore the kitchen out to the walls and did it all…set the sink, installed a garbage disposal, new GFI outlets, plumbing, laminate flooring, under cabinet lighting, tiled the backsplash and entryway, coped the baseboards and quarter-round molding. I also refinished the hardwood floors, switched out all the ceiling light fixtures, put in a new doorbell and doors and storm doors, painted the entire inside, changed out the bathroom fixtures, tore the entire floor out and installed a subfloor, underpayment and linoleum, new baseboards and quarter round, a new toilet, took out the old medicine cabinet and installed a new mirror and lights and tiled the backsplash.
\nIn other words…I know my way around a renovation project.
\nThe thing is…I probably didn’t know enough to be intimidated. I just did it. And if I didn’t know how to do something or what tool I needed to do it with, I just consulted the knowledgeable staff at Lowes or read one of my helpful how-to books. I wasn’t picky. If it looked good, that was my bottom line. I thought it turned out great. Anyone who saw it thought it turned out great. And…I did the whole thing in about 4 months…by myself, for the most part.
\nThen I married “The Man With The Engineer’s Brain”.
\nHave you ever asked a man with an engineer’s brain to do something? They will do it. Perfectly. Absolutely perfectly. They will spend an inordinate amount of time drawing up plans…perhaps even doing so on a CAD program on the computer than costs more than the budget of small countries. They will print out the plans and study them and make notes. Then they will go back in and edit said plans. Then…once they are satisfied with the design, they will start the shopping process. The frugal engineer will have his/her supplies mapped out and listed by store according to price. This you will buy here. That you will buy there. All in good time.
\nFinally, the work begins. There will be measuring sessions. That will last a totally unpredictable amount of time. More notes will be taken and perhaps the CAD plans will be altered and reprinted. The flooring alone took several weeks. In a bathroom half the size of a good walk-in closet. Then there came the drywall. The patching. The sanding. The next coat of patching material. The second sanding. The third coat of patching material and the necessary sanding. Then came the painting. First the ceiling. Two coats. Then the walls. At least two coats.
\nI came in to see how it was going after the second coat of paint dried and Mr. FixIt was sanding…again.
\n“What on earth are you doing???”
\n“I didn’t like the way that looked. I don’t like satin paint. You can never get it to look good. I’m fixing this spot.”
\n“Cool. I’m going back out to the camper write now. Love you!”
\nNow we are at the point where we are installing the shower. He measured and calculated and remeasured and recalculated many times and finally…finally…we went to buy the fiberglass shower stall on Monday. That thing weighed a ton. We had to take it apart in order to get it in the house. Once inside, we took the protective coverings off and it was not only scratched, but it had several cracks in the fiberglass surface. So, we had to cart it back outside, put it all back together, and take it back to the store to exchange it. Once home, we had to take it apart again to get it in the house. Thank GOD it didn’t have any cracks because I just might have said a few choice words.
\nI could have had this bathroom done in two…three weeks tops. But I can guarantee you, it would not look nearly as perfect as the bathroom Mr. FixIt is building. I’m more of an instant gratification kind of gal so this has been a real learning opportunity for me in patience and appreciation. It’s coming along though. It’s definitely coming along.
\n❤️
\n“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-04-04T01:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/04/renovations.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Comfort","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/04/01/vibrant-women.html", "title": "Vibrant Women", "content_html": "Romans 12:12 NIV
![\"Vibrant](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8ad16fc44e.jpg\")
“Vibrant Women…a women’s ministry.”
Something phenomenal happened Friday night and it has taken me this long to process it. Actually, I’m sure I’ll be processing it for some time to come. We have a husband-wife team leading our church. It has been wonderful to watch Pastor Heather growing into a strong leader for the women of our region. A little over three years ago, God planted a seed in her to lead a Women’s Ministry. She gathered her friends together, told them her ideas for this movement, and asked them to start feeding her possible names. When she heard “Vibrant Women”, she was moved. Vigorous. Energetic. Lively. Vital. All words that resonated with where she wanted to go with this movement….words that described women of strong faith.
\nThis was the third Vibrant Women event held at our church…the second I have attended. It’s come a long way since the beginning. I think there might have been two-hundred women at the first one. Friday night saw almost SEVEN HUNDRED women packed into our church. There wasn’t a seat in the house. The sound booth said at one point the decibel scale peaked out at the same level as a jet engine. It was crazy fun. The energy level in that room was amazing.
\nWe had a guest pastor…Pastor April Carter of the Together Church in Yakima, Washington. Pastor April spoke about Living Beyond Fear. Oh….she touched every single one of us. At the end of her message, she told a personal story. Someone who works in her church called her…panic stricken. Then he arrived home, his house was surrounded by police, fire, and ambulance crews. They would not let him in the house. The only thing he knew was, something happened that involved his son. Pastor April and Pastor Micahn headed to the hospital to meet them.
\nAs they sat there, waiting for word of what was going on, she absentmindedly fingered a necklace she was wearing that a friend gave her. It is engraved…”I Can Do Hard Things”. The time dragged slowly by. They prayed together. They held each other up. And, finally…the doctor came out. Their friends’ son had gotten his hands on a gun and somehow accidentally shot himself. And they could not save him. Pastor April closed her eyes and repeated to herself…
\n“I can do hard things. I can do hard things. I can do hard things.”
\nSince Mr. Virgo died, I haven’t been so good in medical emergencies. There have been times I haven’t been able to show up for people who need me to do hard things. Pastor April challenged us to put on our boxing gloves and get in the ring of life and fight. Listening to her, I felt empowered. I felt stronger. I felt like trying harder and being the best version of myself I can be. I mean, isn’t that what faith does for us?
\n“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Even the hard things.
\nWe were doubly blessed in that Pastor April delivered our message at church yesterday too so we got to hear her twice this weekend. I googled her name on YouTube last night and there was a message called “Hard Reset”. You should give it a listen if you are interested. She is very good.
\n❤️
\n“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-04-01T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/04/01/vibrant-women.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/30/getting-healthy.html", "title": "Getting Healthy", "content_html": "Philippians 4:13 NIV
![\"AdvoCare\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee749bfded.jpg\")
“It’s time to get healthy with AdvoCare’s 24 Day Challenge!”
I went to the doctor last week for bronchitis and had to do that thing I’ve dreaded the most…I had to step on a scale! I haven’t weighed myself in ages…mostly because I just find it so demoralizing. I am past the caring what others think of me thing. However, I do still care what I think of myself. I don’t feel healthy when I weigh this much. My feet hurt. My bladder leaks. My acid reflux is abysmal. The whole thing makes me pretty darned cranky.
\nUnfortunately, I’ve had to take steroids twice in the last six months and that wreaks havoc on my weight. However, I can’t just blame this weight gain on medications. Writing this book kept me sequestered in my camper for the last two months. And when I write, I nibble and nosh without thinking much about it. Winter brings the blahs and comfort food gets me in trouble in a hurry.
\nIt’s time to do something about it. I did check into a weight loss program that a friend of mine is one. She has had a dramatic weight loss and looks wonderful, but her program is $400 a month and that is unreasonable for someone on a fixed income. I have decided to do what worked for me last time and just ordered the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. It’s time. It’s not too terribly expensive and if you work it, it really gives me that jump start I need to get me going. If any of you are interested in doing it with me, you can send me a private message and I can send you the link to purchase what you need. If you followed along with me three years ago, you saw what a difference it made.
\nIt’s a new season. I need to stay active and physically fit so I can maintain my fun girl camper lifestyle! I’m going to be 66 this summer…it’s time to really take serious control of my health!
\n❤️
\n“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-03-30T01:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/30/getting-healthy.html", "tags": ["Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Aging","Choices","Change","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/27/the-ponderosa.html", "title": "The Ponderosa", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
![\"Farm\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/38ed537d80.jpg\")
“The Ponderosa is the land I have dreamed of all my life.”
I’ve still been recuperating from this bronchitis/cold/virus/allergy thing. Kind of laying low, taking care of myself. To keep from re-infecting Mr. FixIt (he already had this last month), I’ve been spending a lot of time out in TOW-Wanda…resting, reading, writing, napping, cogitating. It has been very good for me to spend so much time in my little house on wheels. It certainly made winter go by MUCH quicker!
\nAs I was writing this yesterday, I was stretched out in my “sun room”…the slide-out in my camper. It is actually the dinette, but it collapses down and makes a twin-sized bed and I actually have a mattress in there. I have piles of pillows and comfy blankets all around so it’s a nice little cocoon in which to snuggle and write and dream.
\nAn e-mail came in while I was writing and it took me back probably ten years or so. It was from a site called Land Watch. Many years ago, I was trying to convince Mr. Virgo that it would be a very good idea to move back home to West Virginia. He humored me and looked at the farms and land I found. He half-heartedly searched for B&B’s for sale here and in the surrounding states. But, he came from Pennsylvania…he lived a long time in Florida…all with the goal of ultimately living in Colorado. His Nirvana. I think if push came to shove, he would have moved here for me…but he wouldn’t have been happy. God had different plans anyway because he took Mr. Virgo to His home before I could take him to mine.
\nAs I looked at that e-mail and thought of all those times I dreamed of having a few acres in West Virginia, I looked out the windows of TOW-Wanda at the fields and far hills of the Ponderosa and smiled. I have what I have always dreamed of having. A faith-filled life. A wonderful family…biological and bonus. And land…a garden, grass, trees, flowers. TWO farms, actually. I’m doubly blessed. I had no idea ten years ago I would realize my lifelong dream but it wouldn’t look at all like I thought it would. It’s funny how life plays out.
\nI took the liberty of blurring out some identifying features in the photo above. There’s a neighbor up at the top there…I blurred out their home. And I blurred out the roads and route numbers that were on the map. But it gives you an excellent view of the Ponderosa. All that green there? That’s what we mow! This satellite image was taken at least two and a half years ago because the maple is still in the front yard. It fell in late 2016 or early 2017. You can see the curved drive where there are two campers parked. My TOW-Wanda sits where that blue dot is on the map.
\nNature is getting ready to show off…things are getting green. The trees are starting to bud. The forsythia are blooming, as are the daffodils. They were stunted somewhat by the polar vortex, I think. They are much shorter than usual. We were walking through the yard on Monday and realized it won’t be long till we need to mow it. It will be at least a month before we get the pool ready. As I am writing this, the sun is shining. We are at our high for the day…51 degrees. We are going to our Alma Mater’s Girl’s Softball game this evening to watch one of the granddaughters play. It is a good life we live and I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe I’m really here.
\n❤️
\n“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:2 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-27T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/27/the-ponderosa.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Presence","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/26/widowed-or-single.html", "title": "Widowed or Single?", "content_html": "
![\"Widow\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/825ec8b655.jpg\")
“Has the mental image of ‘widow’ changed all that much?
One of my friends shared a post with me yesterday. Ironically, it turns out I know the woman who wrote it. And, I know her well enough to understand what she meant by what she said about being called a widow. The writer, Jan, said she didn’t like the term “widow” because it conjures up this preconceived notion of “old” and “feeble”. As she says, we live in an era where ageism runs rampant. Our gray hair and social mores puts the widow in an unenviable position on more levels than grief alone.
\nJan says she hates going into doctor’s offices and filling out the forms, having to select widowed or single. She has taken to saying she is “single-by-death” because, she DOES feel single. I’m all for changing the vernacular and the image of widows. Of course, the early throes of acute grief is a time where most of us feel old beyond our years, lost, destined to a life of lonely sadness. After that period of crisis, we do begin…in our own time…to heal and move forward. I don’t know any widow who wants to be looked down on and pitied. In this day and age, widows aren’t a bunch of doddering old ladies wearing black and sitting in the corner crying all the time.
\nI hated the term widow, too. I thoroughly resented it at first because I was very, very busy trying to pretend he didn’t die. Calling me a widow just turned a spotlight on my spectacular ruse and left me with nothing but shadow puppets of my former life. I sometimes rebelliously referred to myself as “single-by-chance” simply because I hated the word death as much as I hated the word widow. “Single-by-chance” could cover a lot of situations…death, divorce, break-ups. I liked it. But eventually, I just went with widow and tried to show what one looks like by pulling a huge camper across the country alone and dancing on the bar at Coyote Ugly and going into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado for three months…alone.
\nIn researching photos for this post, I Googled “widow”. There was a plethora of images of spiders and Scarlet Johansson in a black latex catsuit with the occasional Civil War era tintype of a haunted woman in black thrown in for good measure. This got me to thinking…if Google is any indication, maybe the world isn’t as obsessed with the word “widow” as widows themselves are. Widowhood and grief are lonely pursuits. We are singular. We are rather myopic. We have lost half of our whole. At least, we have for a while. Eventually, half reduces itself…bit by tiny little bit.
\nI was widowed…singled-by-chance…surely not by choice. Now that Mr. FixIt and I have married, when I relate my story in my work as a speaker and a writer, I say I was widowed. I suppose in the absolute vernacular, I am a widow. But that is a far smaller piece of who I am today than it used to be. I think that’s the way it should be…for me.
\nThat’s the beauty of language and social norms. We can change things. We can change the words and the images of who we are in the world today. Who we are and how we want to be seen. What works for one may not work for another. Be who…or what…you are. Empirical evidence says…I am a Child of God…first and foremost. The rest is superfluous.
\n❤️
\n““Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”” \n\n", "date_published": "2019-03-26T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/26/widowed-or-single.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/15/heaven-sent.html", "title": "Heaven Sent", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 27:19 NIV
![\"Spring\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/449a532d1a.jpg\")
“I know it isn’t officially spring, but….this is good enough for me!”
Beware the Ides of March, they say. March 15th hasn’t always been my favorite day. For instance, this was the day Hubby #2 told me he wanted a divorce. Not one of my better days. This was also the day of Mr. Virgo’s viewing and Rosary which knocked all previous bad days out of the bad day competition up to that point. I think the 16th nudged ahead of that one.
\nNow though…now is different. Even though it’s not officially spring in West Virginia, you can’t tell Mother Nature that. Yesterday was stellar with a temp of 79 degrees at 4:00pm. After watching videos of the bomb cyclone that tore through Colorado on Wednesday, I was ever so grateful to sit in TOW-Wanda and write. The sounds of the peepers serenaded me as the stiff breezes rocked the camper gently. I even rubbed it in by video chatting with my favorite peeps in Denver and showed them the sunshine and open windows in my camper. Yeah…they don’t like me much right now….can’t understand why. insert eye-roll here
\nWe all have good times and bad times in life that cycle up and down. I don’t forget the bad times. In the throes of acute grief, you honestly don’t believe you will ever feel joy again so it comes as a surprise when you first feel it. You even feel guilty because, after all, how can you possibly laugh when your person died? Eventually, one smile brings two. Laughter slowly replaces tears. Warm memories eventually move the pain of loss a little further back in your mind till eventually, even one day after the angelversary, you can feel the sun on your face and appreciate a warm spring day with undeniable joy in your heart.
\nLife is good. God is great. Spring is here. Joy abounds. Breathe. If these things aren’t here for you yet…hang on. They’re coming. ❤️
\n\n “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 NLT\n", "date_published": "2019-03-15T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/15/heaven-sent.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/12/angelversary.html", "title": "Angelversary", "content_html": "
![\"Handsome](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e057599f53.jpg\")
“Remembering Mr. Virgo”
Last year, I removed the date of Mr. Virgo’s death from my calendar so I would no longer receive reminders on my phone. After all, I’m not likely to forget such an event as that anyway. I do have a hard time remembering the exact date of my mom’s death and my grandma’s and my dad’s. I know approximately when they occurred but I have to look it up if I need to know the exact date. Not so with Mr. Virgo’s. I’ll never forget that…or him.
\nIt was six years ago today that we set out to buy the travel trailer to take us into retirement. It was a beautiful sunny day with a hint of spring and we had everything to look forward to. Although I had been having premonitions all week, it was still a shock when he died so suddenly.
\nThis was something I didn’t believe I could recover from. I swore to my girls that I would never, ever get married again because I couldn’t go through this a second time. Yet, here we are…six years down the road and I’m married again…to an equally wonderful man. I’ve been blessed with good men in my life.
\nMy friend Deneene lost her husband in March a few years after me. I began to mentor her through the widow experience when she was going through a particularly rough patch. We don’t get to see each other much anymore as she has moved to South Carolina with her new love. We connect frequently via chat and yesterday, she sent a note telling me she was thinking of me and the angelversary of Mr. Virgo’s death. She asked how I was going to commemorate this day. Last year, when I removed the alarm from my calendar, I thought five years was enough of that. I figured I wouldn’t want to do anything special anymore. But, once I thought about it, I decided I was wrong. Time doesn’t change the facts.
\nIt’s interesting at this point to think of my marriage to Mr. Virgo. He has now been gone the same amount of time we were married. And, just because time has passed, and just because I’m crazy in love with Mr. FixIt and I’m happily married, doesn’t mean my love for this wonderful man I shared my life with has diminished. Daughter #2 called me yesterday and we talked for quite some time about this. When we lose someone so special, our hearts expand at some point. My heart is much, much bigger than it was when Mr. Virgo died. There are spaces there with the names of every person I have truly loved. Those spaces do not become smaller in order to allow room for other to come in. The vessel itself had to grow.
\nAs time has passed after each loss, those spaces that remain from the love lost aren’t empty shells. I’ve filled them with love and memories like filling a beautiful vase with thousands of blooms…only these flowers will never die. There were times, especially with the divorces, that I held onto bitterness and anger, but those things did not serve me. Filling each space in my heart with love has been my saving grace.
\nI am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man who does not expect me to clean house and rid myself of those spaces in my heart. I would never expect him to do so. If you have truly loved someone, no matter what the end result of the relationship, filling those rooms full of flowers can set you free.
\nSo, I’m at the farm. I’m writing and drinking good coffee and eating chocolate hearts. And I’m counting all my blessings for a heart filled with blooms by remembering my life with a good, kind man. ❤️
\n“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-12T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/12/angelversary.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/11/tap-tap-tap.html", "title": "Tap Tap Tap", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3206152c59.jpg\")
“Typing away…tap, tap, tap!”
I am back to work on the book. I’m editing the first rough draft and it’s going really well, actually. My prayer going into this was to have a cheerful heart and find joy in the process. It’s amazing what a change in attitude can do in making a normally arduous task into something of a pleasure. Fresh eyes and a little distance gives you a new perspective and it’s easier to identify where the story needs polishing.
\nI took yesterday off. Grandma always instructed us to keep the Sabbath. She told me if I ever sewed anything on Sunday, I’d spend all of eternity picking it out with my teeth. I can approach editing with more joy than before, but that doesn’t mean I want to spend all eternity doing it! We went to church with the family and then brunch.
\nI bought the piece to fix the toilet at the farm. I need to fill the propane tanks for TOW-Wanda. Then I can hole up in the camper and write. Oh…and I finally took down the Christmas tree. I figured it was time with the spring forward thing!
\nWe had such a lovely warm day yesterday. We got out of the truck after church and the peepers were singing! That is definitely the harbinger of spring. We made it through another winter!
\nOh, I wanted to tell you about something that happened last week. Actually, it started about a month ago. I had a small mole on my temple that suddenly started to grow. I didn’t think much of it, but when it became tender and was really getting quite noticeable, I figured it was about time to call the dermatologist to go in and have it taken off.
\nThen I heard a sermon on healings. The premise was to not only pray for the healing….but to believe in the healing and thank God for it as if it had already occurred. Last week, I placed my finger on the growth and thanked God for taking it away for me. I just believed it was gone. I really wish I would have taken a picture of the growth for proof because…in two days’ time, it quite literally dried up and fell off! I run my fingers over the smooth skin where this growth was and I am just so amazed. Power of suggestion? Placebo effect? Nah…I’m going with divine intervention! Isn’t that amazing? ❤️
\n“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 NIV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-11T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/11/tap-tap-tap.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/03/04/march-forth.html", "title": "March Forth", "content_html": "
![\"March](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fba7afd5b0.jpg\")
“March forth on March 4th!”
One of the benefits of being 65 is hindsight. I look back over my life and see a mishmash of events and situations that have led me to the exact spot where I stand today. Any decision along the way could have taken me in an entirely different direction. What if I hadn’t had the two marriages that ended in divorce? I wouldn’t have these beautiful daughters that have blessed my life so tremendously. I wouldn’t have Big and Little to make my heart sing. I wouldn’t have the in-laws and extended families that come with marriages. I wouldn’t have the lessons I learned through it all.
\nEach decision brought the next circumstance. While the second divorce was the worst because it was the longest marriage…if we hadn’t parted company, I never would have met Mr. Virgo. He helped me to believe in myself. He taught me so much about life and unconditional love. I tell people he taught me how to live without him by showing me I am much stronger than I ever believed. And then he died.
\nI can’t help but look back over the past nearly six years since Mr. Virgo died and marvel at the resilience of the human heart. I was battered, crushed, totally broken when he died. And bit by bit, I picked up the pieces of my broken self and handed them to God to hold. They cut me when I tried to hang on to them. He faithfully, diligently stitched the pieces back together, making sure I resembled who I was before but knowing he couldn’t make a carbon copy.
\nFaith. Hebrews 11:1 says “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It wasn’t just my heart God stitched back together. He instilled in me…hope. When it was 3:00am and I was clinging to the edge of the mattress hoping to just get through the night, He whispered hope. When I cried till I couldn’t breathe…He whispered hope. He breathed hope into my life every single day so that I could find the strength to march forth into the next day, and the next, and the next.
\nIt’s been 2,182 days I’ve marched forth. I have friends who are on day 4…day 21…day 93. My heart hurts for them. I want them to understand, I know it hurts. And I know you think you will never survive this or feel joy again. I let God carry the sharp bits for a long time. I handed the pieces over and asked Him to start stitching. I let Him breathe hope into the dark places. That’s how I got through.
\nHere I am…happily married again. The size of my family has literally doubled. So has my joy…and my faith. ❤️
\n“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV\n", "date_published": "2019-03-04T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/03/04/march-forth.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Wisdom","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/26/go-with-the-flow.html", "title": "Go With the Flow", "content_html": "
![\"Go](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/43f57cada3.jpg\")
“When the words don’t come, you have to go with the flow.”
I took Saturday and Sunday off from writing, other than my usual daily blog post. I didn’t get home from town till around 3:00 Saturday afternoon and I decided to give the rest of the day to my sweetheart. Sunday was church with the family and we weren’t back home till late and with the power outage, I needed to focus on keeping the generator running while Mr. FixIt was bowling.
\nI got up early yesterday, grabbed my coffee and headed out to my “office”…aka TOW-Wanda. I sat down and looked at my screen. I wrote about 1200 words, but I wasn’t feeling them. What was wrong? I sat and stared out the window. Two buzzards circled above the yard. Perhaps searching for carrion along the roadside. The sun was bright and totally belied the freezing temperature. The furnace blasted out warm air as I snuggled under my favorite camper blanket.
\nWhat was wrong with me? I’ve been writing prolifically for the past three weeks. Suddenly, I hit a road block. I picked up my phone and looked at the calendar. That can sometimes bring up a memory that’s lurking around the edges of my mind. Ahhhh…Monday. I had to be at the funeral home at 1:00. They were laying my coffee mate’s husband to rest. I hate funerals. I’ve been writing about Mr. Virgo’s funeral. I’ve been at the funeral home twice in a week. I pushed my iPad away and leaned back on my stack of pillows and took my mind through the process I have to go through since Mr. Virgo died.
\nThis isn’t your pain.
\nYour husband didn’t die this week.
\nYou aren’t laying him in the ground.
\nYou don’t have to say goodbye again and again and again.
\nYour role here is to support your friend.
\nI sighed and tucked my writing tools in my big blue bag. There would be no writing this day. That’s ok. It’s important to be flexible…change course when the moment insists…to go with the flow. You can’t force something like writing or your reader will know in a heartbeat. Just because it didn’t flow in that moment, doesn’t mean the supply is gone. It just means someone else needed my heart for a while. ❤️
\n“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-26T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/26/go-with-the-flow.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/23/i-have-a-voice.html", "title": "“I Have a Voice”", "content_html": "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT
![\"Woodcarving\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/566f4de725.jpg\")
“I Have a Voice” woodcarving by Evelyn Jimenez
I have met some of the nicest people through my blog. One is a widow named Evelyn. She became very ill after losing her husband and very nearly died herself. Evelyn is a woodcarver, which I find endlessly fascinating. I’ve tried my hand at carving but I haven’t had the right tools for the job. I really would love to try again sometime…in my SPARE time. sigh
\nA few weeks ago, I saw a little faceless woman she carved and titled, “I Have a Voice”. This little round woman struck my heart. I went for a very long time in my life without a voice. I felt like the faceless woman, being told I wasn’t good enough or I was stupid or I was too fat. When you hear these things over and over and over from someone who is supposed to love you, you soon come to believe them as true.
\nI wanted my own little faceless woman to remind me that I am no longer without a voice. I wanted to remember that time when I was without a face so that I might recognize other faceless women. Instead of making me sad when I see her dejected little hands stuffed in her pockets, I smile because she might just be hiding cupcakes in there.
\nAnd…I know. I know she has a voice in there. I know because I had a voice inside…even when it was stifled. We can always say “I wish I would have known then what I know now.” For me it’s more like “I wish I would have known then WHO I know now.” I think if I’d known then how much God loved me, I would have loved myself more. And, if I’d loved myself more, I wouldn’t have allowed myself to be treated so poorly…even as a young child. Hindsight is 20/20. The best thing I can do now is mentor young women and make sure they know they are precious and loved and deserving. ❤️
\n“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-23T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/23/i-have-a-voice.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/22/broken.html", "title": "Broken", "content_html": "Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV
![\"Broken\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8711e69ccc.jpg\")
“There’s broken. Then there’s forever broken.”
I have a friend from my coffee group who recently lost her husband. She had a health issue and needed to be hospitalized a day or two after her husband died so I went and sat with her for a while. I recognized her grief. I knew her brokenness. I remember.
\nEven though it’s been nearly six years now since Mr. Virgo died, you don’t forget. Even though I have this wonderful man in my life now and we are deliriously happy…you don’t forget. Time knocks the sharp edges of your grief away, making it softer with distance…like looking for the mountains through a misty haze. You know the mountains are there. You remember what they look like. But you can’t quite make out the details.
\nEveryone deals with grief in their own way. And, the circumstances of death changes from person to person. It’s one thing to lose your grandma when she’s ninety-two. It’s another when your child is murdered and it’s high profile and you keep seeing it in the news and you get the details of exactly what happened. We expect our elders to pass. We’re never ready, really. But it seems like the natural progression of things. We don’t expect the senseless murder of a young man in the prime of his life. There’s broken. Then there’s destroyed.
\nI pray for my friends who are burying their loves this week. A great-grandma and a husband. And I pray for my friend who lost her son last year. I pray for her because the scab keeps getting ripped off…over and over and over. I pray for her because I have no words. The only thing I could offer her was a quote from Megan Devine.
\n“Some things cannot be fixed. They can only be carried.”
\n?
\n“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-02-22T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/22/broken.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/17/another-peaceful-day.html", "title": "Another Peaceful Day", "content_html": "Isaiah 43:2 NIV
![\"Deer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/99ad6300be.jpg\")
“Deer grazing outside my window in TOW-Wanda.”
I have now spent eight out of the last ten days in TOW-Wanda and I have to tell you…I feel like a million bucks! Usually by this time of year, I’m ready to pull my hair out with boredom. I usually become less content with each passing day, even though the daylight is becoming longer…the long, dark nights shorter. The only two things I have done differently this year is leave the tree up and spend long hours in my camper.
\nThere is a reason girl campers like their little houses on wheels. They offer us a safe sanctuary in which to create. Some of us haul our sewing machines out to the camper in the fall and sit out there happily sewing quilts, clothes for the grandkids, linens for the home, gifts for family and friends. Some knit and crochet, weaving prayers and stories into their creations. Some cross-stitch or needlepoint, creating marvelous pictures from colorful threads.
\nSome gather friends to join us for tea or drinks, showing off our fancy little playhouses. Some have sleepovers with the grandchildren, bringing up the next generation to adore our little campers in the same way we have. There are as many different varieties of girl campers as there are travel trailers and we celebrate each and every one of them every time we tow.
\nMe? Well, as you well know…and I’ve told you repeatedly this week…I write in TOW-Wanda every chance I get. I turn on Pandora, find the Nature Sounds channel, and listen to raucous rainstorms, salient sea breezes, flighty feathered friends chirping in the forests. I’m instantly transported from the chill of wintery West Virginia into another place, another time. My little twinkle lights glow above me…the view out the windows revealing a stoic blue heron near the creek or a browsing herd of deer making their way across the lawn. Yesterday, I watched the moonrise over the hills to the east of the Ponderosa and I counted my blessings in that very moment.
\nI’ve written 30,560 words on my book as of last evening. Words that take me to corners of my mind I sometimes wish were never there. And to places and times that I cherish dearly. These words stir something in me…always. But they are just feelings now. They aren’t happening in this moment. That’s how I keep them from poking me now with little barbs…trolls with sharp sticks…fairies with tiny wands…giants with hammers. They aren’t happening now and God is bigger than any poking thing in our lives.
\n30,560….encouraging words, painful words, funny words, sad words, terrifying words, loving words. This thing is happening! ❤️
\n“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-17T02:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/17/another-peaceful-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Grace","God","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Writing","Choices","Change","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/14/on-lovingunconditionally.html", "title": "On Loving...Unconditionally", "content_html": "Proverbs 15:4 ESV
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b684a7cb67.jpg\")
“I am a Christian AND I love everyone… unconditionally.”
The other day, a West Virginia delegate made a series of ugly and disparaging comments about the LGBTQ community. He compared them to terrorists and the Ku Klux Klan. He was interviewed later and given an opportunity to clarify his position, and it was actually SO much worse than what was originally reported. When asked what he would do if his son or daughter came home and told him they were gay, the delegate said if it was his daughter, he would take her for a pedicure. If it was his son, he would take him hunting. And if, upon their return, they still said they were gay…he would take them out and “see if they could swim”. The interviewer was aghast and asked, “Are you saying, you would take them out and try to drown them???” He just looked at her with a sinister grin and didn’t answer.
\nI was sickened, on so many levels. First and foremost, that he has this kind of hatred in his heart and calls himself a Christian. Second, that he would turn away from his children, or worse…do them physical harm. And, finally…it HAD to be a West Virginian. Why did he have to come from MY state? The answer is, because there are people like him in every state.
\nHere of late, I have been so uplifted and fortified by my faith, I have been shouting “Hallelujah!” from the rooftops. And that’s how I feel…excited by the ways I see God move in my life. Excited about the opportunities to share my stories of his love and provenance. Then, this week…I received this wedding invitation. And I was reminded, I may be giving people the wrong idea about who I am in my faith.
\nSome people may equate my bold Christian joy with the kind of person who denigrates those who are unlike them, like that delegate from West Virginia. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do not discriminate against anyone. I’m not perfect, but I certainly try to emulate Jesus at every turn. He loves everyone. He does not see people from the outside. He looks at their hearts. After raising my daughters in the Jewish faith, I was appalled when Daughter #2 came home from school crying because the kids called her a “stupid f****** Jew”. I held her close and tried to explain ignorance and intolerance and bigotry. It broke my heart.
\nI respect all faiths, save for those who kill people in the name of their god. I respect all people, save for those who kill or maim or injure children or animals. When I raise my voice in praise for Jesus, I don’t want it to exclude my love for others who don’t believe as I do. I don’t want to walk ahead of and ignore the one who is still looking for God. I don’t want the Muslims and the Jews and the Seiks and the Hindus and even the atheists…anyone of any faith…to think I do not love them equally. I look for, and see, the God in all people. That divine spark that comes from somewhere far beyond the stars. That sign of something far greater than any of us here.
\nI also embrace the LGBTQ community as my fellow human beings, who house that same divine spark as me. It is not my place to judge anyone…not even that delegate from West Virginia. Everyone will be judged by their maker in the end. It’s not my job. At the same time, I’m going to tell you about this amazing Jesus who rules my life. And, I’m going to show you, as best I can by the way that I live, how a good and loving and forgiving Father has changed me. The two can, and in my humble opinion SHOULD walk hand in hand.
\nBecause, you see…that wedding invitation we got in the mail this week? That’s from Daughter #2 and her fiancée…a very kind and loving woman who has helped my baby become a better version of herself. They are getting married in Colorado in August. They love each other completely… unconditionally. How can I not do the same with both of them? This is my child. We love who we love. It is not my place to judge. You may do what you wish, but I do pray I will always, always, always land on the side of love. Because that is the way Jesus loves me.
\n***If you don’t agree with me, that’s ok…I won’t judge you either. I know this is a hot topic for some, but this is my house, my rules. We speak with respect here. This is a case where we’ll take my grandma’s advise…”If we can’t say anything nice, we won’t say anything at all.” ❤️
\n“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-14T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/14/on-lovingunconditionally.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Be Joyful!","Marriage","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/06/i-need-that-joy.html", "title": "I Need That Joy...", "content_html": "Romans 14:1-4 ESV
![\"Joy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f029b30bde.jpg\")
“I Need That Joy…down in my heart!”
I love, love, love the way God works in my life! It’s like an elaborately woven tapestry with bright colors here and dark colors there…never seeing what’s developing in the picture till you get some perspective. That’s when you start to see how this thread that was pulled over here is causing that thread to move over there. And then you see…you really SEE. And you know beyond a shadow of a doubt…it is GOD!
\nCase in point. We were standing in the lobby Sunday waiting for the doors to open and head into church. I was talking with my step-daughter about my blog and how my spiritual walk began to blossom within it. I explained how the enemy really started attacking me when I opened up my heart and started praising God in my writing and adding scripture to my posts. I attended my very first Revival and was baptized in the Spirit which took things to a whole new level. Pastor Matt told us one night to take back our homes and our properties and to banish the enemy from the premises. The next morning, I got Grandma’s old bible from the buffet and walked around the perimeter of the yard, hands outstretched, shouting praises without shame. I informed the enemy he had no dominion over me or my house and I showed him the boundary. It’s one of my favorite stories and it was the first time I had shared it with my bonus family.
\nSoon, we went into the sanctuary and were seated. Pastor Justin gave a wonderful sermon about patience. At one point, he started getting animated and talked about banishing the enemy from our homes and properties. I sat back and smiled and thought, “Here it comes!” He went on to say, “Take your bibles and walk around the perimeter of your property and send the devil packing!” My step-daughter and I whipped around and looked at each other, mouths gaped open, and laughed out loud. I love it when that happens. And when you are attuned, it happens a lot. You just have to pay attention. I was so glad God showed them he was there!
\nI told you earlier this year new things were coming. I still can’t talk about the specifics yet, but I knew there were a couple of associations I had to sever before I could move forward into the new project. I’ve waffled, I have to admit. Because a “bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, as my grandma used to say. I prayed about it and told God I put all my trust in him and I know he will open the new doors where he wants me to go. I hit “send” on the last e-mail and immediately, Spirit told me to turn on the Christian radio station I was listening to earlier in the day. I did, and the worship song “Joy” by King & Country came on. Now, I’ve never heard that song, but listen carefully to the lyrics and you will hear God saying, “Yes! Things were critical and you made a choice. Now…feel the JOY!”
\nWow…these kinds of things really pump me up! My body was humming like I was plugged into an outlet. And, in all actuality, I was. I was getting recharged by the Holy Spirit. I couldn’t help but feel that “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” More to come down the road as the journey continues. ❤️
\n\n“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-06T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/06/i-need-that-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/02/01/the-giant-of-rejection.html", "title": "The Giant of Rejection", "content_html": "Psalms 47:1 ESV
![\"Giant](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/56492918c3.jpg\")
“The Giant of Rejection…something I have battled my entire life.”
Last night was our third session in the study series of Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio. This has been the most amazing program our Bible study group has done to this point. I’ve been looking forward to this particular session because rejection and it’s cousin, perfectionism, were my constant companions from a very, very young age.
\nEveryone wants to be accepted. We enjoy the approval of others. If you say, “I don’t care what anyone thinks of me!” you can just about guarantee that, at least on some level, you very much DO care. This can stem from the smallest slight…something said casually, in jest, that really hit you and stung. Or it can be very real…your father abandoned the family, you were given up for adoption, you lost a job you loved…even the death of someone near and dear to your heart. The sting of rejection can haunt you all the days of your life.
\nLouie Giglio postulates that you have two schools of thought that separate your thinking on the subject of rejection.
\n“So that.” and “Because.”
\nYou try to act or be a certain way so that people will love/accept/approve of you.
\nYou are who you are because God is who HE is.
\nHe chose you. He CHOSE you. He knew you before you were knitted in the womb of your mother. He knows the number of hairs on your head. You don’t need the approval of others BECAUSE you already have the approval of God. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any more or any less. Isn’t that amazing???
\nI’ve learned this along the way. I’ve learned to pinpoint where and how my particular train went off the rails. And I know with all logic that what Louie is telling us is true. But practicing it, in all ways? That’s a lifelong project when you have been rejected in a very painful way…especially at a very young age like I was. A sadistic teacher, childhood sexual abuse, and an alcoholic father were the perfect storm that set me on a path to find the love I never felt deserving of. I made great strides in therapy then met Mr. Virgo. That was my first experience of unconditional love. When I lost him, I was crushed…not only by his death, but by the loss of that unconditional love I had waited my whole life for. I didn’t think I could find that again…then Mr. FixIt came along.
\nStill, when I find myself wanting approval, I remind myself. God chose me. He chose ME. The Creator of the Universe knows my name and how many hairs are on my head and still…He chose me. We all love being loved and approved of and accepted. But with the knowledge that God chose us and loves us immeasurably, we can do so in a healthy way. ❤️
\n““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.””\n\n", "date_published": "2019-02-01T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/02/01/the-giant-of-rejection.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/28/some-updates-on-the-kids.html", "title": "Some Updates on the Kids!", "content_html": "Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
![\"Baby\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4360a9ce57.jpg\")
“Baby Gwendolyn sitting up with her braces on her legs. Making progress!”
Remember sweet baby Gwendolyn who we have been praying for since last summer? Look at our big girl…sitting up in her high chair with her braces on her little legs. She still is having issues with her hands but she is slowly learning to grasp things. Her lower jaw is receded and she cannot eat yet so she has a stomach tube tube for feeding. But she is bright as a new copper penny and as sweet as a summer rain! What a blessing she is to all who love her!
\n![\"Braving](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0e0841095e.jpg\")
“Little Khloe is battling leukemia and just lost her hair. She celebrated by braving bare in a fashion show! She’s a rock star!”
Then, there’s little Khloe. Her great grandma went to high school with us. Khloe found out she had leukemia last summer. Last weekend, her family threw an “It’s Just Hair” party where she and many members of her family shaved their heads in support. Khloe lost almost all of her hair and she was tired of it just coming out in chunks so she just wanted it all off. She has a bunch of really cute wigs, but yesterday she was in a fashion show for Justice girls wear and boldly bare with a cute glittery unicorn headband. This brave little girl rocks!!!
\nHere are two precious little girls, going through some pretty big struggles. And their brave families backing them up. It makes any little problem I may think I have pale in comparison. They are living, breathing examples of prayers being answered. I love when Jesus shows us His works.
\nI’ve been praying for my bonus family and last night, the grands with their significant others went to church with me! What a joy that was! And, they want to come next week with my husband and me. So, it was a really, really wonderful weekend. I hope you have a blessed Monday, y’all!
\nHave a wonderful Monday, everyone! ❤️
\n“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-28T02:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/28/some-updates-on-the-kids.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Grace","Love","Courage","Humbled","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/27/building-up-my-stash.html", "title": "Building up my Stash", "content_html": "3 John 1:2 NIV
![\"Hand-knit](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/277709f330.jpg\")
“Eighteen hand-knit cotton dishclothes are perfect for impromptu gifts.”
Yesterday was a decompression day. Taking care of and loving on lots of people this week left me needing a day that was all about me, for the most part. I’m almost finished with the cotton yarn I bought to knit dishcloths. There’s probably enough to make a couple more. I have eighteen in my stash. I like having these around for impromptu gift giving. I also get a bar of lavender soap every time my doTerra order comes around and I don’t need vitamins. I put these things all away to have ready for birthdays and hostess gifts.
\nI have this whole bonus family through marrying Mr. FixIt and I am thrilled to say the grandkids are going to church with me today! Mr. FixIt and I will go at noon then when he bowls this evening, I’ll take the grandkids with me and treat them out to dinner after church. I wanted to spend some quality time alone with them. Bonding time is important in step-families…even when the kids are all grown up. I’m so excited…I can hardly wait!
\nI told you I would let you know if I slept well again when I practiced handing everything over to God before bed. Well, I did and it was amazing how fast I fell asleep…and stayed asleep all night. I think I’m onto something here!
\nWe haven’t been to church for two weeks because of bad weather. I can hardly wait to get there today…twice! Have a blessed Sunday, dear ones. I’ll see you this evening for Sunday Night Prayer Circle. ❤️
\n“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-27T02:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/27/building-up-my-stash.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/25/thoughts-on-conflict-fear.html", "title": "Thoughts on Conflict \u0026 Fear", "content_html": "Proverbs 17:6 NIV
![\"Proverbs](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8661a28774.jpg\")
“Look for the gold in people. There’s enough dirt in the world.”
The other day, we touched on conflicts and how to resolve them peacefully. We all have seen our fair share of conflict in our lives and had dealt with it in the best way we knew how with the knowledge we had at the time. Sometimes it’s worked out ok…sometimes not. The good thing is, we can always continue to learn and grow and get better at the sticking points in life.
\nWhen you are dealing with marriage, here is the single most important thing I have learned. When you find yourself frustrated with your spouse…and you WILL at some point…mind your tongue when you are talking about him with others. If all you do is spout negative things, it won’t be long till that is all you will ever see in him/her. It doesn’t take long to go from speaking these things to outsiders to berating your spouse with all the things they do that tick you off. I can guarantee you…if you feed that beast, it’s all you’ll get back.
\nI learned with Mr. Virgo…once I started to notice something he did that bugged me, that was a sign I wasn’t praying for him enough. Same for Mr. FixIt. We all need grace. It’s a wonderful habit to practice with your spouse or other family members.
\nI had Bible study last night. We talked a little bit after last week’s study about the book “Goliath Must Fall” by Louie Giglio. Last night’s “giant” was FEAR. The first question we were asked was…”How well do you sleep?” Wow. Sometimes really well. Those are the times when things are going well and I really don’t have much to worry about. Other times, I lie awake all night long, staring at the ceiling, working something over and over, turning it this way and that, puzzling over how to…what? Fix it. Manipulate it. Control it. I rehearse conversations ahead of time with not only my dialogue, but that of the other’s as well. As if I have some sort of control over how another person thinks, acts, or responds.
\nSometimes I lie there and worry about an event that isn’t going to happen for eight months. “Will I have the extra weight off before the wedding? What will I wear? What happens if it’s really hot. I don’t do well in heat.” All I have accomplished in that scenario is set myself up for failure and robbed myself of sleep and God’s joy.
\nLast night’s lesson was this…when you lay down to sleep and the things to worry about start lining up…just hand them over to God and go to sleep. He loves you no matter what. He’s bigger than all of the giants. Trust him to work on your problems while you’re asleep. Then you awaken refreshed and can live in God’s Glory.
\nThere is a fine line between anger and fear. Giving your conflicts to God, praying for others, letting go of your fears…all elements that can help lead to a peaceful night’s sleep. ❤️
\n“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-25T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/25/thoughts-on-conflict-fear.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Fear","Forgiveness","Warning","Choices","Change","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/22/action-v-reaction.html", "title": "Action v. Reaction", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
![\"MLK\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1beb3f1755.jpg\")
“The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Growing up in the chaos of alcoholic dysfunction made me a reactionary from an early age. There was a lot of anger in my home growing up. Lots of fighting, yelling, slamming, throwing, crashing. I never witnessed my father hitting my mother. He only hit me once. When he did, he came at me from behind and I stood up to him. I stuck my chin out and told him, if he was going to hit me he’d better hit me like a man and do it face to face. I’ll never forget the utter look of defeat on his face in that moment. He dropped his fist to his side, went over to the steps, sat down, and cried. He never went after me again. But, the damage was done. It was done long before that day.
\nI learned to be the peacemaker. To smooth things over. To mediate when things got out of hand. I was the bystander. I acted. Unfortunately, when the anger was directed at me, I reacted. I automatically went into defense mode. I made excuses. I deflected. I diverted attention. I manipulated. It was decidedly unhealthy and took far too many years to come to a head.
\nThe first pivotal moment of my life…that moment when there is a definite line in the sand that separates “all things before” from “all things after” was the overdose. That was when I really did the work necessary to effect permanent change in my life. It’s when I learned about codependency. Before that, there was no clear boundary to define where others ended and I began. I was too busy weaving a web that would hold everything together.
\nLearning about boundaries was a love-hate exercise. I loved finding my voice and standing up for myself. I hated confrontation. I loved the release healthy boundaries gave me because I didn’t have to try to run everyone else’s lives for them. I hated feeling like a fish out of water.
\nIt took a lot of practice. It still does. I still have to remind myself occasionally that I don’t do anyone any favors by not setting boundaries and demand they are respected. I didn’t spend seven hard years in therapy for nothing. Fortunately, Mr. Virgo came into the picture after I had these skills in place and he offered an excellent practice field.
\nAfter sixty-five trips around the sun, I’ve learned enough to know it’s a whole lot easier to carry love than it is anger, hate, discord, dysfunction, or codependency. When I approach any situation from a place of love, my walk becomes more Christ-like. And anytime I lead with “What would Jesus do?”, I am already winning. Conflict is inevitable in life. The only control we have is in how we react to it. ❤️
\n“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-22T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/22/action-v-reaction.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Peace","Wisdom","Anger","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/20/the-poet-from-darkness-into.html", "title": "The Poet - From Darkness into Light", "content_html": "Galatians 1:10 ESV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/37653c9994.jpg\")
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
\"maybe death isn’t darkness, after all, but so much light wrapping itself around us — as soft as feathers\"\n\nHow I let a treasure like Mary Oliver slip through my fingers, I’ll never know. It’s an excellent example of realizing how very much I do not know. The internet has been filled with loving tributes to this gentle woman with the expansive heart…her pen trimming away the excesses of flowery verse and going straight for the pit of your stomach. Her words are like magic…painting pictures of love and kindness and tenderness. Nature was her cathedral. Poetry was her torch.\n~ Mary Oliver
Oliver loved Whitman and Emerson, Shelley and Keats. Growing up in a dysfunctional home in Ohio, she ultimately settled in the wilds of New England, wandering through her woods and harbor…taking notes and penning phrases along the way. She has been compared to Emily Dickinson. Her poetry is filled with both darkness and joyous light. Her life partner, Molly Malone Cook, was her constant companion for over forty years, as well as her literary agent. After Molly’s death in 2005, Oliver continued on in Provincetown, Massachusetts until finally relocating to Florida. She rarely gave interviews because she valued her personal privacy and wished for her work to speak for itself. Mary Jane Oliver passed away on January 17, 2019 of lymphoma. And the world lost a valuable treasure.
\nIn researching Oliver’s work, I became introspective. How often do we think, once we have arrived at “a certain age”, that we somehow have attained a level of knowledge that we can, at the very least, term “well rounded”? I know a little bit about a lot of stuff, but there is SO much out there I haven’t a clue about. We cannot possibly learn everything, but how sad that I didn’t know Mary Oliver and her brilliant poetry during times in my life it might have soothed my heart. How joyful that I still have the opportunities to continue learning and growing.
\nWe are but a sum of our life’s experiences, are we not? The other night, I had a troubling dream. A recurring dream about a hopeless situation which will never be resolved nor totally understood. Not in this lifetime anyway. And whenever I have this dream, I am left feeling an ache in my heart…bereft over a loss I had little control over. It leaves me out of sorts for days and colors my every interaction, thus leaving the stains of old hurts smeared onto others who have no knowledge of my pain. It’s unfair and senseless. As I drove to town yesterday, I had a conversation with God. I asked Him to please step in and be an intermediary…to block this dream, and even the thoughts of the events that precipitate it. To take away the memories that come back and haunt me year after year. As I pleaded with God, I literally felt the old, familiar ache physically leave my heart. A weight was lifted and the cloud in my mind dissipated. I immediately thanked Him. Then…I let it go.
\nPoetry. Prose. Words. Prayers. God. They have such power to release you from the bondage of the past…if you let them. If you feel them and taste them and speak them. They can breathe life back into the sore places of your soul. ❤️
\n“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-01-20T02:30:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/20/the-poet-from-darkness-into.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Writing","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/16/little-vintage-campers.html", "title": "Little Vintage Campers", "content_html": "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
![\"Little](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0ff7e9e0da.jpg\")
“Little vintage campers…how many people were IN this thing?”
Yesterday, Mr. FixIt and I were having breakfast when he picked up his phone to show me something. He watches Facebook Marketplace closely because, you know, you never know when you might need one more thing, right? Anyway, there was an ad in there for a 1969 Shasta Compact camper. Swoon! Anyone who knows anything about campers knows Shasta is kind of a status symbol for campers. This particular one was being converted into a food trailer, but it’s too small for the job so the people are trying to unload it. It’s gutted already, no leaks, towable, new tires, and only $500. Not bad.
\nWe contacted the gal and as one might imagine, she already has people coming to look at it, so the chance of me even getting to see it are pretty slim. And, like I need another project! Anyway, if I get to see it, I’ll take pics and show you.
\nThinking about tiny little campers got me to looking at vintage camping art and photos. Look at this tiny little camper. Now, look at how many people there are camping. Wow! It’s like one of those clown cars where clowns keep coming out one after another! Cars were a lot heavier and more powerful back then so you would see the family car pulling a really big trailer. Do you remember the movie Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz made called The Long, Long, Long Trailer? It was huge but they pulled it with a convertible!
\nI never camped as a kid, but I remember going over to a friend’s house and they had a camper. Us kids were allowed to go in it and use it like a playhouse. I remember being absolutely mesmerized by it and I wanted one in the worst way. I was always married to non-campers till Mr. FixIt came along. Now we have four campers between us and I am preparing to convert an old minivan into a mini campervan. Oh yeah…I REALLY need another camper! ?♀️
\n❤️
\n“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-16T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/16/little-vintage-campers.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/15/the-difference-between-with-and.html", "title": "The Difference Between “With” and “Without”", "content_html": "Luke 14:28-30 ESV
![\"Arid](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/49b5021677.jpg\")
“The Difference Between With and Without”
I rarely write a post about a specific scripture. I usually write something then find the scripture that best illustrates my thinking. It makes me search more. It makes me read more and study the Word more. It keeps me engaged. This post is different. I was chatting with Danielle the night I was asking her questions about her addiction and overdose. When I told her how happy I was she was getting her life together at 24, I shared my story and told her I felt robbed of nearly a decade of my life. She shared a scripture with me and I made note of it. I have meditated on it for over a week and now I’m ready to share it.
\nI have always believed in God so therefore, I have never lived a day without Him. I will have to say though…Jesus didn’t live in MY house until 2004. By that time, I had already gone through two broken marriages. I had two beautiful daughters. And one broken mind.
\nI didn’t realize how desolate my life had become. I just knew I was shriveling up and dying on the vine. I became broken in my second marriage and, for whatever reason, we couldn’t seem to end it. We became more and more distant and I self-medicated in order to cope. Unfortunately, I was seeing a psychiatrist who did more harm than good and I couldn’t seem to end that either.
\nI knew what I needed. I needed Jesus. But I was married to a Jewish doctor. I took my little girl to Hebrew School every week. I organized all the Jewish celebrations in our small town. I had formally converted to Judaism. I had actually stood before a Beth Din…the Jewish tribunal court…and renounced Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.
\n“Jesus would NEVER want me now.” I thought to myself.
\nToward the end of that marriage, I laid in bed every night and talked to God. I told him, if anything happened to my husband, I would become a Christian. I consoled myself with thoughts of singing in church…of praying…of reading my Bible. But I just couldn’t do that AND be married to the Jewish doctor. He would leave me.
\nLittle did I know he’d been thinking of leaving for at least five years before he told me. I was hurt. But I was also angry. If we could have both been brave and honest, we could have avoided the pain of the last five to seven years and gotten on with our lives. It would have had far less of an impact on my children…especially Daughter #2 who was just nine years old when I overdosed and we subsequently ended our marriage.
\nI felt robbed. Robbed of time. Robbed of happiness. Robbed of my marriage. And robbed of the Joy of having Jesus in my life…although I couldn’t articulate it as such at the time. When Danielle quoted Joel 2:25, my jaw dropped. It spoke of Redemption. It spoke of Replenishment. It spoke of Fulfillment. And the thing that spoke most to my heart was…the end of shame.
\nI was raised by a father who used shame as his preferred tool of control. Blame and shame were my lifelong companions, and renouncing Jesus had become the number one shame of my life. Before I even realized I needed Him, I was yearning for His unconditional love. Thankfully, I was saved and forgiven and made new. I didn’t have to wait for anything…I just needed to get out of my own way.
\nI loved the fact that as I ministered to Danielle, she ministered to me and told me God would repay me for the years the locusts ate. And He has…oh, my goodness. He has repayed me many, many times over. Far more than I ever deserved. As the calendar turned to another year, I could feel a shift in my relationship with God. No longer a “baby Christian”, I feel I have moved from an observer AT church to BEING the church. It’s a change in perspective and feels like a new level of maturity. It’s hard to describe, but I feel it and I believe it to be real. This is one of the wonders of walking with Christ. I’ve left the arid, desolate landscape of “without” and I’m walking in the lush, verdant landscape of “with”. ❤️
\n“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. \"You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-15T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/15/the-difference-between-with-and.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/14/the-water-crisis.html", "title": "The Water Crisis", "content_html": "Joel 2:25-27 ESV
![\"Running](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36c4208b96.jpg\")
“If a crisis occurred and you didn’t have modern conveniences…would you know what to do?”
An alert went out to a good portion of the residents of my home town Thursday evening. There was a boil water advisory. This happens when there has been a water main break or something of the like. It seldom lasts more than a day. Not this one. What started out as “north of the Kanawha River” became “all PUD customers” overnight. Water was coming out of faucets anywhere from clear to partly cloudy to brown. Some people had no pressure at all. Others had a dribble. Still others seemed unaffected but a ban is a ban.
\nIt was interesting to watch Facebook as people became more and more concerned. There really wasn’t a very good explanation given to allay the fears of the citizenry. And, given we live in Chemical Valley, imaginations ran wild. It really could have been anything. Some said it was still ok to shower. Some said not. Others said it was ok to wash your clothes but when they did, large brown spots stained them. Now, I’ll have to admit…this situation did not affect me personally because we live out in the country away from that particular city water system. But, I’ve lived through things like this many times and it is not only a major inconvenience….it can be downright scary.
\nIt happened fairly often in Colorado. Just about every year when the spring runoff brought an over abundance of silt down into the city water intake, the filters were soon overwhelmed and our water got murky. There would often be a boil water advisory. My cousin has to haul water to fill a cistern since they live on the side of a mountain here in West Virginia. When they get a good hard rain, their water turns a murky reddish-brown. Out at the farm, there is a rainwater catchment system in place, but it’s been decades since the cistern has been cleaned or the filter changed. The point being, there are lots of folks who have to boil water on a regular basis. Or they just resort to buying water or taking empty jugs to a family member’s house to refill them. That’s what I did after Mr. FixIt and I started dating. I had about a dozen one gallon jugs I threw in my truck and I filled them when I visited him in town.
\nFor those of us more accustomed to living a more primitive life, these things are par for the course and you just roll with them. But city people who rely on the immediate availability of fresh water at the turn of the faucet get rattled. I don’t blame them. We are creatures of habit and we become complacent in our consumption of utilities. This is such a first world problem. So much of the world’s population has no access to fresh water, let alone electricity, gas, internet, phone, and groceries.
\nWhat would (will?) happen to us if the unthinkable happens and it all goes away??? Will you know how to collect and filter water? Will you know how to produce and preserve food? Will you be able to provide housing and clothing for yourself and your family? Will you be able to gather fuel to cook and keep warm? Do you have skills or goods for bartering? I worry that the last generation to really have those skills is getting too old to provide them. So, here is what I posit. If you have skills, pass them on to young people…your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.
\nThis isn’t meant to cause an alarmist response. I don’t think something like this is imminent. But it cannot hurt to stock up on some extra jugs of water in case there is an emergency in your area. Parkersburg’s boil advisory wasn’t lifted until last evening. That made three full days without tap water for a pretty good-sized town. I’m not saying you have to go full on survivalist, but knowledge is power. Be prepared…or as prepared as you can be. ❤️
\n“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-14T02:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/14/the-water-crisis.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Warning","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/11/its-a-winter-tree-ok.html", "title": "It’s a Winter Tree, Ok?", "content_html": "Proverbs 27:1 ESV
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f3a7e0449d.jpg\")
“My Winter Tree reflecting in the window as the snow falls outside.”
I went to small group last night and the leader apologized as we walked into the family room. The tree was still up.
\n“It’s a Winter Tree. I like it.”
\nYou don’t have to sell me, sister! I love my tree and I’m not planning to take it down any time soon. Kathy and one of her granddaughters took all the colored ornaments off her tree and put up all white ornaments. Yeah. No….I’m not that picky. As long as it has all white lights and it’s pretty, that puppy is staying right where it is…no apologies needed.
\nI was the first to arrive at Bible study. A new gal, Michelle, joined us and arrived just after me. We sat near each other and chatted as I knitted, cozy under a comfy throw in front of the fire. When I told Michelle about the farm and where it was, she said she had family from out that way. I asked what the last name was and she rattled off my grandparents’ last name! Two questions later and I knew exactly where she fit in the family. What a treat to get caught up with that bunch. They were related through one of my Pop-Pop’s brothers.
\nI’d say it is a small world, but it’s the hills of West Virginia. If we aren’t related to you, hang on a little bit. There’s still single folks gettin’ married. This is what I always missed…what I always searched for in Colorado. I can’t tell you how many times I actually followed people with WV license plates just to hear their accents and see if I knew them. Oh, I missed home every day that I lived out west.
\nWhen we stay at Mr. FixIt’s house, we are in the county between the one I grew up in and the one where grandma’s farm is located. I don’t know very many people here. Mr. FixIt, however, has lived in his house since 1979. He knows EV-RY-ONE! Seriously. He’ll run into town for a quick errand and come back three hours later because he ran into five people he hadn’t seen in a coon’s age. I can’t get frustrated about it either because it’s the life I’ve always wanted.
\nIt was a good day. ❤️
\n“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-11T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/11/its-a-winter-tree-ok.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/09/into-the-light.html", "title": "Into the Light", "content_html": "Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
![\"1](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9e7393dd0c.jpg\")
“For He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
I’ve kind of had a theme going here the last few days given the time of year it is. I still sometimes sit in awe when I look back to where I was nearly twenty years ago. This is how we know how far we’ve come…by looking back in wonder. I struggled so long with a spirit of depression. When the veil lifted and I walked back into the light, it was surreal. Supernatural. Which is exactly what it was, this lifting.
\nI am always consciously monitoring my mental state in the winter. I never, ever want to go back to that dark place again, so I carefully check myself often. Am I keeping up with personal hygiene? It’s one of the first things to slip. Am I sleeping too much? Not enough? How’s my temper? I get cranky when I get blue. Am I comforting myself with food? Am I eating out of boredom? Am I getting out and doing fun things and engaging with people? These are all problem areas and can signal depression.
\nWe had the fourth day in a row of warmth and sunshine yesterday. As a matter of fact, it was 64 late yesterday afternoon. The sun peeked in and out all day. It was glorious. I went out to visit TOW-Wanda. I plugged her in to charge up the batteries. She needs a good cleaning. I had company in there during the wedding and I never really cleaned much after that. One thing that really lifts my mood in the winter is to spend a couple of days in the camper, so I’m getting her fixed up.
\nBeing prepared for the grey days of winter can go a long way in warding off the blues. Keeping healthy foods in the house and limiting sweet snacks helps you make good choices when you want to cozy in with a bag of chips or a plate of brownies. Chilled, fresh oranges are sweet and juicy this time of year. If you really want a salty snack, the tiny bags of popcorn can hit the spot without overloading calories. I don’t want to count calories. I just want to remain mindful of what’s going in. And try to move more.
\nCleaning out a closet or that one junk room you’ve been ignoring can lift your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. Or, starting a new project. We just started working on the master bathroom this week. It will be fun to see that take shape. Whatever it takes to keep you from hibernating and falling into a deep, blue funk is worth the effort to put towards keeping in the light. ❤️
\n“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-09T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/09/into-the-light.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/08/transformation.html", "title": "Transformation", "content_html": "Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
![\"God](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3b3a208d73.jpg\")
“God often uses our deepest pain as the launching pad of our greatest calling.”
Grief comes in a variety of circumstances. My first experience with grief was when my Pop-Pop died just after I graduated from high school. I was devastated. I lost a job I desperately needed when Hubby #2 was in his first year of Medical School. The rehab center where I worked was experiencing some financial difficulties and I was let go. I felt it was personal until the next month when fifty more staff members were given their walking papers. I guess misery DOES love company. I grieved deeply over that loss because I loved the job, for one thing. For another, I was young and had never experienced anything like that. My next major grief experience was the overdose and subsequent loss of my marriage and the alienation of my children. That was horrifying. Then I lost my grandma, my dog, and Mr. Virgo in less than a year.
\nEvery time I’ve faced grief, I’ve thought my world would end. I couldn’t figure out how to live after those losses. And every time, I survived. Not only survived, but eventually thrived. I learned skills from coping with grief. Grief chiseled me into the person I have become. And as painful as it was to go through, God came in and used that pain as a launching pad of my greatest calling…my mission, as it were.
\nI’ve been having some meetings and there are exciting changes coming in 2019. Nothing I can talk about yet, but I can see God’s hand all over it. I was talking about it with Mr. FixIt the other night and told him I’ve been praying for these exact things…I have to walk forward into this new territory. Don’t worry…I’m not going anywhere. Just more fun and excitement I can’t wait to share with you all! ❤️
\n“Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-08T02:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/08/transformation.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/07/january-bluebirds.html", "title": "January Bluebirds", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 3:16-18 MSG
![\"Mountain](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8c2cb343f4.jpg\")
“Mountain Bluebirds are glorious in January!”
I don’t know about where you are, but here in West Virginia, the weather has been lovely. We have had three days straight of sunshine and near fifty degrees. When Mr. FixIt and I left church yesterday, we both let out an audible sigh.
\n“Ok, this IS a beautiful day, isn’t it?” I love that my sweet husband notices such things and really FEELS them.
\n“Yes,” I said. “I can get through a West Virginia winter if I just have a few days like this to lift me up.”
\nThat is one thing about Colorado, besides my wonderful family, that I miss desperately. Plenty of sunshine days in the Rocky Mountains. And there truly is nothing more beautiful than Mountain Bluebirds on the crisp white of snow.
\nMy friend, Roxanne Morris, is an incredibly talented artist and photographer. She caught these images yesterday and I asked if I could share them with you. They make me smile. Mr. Virgo has brought me bluebirds from the beginning. He knew how much I loved them. I cannot see them without thinking of him. And, since yesterday was my re-birthday, it was only fitting that he send me bluebirds…albeit through my friend’s lens and Facebook. These are COLORADO bluebirds. These are the same as the ones that fly around his grave when I go visit him.
\n![\"Mountain](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a008ded5f0.jpg\")
“The flash of blue against the crisp, white snow of Colorado makes Mountain Bluebirds a favorite.”
I marveled all day yesterday at the vast differences in my life now compared to the same day nineteen years ago. I stood in church and sang with great joy and enthusiasm. I held hands with my sweet husband. We enjoyed breakfast together after church. We shared some time at the farm. And we came home to the Ponderosa. I spoke to Daughter #1 and she told me she loves me and misses me. I chatted with Daughter #2 and we shared our love. I received a text from Hubby #2…the one to whom I was married at the time of the overdose. It was a lovely text with pictures of their dogs and he was joyful and there was no mention of the past and my heart filled with love and joy for our healing. And, to top it all off, Mr. Virgo’s beloved Eagles won the wild card game yesterday. So, yeah…he’s happy, too. And still sending me bluebirds. ❤️
\n“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-07T02:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/07/january-bluebirds.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/06/the-pivoting-point.html", "title": "The Pivoting Point", "content_html": "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.””
\nJeremiah 29:11, 13-14 NIV
![\"Snow](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec45847fd7.jpg\")
\nThis is the day that I refer to as my re-birthday. It was the day I hit rock bottom and had to start navigating my way back up. It wasn’t like I really wanted to die. I just wanted the pain to stop. Everything had become so painful.
\nI used to tell the details of this day over and over and over to anyone who would sit still. I told about my relationship to a man who wasn’t taking care of me the way I needed. He’s not a bad man at all. Years of illness and my altered personality from all those drugs had taken their toll on both of us. I told about the psychiatrist who misdiagnosed me as having a chemical imbalance in my brain. I told about how my life experiences, including episodes of childhood sexual abuse, had created the perfect storm that produced that fateful day.
\nIt’s nineteen years now. So close to two decades. Not quite one third of my life has passed. SO much has happened in those nineteen years, including burying my next husband. I am a sum of my experiences, as we all are. But, I am not DEFINED by those experiences anymore.
\nThe person I am today doesn’t resemble who I was back then. The only cells that are the same ones now that were present on that night at the turn of the millennium are neurons…the very cells I was trying to shut off. Everything else has been made new…both physically with the passage of time, and spiritually with my salvation.
\nThe value of the story has changed. I no longer want you to take sides with me and hate my ex-husband. I no longer want to make excuses for my behaviors. I no longer want you to feel sorry for me. These things were all present for some time in the retelling. Now, the value of the story isn’t so much the yardstick that measures how far I’ve come, but more a testimony that…no matter how far you’ve gone down the wrong path…you can turn around and have a better life.
\nWhile my abuse came from prescriptions, and Danielle’s (see my post about her earlier this week) came from street drugs and a needle, we are no different. We were both addicted and we were both saved by the same Grace. We were both snatched from the jaws of death by a loving and forgiving God. He didn’t cause our problems, but he did allow us to walk through them so we could learn and grow into the purpose He designed for our lives.
\nIt’s hard for me to believe that was me…that I was that far gone. I will tell you this, though…I will forever tell how Jesus picked me up and carried me when I stumbled and fell on January 6, 2000. ❤️
\n“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-06T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/06/the-pivoting-point.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Warning","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/05/thwarting-a-spiritual-attack.html", "title": "Thwarting a Spiritual Attack", "content_html": "Isaiah 55:11 NIV
![\"Psalm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4f4b01e30d.jpg\")
“Man says…show me and I’ll trust you. God says…trust me and I’ll show you.” Psalm 126:6
So, I was minding my own business, tucked under my blanket, happily knitting when I got a text . My dear friends Janine and Gail and I have a chat room where we visit just about every day. Janine was traveling through and was stopping at Gail’s to spend the night. I was three hours away but I wasn’t going to miss out on seeing my good friends. Impromptu road trip!
\nI got here just after dark. Janine had her friend Diane with her and I was thrilled to meet her. Another friend, Jan, came to join us and we just had a grand time. Diane is a devout Christian and is a PR person. Jan is a retired pastor. You can imagine our entire evening was talking about our stories and how God has worked in our lives.
\nI was standing in the kitchen giving Diane my testimony about finding Jesus when I started feeling ill. It worsened over the hour and I headed upstairs with a bucket, just in case. Everyone had gone to bed so when I came to Janine’s door I tapped.
\n“Janine?”
\n“Yes, dear.” She opened the door wide. Her smile quickly faded when she saw me. “Ginny? What’s wrong?” She came into the hall and touched my arm.
\n“Janine, I’m being spiritually attacked!” I knew it as sure as I knew my own name. I was suddenly, violently ill.
\nI spent the prior twenty-four hours pretty immersed in Jesus. I watched War Room…a powerful movie about spiritual warfare. Then I came to Gail’s and spent a whole evening talking about very powerful, spiritual things. There were five very strong women engaged in animated spiritual conversation.
\nJanine and Diane came into the room and laid hands on me and prayed fervently. Within a half hour, I felt much better.
\nIf you don’t believe in such a thing as spiritual warfare, I am here to tell you it’s a very real thing. The enemy does not like when powerful, spiritual women start professing faith like we were. But his power is in whispering lies and making you believe things that are not real. We sent him packing. A whole army of angels surrounded me and kicked his butt! We can just rejoice in that for a while, ok? I believe! ❤️
\n“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.””\n\n \n", "date_published": "2019-01-05T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/05/thwarting-a-spiritual-attack.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Forgiveness","Courage","Girl Campers","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/04/snatched-from-the-jaws-of.html", "title": "Snatched From the Jaws of Death", "content_html": "Matthew 16:23 NIV
![\"Young](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d0dc64b37d.jpg\")
“She was snatched from the jaws of addiction and saved by the Blood of Jesus.”
She’s just twenty-four. Yet she was addicted to heroin for six years. And occasionally she did meth. On April 14th, she overdosed on both and landed in the ICU for four days on life support. She wasn’t even out of the ER when she popped up on my radar. I’m in a small group at church with someone who knows Danielle very well. The text came in begging for prayers to save this beautiful girl.
\nAnd pray we did. Our whole church prayed for her. Actively. Daily. There were prayer warriors stationed at the hospital. There were friends and family talking with her. They wanted to connect her with someone who could help her in this fight. And they wanted Jesus in Danielle’s corner.
\nShe resisted, as you might imagine. At first she said she’d talk to him. Then she wouldn’t. And finally, just before discharge, she relented. I’m unsure of the exact timeline, but I know it wasn’t long till this beautiful girl was saved in a parking lot with many prayers surrounding her.
\nThe change that has come over Danielle is remarkable. When you see her today, and see the light of Jesus on her, it is so hard to imagine her shooting heroin into her veins. She has attended a faith-based residential program three times. These weren’t three dropouts. This was three separate sessions. Because, as anyone who has been set free of the demon of addiction can tell you, it’s never a one and done situation. It is a life-long learning process. And she is committed.
\nA couple of days ago, Danielle took a plane to Hawaii to attend discipleship training. When she arrived, her luggage was somewhere in Dallas. When she got to the campus to check in, she found out there had been a miscommunication and she was short on funds…four figures short on funds. She reached out to her church family and we raised the funds in about three hours. There is no way to hide God’s work in this. And it is so obvious the enemy doesn’t like it. He tried to throw a wrench in the works at every turn but our God is a mighty God. It wasn’t long till the enemy was put in his place.
\nLast night, I watched War Room. I’ve always considered myself to be…if not a prayer warrior…then at the very least, a fervent prayer. Oh, my…that movie has me planning a War Room of my own! People like Danielle remind us of the power of prayer. I am so proud of her hard work and her willingness to keep plugging at this. I can’t wait to see what she learns in discipleship training. I cant wait to see what God has in store for her! I’m so happy God plucked her from the jaws of death because I know He has plans for her…to prosper her and not to harm her. ❤️
\n“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-04T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/04/snatched-from-the-jaws-of.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/03/we-rise-by-lifting-others.html", "title": "We Rise by Lifting Others Up", "content_html": "2 Corinthians 12:1-5 NIV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e3f5780ef.jpg\")
“Blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine brighter. Remember that.”
Have you ever had someone in your life that went out of their way to put you down? Of course you have. We all have. I was in a long term relationship that was like that. Comments like, “You aren’t wearing THAT are you?” “Well, THAT was stupid!” These things take a toll on you after a while. It took a long time, and a great deal of therapy, to learn those things were said by a person who was egotistical but still suffered emotional injuries from a less than demonstrative childhood.
\nIt happened with my dad. It happened with most of the men I’ve been involved with. Men who suffer so they must make YOU suffer in order to feel better about themselves. The wounds run deep.
\nMr. FixIt and I have a different kind of relationship than I’ve ever experienced. I am much more free to express my feelings with him than I have been with anyone else. I think part of that is age. Part is setting the ground rules early in the relationship that we can say anything. I’m still learning how to govern that. Too much freedom and some things come out sounding unkind. Many a truth was said in jest.
\nWe rise by lifting others up. I know from experience what that constant needling feels like and I don’t ever want my sweetheart to feel less than loved to the max. At the same time, there are moments in any relationship when you have to blow off steam. That’s fine, as long as you fight fair. Life is just so darned short. I want to really live it…not walk on eggshells like I did in the past.
\nI pray every day that I will give my very best to my husband and my family, to my friends and acquaintances. I strive to be my best self, but I don’t beat myself up when I fall short. I just try again the next day. It’s called being human. ❤️
\n“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-03T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/03/we-rise-by-lifting-others.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/02/hope-and-joy.html", "title": "Hope AND Joy!", "content_html": "Ephesians 4:29 NIV
![\"Paul](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a8bc2d62bd.jpg\")
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” - Paul Coelho
The other day I said my word for 2019 would be “Joy”. Then I decided it really should be “Hope”. Well, we all know it is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind and I’ve decided to have TWO words this year…Hope AND Joy! No reason I can’t strive for both and they go hand in hand, right?
\nI was looking through my photos from the last year. I try to use my own photos for my blog but sometimes something comes along that I just need to share. That is the case in today’s meme.
\nOne of the photos I saw yesterday as I was preparing to write this post was one of my sweet Uncle Bud, devoted husband of my Aunt Viv who died the day after Mr. FixIt and I got married. I was so worried about him the last couple of years. As Aunt Viv’s dementia worsened, he got less and less sleep and had absolutely no time to take care of himself. The last two years he also had the added responsibility of caring for his sister…the elderly aunt I originally came to West Virginia to try to help. I really hated that hers and my inability to get along added an extra burden on him, but it couldn’t be helped. She and I were oil and water. Or probably more accurate, gasoline and a match.
\nEvery week, I called my Uncle Bud to see how he was doing. And all too often I suggested perhaps they should seek some sort of alternative to caring for both women in the home, virtually unassisted. And every time, he patiently replied, “We’ll see.” I realized long back, this is not my place to butt in, so I tried to stay out of it. I wasn’t always successful, but I tried.
\nWhen my aunt finally passed, I realized…that was his sweetheart. The love of his life. He took vows that he would love her and care for her in sickness and in health. While no one would have held it against him if he would have placed either of my aunts in a nursing home, this was just not the way he was raised and he has a huge heart. He simply could not do that for his wife. And now, I am sure, he will care for his sister as long as he possibly can.
\nWhen I came across a picture of my Uncle Bud yesterday, I had to smile. Here was this 80-something year old man whom I adore, hunched over his brand new smart phone. Apparently, someone felt it was time for him to ditch the old flip phone he’s been using forever and come into 21st century technology.
\nI can just imagine what he must think. I remember when I got my first laptop. I brought it to West Virginia to show my grandma. I signed up for AOL specifically so I could use the internet anywhere. I plugged it into her phone line and rang up the dialup modem. After the beeps and boops, up it popped. We sat there for hours looking up stuff. She was intrigued, but I don’t think it really sank in what she was looking at. It was all a mystery to her.
\nAs I head into the new year armed with “HOPE” and “JOY”, I want to remember always that it is my example, not my opinion, that will change the world. It takes a village to change things. And if we all work together, we can raise the collective vibration of the planet to a place of awareness and peace. If we strive to go high when others go low, we can set our sites on a common goal…one of peace and mutual understanding. When we keep God at the center, he equips us with all we need to succeed. This is my prayer…my most fervent hope, in order to find infinite joy! ❤️
\n“But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. To him be the power for ever! Amen.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-02T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/02/hope-and-joy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2019/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "title": "Out With the Old...In With the New", "content_html": "1 Peter 5:10-11 GNB
![\"Foggy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f3a7e6a24f.jpg\")
“It was a foggy, rainy day in West Virginia for the last day of 2018.
My word for last year was “presence”. I think, overall, I did a pretty good job keeping my focus in the here and now. Nothing I can change in the past, and worrying about tomorrow is a complete waste of time. I know the other day I said my word for the New Year was going to be joy, but after giving it a great deal of thought, I decided “HOPE” was far more appropriate.
\nHope is such a gift. I remember the first year after losing Mr. Virgo, I really felt hopeless. I really looked forward to the new year because I could say, “My husband died last year.” As if that sleight of hand would magically make everything better. It didn’t. And I was perplexed that it did not.
\nHope. Hope is a gift from God. I have great hope…a seemingly endless supply. I have enough that I will share it by the bucketloads in the coming year. And, when I speak, I will be mindful to instill hope in others through my speech and actions.
\nA year is gone, another ushered in to replace it. May this be a year of peace, of love, of good health, and abundant hope. May you always have enough. ❤️
\n“Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”\n\n", "date_published": "2019-01-01T02:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2019/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/31/saying-goodbye-to.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to 2018", "content_html": "Isaiah 40:30-31 GNB
![\"Mother-daughter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8929a444f4.jpg\")
“A mother-daughter duo singing worship songs to close out the year.” Photo Credit: The Warehouse Church
We had a special celebration at church yesterday. Instead of having the kids over in their area, they joined the adults. And, instead of hearing a message from Pastor Justin, we ended the year with an hour of praise music and communion. It was a special treat to see the children of our worship team on stage singing with their parents. This little gal was amazing and it warmed my heart to watch her.
\nAs the old year fades, we cannot help but look over the last twelve months and review what we have accomplished. It is easy to be critical of what we perceive as mistakes. The woulda-shoulda-coulda’s can creep in, and that really doesn’t serve us well. Looking back with a hopeful heart takes practice.
\nI was telling someone yesterday that I was glad to have 2018 over with. But when I really gave that some thought, I realized that’s just wishing your life away. There were some very sad things that happened this year, true. I lost three people I loved very much…all within two months. Their deaths saddened me greatly and I have learned enough about life to know…the greater the love, the deeper the grief. I was blessed to have these three in my life to love and love me back.
\nThen, there were all these health problems I had to deal with. They were a major pain, but when I look back I realize I was so blessed to have insurance. I know there are people who can’t afford to see a doctor and let medical issues go till it’s too late. I was blessed with knowledgeable physicians and excellent hospital care. I cannot complain.
\nThe highlight of my year, of course, was getting married to my best friend. Mr. FixIt is my rock…my life partner…my playmate. My life is so much happier with him in it and I gained a bonus family!
\nSo, I won’t wish away time. I will remember Aunt Viv, and my cousin Tom, and my “other-mother” Louisa with much love…keeping their memories alive by saying their names. And I will cherish the gifts God gives me daily…love, insurance, health, good doctors, a roof over my head, food on my table, a loving family, and a man who thinks the sun rises at my feet. As I head into the new year, I will tuck this one away with solemn gratitude.
\n❤️
\n“Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2018-12-31T02:30:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/31/saying-goodbye-to.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/30/gwendolyns-journey-with-arthrogryposis.html", "title": "Gwendolyn’s Journey with Arthrogryposis", "content_html": "Psalms 103:2 GNB
![\"Arthrogryposis\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1ccabb6501.jpg\")
“Baby Gwen was born with arthrogryposis…a rare congenital anomaly that causes some joints in the body to be stiff and bent in odd directions.”
A few months ago, I asked you to pray for my friend’s little baby granddaughter and you all stood up and joined hands and prayed hard. Baby Gwen came into this world a beautiful little flower…but some of her petals were damaged. She has arthrogryposis…a rare congenital defect that affects multiple joints. There are typically joint contractures which may be stuck in one position. The muscles surrounding these joints may be weak, stiff, or even missing altogether. Little Gwen’s left leg was bent backwards and lay across her tummy. Her feet and hands are turned inward and her little chin is drastically receded.
\n![\"Meme](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9e03ffeb7c.jpg\")
“Her damaged petals are what made her more beautiful than all the other flowers.” A. J. Lawless
As Gwen has grown, some of these contractures have needed to be addressed more urgently. Because her lower jaw recedes, she cannot drink from a bottle. She eventually had a stomach tube placed to get tube feedings directly into her stomach. And, because she can’t swallow, her normal saliva can choke her to death. She has to have someone awake with her 24/7 in order to suction her airway when her secretions get in her way. Between her airway and tube feedings, physical therapy and doctor’s visits, little Gwen is more than a fulltime job. I’m telling you this though…God couldn’t have given her to a better family than the one she’s in.
\n![\"Leg](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df63439bd8.jpg\")
“Gwen has had a series of casts placed on her legs to bring them down into position for surgical repair.”
The latest surgery was a tendectomy. This will clear the way for eventually walking. I know it’s hard to imagine her ever walking when you look at that newborn picture, but she has had a series of casts as well as the surgery and her legs are down much closer where they need to be. She is just now being able to coo and gurgle baby gibberish and it makes your heart soar when you see her in a video. Her huge, sensitive eyes look into your very soul. She is the sweetest little thing.
\n![\"Stomach](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/411351c86c.jpg\")
“Baby Gwen is fed through a tube placed surgically into her stomach because she cannot swallow well enough to eat.”
Gwen’s parents are young. Mommy had to quit her job to stay home with the baby. With all the expenses that go along with a situation like this, there is also a Go Fund Me page to help with daily expenses and challenges. I rarely share this kind of thing, asking for donations, but I know this family personally. They are a wonderful, close knit family who needs a little extra help. It’s the end of the year. If you find you need to donate a little more, or if the Spirit moves you, please consider helping this young family out.
\n![\"Arthrogryposis\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3c75e2863d.jpg\")
“The muscles in Gwen’s arms and hands are weak and she is just now learning to ‘hold’ toys.”
You can find Gwendolyn’s story at:
\nhttps://www.facebook.com/GwendolynsJourney/
\nYou can find their Go Fund Me page at:
\nhttps://www.gofundme.com/gwendolyn-strong
\n![\"Baby](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9663d5261f.jpg\")
“I look forward to every post as I follow Gwendolyn’s Journey. This baby will never be told she can’t do something…they will just find a way.”
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been born blind. His followers asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this man to be born blind—his own sin or his parents’ sin?” Jesus answered, “It is not this man’s sin or his parents’ sin that made him blind. This man was born blind so that God’s power could be shown in him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-30T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/30/gwendolyns-journey-with-arthrogryposis.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/26/my-hygge-christmas.html", "title": "My Hygge Christmas", "content_html": "John 9:1-3 ICB
![\"Comfort](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d1650bc988.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt is a good gift giver…exactly what I would have picked out for myself!”
“Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” Wikipedia
\nI don’t think I have ever had a more relaxing Christmas Day in my life as I had this year. Mr. FixIt gave me Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve and I never changed out of them yesterday. I ate chocolate cake for breakfast. I knitted all day. I caught up with loved ones on the phone and via chat. Mr. FixIt and I watch movies all day. I ate leftover chili…and chocolate.
\nI was totally pleased with my gifts from my sweetheart. The sweater is the most gorgeous color, style, and fit. The book is something I really wanted. And the travel mugs are lovely. I think he’s setting me up for a winter of comfort! Exactly what I need after a long season of hard work keeping up two big properties. I have some projects to do this winter…writing, home, and business things. So, having this comfort break is just what the doctor ordered!
\nThere are so many who are missing their loved ones this season. If your heart is screaming “he/she should be here!”…you are not forgotten nor are you alone. My heart is with you…I remember that pain and I pray for comfort for you and yours. ❤️
\n“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “ Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-26T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/26/my-hygge-christmas.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Love","Peace","Presence","Marriage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/18/say-i-love-you-with.html", "title": "Say “I Love You” With a Little Yarn \u0026 a Lotta Love", "content_html": "Psalm 116:1-9 NIV
![\"Knitted](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c4a7ec551b.jpg\")
“Hand knitted dishcloth with the ASL sign for “I Love You” in the pattern.”
Yesterday’s post had me thinking about quick, last minute gifts for the holidays. I was in town Sunday afternoon so I stopped at Walmart and picked up some cotton yarn. Those cute patterns for dishcloths had me thinking I’d like to whip up some.
\nMr. FixIt had to go to town yesterday to help a friend build something and do a little Christmas shopping. I elected to stay home. I asked Alexa to play “Soft Christmas Music”, turned up the stove in the family room, grabbed a cup of coffee, and curled up by the tree. I pulled up the fox fur blanket that I had made from the coat Mr. Virgo gave me years ago. And I set to knitting.
\nIn the comments on yesterday’s post, my friend Jamie told me someone made her a dishcloth with the ASL symbol for “I Love You” knitted into it. I asked for the pattern and her friend sent the link. I still have the remnants of grief brain so I had to really concentrate on the pattern. I had to take out a row every now and then when I couldn’t remember where I was in the pattern. But before too long, I had one finished! I’ve started a second dishcloth from one of the pattern in the link I included yesterday.
\nThe other day, Daughter #2 called and said she missed my cooking. I asked her what dish she loved the most. Turkey Tetrawhatzit…my version of Turkey Tetrazzini. So, before Mr. FixIt got home, I put some of the frozen turkey from Thanksgiving in a pot with a little water and simmered it till I could shred the meat with a fork. In an electric skillet, I sautéed half an onion, some sliced mushrooms and celery in a little butter. I added a drained can of mixed veggies. When the turkey was shredded, I tossed it in the skillet with about a pint of the drippings from the pan I roasted the turkey in. While that simmered, I cooked some egg noodles. I mixed up some flour in some of the broth and thickened the turkey mixture, stirred in a cup of sour cream, and brought it just to a simmer then added the drained cooked noodles. Topped with a little shredded Parmesan and…voila! Turkey Tetrawhatzit! Comfort food at it’s best…and it made me think of my daughter. Mr. FixIt said…”Send her a picture!” I did…then called her so she could “join us for dinner!”
\nIt was a lovely day…peaceful, comforting, homey, warm with a big dash of “I Love You!” ❤️
\n“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-18T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/18/say-i-love-you-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Art"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/17/forgiveness-equals-freedom.html", "title": "Forgiveness Equals Freedom", "content_html": "Psalms 23:6 ESV
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7b8df47345.jpg\")
“Forgiveness=Freedom”
I’m not sure what I expected when I became a Christian in 2004. Lightning? The parting of the sea? Enlightenment? Thunder? I do know what I received was life altering. I received a healing to my very core. I felt like every cell in my body had been made new. It was remarkable.
\nWhen I was a baby Christian, I was like a sponge. I knew God, and loved Him. I knew Jesus, and finally embraced Him. But, when it came to the Holy Spirit, I was clueless. I had no idea exactly who He was, how He worked, what His function was. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned more and more and have developed my relationship with the Holy Trinity. And once in a while I get a big A-Ha moment that shines a light on some aspect I didn’t understand before.
\nI’ve long known and understood when the Holy Spirit talks to me. Those “nudges” that move and steer me in a certain direction are an indication of His presence. When I worship or hear a particularly moving sermon or scripture and I get goose bumps…that’s the Holy Spirit. All those years when I felt a knock on the door of my heart to let Jesus into my life? That was the Holy Spirit. I get all that now. And sometimes when I call out to Him and get the answer in moments, it reiterates just how close the Holy Spirit is….He lives inside us. He is that aspect of God that touches our hearts and minds with an intimacy only God can provide. I had that experience this weekend.
\nWe had lunch with some of the local residents who live near the farm. Over lunch, my elderly aunt became a topic of discussion and I recounted how difficult that time had been. Then at church yesterday, Pastor Justin spoke on forgiveness. True forgiveness breaks the chains that are holding you prisoner. I thought back to my conversation of the day before and realized, I still had a spirit of unforgiveness as I was holding some resentment and hurt in my heart over some of the things my aunt said and did while I was trying to help her. In retrospect, I was quite filled with “You have no idea what she put me through!” That resentment, however small, is the poison I keep drinking yet she is totally unharmed.
\nAt the end of services, Pastor Justin did an alter call and asked those to come forward who wished to let go of resentments and hurts and embrace a spirit of forgiveness. He came to each of us and laid his hands on our heads and prayed over us. I left feeling completely changed…yet again.
\nDo you have someone you are harboring a spirit of unforgiveness for? Is there someone who has hurt you that has left you saying, “I’ll show you!”? If so, this is a beautiful time to just let it go. Pray for those who have hurt you. Seek ways to praise them in public for the blessings they have given you…even if that blessing is the insight you gained from their unkindness. And, this is the season of giving. Send them a card. Stick a $5 gift card for coffee or to a restaurant. Tell them, “You know, I just wanted to let you know what a blessing you have been this year.” Or “I know you’ve gone through a rough patch and I just wanted to reach out and tell you I’m thinking of you.” Forgiveness goes a long way toward uniting us. I’m not saying send a gift card to your abuser. Or even reaching out for conversation with someone who physically or emotionally abused you. But you can still pray for them. The spirit of forgiveness in you just might bring you a new level of peace and healing of your own. ❤️
\n“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-17T02:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/17/forgiveness-equals-freedom.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/11/kitchen-comforts.html", "title": "Kitchen Comforts", "content_html": "Colossians 3:13 ESV
![\"Roses\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/42d0bf36e4.jpg\")
“Mr. FixIt brought me roses.”
When I’m struggling with grief, a day in the kitchen does wonders for me. Mr. FixIt knew I hadn’t slept well the last couple of nights since learning the sad news of Miss Louisa passing away, so he was gracious and let me sleep in as long as I wanted to yesterday. I must say, when I awoke around 11:00, I did feel much better. I padded into the kitchen to make my coffee and greet my sweet man in the family room…steaming mug in hand.
\nI snuggled into the loveseat and wrapped my blue fox blanket around me. The Christmas tree was decorated and standing to my left in front of the big picture windows. The gas stove was cranked up and putting off some decent heat. The heavy frost still laid white on the grass and trees in my view. And, amazingly, the forsythia had several bright yellow blooms on them casting a stark contrast to the grey palette of December.
\nI sipped my coffee while Mr. FixIt read the paper. The TV droned quietly in the background…some fourteen year old was answering questions on a game show. I tuned it out as I stared at the decorations on the tree and took inventory of my feelings. The pain I felt when I heard the news of yet another loss was easing a little and shifting to the lonesomeness of not being able to pick up the phone and call whenever I want. It is familiar turf for me.
\nAfter a while, I sighed and went into the bedroom to dress. Mr. FixIt put on his insulated coveralls and went outside to work a while. I carried my second cup to the living room and sat down to knit on a pair of socks. I texted my friend Gail who is touring Europe to see how she is doing. My friend Janine sent me a text to remind me she was going live at 3:00CST. I put my phone away and turned Pandora to “Traditional Christmas.” I spent the next hour or so in quiet meditation, my hands wrapping the wool yarn around the needles with the muscle memory of a skill I learned in my youth.
\nI decided to mix up a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies and was pulling the last batch from the oven as Mr. FixIt came in from the cold. I turned on the kettle and he had a nice cup of tea as he ate a cookie, still warm from the oven. He watched me move around the kitchen, cleaning up the bowls and baking pans. I sensed his eyes on me. This is the relationship we delight in. I looked up from wiping the counter and he smiled.
\n“You treat me so well.”
\nI smiled back. A knowing smile. An appreciative smile. This is the part of him that is like Mr. Virgo. He loves and appreciates me and is quick to tell me. I love that.
\n“I like spoiling you,” I grinned. He laughed, gave me a little pat as he tucked his mug in the kitchen sink. He pulled up his coveralls and went back outside. I watched him as he walked out the door. How can a coverall make a man look that sexy? I smiled as I tucked the towel in the door handle of the oven and turned out the light. I had another hour to knit before I started supper.
\nWhen I was at the farm the other night, I brought home a pot roast from the freezer. When it was thawed, I cut it in cubes. I put about a cup of flour in a gallon ziplock bag with some salt and pepper and dropped in the cubed roast. I tossed the meat in the flour, rubbing the pieces through the bag to ensure they were well coated then dropped them into a hot skillet with a little oil in it. When the meat had been seared on all sides, I removed it and put it in my electric pressure cooker. I put in a can of beef broth and a can of water, replaced the lid and pressure cooked the roast for 55 minutes. Once it was finished, I let it cool for about twenty minutes without releasing the pressure. I released the pressure carefully and removed the lid. The meat bubbled in a nice thickened gravy and smelled divine. I poured the meat and gravy out into a large storage container and set it on the counter. When it was cool enough, I popped it in the fridge to be used during the week for meals and sandwiches.
\nYesterday, I cooked up half a bag of egg noodles. I took out half the meat and gravy and placed it in a saucepan on low heat to warm up. I sautéed a whole package of sliced mushrooms in two tablespoons of butter. Everything was ready at the same time so I drained the pasta, and put it back in the pan, poured the beef and gravy in with the sautéed mushrooms and added 3/4 cup of sour cream. I gave it a quick stir and called Mr. FixIt to the table for supper.
\nA day like that is soothing to the spirit. It reminded me that, while I miss those I have lost, I have skills in place that I did not have when I lost Mr. Virgo. It is not lost on me that I have the added blessing of this sweet man to be my companion and helpmate to love and support me as I navigate the losses. I kind of feel like I’m cheating…I don’t have to grieve alone like I did when I became a widow. That kind of grief is so much harder than this. I am grateful. ❤️
\n“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.””\n\n", "date_published": "2018-12-11T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/11/kitchen-comforts.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/12/08/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "title": "The Ghosts of Christmas Past", "content_html": "Revelation 21:4 NIV
![\"“The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9f03db1820.jpg\")
“The Parkersburg High School Band - 1960’s”
This is the time of year where my Hallmark heart kicks in and I feel the feels…a lot! Anything makes me cry…especially sappy sentimental stuff. Yesterday would have been my second father-in-law’s birthday. I was very close to him and I wasn’t able to attend his funeral because I had just totaled my truck and had a subdural hematoma. I couldn’t fly. I really miss him. I have so many “Pop” stories. Since his birthday was December 7th, it often fell on Hanukkah and Christmas is right behind.
\nThe subject of voicemails from our loved ones came up yesterday, as well. I texted Hubby #2 to tell him I was thinking of his dad. Then I remembered a video I have of Christmas 2009. I went back and watched it. There was seven beautiful minutes of Mr. Virgo and my grandchildren when they were so little. There were my daughters and son-in-law. There was my sweet brother. And…there was Pop! I watched it over and over. It made me smile and tugged at my heart strings at the same time.
\nLast night we were supposed to go to our graduating class Christmas Dinner. I didn’t feel real great yesterday morning yet I worked in the kitchen most of the day. By late afternoon, I was feverish and achy. We decided not to go and I hated that, but if you’re getting sick, it’s irresponsible to go out amongst the public. At first I was so hot I had to go outside and stand for a while. Then I couldn’t get warm and spent the rest of the evening under a pile of blankets. I felt a whole lot better by bedtime.
\nAs I browsed on Facebook last night, I came upon this photo of the Parkersburg High School All Male Military Marching Band. No, there were no girls allowed back then. That changed after we graduated in 1971. This picture was taken back in the ‘60s. I remember my parents taking us downtown to watch the Christmas Parade. I remember these Christmas decorations hanging across the downtown streets. I remember the thrill of seeing and hearing this award winning band as they marched down the street in their crisp uniforms and clean white bucks. Their precision and military style brought a sense of patriotic pride. Again…pictures like this, at this time of year especially, bring a happy/sad mix of emotions that I can’t resist diving into.
\nI think today I will bake cookies and watch Christmas movies! I may even hang out in my jammies all day!!! ?
\n“That precious memory triggers another...” 2 Timothy 1:5 MSG\n \n", "date_published": "2018-12-08T02:30:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/12/08/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/29/somewhere-over-the-rainbowbluebirds-fly.html", "title": "Somewhere Over the Rainbow...Bluebirds Fly", "content_html": "
![\"Man](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/57bf26fbb2.jpg\")
“Ron Rudolph and his grandson building bluebird houses in memory of his late wife.”
I have told you many times that Mr. Virgo sends me bluebirds. It first began when I stood by his grave…heart broken…sobbing, when I heard a birdsong nearby. I looked to my right and just a few feet away, a bluebird sat on a pole and was singing. It lifted something in my heart. I could feel my husband’s presence and it was comforting. Since then, countless bluebirds show up at odd times. Mr. FixIt and I have taken to saying hello to him out loud when we see them.
\nThis sweet man I am married to called me into the family room yesterday and said, “Look, I want you to see this.”
\nI sat down to watch a segment on the Today show about a man in Minnesota. Ron Rudolph lost his wife to a brain tumor this past January. When he found himself wandering around the house in the middle of the night, he decided to go out to his wood shop. He saw a bluebird house hanging on the wall. His wife loved bluebirds and he had made several of the houses to place around their yard for her to enjoy. He decided to cut out a few birdhouses to keep his hands, and his mind, busy.
\nAfter constructing several birdhouses, he enlisted his daughter’s help in setting up a way to sell them. He wanted others to enjoy bluebirds, in his wife’s memory. Now, there are four generations building bluebird houses in his shop and a portion of the proceeds goes to the hospice that cared for his late wife.
\nI reached out to Ron yesterday and shared my story of losing Mr. Virgo. I asked if I could share his story with you here and he was thrilled. I have ordered two bluebird houses…one for the Ponderosa and another for the farm. I know you will love this story as much as I have. I’m looking forward to getting to know this beautiful family better.
\nYou can find the Today Show story posted on their Facebook page: Rudolph’s Bluebird Houses
\n\n❤️
\n“All you saints! Sing your hearts out to GOD! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.”\n\n \n", "date_published": "2018-11-29T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/29/somewhere-over-the-rainbowbluebirds-fly.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Love","Courage","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/25/a-tale-of-thanksgiving.html", "title": "A Tale of Thanksgiving", "content_html": "Psalm 30:4-5 MSG
![\"Thanksgiving](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d969739655.jpg\")
“Thanksgiving Turkey”
Multiple trips to the store.
\nTwo turkeys because the frozen one refused to thaw.
\nTwo full days cooking.
\nA fifteen minute feeding frenzy in which 90% of the food was devoured.
\nFollowed by three hours cleaning the kitchen.
\nI am thankful for the following things.
\nAnd…
\n❤️
\n“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-11-25T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/25/a-tale-of-thanksgiving.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Holiday","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/22/nothing-like-the-last-minute.html", "title": "Nothing Like the Last Minute", "content_html": "Colossians 3:17 NIV
![\"Fresh](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/526c5ab0ee.jpg\")
“A fresh turkey takes the guesswork out of thawing.”
We were going to leave yesterday to travel to my cousin’s for Thanksgiving dinner but they have a loved one in the hospital and wouldn’t be home till late. We decided to leave bright and early this morning as that would give us another day to prepare for our company coming Saturday.
\nMr. FixIt and I bought a 25# turkey in preparation for 14 guests and plenty of leftovers. We bought said bird early last week. I pulled it from the freezer and put it in the fridge in the garage on Friday. I figured it would be totally defrosted in the ensuing eight days. Well, yesterday morning it was still hard as a rock. I mean, maybe the slightest icy give under the skin, but that’s it. No way that monster is going to be ready for Saturday’s guests. Heck, it might not be ready for CHRISTMAS at that rate.
\nI pulled the turkey from the fridge and let it sit in a galvanized tub on the basement floor till I realized the temps are supposed to be down in the twenties over the next few nights. That thing will never make it and since we’ll be gone for a couple of days, I can’t put it in the sink with water or leave it out of the fridge in case global warming shifts into high gear before Friday. I made the decision…I had to go to town and buy a fresh turkey. On the day before Thanksgiving. In a small town. My chances of meeting success were drastically slim.
\nI left Mr. FixIt and his vacuuming (for the fourth or fifth time this week…I’m not sure there are fibers left in this carpet. But, I digress.) and headed to town. The first store I come to…besides Dollar General…is Walmart. Since Dollar General most assuredly doesn’t carry fresh turkey, I elected to stop at Walmart. I didn’t hold out much hope and I was totally prepared to have to drive all over town. I sent up a little prayer and said, “Lord, you know I’ll drive all over town to find a fresh turkey but I sure would love it if You would make sure I find one at the first store I come to?” Sure enough, there was my turkey…and everything else I needed!
\n![\"Homemade](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df4beec72a.jpg\")
“Homemade chocolate cake…Grandma Lois’ recipe.”
I came home and baked a cake for today. My son-in-law’s mom makes this cake all the time. Her mom got the recipe in an exchange at her ladies club years ago. It uses buttermilk, mayonnaise, and boiling water and it is the BEST chocolate cake I think I have ever had!
\n![\"Hydroponics](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1cf7b3e746.jpg\")
“Butter crunch lettuce…one hour from harvest to table…in November! Hydroponics rule!”
Later in the day, my friend Diane posted she had just bought some hydroponic lettuce produced in our tiny little town. I asked where I could get some and she brought a head over as a gift. It was fabulous and I can assure you, this is where I’ll be purchasing my salad greens this winter. And…NO fear of E. Coli! Win-win.
\nI hope you all have a wonderful holiday. May your turkey be tender and your gravy lump-free! I am thankful for all of you!!! ❤️
\n“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”\n\n", "date_published": "2018-11-22T02:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/22/nothing-like-the-last-minute.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Holiday","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/19/loving-what-is.html", "title": "Loving What Is", "content_html": "1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bbd34fe274.jpg\")
“Snapchat filters make me see the beautiful woman inside. The mirror makes me see the beautiful Child of God that I am on the outside!”
I love my grandkids. I don’t get to see them and interact with them enough. Big is 14. Little is 11. Both are at the age where their interests lie elsewhere. Still, Little and I engage in bouts of “Let’s top each other in Snapchat.” She always wins. She does the cute and funky filters that twist your face up or adds bunny ears and whiskers. I go for glamour shots that take away my wrinkles and gives me the face of a super model. Vain? Not really. More like seeing the woman I feel like.
\nI’m sixty-five. Even in my primest of prime years, I was never super model material, but I could turn a head or two. I still can, if truth be told. Just ask my new, still-smitten husband. He thinks I’m the most beautiful woman on the planet! And, when I bask in his love-light, I feel even MORE beautiful. Isn’t that lovely?
\nWhen I look in the mirror and I see the wrinkles, the graying hair, the sagging skin, the cellulite I realize I am not looking at myself correctly. I am listening to the enemy whisper…”You’ll never be enough.” Instead…I change my focus. And you know how I do that? I listen to Jesus.
\nHere’s what Jesus tells me.
\n“You are altogether beautiful, my darling: there is no flaw in you.” (Sol. 4:7)
\n“You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’S hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (Is. 62:3)
\n“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Ps. 34:5)
\n“For we are God’s masterpiece…” (Eph. 2:10)
\n“…Created to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10)
\n“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Lu. 1:45)
\n“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” (Ps. 46:5)
\n“She is worth far more than rubies.” (Prov.31:10)
\n“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” (1 Cor. 15:10)
\n“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…” (Is. 49:16)
\nThis is your time. God is within you. You are inscribed on His hands. Did you hear that? On his HANDS! He will fulfill his promises to you. You do your part…believe. Leave the rest up to God. Do you seriously believe the Almighty who created the stars in the sky does not count the hairs on your head? You are precious in His sight. Really.
\nNow, go out there and hold your head up high on this Monday morning. Smile at that person in the mirror. Need I remind you that you are a beautiful, perfectly imperfect image of God? You are loved. You are cherished. You are coveted. You are protected. You are awesome. There is ONLY ONE YOU.
\nI know. You may not be feeling it. You may be going through some pretty tough times right now. You may feel discouraged. You may be facing a crisis. You may be battling demons. You may be in the dark throes of grief. God has put it on my heart there is someone out there I need to tell this to so listen carefully. This is not the end of your road. He has a purpose for you that you haven’t even imagined yet. Don’t quit. You cannot fail as long as you do not quit. That miracle might just happen in the next five minutes, so stick with us here. Reach for Jesus’ hand. He will never, ever turn his back on you. He will never leave you. He will never cut you down or say mean, hurtful things to you. He will never make you feel small. He will never make you feel “less than”. He will meet you right where you are and love the stuffin’s out of you. Trust me on this.
\nYou are a child of God. ❤️
\n“...And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV\n", "date_published": "2018-11-19T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/19/loving-what-is.html", "tags": ["Faith","Health","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Humbled","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/15/the-art-of-giving.html", "title": "The Art of Giving", "content_html": "
![\"Shopping\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d10672485e.jpg\")
“Shopping for warm blankets with my small group.”
I love this time of year. However, the first Christmas after Mr. Virgo died, I was so incredibly lost. I went to Denver to be with my family because I couldn’t bear to be alone. I think that’s pretty common among those who have lost a spouse.
\nThe holidays were so special to my late husband. He lived for Christmas especially. He planned all year. He paid attention to what I needed or wanted and he was incredibly generous with gifts…too much so, really. But it gave him such joy to see the look on my face when I opened something from him. He just wanted to keep seeing that look.
\nThat first lonely Christmas, one of the layers of the onion peeled back and revealed my days of receiving his well thought out gifts were over and it was just another beautiful thing torn from my life. I was bereft. I wanted something special from him, and since that was impossible, I decided to do something special for me.
\nI was driving down a busy Denver street the week before Christmas when I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit.
\n“There…go there.”
\nI looked to the right and it was Walmart. I dutifully turned in and parked. As I was walking in, I heard….
\n“Pay it forward.”
\nI went to the layaway desk and inquired how I could pay off someone’s layaway. Unfortunately, they had called in the layaways the week before so whatever hadn’t been paid for was returned to the shelves. Not to be deterred, I went to the ATM, withdrew some money, bought a card, and sat down to write a note in it. I told the recipient about this gentle man who loved Christmas and the joy of giving. I told whoever was going to receive this that I was giving them what he would have given me. Then I sat down on the bench at the front of the store and waited for the next instructions.
\n“Go back there. To the left…you’ll find them there.”
\nI headed for the back left and found the toy department. I wandered around and saw several shoppers but none stood out. I went around the corner of an aisle and there they were. A young mom and dad. They pulled a toy from the shelf, looking hopeful. Then they looked for the price, looked at each other, looked defeated, and put it back. They did this several times as they moved slowly down the aisle. There was very little in their cart.
\nI roamed back and forth, acting like I was very interested in something, but all the while trying to listen without being too obvious. What I wanted was for the woman to wander away from her bag for a moment so I could slip the envelope in and be on my way with the young couple none the wiser. She was a smart girl…she never left her bag for a moment. Finally, I decided I just had to move forward or I was going to look like a crazy stalker.
\nI walked up to the woman and said, “Here. I think this is yours.” I handed her the envelope with the bills stuffed inside. She was puzzled. She looked up from the envelope and our eyes met. I smiled warmly, pulled her to me in a mom hug, and whispered, “Merry Christmas.” Then, before she could let it register, I turned on my heel and walked away straight out of the store, without looking back.
\nI got to the car and my knees were shaking. I would have loved to have seen her face. But then she would have wanted to thank me or maybe even refuse the gift. Neither of which I wanted. I put the car in gear and headed to meet my family knowing I had shared something special with someone who needed it. I remember when I was a poor, single mom…trying to do the best for my own little one with very, very little resources. It felt good to give.
\nThe church I attend is huge, so in order to have that sense of a “church family”, we have small groups that meet for several weeks per session. The group I belong to has such amazing, strong Christian women. We are in a chat group and we offer prayers and support to each other as we share and learn and grow in the Lord.
\nThis year, our Pastor challenged the groups to find a service project and complete it by the end of the session. We couldn’t decide on just one so we supported two. The Women’s Care Center and the Mission for the homeless. Last night we met at a discount store in town and loaded three shopping carts full to overflowing. We bought children’s clothes, long john’s, hats, and 20 blankets and wheeled our purchases to the foyer. There, we stood around the carts and placed our hands on the bounty and prayed…out loud, in the store, in front of God and everybody. We asked for God to bless these items that they would doubly warm the recipients. We asked that they feel God’s love for them when they wrap themselves in the blankets. Then we headed for the mission.
\n![\"Bags](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e6279481f6.jpg\")
“The bounty!”
When we came in, laden with bag after bag of stuff, the man behind the desk said, “What have we here?”
\n“Blankets! From The Warehouse Church!!!” We said, in unison.
\n“Oh, my gosh…that’s exactly what we needed. I ran out of blankets this evening!”
\nI smiled. I kinda felt Mr. Virgo grinning…poking me in the ribs.
\n“See, babydoll! That’s what I’m talkin’ about. It’s better to give than to receive. Giving is an art form.”
\nYes…I do love this time of year. ❤️
\n“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”” 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 NIV\n", "date_published": "2018-11-15T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/15/the-art-of-giving.html", "tags": ["Faith","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/13/pennies-from-heaven.html", "title": "Pennies from Heaven", "content_html": "
![\"Penny\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0ae614176b.jpg\")
“Found pennies…is it God reminding us to trust him?”
How many of you seem to find an inordinate number of coins since your person died? Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve found coins…sometimes every day…sometimes several times a day. You’ve all heard “See a penny, pick it up. All the day you’ll have good luck!” When you marry in England, you wear “something borrowed, something blue, a lucky sixpence in your shoe.”
\nMr. FixIt and I found a penny one time that had the shape of a cross cut out of it. That was quite the find! Since Mr. Virgo died, I’ve found more and more coins. I’ve been told they are “angel pennies”…placed in your path to let you know your loved one is thinking of you. I don’t know if that is the case, but it’s a sweet sentiment.
\nWhen I pick up any coin, I turn it heads up and read what is stamped along the edge. “In God We Trust”. I read this and smile. It’s like God is sending me a little reminder…”Trust in me. Stop worrying about whatever is rumbling around in that brain of yours and place your trust where it belongs.” I put the angel pennies I find in special places…my night stand, the dash in my truck, the pocket of my coat or jeans. These found coins continue to remind me as I come and go to remember who’s got my back. Who loves me more than all others. Who has saved me.
\nMy guess is…you will never look at a penny the same again. And you just might find yourself seeing more and more of them. ❤️
\n“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 NIV\n", "date_published": "2018-11-13T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/13/pennies-from-heaven.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/09/remaining-hopeful-in-a-hopeless.html", "title": "Remaining Hopeful in a Hopeless World", "content_html": "
![\"News](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5176b3168.jpg\")
“When the news is on fire, how do you stay hopeful?”
We awoke yesterday to the news of yet another mass shooting. We are only three days out from another season of hateful politics. Glaciers are melting and species are disappearing. Computers can generate images that are easily passed off as truth. China just released the first AI news anchor. There will come a time when we won’t be able to tell what’s real and what isn’t. There’s so much death and destruction, murder and mayhem, and just pure evil in this world. How do you remain hopeful in a world like this?
\nI was reading some comments yesterday on a news post. One after another, people expressed hopelessness. I just read that a college student was supposed to go to the place in Thousand Oaks but she had homework. As a child, she went to a school in Colorado where a gunman broke in, took hostages, and eventually killed a girl then himself. She asked her mother why death followed her so much. There were people at the dance hall who had been at the concert in Vegas that was attacked. How on earth do you remain hopeful in circumstances like this?
\nCompound all this with grief and it is SO easy to become hopeless. To succumb to sadness and depression. I mean, here I am…the perennial cheerleader…the veritable Pollyanna, as Mr. Virgo called me. I’m weary of all this negativity. It’s beyond negative. It’s evil.
\nI can’t just stick my head in the sand. I can’t stick my fingers in my ears and yell “LA LA LA LA LA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” I can’t cover my eyes and pretend I don’t see what’s going on. That isn’t productive. It isn’t healthy. And it’s not realistic. Granted, I don’t watch TV so one might say I am practicing avoidance. I say I’m being selective. I choose my media outlet based on who I feel gives the most fair and unbiased news reporting. I cross check sources and references. I Google things I am skeptical about. I practice critical thinking. En masse. It’s tedious. It’s time consuming. But it’s the only way I can keep my senses from being barraged and eventually overwhelmed.
\nI look at the world through the lens of my faith. I am a Christian. And I am a Liberal Democrat. I have not looked up the statistics, but I am sure I am in the minority…looked at distrustfully by both sides. And therein lies the problem. Sides. Division. US against THEM. Divisiveness is encouraged. Chaos is a smokescreen. The enemy is very, very busy now.
\nWhen I find myself feeling mired down by all the hatred in the world, I remind myself…I’ve read the Book. I know how this story ends. The light prevails over darkness. Faith, hope, and love. God tells us love is everything. It is behind every commandment. We are to love God with every ounce of strength we have. And, we are to love our fellow man as we love ourselves.
\nThe enemy whispers doubts and delusions. Yes. There are evil things happening. Yes, there is darkness all around. But, I can put light out there. I can find ways to bring God’s light into the world. I can carry the love of Jesus in my heart and let Him shine through my thoughts and actions. And if I can do that, others can do that. The enemy wants me to believe I am the only one trying to make the world a better place. He says things like, “Why are you even bothering?” He is whispering lies meant to break me, to discourage me. But I won’t be discouraged. I’ll WALK STRONG as long as there is a breath in me. I will always look up. I will seek God’s face. I will ask for his comfort and guidance. I will pray for discernment to show me what is true and what is not. But most of all, I will trust Him. Because of His promises to me. He has never, EVER failed me. And that, my friends, is how I remain hopeful in this fallen world. ❤️
\n“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV\n", "date_published": "2018-11-09T02:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/09/remaining-hopeful-in-a-hopeless.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/11/07/election-day-and-the-bbc.html", "title": "Election Day and The BBC", "content_html": "\n
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b31a94f95.jpg\")
“The colors at the farm were amazing!”
I left after breakfast to head to the polling place. When I got there, the digital system to sign attesting your eligibility to vote was not functioning properly. It would not take my signature. We fiddled with it for over fifteen minutes till the gentleman finally held the connecting wire in exactly the right position. Once it accepted my signature, I turned and faced a sea of faces. Apparently, I was not the first to have difficulty signing in. There must have been 30 people sitting around waiting for their turn at the computer screen to vote.
\n![\"Farmhouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/26059899e7.jpg\")
“I love this little red farmhouse and how it looks in the fall colors.”
Getting out to vote today had another distinct advantage. I got to meander about the countryside and enjoy the beautiful colors again. I loved watching the leaves rain down, filtering through the sunlight creating a dazzling display of red, gold, and yellow sparkles. Looking in the readies mirror, I could see the leaves kicked up by the truck and they spun around and around behind me.
\n![\"Camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3379ae0d73.jpg\")
“There is Joy…still under her tarp. I have to get her moved to the Ponderosa and try to get something done with her before it gets too cold.”
![\"Autumn](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb5fc08cdb.jpg\")
“This looks like a painting, but it’s a photo I took on my way home from the farm last evening as the sun was setting.”
Sure enough, the call came through. The producer connected me to the live line so I could hear the show as it progressed. The interviewer played a segment of an interview earlier in the day, then went live to the three of us being interviewed. Two men and myself. I truly enjoyed listening to their responses because I was amazed at how similar our experiences were. Our segment lasted about half an hour. I listened back and I think it went very well. You can listen to it here. Our segment begins a few seconds after 22:27. ❤️
\nhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000zxg
\n“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” Psalm 126:5-6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-11-07T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/11/07/election-day-and-the-bbc.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Peace","Humbled","Presence","Peaceful Moments","Be Joyful!","Press"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/24/stress-tired-attitude.html", "title": "Stress + Tired = Attitude", "content_html": "![\"Speak](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ec0366fa5a.jpg\")
“The tongue can wreak havoc in any relationship.”
What do you get when you mix two tired people working hard to meet a deadline? Well, sometimes you get a snarky remark and an even snarkier comeback. Neither of which are constructive or useful. How many times have I written that the tongue can wreak havoc in a relationship? Yet, there I was…Queen of the Snarky Retort.
\nI knew right away I didn’t speak life into the situation. And I immediately went to Mr. FixIt and apologized. Sincerely.
\nWhile this has been a wonderful time with the wedding and all, it’s also been stressful trying to get everything done and we are both desperately looking forward to our time away.
\nIt’s perfectly normal to have moments of frustration when you’re living in close proximity with another human. How you deal with differences says a lot in how successful your relationship will be. Admitting your weaknesses, asking forgiveness, and praying for guidance goes a long way toward maintaining harmony in the home. If you fight, you need to fight fair.
\nMr. FixIt is an extremely easygoing man. He has been understanding when I write every night. He’s a TV watcher. I am a writer. We do our own thing after dinner and reconnect later. That being said, we are about to embark on our honeymoon. And as much as I love you all, and as much as writing is the same as breathing for me, I’ve decided y’all are just going to have to sit this one out. I’m going to schedule a scripture to post everyday while we are gone so you have something to ponder. Please feel free to talk amongst yourselves here on my blog. I love when you all interact and support one another.
\nI’ll be back on Election Day! ❤️
\n“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” Ephesians 4:26 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-10-24T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/24/stress-tired-attitude.html", "tags": ["Health","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Anger","Forgiveness","Humbled","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/20/a-whirlwind-week.html", "title": "A Whirlwind Week", "content_html": "![\"Wedding](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e554329253.jpg\")
“Our photographer know how to capture love and joy!”
I can’t believe it’s been a week since the wedding! So much has happened this week with the cleanup and the funeral and more cleanup! Our friends came by yesterday to get their quilts and extension cords we borrowed. I vacuumed the pool, cleaned house, covered the hay, emptied the truck, made a quiche for supper. And…I got more wedding pictures. I spent all evening playing with them so I didn’t get much else done.
\n![\"Cross\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/13c8039a13.jpg\")
“Our cross.”
I need to get both campers dumped and winterized this weekend. We need to winterize the pool and get the last of the burn pile finished so we can mulch the area with grass seed and hay. We have to mulch the new dogwood tree Mr. FixIt planted for me this summer. There are gutters to be cleaned and trees and brush to be cut and hauled. All before Thursday when we leave for our honeymoon! I’m tired just thinking of it.
\n![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a6709cd6de.jpg\")
“Happiness is dancing with your new husband!”
So, in the meantime, here are some more wedding photos to enjoy! ❤️
\n![\"Cross](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1428ec1fcf.jpg\")
“The lucky penny for my shoe, and something old/something new…the blue topaz earrings Daughter #2 gave me years ago.”
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
\nColossians 3:23 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-10-20T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/20/a-whirlwind-week.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/19/a-beautiful-day.html", "title": "A Beautiful Day", "content_html": "![\"Wind](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3135e09382.jpg\")
“On our way home yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the wind turbines atop a ridge near Elkins. It was an incredibly beautiful day.”
The last two days were perfectly beautiful in the mountains of West Virginia. We left home around 11:00am Wednesday and got to our motel room an hour before the viewing. We hadn’t eaten since early so we went looking for something to eat after the viewing. You have three choices in the little, tiny town of Petersburg…Subway, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s. We drove fifteen miles to Moorefield, hoping for a restaurant but found nothing we were willing to try. We we ended up buying some sandwich fixings at Food Lion and had a picnic back at the room.
\nThere was no cell service and no WiFi at the motel which was fine by me. I wrote and scheduled Wednesday’s and Thursday’s posts Tuesday night in anticipation of being off the grid. It was really chilly when we got back to the room so I took a hot bath, bundled up, and got under the blankets and caught up with a week’s worth of devotionals. There were four channels on the TV so we turned it off and fell sound asleep by 9:30! Unheard of for us.
\nThe funeral was yesterday at 11:00am. It was a very nice service. They played some songs…Elvis singing Amazing Grace…One Day at a Time. And one other I’ll share with you here.
\nTheirs was a love story, through and through. My uncle told me the first time he set eyes on my aunt, he was smitten. There was a lot going on in 1956. My Uncle Sonny was killed in a plane crash in 1955. Not long after, my Aunt Rosie got married. So, Uncle Dudley and Aunt Viv decided to elope to Oakland, Maryland and get married…in the same place my grandma and grandpa eloped to. Well, when they came home and told everyone…let’s just say, grandma wasn’t very happy about it. She loved Aunt Viv. She just wanted a wedding.
\nThat was the start of 62 years of devotion. I remember their love as being full of fun and laughter and playfulness. I sat behind him at the funeral and when they played this song, he bowed his head. His shoulders shook slightly from his silent tears. The only other time I remember him crying was when I called to tell him Mr. Virgo died. It broke my heart.
\nAs they played “Love, Me” by Colin Raye, I listened to the lyrics and realized the song was about their love. And I cried along with him. For broken hearts. For lost loves.
\nThe funeral procession wound its way through the hills and countryside till the terrain opened into an expansive valley. We turned left and climbed the hill to the tent that was erected over her grave. My uncle had just purchased these plots last week. They had decided over the years they really didn’t like the cemetery where they had purchased plots years ago but they just hadn’t gotten around to getting the new ones. Oh, my! The view was absolutely stunning. My aunt rests high on a hillside overlooking magnificent farmland. Black angus cattle dot the landscape in the verdant green fields. The hardwoods of the forests surrounding the valley were just beginning to hint of the glorious burst of color coming in the next two weeks.
\nAfterwards, we gathered at the fellowship hall at the church and had one of those wonderful meals country church women fix after a funeral. Hearty, comfort food and lots of love flowed around those tables and we left reminded we are family. Our bonds run as deep as the cool springs in these Appalachian hills. The blood of our shared ancestors keep us connected far beyond the pages of Facebook. We promised to keep in touch with those we seldom see. We promised to bring something special to this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.
\nMr. FixIt and I drove quietly through the hills, holding hands…our minds no doubt remembering we aren’t newlyweds at 25 and 26. We are newlyweds at 65 and 66. Our time together won’t be 62 years…but what time we DO have will be filled with fun and laughter and playfulness…just like my aunt and uncle’s marriage. I’m grateful for their example. I’m grateful for the opportunity to love like them. I’m just grateful for every day.
\n\n❤️
\n“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
\n2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-10-19T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/19/a-beautiful-day.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/17/here-comes-the-bride.html", "title": "Here Comes the Bride", "content_html": "![\"Bride\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e7004d7ea3.jpg\")
“One of my favorite moments…locking eyes with a fellow widow whom I mentored…knowing we BOTH have found our second-chance loves.”
It all went so fast. Here we are, just a few days after the wedding and I don’t remember all the details. That happens to every bride, I think. You throw so much into the planning, and so many last minute details happen the day of the wedding. Friends and family came at 2:00 to help me get ready. The ceremony was at 4:00. The girls were still messing with my hair when I asked the time. 3:20! I still hadn’t put on make up or dressed!
\nI don’t wear a lot of make up ordinarily…and when I do, it’s not much. Throwing that on was no big deal. I slipped on my boots and my new daughter and granddaughter helped me into my dress. In no time at all, I was ready. The music wasn’t. I told them I didn’t care…I’d walk out singing “Here Comes the Bride” if I had to…I was ready….REALLY ready!
\nThey helped me out to the tent…one carrying my train…the other hoping for the music to start. And, it did! Just as I got to the tent, I looked up and there was my sweet friend, Deneene. She was one of what looked like a whole sea of smiles and cell phones pointed at me. I looked at her with a knowing smile. You see, Deneene was referred to me when she was a relatively new widow herself. I was a couple of years ahead of her. I mentored her for the next couple of years. I was for her what I wished I’d had. Someone who had recently walked the path and could relate. Someone who could say this is perfectly normal. Someone to hold out a hand…not to pat it, but to offer a lift up. Then, Deneene met HER new love. And we walked this new territory together. She caught that knowing look in this picture. I think it is one of my favorites. Because I’m looking at another widow in love. I’m looking at my friend that helped me as much as I helped her. I’m looking at hope and joy and strength and perseverance and courage and reflecting it all back.
\nWe all are nothing more than the sum of our life experiences. I was ready to marry…every time I married. But I didn’t know then what I know now. Now I know what love is. I know how fragile life is. I know how to face the unimaginable and still live. I know how to live alone when it’s impossible to breathe. I know how rare it is to find someone so incredibly compatible. I know SO much more than I knew when I married Mr. Virgo. This man, this love, this marriage will reap the benefits of that knowledge and experience. I am so grateful to be where I am today. It is only through God’s grace and love that I found my way through the darkness. There may still be darkness ahead…but now there is hope. ❤️
\n“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
\n1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-17T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/17/here-comes-the-bride.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/16/the-harder-side-of-love.html", "title": "The Harder Side of Love", "content_html": "
![\"Holding](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6bfa10efb4.jpg\")
“This is what true love looks like.”
“Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].” 1 CORINTHIANS 13:7 AMP\nI received a call Sunday that my sweet Aunt Viv crossed over to meet our Lord. Aunt Viv has always had a heart of gold. I remember her holding Daughter #2 on her lap and singing “Jesus Loves Me” to her when she was just a bitty thing.\n
Aunt Viv met my Uncle “Dudley” when they were in high school. She was a majorette. He was on the football team. They both had excellent role models growing up and their marriage was built to last. Like my grandparents, my aunt and uncle sit beside each other and hold hands. It’s precious to see.
\nAs Aunt Viv slid further and further into dementia, I encouraged my uncle to at least consider respite care so he could get some sleep. The last two years have been terribly difficult and he often went for days on very little sleep. They did finally get some help in the form of home health care, but he pooh-poohed the idea of placing his sweetheart somewhere other than the home they built together.
\nThe other night I was having my quiet meditation time. I read my devotionals and had a quiet conversation with God.
\n“Lord, I am about to be married again. There were times in my past marriages when I wasn’t very good to my husband. Can you help me be a better wife? Can you show me what that means?”
\nImmediately this picture popped into my head and I went through my phone to find it. Suddenly, I had this brilliant insight. Here I was, encouraging my uncle to send his beloved wife away when God was using him to show us all what true, Godly love looks like. He was showing us what “in sickness and in health” really means. I was humbled and ashamed. I immediately wanted to hug my sweet uncle and thank him for being the excellent role model he was and to apologize for ever speaking to him in such a way. What an amazing, strong man.
\nThis is not to say there is anything wrong with people who make the difficult choice to put their loved one in a nursing home. Everyone has their own beliefs and abilities and no one should ever be made to feel guilty for having made that decision. It takes a lot out of a person to do what my uncle has done. I hate that he is so worn down. But I love that he stuck by his bride and held her hand for sixty-two years…right to the end. I think there will be an extra star in his crown when he joins her one day. ❤️
\n", "date_published": "2018-10-16T01:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/16/the-harder-side-of-love.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Humbled","Aging","Presence","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/15/last-love.html", "title": "Last Love", "content_html": "![\"Cutting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cebaf2dc43.jpg\")
“My sweet love…my last love.”
I was talking to Mr. FixIt sometime over the last few weeks as we were planning the wedding. I told him this was my last wedding and I wanted it to be very special while maintaining a reasonable budget. He looked at me and said, “Don’t say that. You don’t know that this is your last. Something could happen to me and I wouldn’t want you to be alone.” Of course, after losing Mr. Virgo, I’m fully aware I could lose this wonderful man. It’s part of the hesitancy I felt in the beginning about getting married. I was afraid I’d jinx it.
\nI can tell you honestly, though…I have no intention of ever marrying again. This is my darling. My “silver love”. My last love. My forever love. This one. It’s not that I didn’t feel that with my other spouses. You never enter a marriage with the thought it won’t last. It never really came to the forefront of my mind that Mr. Virgo would actually up and die on me. Certainly I never had a clear picture of what that would look like.
\nI may not have been Mr. Virgo’s first love…but I was his last.
\nAnd, for me…Mr. FixIt is my last love. No matter what. How could I possibly top this? ❤️
\n“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.” 1 John 4:18 NCV
\n", "date_published": "2018-10-15T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/15/last-love.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Courage","Aging","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/13/sparkles-and-sunshine.html", "title": "Sparkles and Sunshine", "content_html": "![\"Sparkly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/10c7f09daf.jpg\")
“My fancy earrings from Daughter #2…perfect for the wedding!”
“Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NCV\nOur good friends, Dianne and Bobby came over to the Ponderosa yesterday and helped us decorate the tent for the wedding. We moved the forty bails of hay and made rows of seating. We strung five hundred white twinkle lights above. We set up the serving tables and hung the cross at the front. We have the extra bales out front and I finally found a use for these two pieces of rustic decorative fencing I’ve had for years. The quilts are all in plastic tubs to keep from gathering moisture. The pulled pork goes in a slow oven in the morning and the fried chicken goes in the smoker to heat up.\n
The soft drinks and water are already in the big galvanized washtubs chilling outdoors overnight and ice will be added in the afternoon. My sweet friend Deneene came from South Carolina and arrived at 4:30. We went to town to fill up two big propane tanks for TOW-Wanda because I ran out of propane in the middle of the night. It was REALLY cold by morning! We dropped the tanks back off at the Ponderosa then we went to the farm to get Mr. FixIt’s white dinner jacket. As I was leaving I saw my mom’s quilt peeking out from under a stack of linens and grabbed it. I also brought the big box of fireworks we bought for the wedding.
\nAnd now, the day is here. I found a bag with a bunch of jewelry in it when I was at the farm yesterday. Last night I was showing my friend Deneene something in the bag and ran across these earrings. Daughter #2 bought me these for Christmas many years ago. I never had an occasion to wear time so they have been tucked away in a safe place…just waiting for the most special occasion. I sent my daughter this picture and asked if she remembered these. I told her I finally have a special occasion to wear them. You’re supposed to have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I haven’t borrowed anything yet, but the center stone in these earrings is the palest ice blue topaz, they’re old in that I’ve had them for years and they’re new in that I have never worn them. My daughter said that made her all fuzzy inside. I wish my girls could be here. But we will celebrate when we get to Colorado next.
\nToday! TODAY!!! I’m marrying my best friend today. The sweetest man on the planet. I’ve never been more ready, more prepared.
\n“Thank you, Jesus…for every gift, every blessing, every friend and family member. Bless those who cannot join us today. Bless my cousin Tom and his wife Suzy as he fights the ravages of mesothelioma. Bless my Uncle Bud and cousins as they sit with their wife and mother as she inches toward her final journey home. And Bless all these wonderful people who come here to read about how You impact my life. Lord, thank you for the gift of love from Mr. Virgo. Thank you for letting lightning strike twice and bringing me Mr FixIt. This is a love affair for the ages!
\nAnd, as always…To God be the Glory.
\nAmen”
\n❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-13T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/13/sparkles-and-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Starting Over","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/10/02/im-a-risktaking-storyteller.html", "title": "I’m a Risk-taking Storyteller", "content_html": "
![\"Inspired](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b894b6b5cb.jpg\")
“I am willing to risk being wrong.”
“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good. Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.” \n\nLet’s face it…I’m a risk-taker. I wasn’t always. I stood at the edge of many a precipice, leaning forward just enough to deem the venture far too scary to attempt. And, being a perfectionist compounded the issue with my “If I can’t overachieve, I will not try” personality. This has kept me from experiencing many incredible moments that, at the very least would have been entertaining, and more than likely would have changed my life. But, change wasn’t something I was interested in. \nEcclesiastes 11:4-8 ESV
I remember when my 20-year marriage was falling apart. I had been in therapy for depression stemming from a past filled with abuse, both to me and by me. Sexual abuse. Emotional abuse. Alcohol abuse. Prescription abuse. When my ex-husband was at the end of his rope, he had some therapy of his own to gain the tools he needed to take care of himself. He was changing right in front of me and it scared me more than anything else had. Because I knew where this was headed. My long-standing abandonment issues assured me I would be alone and destitute and living on the streets. Of course, that never happened, but I distinctly remember him saying something to me and asking him just how much he was going to change because I didn’t like it. I can look back on that moment now and realize he was actually saving my life, but at the time, I was horrified.
\nWhen I found myself dangling by the end of my own rope, I was forced to change or die. I’d love to say it was an easy choice and I moved right on by the huge crevasse that had opened in my life, but that was not the case. I overdosed and came as close to death as I care to go at this point in my life. And that was, as they say, the bottom of the barrel.
\nI wasn’t a Christian yet, but I saw a tunnel before me of the most beautiful shade of cobalt blue surrounded with rays of gold…like a giant eclipse of the sun. While I was in this tunnel, my dead grandma came to me and stood by my side. She sternly told me, “Get back down there, young lady! You have work to do!” It took me five years and the death of my mother and the prayers of some really great people to find Jesus and my life changed in an instant. Not that my circumstances were ideal and I didn’t still struggle. I did. But I felt every cell in my body come alive and become new. It was…THE change. The really BIG change.
\nMy fear level plummeted. I became a risk taker. After two failed marriages, Mr. Virgo came into my life and I plunged off the cliff of a third marriage holding hands with a wonderful man. We enjoyed seven years of this bliss before he died suddenly as we were planning our golden years. Grief chiseled me into who I am today. Stronger, to be sure. Softer, more empathetic. Grief became my story…and I’m an avid storyteller.
\nNow, here I am…about to jump off the cliff again. My fourth marriage. I swear, it’s my LAST marriage. Daughter #1 has taken to calling me “Liz”. Someone asked me the other day if I was scared. My answer was, “Heck no! I’m marrying my very best friend whom I’ve known for fifty years. Bring it on!” I realized a couple of days later what she meant….
\nWas I scared of losing Mr. FixIt like I lost Mr. Virgo?
\nI pondered. This is why no one likes to talk about death and grief. It hits too darned close to home. Am I worried that Mr. FixIt will drop dead in front of me? I’d be lying if I said no. Am I willing to risk going through loss and grief again so that I can experience the love of another wonderful man? Absolutely! And you know why I say that? Because, I’m a risk-taker now. Ever since I laid everything on the line for Jesus, I’ve been firmly in the camp of “I’m willing to risk being wrong.” It took me 14 months of being engaged to Mr. FixIt to prepare for this marriage. It took standing up and adding the caveat of living separately for the month before the wedding as a sacrifice and atonement for living together before we were married. And it took the assurance of a loving God that He will always and forever have my back in all things I do. I will not be afraid.
\nThey say God will catch you and teach to you fly. I am sure there will be many flying lessons ahead, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take and a story I’m willing to tell. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-10-02T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/10/02/im-a-risktaking-storyteller.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Choices","Starting Over","Wedding"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/27/not-today-devil.html", "title": "Not Today, Devil!", "content_html": "
![\"Sunset\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5ff68dfe2a.jpg\")
“I think Mr. Virgo was smiling at me today!”
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, \"This is the way, walk in it,\" when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 ESV\nFor those of you who have been reading this blog from the beginning, you will remember my reticence to mention God in my posts. I was very, very busy trying to make sure I didn’t offend anyone. And, of course, that is still very much my focus. But as time has passed, I have let God into my writing more and more. I always SAID I was a faith-based writer, but I really wasn’t walking the talk. That all changed one day when I got a text from God in church. That was a great story. Anyway, I’m all about Jesus anymore and I just let out what needs to come out and I don’t worry so much about it anymore.\n
Our Pastor frequently talks about what happens when you are truly a Christ follower. What happens when you make God the center of your life. He always says, “If you put God at the center of your life…are truly following him with all your heart…watch out! Because there’s nothing the enemy hates more than someone putting God before anything else. He attacks and causes all kinds of destruction and whispers lies 24/7 trying to convince you if God REALLY loved you…these bad things wouldn’t be happening. And, of course, it isn’t true. Nothing the enemy says is true.
\nMr. FixIt’s truck had a recall and when they started tearing it apart, they found all kinds of other things wrong. He’s going up today to have a look at it with the mechanics and make a decision. Then, after I helped Mr. FixIt with some things around The Ponderosa yesterday, I drove to the farm. By the time I got there, my wheels were squealing really loud. I had hit a pot hole on this wretched road just before, so I have no idea what’s going on.
\nI know exactly what is happening here. I was led by God to do the right thing and moved back to the farm till after the wedding. I can feel it to my bones that it’s the right thing to do. And then…the enemy strikes! First, Mr. FixIt’s truck then mine. In the week after we put God first. It is so clear. However, I’ll tell you like my friend, DaShara says…”Not today, Devil…I am a Child of God!”
\nI know we’re on the right path. And the enemy can throw roadblocks up every step of the way, but we will persevere. We will not be deterred by the likes of him! He who lives within me is greater than he who lives in the world. Everything will work out with an even greater outcome than previously imagined. Amen! ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-27T01:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/27/not-today-devil.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/24/the-feeling-of-prayers.html", "title": "The Feeling of Prayers", "content_html": "
![\"Feathered](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/84a08fe035.jpg\")
“When someone prays for me, it’s like a thousand feathered angel wings wrapping around me.”
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV\nI will never forget when my friend Bill told me I was on his daily prayer list ever since the overdose at the end of my second marriage. I was...stunned. Here he was, a busy Emergency Room physician and a missionary in a country and location they could not reveal for fear of being killed. And I was on his daily prayer list? \n
When I finally became a Christian in 2005, the first people I told were my neighbors, Bob and Ellie. I asked them over, sat them on the couch, and told them I had accepted Christ as my personal Savior. They both immediately burst into tears and said, “Oh, we both have been praying so hard for you!”
\nWhen I revealed on Saturday that Mr. FixIt and I were getting married and shared the reason why, several of you told me you had been praying for me to hear God’s whispers and do what was right.
\nThis was astonishing to me. I have prayed for countless people and circumstances, but I don’t think about others praying FOR me. Maybe my safety and comfort and good circumstances actually came because of the prayers of others. My grandma comes to mind. I can guarantee she prayed for me. Many times.
\nHindsight tells me the gradual discomfort I felt when I was someplace on my journey I shouldn’t have been was at least partially due to the prayers of others trying to lead me back home. I once asked you here to pray for me and I felt a supernatural comfort…like a thousand feathered angel wings wrapped all around me. This is what the prayer of another feels like if you can open yourself to it. It’s physical. It’s supernatural. And it’s very, very real.
\nPraying for the happiness of my ex-husband and his soon-to-be wife allowed forgiveness which gave me peace. Praying for my children and grandchildren gives me hope for their safety and well-being. Praying for Mr. FixIt brings me reassurance of his strength and leadership for our family as we prepare to marry. Prayer can be felt by those you pray for. They may not have a clue it’s your prayers they are feeling, but trust me…they feel it in one way or another. So, keep praying. If there is someone who is lost, pray them home. If there is someone who is discouraged, pray for bravery. If there is someone who is broken, pray for peace. Prayer never hurt anyone and even though you may never see the results, it makes a difference. Because God listens. He hears. He cares. He loves us more than anything you could possibly imagine.
\nTake this into your week and be encouraged. Prayer changes things…even if it’s just inside of you. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-24T01:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/24/the-feeling-of-prayers.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Courage","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/22/a-change-is-gonna-come.html", "title": "A Change is Gonna Come...", "content_html": "
![\"Changing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a54ab9d557.jpg\")
“A change is coming. Can you feel it?”
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” Proverbs 20:6-7 NIV\nYesterday, I told you there were some big decisions I’ve been working on the last few months. Today, I want to talk with you about one of them. The most important one. This is a REALLY long post...but hang in there with me. You won’t be sorry.\n
Not long after Mr. FixIt and I became a serious item, God started working on me. For a long time, whenever I walk into church, I say a little prayer. I always say, “Lord, if there is a personal message you have for me today, please anoint the Pastor’s words so he can deliver it to me.” Countless times, God answers my plea and the Pastor will literally come to the front of the stage, stand right in front of me, look me straight in the eye, and say something that is unmistakably personal. Something exactly about what I’ve been working on, or worrying over. I would say it’s uncanny, but what it really is…is supernatural. Our God is a supernatural God. He listens, and He communicates…through the Holy Spirit. Through a total stranger. Through your Guardian Angel. If He has a message, and you ask Him to tell you loud and clear, He doesn’t need a megaphone. He’ll beat you over the head with it if it’s something you truly need.
\nFrom the time Mr. FixIt and I got serious, I’ve been getting messages from God that we shouldn’t be living together without being married. I have to be honest…this has never bothered me before. I’m a product of the ‘60s and I never had a problem living with someone before we got married. But this time is different. It’s been wearing on me. And I think I’ve figured out why.
\nThe biggest reason is my faith has grown exponentially since Mr. Virgo died. I had to make God the center of my life in order to survive that loss. In order to not feel so alone. And God has drawn me ever so close to Him. He has guarded me and protected me. He has led me through some terribly difficult times. He has been my rock…my anchor. In the past, that has not been the case. My relationship with my husband was my focus. My relationship with God suffered and therefore I suffered. And I wasn’t even aware of it.
\nMr. FixIt and I keep God at the center of our relationship. Or…so I would love for everyone to believe. See, here’s the thing. You’re either all in with God. Or, you’re not. That’s why I’ve been feeling off about cohabitation. Now, there is the issue of widow’s benefits. I had been told when I first went to Social Security after Mr. Virgo died, that if I remarried I would lose my widow’s benefits. I’ve kept that information in my mind all this time without questioning. Until last weekend.
\nMr. FixIt and I have spent a great deal of time apart in the last month between being sick and in the hospital, camping with the Girl Campers, and going to Country Living Fair. The reason I took my camper up with me and camped alone instead of bunking with my gal pals was…I needed some alone time with God. These wonderful women I was with are two of my strongest Christian friends. They mentor me. They are sounding boards for me when I have questions. They are my fellow prayer warriors when I need them. I confessed how I was feeling and they talked with me about it.
\nWhile camping alone, I prayed deeply. I told God my worries. I told him I totally trust in Him and that I know without question that He will provide for me. But I’ve been so worried about losing my widow’s benefits because my own Social Security is paltry. I was a stay-at-home mom, so I didn’t make a lot of money in my lifetime. Mr. Virgo, however, worked in 5-Star resorts and restaurants all his career. He died before touching his Social Security. My benefits through him are far more than my own. Not enough to live in the lap of luxury, mind you. But enough to live on if I were extremely frugal. I asked God to give me a sign that I wouldn’t lose my benefits if I remarried.
\nThen, I listened. “Google. What happens to widow’s benefits if you remarry?” Simple enough, right? I mean, why didn’t I think to Google that a long time ago? Because….it wasn’t the right time. Mr. FixIt asked me to marry him just a month after we started dating. It was too soon. We needed to get to know each other more. We needed to grow together in our faith. And, I needed more time to work through my grief. This was God’s perfect timing. I Googled the question and page after page of answers came back. “If you remarry after the age of 60, you will NOT lose your widow’s benefits.” Wow! The reason it stuck in my head so long ago was, I was only 59 when Mr. Virgo died. They told me if I remarried, I would lose my benefits. But that was THEN. Grief brain didn’t allow the rest of it to soak in.
\nI sat back…stunned by this revelation. I looked up and said, “Thank you, God. That’s all I needed to know!” Then I texted Mr. FixIt.
\n“I miss you. Let’s get married.”
\nWithout missing a beat, he wrote back. “OK! We’ll set a date when you get home! What prompted this?”
\n“God.” I said.
\nSo, we set a date! Yes, my lovely Ranchers…we’re getting MARRIED!!!
\nOhhhhh….Emmmmmm…..Geeeeeeeee!!!
\nI’m all in. I can’t, in good conscience, profess my faith AND live in a way that I feel, for me, is counter to that. So I’m following my conscience and God’s clear instructions to marry this very wonderful man that He sent me. We chose October 13th as our wedding day. When I was looking through the calendar, the 13th jumped out at me. I seemed to remember it being a family anniversary. I looked up on my family tree and indeed…it was my Grandma and PopPop’s anniversary! Those two in whose bedroom I am currently propped up, writing to you! PopPop died on my mom’s birthday…August 26th. Just seven weeks before their 50th Wedding Anniversary. I know how terribly sad I was when Mr. Virgo died just three weeks shy of our 6th anniversary. I can’t imagine what my grandma went through losing her forever sweetheart so close to such a monumental event. I am thrilled we can celebrate our wedding on their special day!
\nSo, there it is, my friends. A change is gonna come. Will I still be a widow? Yes, I will always and forever be a widow. AND, I will be a wife again. Never in my wildest dreams would I have anticipated something so precious happening again. I know Mr. Virgo had a hand in this. He and God stopped at the 9th or 10th hole one day when they were playing a round of golf.
\n“Hey, look down there at that beautiful woman. Do you think we can send her someone to love who will love her back with the white-hot heat of the sun?”
\nAnd God said…”Ha! Watch this!” ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-22T01:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/22/a-change-is-gonna-come.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/18/holding-things.html", "title": "Holding Things", "content_html": "
![\"Crocks\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3666907c29.jpg\")
“Crocks waiting for a new home.”
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV\nI’ve been thinking a lot about my grandma lately. I’ve been so busy the last three weeks that I haven’t had a chance to spend much time at the farm. Mr. FixIt and I were thinking of going camping this weekend, but for a number of reasons...not the least of which is being just plain tired of running around...we’ve decided to head to the farm for a much needed respite.\n
The change of seasons are especially beautiful there. As things come to life in the spring and the dark grays of winter turn to buds of green, my heart soars because I’m heading into my favorite season. I’ve always had a little more difficulty accepting the changes of fall because that mean the dark days of winter are close on its heels. Mr. Virgo always told me, “It’s all in your head. It’s just a matter of what you tell yourself. If you say you hate winter, then guess what? You’re going to hate it!” He was right, of course. So, this fall, I am planning some really special things that will make the season joyful and beautiful. I’m going to do some heavy fall decorating this year. I want to get pumpkins and bittersweet, corn shocks and straw bales, Indian corn and maybe even some clear twinkly lights and dress up the farm. Won’t that be pretty?
\nI’ll take you along with me as I pick and choose. Maybe we’ll go to a pumpkin patch. Maybe we’ll find a cider press. Whatever we do, we’re going to make this season extra special so I won’t dread winter. Just like grandma’s old crocks that used to hold things, I’m going to use my heart as a vessel to hold beautiful things and make new memories! ?
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-18T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/18/holding-things.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/09/02/days.html", "title": "2,000 Days", "content_html": "
![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a32a76f6bc.jpg\")
“2,000 Days”
“(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Job 8:9 KJV\nFor a long time after losing Mr. Virgo, I marked the timeline of my grief by significant dates. The first anniversary without him came just three weeks after he died. That was a tough one. First Halloween marked when we met. The first time I celebrated his birthday alone was terribly sad. First Thanksgiving, first Christmas...the list went on and on and I was convinced when the first “angelversary” of his death came around, I could turn a corner on this grief thing. Needless to say, that didn’t happen.\n
The seconds were worse for me than the firsts. Because, the first year I was in a fog. The second year I was awake and he was still gone. It was deeply painful. It was desperately lonely. I was exceedingly angry. Each day led me forward, ever so slowly, toward…what? Healing? Peace? Acceptance? It wasn’t easy. Somewhere along the line, 1,000 days passed and I wrote about my experiences along the way. Still marking the calendar of grief.
\nNow it’s been 2,000 days. Unbelievable. It seems like forever ago. It seems like yesterday. It sometimes even seems like he was a dream and I never really had him. I think that’s fairly normal, from what I have heard from you all over the years. I can’t remember his voice anymore. I struggle to picture his hands. He’s like a really good movie that I loved and watched over and over till I memorized all the words…then lost the disk. I’ll never see that particular movie again, but I remember how much I enjoyed it.
\nI still get waves of grief. They don’t hit nearly as hard as they used to, and they don’t last nearly as long, thank God. I notice them most when I am tired or not feeling well. I’ve learned so much about myself since he died. I’ve become much stronger. My world is brighter now that I’ve passed through all those days. I have new love. But I will never lose my old love. I have them both. I am a widow and a partner. I grieve and I rejoice.
\nI have greater compassion now. For others. For myself. I know not everyone has a new love. Not everyone wants it. Women are perfectly capable of being widowed and still lead a fulfilling life. One does not need a partner to be rich in love. Women can be remarkably resilient and strong all on their own.
\nSo, it’s been 2,000 days. Remarkable…yet another ordinary day. The seas are much calmer this far from the shore. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-09-02T01:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/09/02/days.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/16/firsts-dont-always-come-once.html", "title": "Firsts Don’t Always Come Once", "content_html": "
![\"Window\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/81cdbcbb4b.jpg\")
“Firsts don’t only come once.”
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NIV\nThe other day, I was reading a tweet from a gal that I follow. She was commenting about a deep feeling of grief she felt she had long ago left behind her. She is a widow and her youngest was off to college. Another “first”. They don’t always come in the first year. There are graduations, and weddings, and grandchildren, and vacations, and retirement...all things you thought you were going to get to do with your person.\n
When you are newly bereaved, the initial shock numbs you. You walk in a haze as you go through the motions of planning a funeral, greeting the attendees, and writing all those Thank You notes. Somewhere before too long, you start peeling back all these layers and grief continually bubbles up as you realize all the things you have lost along with your loved one. You have a sense of this loss up front. But you don’t realize how it will affect you when you get to those milestones. They can knock you down just as hard as some of the earlier waves of grief.
\nI watch Mr. Virgo’s grandchildren growing up on Facebook. I don’t have a relationship with his daughter, but she is kind enough to keep me connected so I can see the children. The little one is the spitting image of her grandpa. It twists my heart when I see her. When I realize he didn’t get to know them and they won’t get to know him, it makes me sad. Firsts…first grade…first dance recital…all the big “little” things grandparents are supposed to share with their grand babies. Daughter #2 will be planning a wedding soon. She and Mr. Virgo were very close. That will stir the waves.
\nThere will always be these moments. This is the price you pay for love. If there is an upside, it is that the waves aren’t as big and they don’t last as long now. I have learned how to tap-dance around that hole in my heart without falling in…most of the time. My new relationship with Mr. FixIt is wonderful, but he doesn’t replace Mr. Virgo. You can’t replace someone you truly loved. Grief remains as a scar on your heart…and your life grows around it. ❤️
\n\n
\n", "date_published": "2018-08-16T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/16/firsts-dont-always-come-once.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Wisdom","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/08/06/once-upon-a-time.html", "title": "Once Upon A Time...", "content_html": "
![\"Best](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/be9e425652.jpg\")
“Your wedding day is your ‘Best Day Ever’. But what about attending weddings when you’re grieving?”
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”\n1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV\nWeddings are joyous occasions for family and friends to gather and witness two people joining in a lifelong commitment. Just like baptism is the outward sign of an inward commitment, so is a wedding. Mr. FixIt and I went to his granddaughter’s wedding on Saturday and it was so touching to hear her voice thicken with emotion as they said their vows. Toasts were given, tears of joy were shed, as well as tears of sorrow as the bride’s step-father passed away unexpectedly last summer. My heart went out to her mom...his widow...my sweetheart’s only daughter.\n
There have been times when a wedding cut me off at the knees. After a painful divorce many years ago, a wedding was a slap in the face…a reminder that my marriage had failed. My second to do so, actually. Then, after losing Mr. Virgo, it was a stab in my heart…a huge neon sign that read “You are a WIDOW!” Which, translated meant…”You are not married anymore!” That’s not really true…yet it is. It’s a heck of a place to be in your head.
\nI distinctly remember riding a city bus one time after my second marriage ended. There was a couple on the bus…sitting close, holding hands, looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. I wanted to literally get up out of my seat and go slap them. After losing Mr. Virgo, my response was different. I wanted to tell every single person who was in a relationship to CHERISH EVERY MINUTE!!! I wanted to lecture them of the sin of taking their person for granted…for not appreciating every single thing, every word, every action the other did.
\nAttending a wedding when you are grieving, no matter what the cause, may be difficult. If you feel you just aren’t up to it, then by all means decline. I’m sure most people will understand. If the wedding is for a close family member or friend and you feel you need to go, pace yourself. Take breaks for a bit of fresh air or to go to the powder room. Hopefully, the bride has extended a “plus one” invitation and you can bring a friend for support. (I always encourage brides to extend a “plus one” invitation for widows/widowers as a courtesy. We sometimes need that extra boost of confidence a friend can provide.)
\nI am grateful to have come through that and can now attend a wedding…happy for the newlyweds. I can remember the past with less pain and more love. It is such a blessed relief to be in this place of peace. That being said…I was immensely relieved the bride and groom did not choose “At Last” for their first dance. ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-08-06T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/08/06/once-upon-a-time.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/25/vaya-con-dios-colorado.html", "title": "Vaya con Dios, Colorado!", "content_html": "
![\"woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c3b35b98be.jpg\")
“Goodbyes are always bittersweet.”
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”\nPsalm 37:23-24 NIV\nIt is time. Three weeks ago, the time for my visit stretched long before me. And, in the blink of an eye...it is gone. Today I travel home to West Virginia. Goodbyes are always so bittersweet. Oh, how I miss my babies...big and little. How I miss my brother and the rest of my Colorado family and friends. How I miss being nearby and stopping to visit with Mr. Virgo whenever I want. But it can’t be helped. There are so many reasons why I don’t live in Colorado anymore.\n
The main impetus that led my move to West Virginia was two-fold. Economics made Colorado far out of my housing budget and caring for an elderly family member in my home state seemed appropriate. If I would have known that endeavor would have only last ten weeks, I likely would have done things differently. I may have kept my Colorado house and rented it out. I may not have purchased such a big camper. I may have more evenly split my time between Colorado and West Virginia. But, hindsight being 20/20, it is what it is and I wouldn’t have changed a thing if I could.
\nMoving to West Virginia was the path my life needed to take. I needed to feel the freedom of living on my own. I needed to feel the love and connection of caretaking my family farm, which turned out to be the ultimate conclusion of the elder care situation. I needed the social group my hometown afforded me. And, most importantly of all…destiny brought Mr. FixIt and me together! He is such a joy to have in my life and I can’t imagine him not being there.
\nOne of the downsides to living so far away is the limited amount of time my family has to spend bonding with Mr. FixIt. They don’t feel the connection with him that they felt with Mr. Virgo. You can’t develop a loving bond with someone you have a couple of dinners with over a period of a week or so. I understand that. I just hope they can understand my commitment to him and why I live where I do and not near them. It tears at a mother’s (and grandmother’s) heart when you can’t be near them always. The other side of the coin is, travel goes both ways. So do phone calls and texts and FaceTiming. It’s a new time in our lives. A new adjustment. A new phase.
\nI know where they are coming from, though. When my mom lived in West Virginia and I lived in Colorado, it used to drive me crazy. I wanted her to move to Colorado where I could help her more. I wanted her to have access to excellent healthcare. I wanted her close where I could watch over her. I guess what it boils down to is…I wanted more control. (Ahhhh, it always boils down to control, doesn’t it?) My girls saw me struggle to help my mom long distance. They don’t want to have to do that, too. I get that. But, NOW I totally get where my mom was coming from. Whereas I though she was being terribly stubborn and unreasonable, I now see she was living the way SHE wanted to live…WHERE she wanted to live. I wish I could have understood that more at the time. I think I would have been more gentle with her.
\nAt any rate…I have promises from all my Colorado family that we will make a concerted effort to reach out more and stay connected by the various media channels we have access to. And…my sweet and handsome all-time BEST friend in the whole wide world will be standing in Columbus Airport today welcoming me home with the very best hug on the planet!!! I wouldn’t trade that for ANYTHING!
\nVaya con Dios, Colorado…I’ll be back as soon as I can! ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-07-25T01:30:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/25/vaya-con-dios-colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Courage","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/07/21/the-empty-vessel.html", "title": "The Empty Vessel", "content_html": "
![\"Empty](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/451fc40ced.jpg\")
“Lord, Fill my Vessel.”
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.””\n2 Kings 4:1-2, 4-7 NIV\nWhen I am on the road, I really miss my home church. I go to churches wherever I am traveling, but it’s just not the same. Fortunately, our church has an app and all of our sermons are posted on it. They come out on Tuesday so I have to wait a couple of days. But they are always worth the wait.\n
I spent a lay-low day yesterday icing my knee. I want it to get better quickly so I didn’t really do anything but read and catch up with my sermons. Pastor Justin preached from 2 Kings a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to share with you what I learned from his message.
\nIn 1 Kings 4:1-7, a widow cries out to Elisha and tells him her husband died leaving her in debt with two sons to care for. Elisha asked her what she had in her house and she replied nothing but a small vial of olive oil. Elisha instructs her to go to her neighbors all around and get as many empty vessels as she could. Her sons went all over the neighborhood bringing her vessel after vessel. When she had the vessels, Elisha instructed her to go in the house and shut the door, take the vial of oil and pour it into the vessels, setting them aside as each one was filled. When she had finished filling all the vessels, she asked her sons for another and they told her there were no more. And the oil stopped flowing. Elisha instructed her to go sell the oil to pay off her debts and keep the remaining money for herself and her sons.
\nPastor Justin tells us in the message, we are like these vessels. We need to come to God to be filled. But so many of us come to Him already full. Full of worry and anxiety. Full of addictions. Full of “self fulfillment”. There is still a little room around all the pieces for oil, but we can’t get our full portion from God until we come to Him empty…as empty as the vessels the widow filled with the miraculous flow.
\nGod will fill us to the brim with all we need, but it isn’t His intent for us to fill up then walk away and say, “Ok, I got my portion. I’m full…I don’t need you anymore.” He fills US full so we may pour God’s love out on OTHERS. It’s a never ending process. We get filled up so we can get empty so we can get filled up…over and over and over.
\nThis world needs all the love it can get. I truly try not to get wrapped up in the news and at the same time be an informed, concerned, responsible citizen. It isn’t easy. I just have to remember to dump the rocks out of my vessel and get filled with the full portion of what God has for me. I have to close my ears to the whispers of the enemy when he tells me lies. I have to lean in, close, to hear the intimate whispers of the Holy Spirit who speaks life into my heart. Then, and only then, can I get filled with the good stuff…the God stuff. ❤️
\n", "date_published": "2018-07-21T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/07/21/the-empty-vessel.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/27/its-popsicle-time.html", "title": "It’s Popsicle Time!", "content_html": "![\"Popsicle\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8094cb46b.jpg\")
“There’s nothing more soothing than a Popsicle when you are recovering from surgery!”
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord...'”\nJeremiah 30:17 ESV\nI cannot remember a time in my life that didn’t include Popsicles. One of my earliest memories is my mom breaking a twin pop to share with my brother on a hot summer day. Orange was always my favorite, but grape runs a close second. Or is it cherry? I never liked banana. Other than that, it was fair game.\n
As I was recuperating from this surgery, some things became apparent to me. The last time I had surgery was in 1999 when I had my sinuses done. Not a pleasant surgery with nasal splints and sleeping sitting up in a recliner. But still, I was 46. It was a relative walk in the park. As we…ummmm, “ripen”…we don’t bounce back quite as fast as we used to. Anesthesia and 3-4 Vicodin over a 24 hour period and I was toast. The pain was well-controlled, but I just hate the feeling narcotics gives me so I switched to Tylenol. Everything was going along pretty well, except I was really tired. Then, Monday night the pain hit. A burning, stabbing pain deep in the area where the tumor was removed kept me awake all night. I finally drifted off around 5:00am and slept a couple of hours.
\nAs I lay there awake, I read the Bible, did my devotionals, caught up with everyone on Facebook, chatted with my son-in-law’s mom in the middle of the night, and Googled “pain after excisional biopsy of the breast”. It seems to be pretty normal to get to the fourth or fifth day and start feeling some pretty significant twinges in the surgical area. For one thing, all the numbing and anesthesia is completely gone. Things are starting to knit back together and that means some nerve pain as you heal. The area where my tumor was is directly behind the nipple and that is some pretty tender territory. Remember nursing? That little baby latching on with jaws of steel could send you through the roof. Imagine getting sliced and diced in that general area and no sweet baby to distract you.
\nI gave up trying to sleep and headed to town with Mr. FixIt for several errands. When we were finished, we went to the farm so he could finish mowing. I spoke with my uncle on Monday and he and my aunt (his and my mom’s sister) are coming Thursday for an overnight visit. I needed to get the house in tip top shape for company so I spent the afternoon fixing up the three beds with fresh sheets, airing out the house, and sweeping up a winter’s worth of dead Asian Lady Bugs in the upstairs bedrooms. I washed bedding and fluffed and primped everything to perfection. I’m really looking forward to them coming and staying the night. It’s my first family company since I took over the caretaking duties at the farm. This is the aunt who lived at the farm for years and it is her first visit back since she went to live with her brother. I want her to enjoy it and feel pampered.
\nI’ll make them some yummy treats for Thursday. His favorite is yellow cake with penuche frosting. Hers is butterscotch pie. I’m so excited to see them! We’ll drive up the new road behind the farm that goes out to the compressor station they are building. That might be bittersweet for them. I know it is for me.
\nAnd now, the news we have all been waiting for. I received my biopsy report yesterday. The tumor was indeed a fibroadenoma. It is the most common benign breast mass. Benign = NOT CANCER! The other day I was talking about when I was prayed over and anointed. And it turns out to be benign. I want to point out something. Yes, God can still heal. He can perform miracles. AND…there are plenty of wonderful, GOOD Christians who pray faithfully and they still get cancer. Cancer doesn’t play favorites. It doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, black or white or any other color of the rainbow. It doesn’t care if you’re a Christian or a Jew or a Muslim or an atheist. It doesn’t care. Something triggers cells to multiply abnormally. It’s as simple as that. My faith tells me God can answer prayers. And sometimes…unfortunately…the answer is no and a bad diagnosis comes. It is one of the horrible thieves that rob us of life and health. I am very grateful that my (and your) prayers were answered in a positive way. Thank you so much for caring. Now I don’t have to worry about that anymore. Just rest and heal and head to Colorado in a week!!! ❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-27T01:30:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/27/its-popsicle-time.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/06/here-she-comes.html", "title": "Here She Comes", "content_html": "
![\"Here](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/18c5133a6e.jpg\")
“Coming or going…it’s a matter of perspective.”
A friend of ours from high school is laying his wife to rest today. She struggled for quite some time with COPD. There were many times we thought we were going to lose her. She went in the hospital for the last time five long months ago. In and out of ICU. Ups and downs…crisis after crisis…this family held on to every hope that their mom would come home. That his wife of 38 years would again sit by his side. A couple of weeks ago there was a picture on Facebook…she was sitting up. She was eating dinner. She was hugging her kids and grandkids. She was smiling into the camera. Thinner…but recognizable. Tired…but hopeful. She had rallied and again, the hope was raised. But, alas…it wasn’t to be. The last crisis came and she was just worn out. It was too much for her tired body and she went to her heavenly home.
\nWe went to the funeral home yesterday to pay our respects. I hugged our friend close. I told him I knew he was heartbroken. I told him I knew she was just worn out. He knows I’ve walked this path. He knows he can reach out to me if he needs a shoulder…someone who knows.
\nIn the meantime, I’ll write this…these things I wish I’d known. These things I wish someone had told me. These things I have learned. Perhaps he will read them one of these days in the dark of night when he is feeling that deep pain and know…he’s not alone.
\nTo my dear friend…
\nI want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. You will hear that a lot. You will also hear a lot of other things. You will wonder how on earth people can say things like “She’s in a better place.” or “At least she isn’t suffering.” or “I know what you are going through. My dog died last year.” You don’t need people to tell you such things, but they will. Please remember, they mean well. They haven’t walked this path. They don’t really know. Smile and say thank you and let it go. They don’t mean to cause you pain.
\nSome people won’t say anything at all and that will hurt even more. It’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they don’t know what to say. They don’t want to hurt you and say the wrong thing…so they say nothing. Try not to take it personally.
\nSome people who have been your friend forever will disappear. This is the nature of this process. Some people cannot tolerate grief and pain. It hits too close to home for them. Let them go. Wish them well in your heart and turn to those who ARE there for you.
\nTake your time. Don’t make rash decisions. You are likely having difficulty remembering things. You can’t keep track of time or the sequence of events. You can’t remember who called or who was at the funeral or what you did with those important papers you had just yesterday. Let your loved ones help you. Ask for help when you need it. Keep a notebook with you…in your pocket. Write down who you called and when. Write down the name and number of that person who said “Call me anytime.” Then call…anytime. But rotate your list so you aren’t relying on the same people over and over and over.
\nTake care of yourself. Try to eat right. Try to get rest. Try to exercise. It’s ok to “mattress surf” once in a while and spend the day in bed with a magazine…but never two in a row. Get up, shower, brush your teeth, and make your bed. You are far less likely to crawl back in if you make it right away. Clean your kitchen sink. It’s amazing what a clean sink can do as far as leading to the next thing. Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs. These might make you feel a little better in the moment, but it will only mask your pain. I don’t suggest jumping into another relationship too fast, either. Give yourself some time.
\nUnprocessed grief will fester. Let it out. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, clergy person, or a grief therapist. Keeping a journal helps you sort out your feelings.
\nGrief changes you. You will never be the same person as you were before you lost your wife. But that does not mean there is no hope. There is so much to be hopeful for. Right now all the days are dark and you think you will never feel joy again, but you will, my friend. There will come a time when you think of her and smile instead of feeling that stabbing pain in your heart. There will come a day when you don’t cry. Color will come back into your life. It takes time.
\nYou aren’t alone. You aren’t crazy. You are grieving. It’s normal. Just feel your feelings. I know guys don’t express their feelings like us gals do, but try to let it out. You’ll feel better.
\nThis is a scary, lonely time. You may even feel some sense of relief that it’s over and on the heels of that thought may come guilt and shame. Don’t do that to yourself. You have been traumatized. You have watched things that most of us cannot even imagine. Be gentle with yourself.
\nPray. Draw closer to God. Let Him carry your burdens when they are too heavy. Trust me…things will get better. They will get worse before they get better. Grief comes in waves. You’ll be doing better then the waves will catch you. They threaten to drown you but soon you will learn to anticipate them. You will learn to lean into them and know the seas are calmer on the other side.
\nIn the picture above…is the sailboat coming, or going? It is a matter of perspective. We see it going, but Jesus says, “Here she comes.” Trust that. And know…you are loved. ❤
\n“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”\nPsalm 34:18 NIV
\n(Inspired by the poem “Gone From My Sight” by Henry Van Dyke.)
\n", "date_published": "2018-06-06T01:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/06/here-she-comes.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Grace","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/06/01/hello-june.html", "title": "Hello, June!!!", "content_html": "![\"Hello,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3f866b1ba4.jpg\")
“Hello, June!!!”
Seriously, how does time go so fast?
\nAnd, so…S-L-O-W!
\nLet me explain. Today…I start Medicare! What??? I didn’t think it would EVER get here. And, at the same time, I learned to drive, like…yesterday, right? All week I’ve been in awe of this moment. This is such a monumental event. Ok, getting married is a monumental event. Having a baby is a monumental event. Changing insurance plans isn’t really that big of a deal. But it is, you know?
\nSometimes ideas have to stew around in my head for a few days before I can articulate them. I just have to sit tight and feel the feelings till the thought bubbles up like a spring coming up from deep within the earth. This idea of going on Medicare…turning sixty-five…is an accomplishment. One not everyone gets to enjoy. Mr. Virgo died at sixty-two. He didn’t get Medicare. He didn’t get to retire. I’ve lived three years longer than he did. There was a time when I didn’t believe I would live this long. And, here I am.
\nI get to go on Medicare. I get to go to Florida in a couple of weeks. I get to see my Colorado family in July. I get to have some medical procedures in the next few weeks that some people can’t afford. I get to spend my time with a really sweet, kind, caring man who loves me more than anything…and I get to love him right back. I’ve gained more family members through Mr. FixIt. I get to live in West Virginia. I am truly, truly blessed. I know this.
\nYesterday was spent cleaning and shampooing the carpets in the basement. A perfect day for working down there since it was so hot and humid out. We had a brief downpour that did nothing but make the air hot and sticky. After we were finished with our chores, we went out in the pool and cleaned some more (pools are high maintenance) and only came in when we heard some thunder. That storm missed us.
\nA good day working and playing. Yet, I still can’t get over it. Medicare.
\nHow did this happen? ❤️
\n“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”\n2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-06-01T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/06/01/hello-june.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Aging","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "title": "I’m Walkin’ on Sunshine", "content_html": "
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3dde8e3c8d.jpg\")
“Sitting in the morning sun, coffee in hand, Country Living Magazine…birds and roosters entertaining me. It’s a beautiful life!”
One of summer’s delights in the east…a warm morning spent outside reading and sipping my morning coffee. We’ve hit the summer thunderboomer circuit early this year here in West Virginia. The skies are brilliantly clear in the morning. The humidity is high from the rain the afternoon before. The temperature soars by noon and the thunderclouds begin to build till they boil over. Thunder, lightning, hail, high winds all can play havoc with your plans.
\nMowing seems to be the big thing around here in the summer. I have to say, I did not miss lawn care and home maintenance in the years I traveled and lived in TOW-Wanda. It was a welcome break. But now that I have the chance to dive into the great outdoors and get dirty and sweaty, I have to admit, it beats going to a gym any day of the week.
\nI mowed with the self-propelled push mower at the farm yesterday. What a workout! The yard is well over an acre, the temperature in the high eighties, the humidity sticky and thick. With my propensity towards heat exhaustion, I only mowed 15-20 minutes at a time, then took a break to rehydrate and lay in front of the fan. At that rate, it took me five hours to complete. It’s so beautiful when it’s finished. I took a few moments to just wander around and enjoy the surroundings. The rhododendron is just about to burst into bloom, as are the irises and peonies. The farm cats lazed around beneath the Rose of Sharon and the huge hydrangea bush along the creek. While the flowering quince is fading, the spice bush is in full bloom. I love this time of year.
\nWe are getting things geared up here at the Ponderosa to prepare for a summer of entertaining. Mr. FixIt has been working in the pool to get it open. We still need to pressure wash the deck but will wait for a dry spell. I’m heading out today for another road trip. This time I’ll be camping with the Girl Campers at a State Park in Ohio for a week. It’s a Mister Sister event so my mister will be joining me this weekend. I love camping with the girls! This year, our hostess…my dear friend Gail…is going to teach me to spin wool for sock yarn. I’ll have time to sit and knit on my socks and finally read my friend Michelle Cummins’ new book, The Reel Sisters. Peace and quiet in the beautiful woods surrounding one of my favorite campgrounds.
\nAs I sit here on the deck in the warm sunshine, a nice breeze blowing, listening to the rooster down the road, reading Country Living Magazine…my heart is overflowing with the blessings of my life. I’m such a far cry from the early days of my grief. The contrast is startling. The heart can mend itself…scarred, certainly. But infinitely full of hope. ❤️
\n“So I rejoice, and I am glad. Even my body has hope.”\nPsalms 16:9 INternational Children’s Bible
\n", "date_published": "2018-05-16T06:39:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/05/16/im-walkin-on-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/09/hiraeth.html", "title": "Hiraeth", "content_html": "![\"Hiraeth](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a7753ffc19.jpg\")
“Hiraeth…a longing for a home you can’t return to.”
A Welsh word for the yearning…the grief for the places of your past. Yet, not necessarily a house. A place in your life that you can never return to. This is so much of what grief is…that longing to return to that homely feeling of the love you shared with another. I remember feeling this so very strongly after losing my grandma. And then my mom. It consumed me when I lost Mr. Virgo…that longing for home.
\nI felt it when I lost my dad, but in a different way. I yearned for the daddy I never had…not the father that was lost in his cups. I feel it from time to time for my mother’s house that I regretted selling almost before the ink was dry.
\nI feel it in a way, at this very moment, lying in my grandparent’s bedroom…knowing each day here is one closer to the last I will experience in this place. Anticipatory hiraeth. I wonder if that’s a “thing”?
\nI know this word. I feel this word in my bones. The dichotomy is not lost on me. Unspeakable joy, unspeakable tragedy, unspeakable joy. The ebb and flow of life swings with such violence at times. Right now, I’m enjoying an easy float down a peaceful stream, my fingers gently trailing in the calm blue water. But my bones remember. Bones never forget. ❤️
\n“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”\nHebrews 11:3 ESV
\n#Hiraeth, #longing, #love, #home
\n", "date_published": "2018-04-09T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/09/hiraeth.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Wisdom","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/04/01/he-is-risen.html", "title": "He is Risen!", "content_html": "![\"Resurrection](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6956ca1ad9.jpg\")
“He is Risen!”
May you Rejoice and have a Blessed Easter. What was once nothing more than a Hallmark holiday for me has become a day of Rejoicing in the Risen Christ. Mr. FixIt and I went to church last night. They offered two services yesterday and two today. We felt Saturday would be less crowded. Wow…were we wrong! There wasn’t a seat in the place at the 5:00 service. The Worship Team outdid themselves and Pastor Justin gave an amazing message about just exactly WHO Jesus really is. It was wonderful!
\nIf you are a practicing Jew, this is the Passover season. I hope you enjoyed your Seders with friends and family and that your brisket was tender! I was a practicing Jew for 27 years. I organized the Seders for our small town. In 1986, we had 10 people. By the time I quit organizing them ten years later, 75 people attended. I had to finally give it over to a committee because it became too much. People brought side dishes and helped, but they always wanted me to make my famous Matzo Ball Soup and the Charoset and the Brisket and the Kugel. One year I even made homemade Gefilte Fish. It was a ton of work but there is nothing quite so fulfilling as feeding crowds their favorite holiday dishes.
\nI met my writing deadlines last week. Now it’s time to get those taxes done so it’s back to the farm tonight where I can spread out my papers without distraction. I’ve made continued progress on copying content over to the website. I wish I would have listened to my gut instincts four years ago and built the website then so I wouldn’t have this backlog. But, hindsight is 20/20. It will be great when everything is on the web page because you’ll be able to look back at the early posts more easily. When new widows come on board, they may not find posts they can relate to in my current writing. So I want them to have easy access to relatable topics.
\nIt’s April…can you believe that??? My Pop-Pop was born 119 years ago. He died when he was 72. I had just graduated from high school and it was my first experience with death. My Grandma was so strong. She lost a son 15 years before in a plane crash. I miss them so much. Their farm offers me solace and it’s such a peaceful place to write.
\nEnjoy this beautiful spring day! ❤️
\n“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”\nLuke 24:2-3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-04-01T01:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/04/01/he-is-risen.html", "tags": ["Faith","Prayer","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/21/my-source-of-peace.html", "title": "My Source of Peace", "content_html": "![\"Source](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/301b2b3248.jpg\")
“The Lord is my refuge, my source of Peace.”
I worked again yesterday copying my posts from the Marshmallow Ranch Facebook page over to www.marshmallowranch.com. I feel this sense of urgency to get that finished, especially with the negative press FB has been receiving of late. In the past, diving back into my early writings took me to dark places I really had no business visiting very often. I remember during the first year after becoming a widow, I took TOW-Wanda to southwest Colorado and parked her on my dear friend Sue’s ten acres overlooking Mesa Verde. Sue is my yogi earth mother friend who holds me in her heart from long distances in space and time. We just have this beautiful connection. I remember sitting with her, quietly having tea and watching the abundance of birds at the numerous feeders on her veranda. I was avoiding writing because it was too painful.
\n“You must write now…simply BECAUSE it is painful. If you wait too long, you will lose your voice. The angst will be healed and we will miss feeling your heart in your words.”
\nAs I’m copying my early work, I can see what she means. I read the emotions in every word. The ups. The downs. The mask of happiness. The mask of relationships. The mask of strength. Inside I was screaming down the hallways of my 3:00 mind, jiggling doorknobs…desperate to get out of that hell I found myself in.
\nFive years out, I see that pain differently. I see the place when I started finding my refuge in God. When I truly learned to seek His face…His peace. I remember clearly the day I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “You must tell them where you find your peace.” I remember clearly arguing with Him and saying, “Oh, no…I really don’t!” And…as in most arguments I have with God…He won.
\nI try to walk my faith out in my writing without beating people over the head with it. My grandma always said you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. I cannot change anyone’s views on faith. I don’t even try. I just tell you how I feel. I tell you what has worked for me. I tell you where I find my peace. I lay it all down here. Pick it up. Don’t pick it up. That’s not for me to decide. I know there are people who grieve without faith. I will never criticize another’s walk. I have enough trouble walking my own path. Personally, I cannot imagine doing this without God. He has brought me great comfort and peace. He is my refuge. But I love you and embrace you no matter what your grief walk looks like. I just pray my words help you in some way.
\nGrief is like wearing a pair of stiff leather shoes without socks…maybe with some gravel in them. Every step hurts worse than the last. You get blisters that break open and bleed. There are times you can barely walk for the pain. At some point, you think to shake the gravel out…like when I stopped looking at pictures of my dead husband in his casket. There…that’s a little easier. Then in time, you think maybe bandaids will fix everything and take the pain away…like when I tried dating WAY too soon only to find the wounds festering when I ripped the bandages off. Finally, I thought to ask God to take over and He led me to a cool spring and gave me a thick pair of comfortable wool socks to put on. Ahhhhh…..MUCH better. Finally, there comes a time when the leather has conformed, molding and cradling to your feet and carrying you step by step through your life. These worn-in shoes will never fall off…will never wear out. They’ll be there forever, reminding you of how awful they were when you first put them on. And one day, you will look down and smile because they’ll remind you…not so much of the pain, but of the love you walked with before you got them.
\nThey become love shoes. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””\nJohn 16:33 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-21T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/21/my-source-of-peace.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/20/its-spring.html", "title": "It’s SPRING!!!", "content_html": "
![\"Spring](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ac52a104bf.jpg\")
“The First Buds of Spring”
I hold my breath all winter for this day! I really, really try to like winter. I’ve tried making friends with it. I’ve tried ignoring it. I’ve tried going to warm places during it. But it’s the lack of light that does me in. I just sink…to varying degrees. Some years I float just under the surface. Other years I sink like a stone. I think this was a stone year but I’m fighting my way back up.
\nOne of the challenges I’m faced with right now is feverishly copying five years of blog posts from Facebook to my website. It is a project I delve into from time to time, but I’m so worried about what would happen if FB went away. I would lose TONS of content. I sat down one day and did a very rough calculation and figured I have over a MILLION words here on Marshmallow Ranch. It would be a tragedy to lose that so I’ve been working away at it for the last week. Diving down into some of that stuff is hard. But seeing these buds out in the yard yesterday made my heart sing! It was 74 degrees, and…we are expecting 3-6” of snow Wednesday. Argh!
\nAlso, today would have been Mr. Rogers’ 90th birthday. I’m really looking forward to the biopic featuring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers! I love them both.
\nEnjoy the First Day of Spring, my lovely friends! Get out and do something fun! ❤️
\n“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.””\nHosea 6:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-20T01:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/20/its-spring.html", "tags": ["Hope","Growth","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/18/catching-up.html", "title": "Catching Up", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/080ff5bea3.jpg\")
“Copying content to the website.”
It’s not necessarily that I’m a procrastinator so much as it’s being a Gemini. I have to be in the mood to do something or I really don’t do it well. Or I don’t stick to it. The last couple of days, I decided I felt like diving back in and working on copying the Facebook content of Marshmallow Ranch over to the website blog. It is a HUGE undertaking and sometimes it can send me down a rabbit hole. Not this time. I read and corrected any grammar errors and, even though I was terribly tempted on a few of those posts, I left everything as it was. I look at some of the posts and wonder what on EARTH I was thinking! Remember that “bandaid relationship” when I “dated” that guy from my high school class? Not a bad man, really….but certainly not MY man and certainly WAY too early.
\nDaughter #2 called me the other day and I told her I had run across the post where I “introduced this guy”. She said, “Oh, my gosh, Mom…what did you do?” I told her I left it like it was. It’s embarrassing that I thought I was ready to date just six months after Mr. Virgo died. But it’s also a true testament as to how totally crazy grief can make you. I know there are some who can make a relationship like that work, but for me, it was desperate cry for help. I just wanted the bleeding to stop and he was my bandaid. The thing was, once I figured that out and pulled that bandaid off…it was a hundred times worse.
\nI ran across the one year angelversary tribute to Mr. Virgo and instead of feeling sad, I felt proud and full of love. I wrote a loving tribute to him and it was fitting to the love we had together. I found the post where I gave his guitar to the alternative high school’s music program. The one where I had to put TOW-Wanda to bed for the winter. The only bad thing about this is I’m finding holes in the timeline where I feel posts are missing from Facebook. Another reason why I need to duplicate the content and put it on my website where it’s safe.
\nI’ve posted about a year of the old stories and you can find them on the website by looking at the timeline over on the right side of the page. My goal has been to get these all over there so new widows can go back and read the earlier content when things were so rough and raw. You’ll see some good ones, some sad ones, some embarrassing ones, some sweet ones. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did looking back. ❤️
\n“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”\nEcclesiastes 7:10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-03-18T01:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/18/catching-up.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/17/own-your-experiences.html", "title": "Own Your Experiences", "content_html": "![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/246b927ff9.jpg\")
“Own Your Experiences”
I don’t know if it’s because every time I turn around, I read about someone I know dying or not, but the last few weeks have been making me dig deep. I hate that people I know are dying…some all too soon. I know…I’ll soon be 65. I’m getting to the age where we lose more of our contemporaries. I get that. Doesn’t make it any easier. What it HAS done is made me work harder. I’m researching more. I networking more. I’m writing more. Still building a foundation…a platform…a community. Of grievers. FOR grievers.
\nI was looking at my social media numbers the other day and wondered about my Twitter account. It just kinda lays there. I put some things out there and they rarely get noticed. My words can’t help anyone if they don’t get noticed and that is my goal in all of this…to help others as I hope I’m helping you. As I meditated on what I was doing wrong, I started looking up other writers and bloggers who tweet and do instagram and Facebook. Almost all of them have “grief” in their Twitter handle. “Marshmallow Ranch” tells no one that even a part of my blog deals with grief. I could be trying to raise wild marshmallows for all anyone knows.
\nI used to get phone calls for Mr. Virgo after he died. They would ask for him. I’d say he’s not available but I could get a message to him.
\n“Have you seen the catalogue we sent?” a man asked.
\n“What kind of catalogue?”
\n“Ranch supplies.”
\nOh….this is too easy.
\n“Oh, thank goodness! We are having a heck of a time with our crops!”
\nThis perked him up. “Oh? What are you trying to grow?”
\n“Why…marshmallows, of course! This IS Marshmallow Ranch after all!”
\nSilence.
\nThen I started laughing and explained I’m not a “ranch” and I don’t grow marshmallows. I’m a writer and I write a grief blog. Which makes about as much sense, public relations wise, as confectionery agribusiness. But I digress.
\nThe point was, I haven’t been reaching as many folks as I could be if I had the word “grief” in there somewhere. So, I did a little experiment. I started a second Twitter account with the handle @GriefMaven. In two weeks, The Grief Maven as seen more activity than in all the five years of the Marshmallow Ranch Twitter account, so I think I’m onto something. I’m still working on it, but I’ve been connecting with some really wonderful writers, bloggers, podcasters, and speakers who deal with grief and grief related subjects. I’m expanding my territory. (Thank you again to the Prayer of Jabez.)
\nOne of the women I have connected with has a FB page called BreatheGrieveBelieve (on Twitter she is @griefsabitch.) As it turns out, we know some of the same people and she lives about an hour and a half from me so we’ll meet for lunch halfway sometime soon. Susan lost her husband and her daughter within 56 days of each other…horrifying. She tweeted this picture a few days ago and it just spoke to me.
\nI’ve been putting off copying and transferring my early posts from this FB page over to my website because I can only do it for short stretches of time. It makes me dive back into the early weeks/months/years of this journey and it stirs up a lot of pain. Yesterday, I got to the post where I told you I was dating someone. I read what I wrote back then and rolled my eyes. Quote: “Now that I’m over my grief…” What??? I was six months out. As I read that, I thought…Nope, that has to go. I don’t want that in my blog. But I cannot rewrite history. I told you all from the beginning I was going to be brutally honest and tell you what I was going through on this hellish roller coaster and by golly…it doesn’t get much uglier than watching someone put a bandaid on their grief and date someone WAY too soon. Well, yes it does….when the bandaid gets yanked back off. That was pretty brutal.
\nAnyway, I own everything that has happened to me so I’m telling my stories. Sometimes they embarrass ME…that I could have been so blind, so naive, so stupid. But…I was none of those things. I was grieving. And for that, I give myself a pass. ❤️
\n“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”\nJob 12:12 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-03-17T01:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/17/own-your-experiences.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/11/god-always-knows.html", "title": "God Always Knows", "content_html": "![\"Lewis](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4bcfdd744f.jpg\")
“Lewis Cemetery”
As I’m sure you can tell, I’ve been dreading the fifth angelversary of Mr. Virgo’s death tomorrow. I’ve been really struggling the last week…to the point one of my dear friends contacted me yesterday to see how I was doing. Actually, by yesterday morning I was feeling much better, but I still felt something was missing. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then a chain of events happened that directed my day and by last night I was lifted back up and set on solid ground. Here’s how it went down.
\nFirst, I slept a solid ten hours and awoke feeling refreshed. I’m not a terrific sleeper as a rule, but I slept like a stone. Mr. FixIt informed me a neighbor passed away and he needed to go to the funeral home. I assumed he would go without me, and quite frankly I didn’t think going to a funeral home when I was feeling down about my own loss was such a terrific idea. Then, he asked me if I wanted to go. We were at a funeral last weekend. Here, we were just going to the viewing. I didn’t know anyone, but something told me I should just go…so I dressed and went along.
\nI was introduced around to the family. I hugged the widow and spoke quietly with her for a bit, offering what comfort a stranger (yet a fellow widow) could give. I stood at the coffin, thinking the horrible memories of five years ago would come crashing on my head at any moment…but they did not. Instead of seeing Mr. Virgo in his casket, I saw a man who was very much missed by his best friend and my heart went out to her. I felt honored to be there and not sick or devastated. My dread started to dissipate.
\nWe ran home to change and Mr. FixIt asked what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to run over to the cemetery where my great grandfather is buried. I hadn’t been there since I was a teenager and I wanted to see if there were any other family members from my tree buried there. So, from the funeral home to a cemetery. What could go wrong?
\nThe day was brisk but sunny. As we drove out the two lane blacktop, we passed a field and I did a double take. There, standing in the middle of a pasture, was a young man…high school age, perhaps…with a music stand playing a trombone! The sight was so incongruous Mr. FixIt and I both burst out laughing. The cemetery was around the next bend and as we walked among the tombstones, the timbre of the trombone wafted gently on the breeze over the far ridge. I could not help but smile, feeling God was sending me a sweet gift.
\nThe cemetery was a sight when we arrived. All of the flower containers had been knocked over, flowers strewn among the graves, flags honoring fallen soldiers laying on the ground…some half covered with leaves. We were preparing to leave when I turned and said, “I can’t leave them like this.” So, we walked around, straightening up, calling the dead ones by name. I remember so often going to visit Mr. Virgo’s grave across the road from our house in Colorado. I laid stones around the perimeter…one stone from every trip I took. I realized one of the things I was missing…and hurting over…was not being able to visit Mr. Virgo’s grave tomorrow. Instead, God lead me to visit an ancestor I never knew. Again…the feeling of dread lifted more.
\nWe were so close to the farm, we decided to go on out. Whenever I am feeling down, that farm is my panacea. I fed the kitties and walked through the rooms…touching the furniture, the doors, my grandparents bed. I walked around the house and checked on my ‘67 Franklin camper…”Joy”. I turned to Mr. FixIt.
\n“Can we take her over to your place soon and start working on her?” I asked hopefully.
\n“You bet we can.” Mr. FixIt smiled and gave me a big hug.
\nLift, lift, lift.
\nWe stopped and visited my cousin’s wife at her barn. She was feeding the chickens and the big white rabbit named Isabella.
\nLift, lift, lift.
\nWe drove to town and had supper at my favorite diner.
\nLift, lift, lift.
\nWe came home and I sat down to write. My dear friend who had been so concerned about me yesterday morning called and asked if I felt better after my drive. I really did! You know…every year is going to be another year since Mr. Virgo died. There will be times of sorrow. There will be reminders and waves of grief. I know I have the added blessing of having Mr. FixIt in my life. His heart is big enough to hold me AND Mr. Virgo. Such a good, good man. Letting go and letting God lift me up was the solution all along. There’s nothing God and a little sunshine can’t fix! ❤
\n“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”\nIsaiah 60:1-2 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-11T01:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/11/god-always-knows.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Grace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/02/change-your-focus.html", "title": "Change Your Focus", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c381e57c3.jpg\")
“Imagine if we obsessed about the things we LOVE about ourselves.”
I’d love to have all the hours back that I obsessed about the things I didn’t like about myself. My hair. My body. My nose. My “flaws”…real or imagined. Can you imagine if we never, ever looked in the mirror and hated something we saw? Oh…what I really hate is that I put my faith in someone who judged me by my appearance. I really hate that I saw my self-worth through someone else’s lens. For…far…too…long.
\nOne of the wonderful things about rapidly approaching Medicare age is the ability to see myself as I truly am. I’m a slightly overweight, active grandma with great hair and pretty feet. I was talking with Mr. FixIt this week when we went on our little trip. I was telling him about a time in my life when I really hated who I was. Then I grew to hate that I couldn’t speak up and change the situation I was in that contributed to it. He looked at me and smiled. He said, “Well, you sure are a strong, opinionated woman now. You don’t take crap off of anyone!” My heart exploded. He GETS me!
\nEvery day, I focus on my word of the year. Presence. I am not that naive young girl who went into relationships looking for a knight in shining armor. I am not that willowy young thing who could eat anything I wanted and not gain an ounce. I don’t have the stamina that I had when I was 30…40…50….heck, 60! But, I love who I am. I am more of the woman in Proverbs 31 than I ever have been.
\nPastor Justin illustrated God’s forgiveness last Sunday in a way that will forever change how I look at myself. He was sitting at a table with a bottle of water. He always keeps a small towel nearby because it’s quite hot up there under the lights and he has a tendency to get fired up. He was talking about how we are made new when we accept Christ in our hearts. He died for our sins. That means, they are taken away. The old is gone.
\nHe covered the water bottle with the towel. “This is what happens when we are forgiven.”
\nHe pulled the towel back a bit. “The enemy wants us to keep looking back. He keeps reminding us of who we were. But that’s not who we are now.”
\nHe picked up the bottle, totally wrapped in the towel and said, “When we’ve been saved, God looks at us and sees Christ…not the old, beat up, soiled version of us…but the Christ-loving version.”
\nMy eyes swelled with tears when the full realization hit me that I don’t have to carry around all that baggage…all those burdens…all that self-loathing. It is not prideful to love and appreciate yourself as a child of God.
\nI like my feet. I like my smile. I like my compassionate heart. I like the way my hair is graying with natural streaks. I used to pay a lot of money for that. I love the way every cell in my body was made new when I was saved. Appreciate yourself. Love yourself. Not in an arrogant, self-centered, narcissistic way. You are the only YOU there is in the world. The only YOU that has ever been or ever will be. God made you just this way with the very gifts the world needs that only YOU can give. Since scripture tells us to love others as we love ourselves the opposite must also be true. Love yourself as you love others. ❤
\n“We love because he first loved us.”\n1 John 4:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-02T02:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/02/change-your-focus.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/03/01/morning-walkabout.html", "title": "Morning Walkabout", "content_html": "
![\"“Rhododendron](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7965a2871a.jpg\")
“Rhododendron and the gas light”
What an absolute treat it was to wake up out at the farm yesterday morning. Grandma’s bedroom is right along the creek’s edge and with all the rain we have been having, the sound of the water riffling along was like a lullaby. I slept so well and awoke refreshed and ready to face a busy day.
\nMr. FixIt and I did a morning walkabout on the property to check things out. He moved some fallen limbs from the ditch along the road and placed them on the burn pile. The daffodils are up about 8” high already and the grass is greening up nicely. I’ll need to mow before too long to mulch up the leaves that fell over the fall and winter. The rhododendron gets huge buds on them in the fall. They winter over and won’t bloom till late May or early June. They are still beautiful as they awaken from winter with a freshened shine to their leaves. They don’t drop their leaves like so many other plants. They just droop down all winter then stand up with their arms stretched wide in the spring.
\nI am leaving today for a long camping weekend with the Girl Campers. We’ll be staying in cabins this trip. We try to get together in the late winter when the roads aren’t too bad. We work on whatever craft projects we have going. We make soups to share. These are some of the nicest women I have ever known and I look forward to these trips with great anticipation. I’ll share projects and recipes with you along the way but my writing may be a bit sparse this weekend as I take the time to kick back with my friends and relax.
\nI do have some prayer requests for some wonderful people who are touched by illness. Please pray for healing, comfort, and God’s will. He knows who the prayers are for. Thank you all for your wonderful prayer support. There are many stars in your crowns. ❤️
\n“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”\nRomans 8:26 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-03-01T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/03/01/morning-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Faith","Travel","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Wisdom","Presence","Girl Camper","Girl Campers"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/26/my-love-has-a-name.html", "title": "My Love Has a Name", "content_html": "
![\"Praise\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1464731d59.jpg\")
“My Love Has a Name…Jesus”
I am always pumped on Mondays. My “Monday Morning Motivation” begins Sunday when Mr. FixIt and I walk into church. I’ve never gone to a church that has been so uplifting. I have never in my life looked forward to Sundays like I do now! It is such an amazing feeling to carry God with me into my week.
\nThe Praise and Worship Team sang a new song yesterday by the Christian rock band, Jesus Culture called “Love Has a Name”. Our sermon series for the month of February was entitled “Love Handles”. Yesterday, Pastors Justin and Heather sat down and talked to us about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and put it in the perspective of our relationships. Let’s break it down.
\n“Love is patient.” When Mr. FixIt takes an inordinate amount of time to type something out on his phone, my first instinct is to grab the phone and do it myself in about half the time. I’m not considering the fact that my fingers are half the size and I’ve spent a gazillion more hours typing on a keyboard as a writer than he has as a mechanical engineer designing tools. I have to remind myself to emulate God’s love…God’s perfect love…and be patient. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\n“Love is kind.” Show of hands…how many of you have cast a disparaging look at your significant other when he’s done something you think is stupid? How many have done the whole eye roll thing? That, in and of itself, is a very unkind thing to do. I’ve done it. I don’t like that I have. As a matter of fact, I read an article once by a marriage counselor and he said one of the tell tale signs that a marriage would fail was if one or the other partner rolled their eyes. It’s dismissive. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\n“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” I see this to mean those times when your significant other bests you in some way. Or you, him. Lording it over the other with one-upsmanship brings competition into the equation and that can be very damaging to a relationship. I remember Hubby #2 and I took an online IQ test and I came out higher than he did. He was a doctor and I always felt somewhat “less than”, for a number of reasons. I rubbed that in and it didn’t go over well. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\n“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” You dishonor others by being disrespectful. This is a self-seeking behavior. Love is not easily angered. Pastor Heather said she heard something a long time ago that has always stuck with her. “Take the pause.” When something strikes you wrong, stop and take a breath before you lash out and say something you will regret later. That brings us to “no record of wrongs”. How many times have we held onto those slights and honed them to a rapier edge, only to slash our partner with them later. Maybe we “forgave” them, but brought it up anyway. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\n“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Discord, cruelty, mean-spiritedness are evils that can take root in relationships, but the power of truth in real love is something you should always strive for. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\n“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” You should always protect your love. Always trusting doesn’t mean being gullible, but being fair minded and believe in your spouse. Always hope for the best in your spouse. And always persevere…keep going, even when the going gets tough. It isn’t always easy, but I try.
\nI have learned to love Jesus more than anyone or anything. Everyone…even those you hold the closest to your heart…will disappoint you. Jesus will never disappoint. If we hold him at the center of all equations, we have far greater chance of success in every relationship…family, work, friends, school…everywhere.
\nThis is the song they sang yesterday…”Love Has a Name”. My love has a name…Jesus. ❤
\n“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”\n1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
\n\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-26T02:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/26/my-love-has-a-name.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/24/ill-pray-for-you.html", "title": "I’ll Pray for You", "content_html": "
![\"I’ll](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/43528a82fb.jpg\")
“I’ll Pray for You”
How many times do we say that? Something happens to someone and we automatically say, “I’ll pray for you!” We hear of a tragedy and we say, “I’ll pray for you!” How many times do we say that…and forget to pray? Or, how about when you’re scrolling through Facebook and someone asks for prayers. We might type “Prayers!” Or “Done!” Or my personal favorite…”???” A furtive “God, please give this woman what she’s asking for.” These are good things, don’t get me wrong. But we can do so much better.
\nI was working one afternoon after Mr. Virgo died and I noticed one of my coworkers was tearful. She was trying to hide it at her desk and I didn’t want to intrude. I got halfway down the hall when the Holy Spirit whispered…
\n“Go to her…now.”
\n“Awwww….c’mon. I’ve got a list of phone calls that would choke a horse! I haven’t even started the pharmacy refills yet. And I need to fax those reports. I’m really busy. Someone will help her. I’ll pray for her tonight when I get home.”
\n“Go to her…NOW!”
\n“Oooooooh…you mean…NOW! Sure!”
\nI turned on my heel and went back to my coworker’s desk. I didn’t say anything. She didn’t look at me, but she knew I was there. Her shoulders slumped and shook with silent sobs. I placed my hand on her shoulder and she immediately leaned into me and cried harder.
\nI whispered. “I don’t know what you’re going through right now…and I don’t need to know. But if you want, I would love to pray with you right now. Would that be ok?”
\nShe whispered back, “Yes! Yes, please!”
\nI closed the door to her office, knelt beside her and took her hand. And prayed. I prayed for God’s love to wrap around my friend and comfort her. I prayed for strength and courage in whatever she was facing. I prayed God would use whatever trial she was walking through to bring her closer to him so she would know there was someone who always loved her, always had her back.
\nIt didn’t take long…just a couple minutes. My friend felt so much better afterwards and my work was still there, waiting for me. I felt better, too. Because, I actually did what I said I would do. By praying with my friend, I did more than placate her to make her feel better. I called on the living God…the Highest Power…to come into the situation and work on it.
\nI once heard of a man in our church that was going through a rough patch. His friend was talking to him on the phone. They were both on the highway but several miles apart. The man asked his friend with the troubles to pull off at the next wide spot. Soon, he caught up and there, along I-70…the man placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder, lifted his other hand to the sky, and prayed. Right there for all to see.
\nI don’t think you should ever miss the opportunity to pray with somebody. Of course, pray FOR them anytime. But pray WITH them whenever you can. It’s good for everyone. ❤
\n“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.””\nMatthew 18:20 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-24T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/24/ill-pray-for-you.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/22/i-think-we-woke-up.html", "title": "“I Think We Woke Up The Children...”", "content_html": "
![\"Protests](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ab450f199d.jpg\")
“Protests…Then and Now”
Those of us who were coming of age in the ‘60s remember the protests of the day. Slogans like “Make Love, Not War” are being replaced with “Arms Are For Hugging”. For the last several years I’ve been wondering…”Where are the hippies?” The adolescents of my generation changed the world. It has been frustrating to see subsequent generations become so complacent with the status quo.
\nI’m not choosing sides here, although I have my own personal opinions and beliefs to be sure. I don’t advocate “taking sides” as much as I have wished for the kids to wake up and care about something. Anything. This is how change and growth occur in a democratic society.
\nI applaud the young people standing up and speaking out. My heart both broke for them for the subject they must address and swelled with pride to see such passion and eloquence in their plea. This is our future. I would much rather see students rally against violence in schools than to see them give up and give in. I think they didn’t realize the strength of numbers. I think they got fed up and fired up and I hope they don’t back down.
\nEdited*: That being said, I have been reminded by a caring reader of the ugly side of the “Make Love, Not War” movement. Our soldiers were subjected to incredible disrespect when they returned from Vietnam and there is absolutely no room for that in the world. Mr. Virgo was in Vietnam and he told me how badly he was treated when he came home. My point here is, I’m glad to see this generation stand for something instead of the disinterested me-first attitudes of so many kids growing up in the generations since the ‘60s. I know that is a generalization. Peaceful, respectful protest with meaningful, informed dialogue can effect lasting change.
\nI’ve been a placard carrier since the first political rally I attended. I have stood alone in a sea of opponents to support my beliefs. I have bucked the system. There came a point when I got tired. Disillusioned. Overwhelmed. We didn’t always get it right but it thrills me to see the children waking up, no matter what their call is. Another day…another dawning of the Age of Aquarius. ✌
\n“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."”\nJoshua 1:9 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-22T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/22/i-think-we-woke-up.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/21/a-taste-of-spring.html", "title": "A Taste of Spring", "content_html": "
![\"Burger](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5f6cd6bc8f.jpg\")
“Burger al Fresco”
One of the upsides of Facebook memories is documented progress. One of my readers shared a post yesterday that I wrote a year ago. I was declaring how gorgeous spring is in West Virginia. I observed the earth coming back to life, the shoots of spring bulbs exploding from the moist soil, the greening up of the world. I spoke of all the new babies being born in the fields surrounding the farm. And I talked about budding romances and how I was ready to try again. And here I am…a year later and in a relationship with a wonderful man. He is a constant reminder of how good God is to me.
\nWe awoke yesterday to the most gorgeous of early spring days. I had a dream. I don’t remember my dreams like I used to before Mr. Virgo died. And I seldom dream of him. I dreamt I was supposed to send Mr. Virgo a text every day with a scripture in it. Suddenly, he stopped responding to my texts. I looked everywhere for him. I asked everyone if they had seen him and they just stared blankly back at me. Six months went by and then a year, then three. No word. Then, out of the blue, someone told me he had “moved on”. I felt confused. Did he move on as in, he left me for someone else? When I was fully awake, I realized what “moved on” really meant. I had an instant wave of the creepy crawlies on the backs of my arms, then it went away and I was fine. Grief visits fleetingly sometimes…like a sparrow flitting in the brush just out of view.
\nThe temperature got up over 80 degrees. We had coffee by the pool and then headed to the farm. We cleaned inside and out. Mr. FixIt filled the bird feeders. I changed the spotlight on the three story barn. We stopped at the neighborhood grocer and bought a pound of fresh ground hamburger and sliced longhorn cheese. When we got home, we took the grill from the garage and put it on the deck by the pool and grilled burgers outside. It was sheer heaven to sit out in shorts and enjoy the evening.
\nSome days get burned in your memory to keep for all time. That was yesterday. There were a lot of trees down from the saturated soil and the brisk winds earlier in the day. Baby calves lay in the muddy fields by their mamas. A cardinal sang in the forsythia bush by the side gate. Mr. FixIt took the drone he got for Christmas and went outside to “play” after supper. I heard a tree fall in the woods beyond the field. A rooster crowed in the distance. Neighbors waved as they passed by. My heart felt full and ached with the beauty of it all. Jesus promised he would make all things new one day. Spring is his way of giving us a taste of things to come.
\nI am all too aware of how fragile this life is. It could be gone tomorrow. So I practice my word of the year and stay present. And I thank God for every moment. ❤️
\n“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.””\nRevelation 21:5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-21T02:30:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/21/a-taste-of-spring.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/20/an-open-letter-to-the.html", "title": "An Open Letter to the Shooter", "content_html": "
![\"iPad](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f39fce6a0d.jpg\")
“Writing in TOW-Wanda”
While the world recoils in horror at the havoc you have wrought, I want you to know something. I have tears for the terribly tragic loss of these beautiful people you have cut down who will never have the opportunity to reach their potential. But, believe it or not, I have tears for you, too. While those parents prepare to lay their babies to rest, I wonder if there’s anyone there for you. Because I have a feeling there hasn’t been…probably for a very, very long time.
\nI don’t know you. We are just beginning to get some details about who you are. I know you were adopted. I know your adopted father died several years ago and your adopted mother died in November. Your teachers tried to help from as far back as sixth grade. I heard the impassioned speech one of your former classmates made. She said they always knew there was something wrong.
\nI don’t know your whole story. I know you were adopted as an infant. But, I’d be willing to bet any amount of money that you were quiet and shy as a young child. Awkward. You didn’t fit in. You were bullied. You were never picked to be on the team. You were labeled as that weird kid. You didn’t get invited to birthday parties and sleepovers. You were lonely, sad, depressed and isolated, I can just about guarantee that. And you were angry. You lashed out with little self control.
\nDid you ever have someone to hold you and rock you and tell you how much you were loved? Did you have someone to take you to church and teach you about how much Jesus loves you? You had mental health issues and teachers tried and tried tried to help. But you somehow fell through the cracks.
\nI know this isn’t going to be the most popular post right now because moms and dads are putting their children in the ground as we speak. People are angry. People are crying out for change and somehow there needs to be change. If you never had access to those guns while you were in such pain, I can pretty much guarantee there would be seventeen families enjoying each other’s company tonight instead of trying to figure out how to keep on living. I don’t know how we could have prevented this tragedy but we as a nation need to figure it out. Now…before it happens again. Because…it WILL happen again.
\nWhile I cry for those who are in pain tonight, I shed tears for you as well. I’m so sorry you felt this was your only way to be heard. I’m sorry you didn’t get the help you needed. I’m sorry you didn’t know how to find your way back from the abyss. I’m sorry you lost hope. I know you are broken, and you will never walk free in the sunshine again. You won’t get married and have babies and vacations and grow old in a job you love and look forward to retirement. This is the price you will pay for the choices you made. There’s nothing that can be done about that. But I want you to know something….and this I know beyond a shadow of a doubt.
\nGod loves you.
\nGod STILL loves you. And so do I. You wanna know why? Because the God I know loves ALL of his children…equally. He loves you exactly the same way as he loves me and your mom and the policemen who captured you and your attorney and the judge and all the moms and dads and students of that school in Florida. Who can you think of that’s really, really good? The Pope? Mother Teresa? Billy Graham? Joel Osteen? Our Father in heaven doesn’t love you one bit less than he loves them. God hates the sin…but he loves the sinner.
\nThat doesn’t mean you won’t be judged. You will…by the court of man and the court of God. But you can be forgiven. If you haven’t already, you can ask Jesus into your life and I promise you will never be alone again. You will always have someone who loves you. So, while I pray for those families your actions shattered, I will also be praying for you. I will pray that you seek shelter with God. I will pray that you get the help you need. I pray that you will talk to God every hour, every day, for the rest of your life.
\nA spirit of forgiveness is a noble thing. I hope those to whom you transgressed will someday find it in their hearts to forgive you. For their own benefit as much as anything. It is the hardest thing to wrap our minds around when some sins seem so much worse than others. God’s heart is broken over this, yet he still loves you. Always has, always will. ❤
\n“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”\nRomans 5:6-11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-02-20T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/20/an-open-letter-to-the.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/19/love-is-an-action-word.html", "title": "Love is an Action Word", "content_html": "![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7fd36eb850.jpg\")
\nI’m doing something different today. Usually I write my essay then I go read and find a bible verse that best suits my message of the day. It’s easier that way for me because I look for verses about a certain theme, read and study them, then choose the one that speaks to me. To take a verse and pontificate on it seems a bit foreign after writing for nearly five years the other way. But today…I want to talk to you about Romans 12:6-8 specifically.
\nAs we always do, Mr. FixIt and I stood and held hands as we prayed and sang with the praise team in church yesterday. And, as I always do on the third song, I closed my eyes and prayed. I thanked God for all he has blessed us with. I thanked him for bringing me this fine man to stand with me in church to praise with me. I recited the Prayer of Jabez and asked that he bless me indeed, that he expand my territory, walk with his hand over me, and keep evil far from me that I may not feel pain. Then I asked…”If you have a specific message for me today, please deliver it to me through Pastor Justin.” Amen
\nWe’ve been doing a series entitled “Love Handles”. Not the muffin tops above our jeans from eating too many Oreos, but the action word…LOVE. The love we take out into the world. As Christians, we are called to be different. We aren’t supposed to go out and blend into the world. We should be shining the light of the Holy Spirit out into the world so brightly that people take notice when we walk into a room. Pastor Justin’s first Bible reading yesterday was Romans 12:6-8. It tells us that God, in his infinite grace, has given us all gifts for doing certain things very well…be it prophesy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, or kindness. If you have a talent that comes to you easily and you do it very well, that is your gift. That is what you are here to share.
\nTears came to my eyes when I listened to the verse being read. “If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.” Prophesy has several meanings but the one I believe was being directed to me was “preach”. As I have grown in my faith and through this blog, I was led by the Holy Spirit to include scripture in my writing. If you were here when that started, you may remember the conversation I had with God in church when I got that message loud and clear and I argued vehemently against it. I did NOT want to “be that person.” I didn’t want to be “preachy” and turn people off.
\nThere have been instances when I see that people have “unliked” this page when I get too “churchy”. But I have to say, the most interaction this page receives is when my post is truly aligned with my heart, and thus…my faith. When I share my truth, my stories, through the lens of faith…they seem to reach through the miles and touch hearts. I’ve been feeling God nudging me to continue in that direction. That doesn’t mean every post here is going to be a sermon, because it isn’t. What it means is, I’m going to be a little less worried about what people think when I talk about God. It’s really easy to talk about God in a room full of believers. It is not nearly so easy to prophesy to those who don’t believe the same way I do. God has given me a gift of words. It is my duty to put them to the best use I can. I hope you will stick around and see where this goes because I think it’s going to get interesting. ❤
\n“So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.”\nRomans 12:6-8 GNB
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-19T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/19/love-is-an-action-word.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/18/the-mountain.html", "title": "The Mountain", "content_html": "
![\"Sunrise](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5157c752d5.jpg\")
“My Hope is in You Alone” - MercyMe
I was writing last night and listening to a channel on Amazon Music called “Relaxing Christian Music”. MercyMe came on and sang “Even If You Don’t”. It’s about those times when your faith is challenged by the hardships you face in life. It made me think of the losses so many are facing. There are seventeen mothers and fathers preparing to lay their children to rest this week. It is easy to ask questions like, “Where was God during all this?” “How can God let bad things happen to innocent people…especially children?”
\nLife can be really difficult. It can be filled with challenges and unfulfilled dreams. Disappointments. Hurts. Horrors. And…it can be filled with absolutely unmovable mountains.
\nIt’s easier to maintain our faith when the skies are sunny and life is good. When we are knee deep in blessings and goodness rains down on us like a spring shower, we’re good. But…what happens when the darkness comes? How do we maintain our faith when God seems to have abandoned us and is far, far away?
\nGod is capable of all things. I know he can do anything. I’ve seen him do it. When I was a little girl and I sat at my grandma’s knee, I asked her how she knew Jesus was who he said he was. How did she know he really walked on water? She smiled knowingly and patted my hand. “You just have to have faith, pet.” she said in her wise grandma way. It took me most of my life to absorb that…and to believe it.
\nFaith.
\nWhat is faith? The Bible tells us faith is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The substance of my hope is a loving God who can move mountains. The evidence of things not seen is when he refuses and I still believe in him.
\nSometimes God refuses to move the mountain that is in your way because that mountain is in HIS plan…not yours. My biggest mountain was losing Mr. Virgo. God knew that could shake my faith. So he let me see something. He let me see the essence of my husband’s spirit as it left his body. I was forever changed. Not only by the loss itself, but by the certainty that we go someplace else when we die, we are not alone and there is a power far greater than me at work in the world. That power…to me…is God. I will not understand the whys until I get where I am going…but I know the WHO.
\nThis has been a difficult year so far. There has been so much loss in the world. So many unmovable mountains. When I face these times, I find leaning into God and trusting him is the only way to get through it.
\nHe CAN move mountains. And…sometimes he chooses not to. It is the pure essence of faith when you can still believe in God when you have trouble seeing the evidence of his existence.
\nMy HOPE is in him…even when he doesn’t answer.
\nMercyMe - Even If You Don’t\nhttps://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y
\n“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”\nHebrews 11:1 KJV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-18T02:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/18/the-mountain.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/13/craving-the-sun.html", "title": "Craving the Sun", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d0f5f7965c.jpg\")
“Late Winter Sun”
We are having a warming trend here in West Virginia. The monsoonal rains are beginning and we will have long stretches of grey, rainy days in the next few weeks. Still, the night time temperatures drop and we awoke to a skiff of snow and icy roads yesterday. After totaling my truck this time last year, I am really skittish about driving on dicey roads so I’ve been hanging out at Mr. FixIt’s place while he goes to town for physical therapy on his hand.
\nYesterday was really sunny but with a high of only 41 degrees. The back door faces west and the sun was streaming in so I pulled my recliner over and soaked up some rays. OMGosh! It felt divine. An hour sitting in the warm sunshine did wonders to boost my mood and got me thinking about getting outside camping, hiking, fishing. This is the week of the Sisters on the Fly Great Winter Camp In. We are supposed to capture pictures of ourselves doing anything camping related. I’m going to get out in the camper this week…even if it’s just for a few hours to write. I really miss TOW-Wanda by this time of the year.
\nIt’s almost time to start working on fixing up my 1967 Franklin Camper. I would love to have it ready this year to camp in. As I sit here writing this, a pair of cardinals are at the feeder in the back yard. I’m hearing more birds in the mornings. The pile of firewood is stacked by the fire ring ready for coming evening gatherings. The pool is still iced over. But the days are getting longer and with warmer weather and rain comes the promise of spring. I can hardly wait! ❤️
\n“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”\nHosea 6:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-13T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/13/craving-the-sun.html", "tags": ["Hope","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","West Virginia","Gratitude","Wisdom","Presence","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/08/when-things-get-scary.html", "title": "When Things Get Scary", "content_html": "
![\"Stock](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/43214984e4.jpg\")
“Stock Market”
Disclaimer: I do not give financial advice. This essay only expresses my feelings.
\nPersonal wealth is a matter of comparison. If you compare my financial picture to a goat herder in the Sahara Desert, I am a multimillionaire. If you compare me to a member of the Fortune 500, I am poor as a church mouse. It’s all relative. But what I do have, I want to protect and watch over carefully.
\nI have spent my whole life deferring all this nasty talk of money to the man in my life. Not because I am incapable of understanding the intricacies of a budget, but because any marital discord I have ever experienced in my life has had something to do with money. Usually with him making it and me spending too much of it. My parents fought over money constantly. Frankly, money…or the lack thereof…scared the heck out of me. So, I avoided talking about it.
\nThen, Mr. Virgo up and died on me and left me to learn a lifetime of money management skills I simply did not possess. The first thing I did the week after the funeral was to switch to a financial advisor who specializes in women in transition…ie widows or divorcees. Danielle Howard was recommended to me by a fellow widow friend who was kind enough to help me set up and meet with her for the first time.
\nDanielle offers two lanes in her financial planning…secular and Christian. I was intrigued. The Christian approach teaches you to be a good steward of what God has provided for you. That’s the route I went with. I met with Danielle frequently at first because there was so much to learn. I wasn’t confident in my decision making skills at all. Danielle was patient, understanding, and nonjudgmental when I made SO many mistakes in the first two or three years after Mr. Virgo died.
\nI was told, “Watch your money.” “Don’t make any big financial decisions in the first year.” “Resist the urge to be overly generous.” But did I listen? Not very well. I tried to fill that hole in my heart with travel and shopping and generosity. Then I woke up and realized, I had to be MUCH more careful or I was going to run out of money.
\nThe Stock Market is probably the singularly scariest entity in my life. I am convinced it is the Devil’s spawn. This last year has been wonderful because I could breathe and not worry about losing what little bit of money I have invested. It’s been a banner year for stocks. Then…the “Big Bang” hit late last week and early this week. When the market fell 1500 points on Monday, I panicked. I called Danielle and left a voice mail telling her I was totally freaking out and could she kindly call me back as soon as possible.
\nThen I fixed a cup of tea. I mean, what else could I do, right? Tea…and wait. Visions of selling pencils from a cup on the street corner started to float in front of me and my heart raced. Crazy…I know. But that’s what money does to me. Then I remembered all those meetings with Danielle at the Bluebird Cafe where we sat over coffee and she taught me about money.
\n“What would Danielle do?” I thought to myself.
\nI could almost hear her voice. “Knowledge is power.”
\nI went to the internet and started reading some of the reputable financial news sites to get their take on the biggest drop ever. I soothed myself with articles about market corrections and stabilization. How these things are expected and actually good for the market in the long run. The takeaway I got was…breathe. Don’t pull out. Just hold steady and ride the waves.
\nI’m pretty good at riding waves.
\nBy the time Danielle called, I was feeling much more in control. I told her about going online and educating myself as to what was going on and what it meant. And I felt so empowered when she said, “Way to go! That’s really great that you took a proactive stance and learned all you could so you could make informed decisions.” I know it sounds so silly, but that was HUGE for me. I felt so…grown up and more in control.
\nThis last year has been really interesting for me. Since downsizing and living a minimalistic lifestyle, I have found my spending to be under much better control. I’ve become more frugal, careful. I don’t NEED anything, really. If I accumulate, I have to go through downsizing. I really don’t ever want to do that again.
\nWidowhood and divorce can often leave us in dire straights. Knowledge really IS power so learn all you can about money and budgeting. And remember, dealing with corrections in the Stock Market is exactly like skiing in deep powder. You have to kick back and rest on the tails of your skis. If you lean too far forward, you’ll take a tumble.
\nOh…and pray. Pray a LOT! ❤
\n“Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?”\nProverbs 17:16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-08T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/08/when-things-get-scary.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/07/i-am-enough.html", "title": "I Am Enough", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aacfccbe1f.jpg\")
“I Am Enough”
A friend of mine posts these really great inspirational messages on her Facebook page. She comes up with original questions, collections of photos surrounding a theme, and generally spreads love and light throughout the world…with an occasional “f-bomb” thrown in for emphasis. Her name is Barbara. I think she should write a book or have a syndicated newsletter or something because I never see her stuff without feeling uplifted and in awe. I love her.
\nYesterday she posted the following question:
\nWHO ARE YOU?\nAnswer without:\nName, Job, Things you Did, Friends
\nAs I always do with her thought provoking posts…I sat and thought. I made a cup of tea. I stared out the window. I listened to a recording of ocean waves. And…I sat and thought some more. I could answer many things. Christian. Gypsy. Dreamer. Giver. Lover. Friend. But those things only answer a part of the question with those parameters. I decided on this…
\nI Am Enough.
\nWhen this picture was taken, I was visiting my dear friend, Patti from Buffalo Baking Company in California. I had just completed a few of my big “firsts”. My first foray into the world of dating. HUGE mistake on the dating end. BIG help on the “having a shoulder to cry on” end. It didn’t turn out very well for either of us, unfortunately. Too much…WAY too soon. I had survived our anniversary, our birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. And I headed to the west coast to stay with a woman I had never met in person…I only knew her through this blog. But I knew her heart and she is good and she loved on me for a week.
\nI had it in my head that once the clock struck midnight and 2013 turned into 2014, I could say…”He died LAST YEAR”. Somehow I thought that would sweep up the wreckage of my life from the floor where it fell eight months earlier. It would be the glue to piece my heart back together. On this day…New Year’s Day 2014…we drove to Half Moon Bay play tourist. We walked the beach, browsed the shops, ate fabulous seafood, and enjoyed each other’s company.
\nWhen we got to the beach, I asked if I could have a moment alone. I walked to the water’s edge and talked to Mr. Virgo. I told him how much I loved him. I let a little piece of him go free. I placed a few strands of his hair into the foam around my freezing bare feet. And I cried. As I was walking back to Patti and her husband, I saw she had her camera poised and I threw up my hands as if to say, “Ta Da!!! That’s done!!!”
\nOh…I was SO naive.
\nI only THOUGHT I was done. I thought the New Year would bring a new me…sans tears, anxiety, sleepless nights throwing up, fits of rage and depression, and deep melancholia. It was far from it. It only opened my eyes to the stark reality that this really WAS real. He really WAS gone. And now, I got the opportunity to feel it all without that protective gauze of grief sheltering my weary heart and mind from the full blow. Now I was raw, open, searing with the painful presence of daily life…without him. Without my heart. Without my mind. At least as I had known it.
\nThat second year was exactly like holding a sword into the white hot heat of a forge. It tempered me. It made me stronger so that when I was beaten, I held my edge. I became sharp and strong. I was honed into a new version of me.
\nWhen you look at the edge of a well-honed sword, you do not see a sharp, straight line. You see little bits and fragments and fingers of metal that have been forced to line up in the same direction. But there are chips and divots and feathers of steel lining up like soldiers marching in formation. Yet, zoom back out and you can cut a watermelon in midair with one easy stroke.
\nWhen you hone a sword, there is a stopping point. There is a place where you say…that is enough. If you keep going, the blade doesn’t get any sharper. It just wears away. This is where I am on this journey now. If I keep grinding away at this, I just get worn till I’m useless. There was that tipping point somewhere along the line where I said to myself…I Am Enough. This is good…this life I have built. I have surrounded myself with love and light. God, in his infinite Mercy, has given me more hearts to love and more time to love them. If my edge should dull…and it will…I will put my feet to the flame again and get strong and sharp. Over and over and over…ad infinitum. It is what we do. It is the best we can do. It is ALL we can do. Do the work. Walk through the flames. Become stronger. And proclaim to the world…
\nI. Am. Enough. And, my darling friend…you are, too!
\n❤️
\n“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 1:6 NIV11
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-07T02:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/07/i-am-enough.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","God","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/02/01/the-gift-that-keeps-on.html", "title": "The Gift That Keeps on Giving", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c573de0af.jpg\")
“The Winter Tree”
I sat in the family room yesterday, working on my laptop. As I was installing my tax software, I looked over and caught the sun gleaming through the branches of the tree that still stands in front of the picture window. Do I still call it a Christmas tree now that it’s February? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll call it a Valentine tree.
\nI contemplated taking it down…for about two minutes. Then I said…”Nah, we love it!” So there it stands. It serves many purposes. It brings a lovely ambient light to the room in the evenings as we sit and enjoy this comfortable space we created. The blue-grey walls take on a deeper, muted tone in the pale white light. The mechanical angel on top continues her slow dance. I have the lights set on a timer to come on at 5:30. This is where I notice another benefit to leaving the tree up. When I first decorated it and set the timer, it had already been dark outside for quite some time when the lights came on. Now it’s still daylight, giving me a visual sign that the days are indeed getting longer and spring will be here before we know it.
\nI do whatever it takes to keep happy in the winter. Having gone through a clinical depression in the ‘90s, I am very careful about my mental hygiene when the days are so short. It is easy to become bored when you are stuck inside too much and it’s not a long walk from boredom to depression. They are one and the same…just different points on a continuum. I heard of a suicide yesterday. It made my heart hurt. With boredom, escape can come in sleep. With depression, escape can tragically become final.
\nWinters are long and dark enough. If leaving my tree up makes me happy, so be it. It very likely will become an Easter tree before I give in and take it down. At least the Christmas carols are gone! I am always glad to put those away. Six weeks of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is enough to drive anyone batty! ❤️
\n“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”\nPsalm 36:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-02-01T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/02/01/the-gift-that-keeps-on.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Grace","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/30/the-mckinney-grief-scale.html", "title": "The McKinney Grief Scale", "content_html": "
![\"Elk](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/27222316f7.jpg\")
“Elk in Colorado” by Ginny McKinney
It’s that time of year again where Facebook is kindly sharing the memories of things that occurred in the weeks leading up to Mr. Virgo’s death. This is a wonderful feature, really. It reminds us of things that happened in the past. Birthday parties, the birth of new family members, that dinner party you had to celebrate something special. Those memories come in and give us warm fuzzies. But what about the memories leading up to a tragic loss? They can be so painful…especially early in the grief process. Even now…leading up to the fifth angelversary of my late husband’s death, these memories take me back to that innocent time before I knew what death REALLY was.
\nIt’s not like I would change this. I wouldn’t want these memories to go away. I’d just like to have them come in a little gift box that I could open should I choose to see the contents. I remember the week of his first angelversary. Ironically, it was right around the time they started this memory thing. It took my breath away and knocked me to my knees. For the most part, five years and a new relationship have eased that. It’ll never take it away completely, though. Grief doesn’t work that way. Grief is sneaky. There comes a time when it seems to leave you alone for a bit. It walks around disguised…camouflaged. Then something like a Facebook memory, or a familiar aroma, or the way the sun slants through the window, or the smell of coffee brewing…grief walks up to you, stares you in the face, pokes you in the chest like a schoolyard bully and yells, “Hey!!! Remember me???”
\nNow, it seems, there is a two-toned scale of grief-tinged memories…0-10 on the dark scale (D), 0-10 on the light scale (L). I have dubbed it the “McKinney Grief Scale”. Early memories were high on the dark scale and low on the light. Particularly poignant memories may still lean towards an elevated dark scale with a modicum of light poured in. With the distance of five years, almost all memories are high on the light scale with occasional spikes in the dark.
\nThis particular memory is a D3L8. We were in the early stages of a heavy snowstorm and Mr. Virgo was home for the day. We had no place to go. We spent the day watching TV, talking, cooking, maybe we snuggled on the couch and watched a movie or napped in each other’s arms. I remember going to the kitchen for something and looking out the sliding glass doors. Here were these beautiful elk in our backyard. I grabbed my phone and snapped this picture. I loved the elk in our area. Our subdivision had been a ranch for a hundred years before it was subdivided and houses were built. We encroached on the elk habitat and eventually drove them out. Still, once in a while some would wander through and you’d get a glimpse.
\nYes, a solid D3L8. A little dark, a good amount of light. That’s where I sit a lot these days leading up to Number 5. ❤️
\n“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.”\nPsalm 112:6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-30T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/30/the-mckinney-grief-scale.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/29/boundaries.html", "title": "Boundaries", "content_html": "
![\"“Boundaries”\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/59d5125230.jpg\")
“Boundaries” by Ginny McKinney
Something I knew nothing about growing up. There were no boundaries save for one. Don’t rock the boat. Ahhh…the walking on egg shells that comes with being the child of an alcoholic. We learn at an early age to dodge bullets. But boundaries? We either didn’t have many…or I didn’t understand the concept. I didn’t know for the longest time where other people ended and I began. I lived my life in a sort of parasitic relationship with my “hosts”…much like Spanish Moss and Mistletoe. My insecurities made it difficult for me to express my own opinions. I was a chameleon…I changed with the whims of my beneficiary…whomever it should be.
\nI’d love to say I out grew that in my late teens, early twenties like most people, but I did not. I really only broke free from the bondage of self loathing after Mr. Virgo came into my world and convinced me of my worth. Still, boundaries were a challenge. I didn’t exercise enough boundaries with my children. I didn’t exercise boundaries with friends and relationships. And I certainly didn’t practice boundaries with myself.
\nAs I continue to grow in my faith walk, I learn more and more about boundaries. Pastor Justin presented an excellent series this month about fixing ourselves up…just like flipping a house. First, you make sure you have a good, solid foundation. Then you give the very best of yourself. Then you get your head right. You get rid of the stinkin’ thinkin’ of the days before you were saved. Change your mind…Change your life. All these things are foundational, and well heeded. But you have to protect your progress, Pastor Justin says…by setting up boundaries. You can’t let the enemy get a foothold in this life of yours. I have been known to cuss like a sailor. I’m doing MUCH better…but I still slip.
\nThis is what I was referring to the other day…we are what we eat. Not literally. We aren’t broccoli and cauliflower. But what we allow to come into us, gets expressed by us into the world. Mr. FixIt and I are a team. We have to set up our perimeter to keep the enemy from infiltrating our ranks…to keep him from trying to divide and conquer. We have to work as a team and to do that, we give each other gentle reminders to shore up that boundary…that little leak in our boat. Because little leaks become big leaks and we’ll drown before we get to shore if we aren’t ever vigilant.
\nDoes this mean we can’t relax and kick back and enjoy life? Not at all. But it does mean we have an accountability partner in the other and we must always bring our best to the table. And we keep our perimeter wall strong and our foundation deep. Because we keep God at the top of the triangle. As we strive towards Him…we inevitably become closer. It is our recipe for success.
\nIt’s #MondayMotivation…time to do our spring cleaning and put our house in order. ❤️
\n“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,”\nPsalm 16:5-9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-29T02:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/29/boundaries.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/28/the-is-the-day-the.html", "title": "The Is The Day The Lord Hath Made", "content_html": "
![\"Praise\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ed0eeb41f7.jpg\")
Praise
Let us celebrate and be GLAD in it! It is so easy to celebrate and be glad in the day when all is right in your world, isn’t it? I mean, we want God’s blessings, right? We are happy in our blessings and we (hopefully) thank God for providing for us. It’s a different story when things aren’t going well. It is SO hard to celebrate and be glad when your world is falling apart. I don’t think God is asking you to go out in the streets and celebrate with singing and dancing if you are sincerely in the throes of pain. We can still celebrate the fact we have a loving Father who is going to use our pain for good in some way. He is working in the background, far beyond our understanding, twisting and turning events to bring you favor. We can still be glad in the day he has made, even if we can’t drag ourselves out of bed to enjoy it. I’ve been there. I know what mattress surfing is like. And I still rejoiced that I had someone who loved me more than I could ever imagine.
\nBringing joy into the world isn’t always easy, but the more you try, the more you succeed, and the more you succeed, the more joy you have to give. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. When I see joy in someone, I stop them and recognize it in them. We are here to love and encourage one another. When you let someone know that you SEE their efforts, your encouragement causes them to grow and expand. It’s an amazing gift you give them…and give yourself.
\nI ran across this video last night and I just had to share with you. Here’s a little girl with more joy than she can possibly contain. Here’s a future worship leader! A future teacher! A future politician! A future doctor! She has the whole world ahead of her and plenty of joy to share. This is the day the Lord hath made…let us rejoice and be glad in it! Go out there and make it a great day today!!! ❤️
\n\n“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”\nPsalms 118:24 KJV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-28T02:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/28/the-is-the-day-the.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/22/in-the-beginning.html", "title": "In the Beginning", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b08802211c.jpg\")
\nMarshmallow Ranch actually started in 2001. I was separated from Hubby #2 the year before. I had worked in medicine before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 1986. Unfortunately, since my soon-to-be ex was a doctor in the community, it was a decidedly uncomfortable environment in which to seek employment. I found myself struggling to find a new career in our small, mountain community. I worked for about a year filling in at the local downtown shops…working one day a week at each of five stores, giving the shop owners a welcome day off. I found I enjoyed the interaction with the customers and I was very good at merchandising. My ex noticed this and proposed I open a shop of my own and he would help me get started.
\nOne of my favorite pastimes in those days was needlework. I belonged to the Embroiderer’s Guild that met once a month. I also belonged to a quilting guild. But my favorite was our weekly “Stitch and B****” held at my friend Judy’s house. We brought whatever project we were working on and sat around with coffee and pastries and got all the support we needed for whatever issue we were facing as young mothers. When I started thinking about what kind of shop I wanted to open, I asked the girls and they unanimously chimed in. “A needlework supply shop!”
\nI really wanted my store on the main street through town for the foot traffic. Unfortunately, the rents there were out of my budget so I went two streets east. I was across the street from the Hotel Denver and catty corner from the Amtrak Station. The building was one of the oldest in town. It had been the St. James Inn at one time with a shady history of being one of the brothels in the early days when most of downtown consisted of tents and mud. When coming up with a name, I thought of Cat House Cross Stitch, but thought better of it. I finally settled on Needles & Pins. The owners of the building did a major remodel with my shop in mind. When it was complete, it was lovely. Old hardwood floors were brought back to life. Salvaged brick lined one wall. A large table was in the back room. Every Wednesday, women gathered at my shop for our own version of “Stitch and B****”. From the moment I opened the doors to closing time, the shop rang with the laughter of women sharing stories and solving the problems of the world. I lost my shirt…twice…but it was wonderful therapy for a lot of women, including myself. It’s when I first found my footing on my own again.
\nIf you are a cross-stitcher, you are familiar with cute publishing houses like “Birds of a Feather”, “Mosey & Me”, “Blackbird Designs” and “The Prairie Schooler”. Being an artist, I thought I would try my hand at designing some cross-stitch patterns. I wanted to come up with a cute name for the division of my business. As I was going through a box of things in my art studio one day, I came across the picture of a field in West Virginia with large, round bales of hay wrapped in white plastic. They looked all the world like huge marshmallows. I had taken the photo on a trip a few years earlier. My youngest had asked what those things were and her big sister teased her telling her this was a marshmallow ranch. This was where they grew big marshmallows then cut them up in little pieces, put them in bags and sent them to the stores. Marshmallow Ranch! The perfect name for my tiny little art division of Needles & Pins.
\nUnfortunately, the shop wasn’t open long enough for my ideas to come to fruition. I did design three or four patterns and had samples stitched, but never got them published. This is the most detailed of my designs. I called it “Three Sheep”. Maybe someday I’ll get around to developing that idea again. Designing cross-stitch patterns isn’t as easy as it looks. Even with my interest in art, I’m not a very good judge of color. I found this picture on my new computer when the photos were delivered from the cloud and thought I’d share it with you. It’s been thirteen years since I closed the second incarnation of my little needlework shop. It was a difficult time in my life, but one that shaped the path of who I have become. It’s something I am proud of in retrospect. ❤️
\n“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”\nJames 1:17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-22T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/22/in-the-beginning.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/21/when-your-body-speakslisten.html", "title": "When Your Body Speaks...Listen", "content_html": "
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cc2963afd0.jpg\")
\nI had a huge day planned yesterday. I was really looking forward to gathering with two different groups of friends. I awoke sometime before dawn and my body just said, “Nope. Not today. Go back to sleep.” In the past, I might have forced myself up and made myself go. Since losing Mr. Virgo, I’ve learned to listen more to my body when it speaks to me.
\nGrief not only causes things like “grief brain” which was illustrated in the article I shared with you the other night. Several health ailments can be attributed to grief and the resultant stress it causes. High levels of cortisol…the “fight or flight” hormone…can cause everything from high blood pressure to heart disease to depression to substance abuse. It also affects your immune system and you tend to get sick easier and things last longer. There isn’t an expiration date on grief either. You may not be actively grieving, but you can still suffer from the repercussions.
\nYesterday it was tummy trouble. Easy enough to fix with rest, fluids and over the counter medications. I have to be extra careful with things like gluten and fats now. I didn’t have to do that before Mr. Virgo died. Another thing that came my way was an autoimmune response to grief and I developed plantar-palmar psoriasis. I doctored that with steroids and every psoriasis cream known to man. I tried folk remedies and old wive’s tales. Nothing touched it till last year when I started using doTerra’s LifePak vitamins and CBD (canabidiol) ointment. It’s pretty well controlled now with occasional applications and I take a small dose of the vitamins every other day or so.
\nNothing is the same after a profound loss. For a long time, I grieved not only for Mr. Virgo…but also for the ME that I lost in the process of grieving. When I finally let go of trying to recreate my life the way it was before, I began to embrace the life I was building. It’s much, much better but the physical things still creep up on me from time to time. I still find them frustrating, even though I am much better at listening to my body now. When it says, “Go back to sleep”…unless I have something that I absolutely HAVE to do…I listen. I texted my friends and told them I was going to have to bow out because I didn’t feel well. They totally understood. There will be other opportunities to get together. And I spent the day reading. I haven’t spent the day reading in ages because for the longest time, my grief brain wouldn’t allow me to concentrate long enough to get through a book. It was lovely to be able to read…and comprehend what I was reading. Mr. Fixit watched college basketball and a couple of movies while I cuddled up on the couch and listened to recordings of campfires and thunderstorms.
\nRemember…self care is not selfish. It is necessary. If you are alone, you may have the freedom to practice self care any time, but not always. I am fortunate to have this wonderful man who understands and supports my need for self care on a regular basis. What a gift he is to me. ❤️
\n“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”\n1 Peter 5:7-11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-21T02:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/21/when-your-body-speakslisten.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/20/savor-the-sweet.html", "title": "Savor the Sweet", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/411e0f5d86.jpg\")
\nThe first time I set foot in a trout stream, I was six years old. It was the summer before my life would be forever changed by the illicit touch of a stranger. The summer of 1960 found my family on its very first vacation. We traveled to the mountains of West Virginia and rented a small cabin for a week. I remember mom frying trout in an iron skillet. I remember my brother and I playing quietly in the shade of the many trees surrounding our camp. I remember my dad standing in the shallow middle, up to his knees, casting over and over with the flies he had meticulously tied at his workbench in the basement. And I remember the river. The North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, to be exact.
\nI didn’t have much experience with open bodies of water. Mom had instilled an unhealthy fear of water in me with stories of the time she saved her baby sister from drowning. She had no intention of ever having to save me, so I was banished from any water sports. And, it turns out…I’m a bit of a water baby. I remember one day in particular. Dad was out in his favorite fishing hole, patiently casting, and I stood at the river’s edge. I contemplated the ripples as they passed over the smooth river rocks. I gazed at the deep pools that changed to the color of emeralds where the sandy bottom lay two or three feet below. I delighted at the light dancing on the surface like a thousand diamonds and the trout flashing as they breached the surface to catch their next meal.
\nThat was a simple and peaceful summer…the last I would know before my innocence was taken from me. But, that is not to say, I have never found moments that have recaptured that sense of awe and wonder. I have…many times. Yesterday was one of those days that delivered sweet things…one after another…till I was overflowing with the beauty and simplicity of it all.
\nI made my routine trip to the farm to see how the kitties are fairing. I checked the stove and the basement. I sat, as I always do, in the chair in “Grandma’s Window” and watched the birds at the feeder. I listened to the sounds of an old house…living and breathing…its bones creaking like the old woman that she is. I watched the pendulum in Mr. Virgo’s clock swing back and forth, reminding me I couldn’t stay too long. We had company coming.
\nI stopped at the neighbor’s for a bit and delivered a small gift of French Truffles. We passed the time, catching up on the news of the neighbors and I left with promises it wouldn’t be so long till my next visit. I turned the truck toward home. I checked the mail and found a pink slip…a package had come and would be waiting for me at the post office. Mr. FixIt offered to go pick it up as I put the groceries away. I no sooner sat down till our company arrived.
\nMr. FixIt’s granddaughter and her family brought their baby to see Papaw and GG! I have inherited a whole passel of people in this relationship, including a son and his wife, a daughter and her man, three granddaughters (two of whom have significant others), a grandson and his girlfriend, and a great granddaughter. You know what that means, don’t you? I am a great grandmother! And…considering I am WAY too young to be one (smile)…I am GG. Great Grandma. Grandma Ginny. GG. It suits me. The baby is four months old and the most precious little thing. What a treat to hold and rock a little one again!
\nBefore long, Mr. FixIt came back with my box. I couldn’t wait to open it. It was a special introductory gift box from my dear friend, and fellow Sister on the Fly, Michelle McMullen Cummings with her newly published book, The Reel Sisters! https://www.thereelsisters.com/product/the-reel-sisters-gift-box/ Now I have two books to read, one published and one unpublished with an invitation to write early praise for its release. Both written by strong women I admire and I can’t wait to get into them! The reminder of these sister friendships warmed my heart as rocked and sang a lullaby to the newest member of our immediate family. I thought…”I will teach you to fly, little sister” as I sniffed the top of her sweet, soft head.
\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8a4033efd5.jpg\")
\nI am enjoying getting to know and bond with Mr. FixIt’s family. As his granddaughter bundled up the baby and prepared to leave yesterday, she turned to me and said, “I like you. You make my grandpa very happy.” I like her, too. She reminds me a little of myself when I was her age. A young mother, in love with her baby, her life stretching before her like an endless summer. It filled me with a soft warmth. As I sat propped in our bed last night, typing away at the keyboard writing this post, that very happy Papaw came in with a small bowl of ice cream and a kiss on the top of my head. And I swear…my heart exploded with joy.
\nThe sweet simplicity of a life lived with boundless joy. My God has delivered me far, far from the pain life can bring. For now. There will be pain again. There always is. This is life, after all. The difference is, I have this now. I am building my insurance policy. These stories are money in my emotional bank…stories to look back upon one day and remember the joy I felt on a cold January day in the sun. ❤️
\n“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”\nJames 1:17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-20T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/20/savor-the-sweet.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/19/catching-up.html", "title": "Catching Up", "content_html": "
![\"Coffee](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/50b1ef10f4.jpg\")
\nOne of the best ways to catch up with paperwork is to have peaceful surroundings. Mr. FixIt had a day of errands to do. I think he kinda wanted me to tag along with him yesterday, but I know us well…I would have ended up coming in at 9:30 last night and none of this work would have gotten done.
\nAs soon as he left (with a big hug and kiss) I turned on praise music and cranked it up. I always need a little extra dose of Jesus when I am heading into a formidable task. Wading through many bags and boxes of papers and sorting them into some sort of organization that allows me to actually put my finger on things was the order of the day. With praise, and good coffee and French Truffles…I waded in with both feet and started making the first cuts. What was trash. What needed to be kept in which pile. I really, really hate paperwork! “Jesus is calling…” I can do this. “Do you thirst for a drink from the well…” I can do this. “The Father’s arms are open wide…” Oh, yes…I can definitely do this! “Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy…” YES…let’s DO this!!!
\nAs I often do, I talk out loud to Jesus when I’m working. The conversation is never one-sided. He always speaks to me through the Holy Spirit and tells me everything I need to hear. First, he smacks my hand a little…”Keep up with this stuff better.” He chides gently. “You know what an ordeal it is when you put it off till the end of the year. It seems overwhelming. If it’s difficult to slog through…remember to talk with me while you’re working. It makes the time pass faster. And, I can help. I can help you put things into perspective. I can help you find lost papers. I can help you remember who you need to talk to about this and that. I can help you make important decisions. Just remember to include me…even in the most mundane of your daily activities.”
\nThen He goes on with his daily teaching. “Thank your Father for the gifts you receive. See all these papers? They are all articles of provision. That bank account? I gave you that gift to provide for your every need. Respect that. Balance every month…not because it’s a drudge, but because it’s an honor to see the abundance you have been provided with. The same goes for that insurance policy you have been complaining about because the price went up. Be grateful you HAVE insurance…and so far, you haven’t run out of money to pay for it. What about that accident last February? I know you have been dreading searching for all the papers you need to have in order to finish out that claim. Yes, that’s a pain…but, I made sure you weren’t terribly injured. And you received a much newer truck when yours was totaled. It was “a miracle” when you got that check that just almost covered the new truck, wasn’t it? It was Me…I made sure you have a safe, affordable vehicle. A little gratitude goes a long way, dear one.”
\nWhat blessings I have. I have a Father that provides for me. I have a loving family that supports and loves me. I have this tremendous man in my life who loves me and shares his home with me as if it has always been mine…he’s just been waiting for me to come along. I have my health. I have the farm. I have TOW-Wanda. I have a retirement. I have Social Security and health insurance and soon, I’ll have Medicare…that carrot at the end of the race that will help provide for me in my golden years. I have a house…TWO houses…THREE if you count TOW-Wanda…to shelter me from the storms of life. I have food and clean water and clothes. I am wealthy….beyond my wildest dreams. I am LOVED. What a lovely way to look at the mundane, dreary chore of sorting through paperwork. What a lovely way to look at the world. Thank you, God! “You’re a good, good Father…it’s who you are, it’s who you are…” ❤️
\n“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 4:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-19T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/19/catching-up.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/17/times-up.html", "title": "Time’s Up", "content_html": "
![\"Time’s](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0b2a8225b1.jpg\")
\nI was a doctor’s wife. I had a beautiful life, for all intents and purposes. While he wasn’t a demonstrative man, I felt I was coping as best I could with his inability to meet my emotional needs. He was a good provider and a good dad. I could overlook the rest. There came a point when I started unraveling a bit. The clouds of depression circled around but never lit very long in those days. That is, until I went in for a physical. My doctor asked how I was doing and I told him I was a bit blue of late. I would often walk into the baby’s room, pick her up and rock her…and cry. “Hmmmmm… Inappropriate crying.” he wrote in my chart. He gave me a prescription for Zoloft and the race to self destruction began. How could I tell him why I was crying? How could I do that in the short time he had allotted for this visit? It was so much deeper than any pill could ever reach.
\nAs I write this, I’m watching the gymnasts facing their abusive doctor in court. What a different world it is for sexual abuse victims now. My first abuser was a senior in high school. I was eight or nine. I was playing with a friend when the big boy lured us into a garage to “look at toys”. When he had his hand in my pants, he was whispering things in my ear I didn’t understand. Mom said don’t talk to strangers. But “Butterball” lived in the neighborhood. We knew him. I stood stock still in the belief he would leave. When he was done with me, he went for my friend. In that moment, my maternal instincts kicked in and I grabbed her hand and ran down the hill to her house. I pounded on the door and her mother came to answer. I was frantic and told her what had happened. She opened the screen door and I thought…”Oh, thank God! She’s going to save us!” Mrs. G grabbed her daughter and drew her in the house. As I started to go in, she placed her hand on my chest, pushed me out the door, and said, “Don’t you EVER say anything like that EVER again to ANYBODY!” Then she slammed the door in my face.
\nI went to my house and sat on the lawn trying to figure out what had happened. When I was really little, my babysitter’s teenage daughter had sex with her boyfriend in her room all the time. She caught me watching once and beat the tar out of me and told me I was bad. And here, a mother I knew and trusted told me I was bad and I had a pretty good idea it had something to do with that physical act I had no name for. I made a concrete decision right there. I would take Mrs. G’s advice. I would not tell my mom. I mean, what if I told her and SHE put me out on the street like my friend’s mom??? I would die!
\nI never told, nor did I tell about the time it happened with my best friend’s dad when I was twelve or thirteen. You know…when you are convinced you are bad from your earliest memories, that kind of damage runs deeply and permanently in your DNA.
\nI didn’t tell until I was watching my girls on the living room floor, playing. Daughter #1 was sixteen. Daughter #2 was one. I don’t know if it was the way the sun came in through the window or the way my daughter tucked her hair behind her ear or maybe it was the sound of their sweet innocent voices but suddenly those memories came rushing back with such force it nearly knocked me to my knees. The shadow of depression that was floating just out of my reach crashed on me with the force of a tsunami. That is when I started rocking my baby in the night…weeping. “Inappropriate crying”? I think not. I was trying to figure out how I was going to protect this precious child from the horrors that await little girls in the great big world. I was weeping for that little girl in me who was abused then turned away by someone who could have helped her..SHOULD have helped her. I was trying to figure out just one thing in my 38-year-old mind…”Who can I tell? And, what the hell does it matter now?” Just, please God…keep them safe.
\nThe fact that I’m sitting here alive and well, and that my children are beautiful and safely grown is testimony to a mother’s strength and courage. The road was long and filled with unexploded ordinance, but we made it through. I told my mom everything when I was about forty. I was hyper vigilant with my girls but they were never abused under my watch. Now, I tell and tell and tell in an effort to teach prevention and give permission to tell your own stories. Because, #timesup. No more secrets. No more lies. No more hiding in the dark.
\nYes…I’m proud of these young gymnasts. And, everyone else in the #metoo movement. I wish there had been this same moral outrage when these athletes came forward. It would have helped them so much because, just as it’s difficult to walk the path of grief alone, so too is the walk of abuse. It is the original “walk of shame”…only we did nothing wrong. It was not our fault.
\nWhile I never wish pain on people as a rule, I felt a certain vindication when I watched that doctor with his face in his hands as he is forced to sit there while victim after victim sit before him and tell their stories. To see him take off his glasses and wipe the tears away and hang his head in shame gave me great satisfaction. My abuse occurred in a time when such things weren’t talked about. Therefore, my abusers went on and lived their lives unscathed. I don’t know if they ever felt bad. Did they ever have remorse? Did they ever think of me? Did they ever want to ask for my forgiveness but didn’t know where to find me? Or better yet, did they ask God to forgive them? Did they find salvation? Will we meet somewhere and have the opportunity to talk? One is dead. Too late. I’m not sure about the other one. He’d be about 74 years old now. I’ve forgiven them both long ago. But I do often wonder…what if? What if I could sit (or could have sat) in front of my abusers and tell them what their actions did to me. How it affected my family, my relationships, my children. How it affected my views of the world and my sense of personal safely and my relationship to sexuality. How their few moments stolen from me left a deep chasm in my psyche that I urgently tried to fill with drugs and alcohol, sex and shopping. How the memories I had so carefully packed deeply away in a place that could never be opened came crashing out on a sunny Saturday morning…ripping my neat and tidy little suburban doctor’s wife life into shreds.
\nInappropriate crying?!?! You got a couple of hours to listen to WHY I was holding my baby and crying?!?! You tell me, doc. Because at that point, I had no words to describe what had happened, no one to listen…to really hear…and only tears to shed. Your answer? Drugs. Drugs, drugs, and more drugs.
\n“Shhhhh…here. Take this. Let us help.”
\nI was very nearly “doctored to death”.
\nYes, today I am proud of these beautiful young women doing a job no one in their right mind wants to do. We should be living in a world where we don’t ever NEED to have these conversations. As Oprah said…there is a change coming.
\nAccountability.
\nA new dawn is rising.
\nTime’s up. ❤️
\n“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”\nMatthew 18:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-17T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/17/times-up.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/16/on-being-loved.html", "title": "On Being Loved", "content_html": "![\"Flowers](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/066e9e9604.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt and I have developed this little routine the last few months. We have a nice dinner and clear up the dishes. We sit together for a while and talk or maybe watch a movie or an episode of Big Bang or MASH. When it’s time for a bedtime snack, I take mine into the bedroom at the far end of the house and write while my sweetie watches a ball game or the news and weather. It works out great and we both have that little bit of alone time everyone needs in a relationship. I’ve taken to listening to nature sounds on Amazon Music as I write so quite often, in my head, there’s a thunderstorm raging or ocean waves are gently lapping at the shore or birds are singing in a tropical rainforest. It’s so soothing and easy to write to.
\nMy guy bowls on a couple of leagues and has for over thirty years. Bowling offered him the opportunity to socialize with fun people. He is gregarious, and bowling has been a great outlet for him. The other night he stopped at the store on the way home. He always calls me before he heads home because no matter where we are staying…his house or mine…it is a good forty minutes from town. He asks if I need anything. Usually, I don’t. He called me from the driveway the other night and asked me to open the door. He’s not supposed to carry anything in his bad hand yet. When I greeted him at the door, he handed me the groceries and I ducked in the kitchen with them. It was SO cold out there…I wanted away from the door as fast as I could. When I turned around to hug him, he handed me this bouquet of yellow roses.
\nI love yellow roses. I love great big bouquets of mixed flowers but all in white. I love a live orchid. Mr. Virgo used to bring me flowers. And now…I have this sweet love…this good, good man. And HE brings me flowers, too. Guys like Mr. Virgo and Mr. FixIt are a rare breed. My sweetheart told me the other day he wished we had started dating in high school so we could have had our whole lives together. I understand that thinking, and it’s sweet…really. But the thing is, we are the people we are right now simply BECAUSE of the life experiences we have been through. There is a really big chance we wouldn’t have gotten along in our early years. All of our experiences have been opportunities for personal growth. We came together when we did because it was GOD’S timing…not ours.
\nWhen we can move over and get out of the way, God does extraordinary things in our lives. “Let go and let God” isn’t just a pithy saying or a tired cliche from an AA meeting. It is straight outta the instruction manual for life…the Bible. Oh, we are such proud creatures. We want to have control. We want to steer the boat and make it go where WE want it. At any given moment, there is a preordained course designed specifically for us. God knows your name. He has plans to prosper you. God loves you more than anyone in the world. He loves you more than you can fathom. You can make it SO much easier if you put God in the driver’s seat. The easiest way to do that is ask. Just ask Him…first thing in the morning. “Where are you going to take me today, Lord?” Then get out of the way. Oh, my…could it really be that easy??? ❤️
\n“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”\nProverbs 16:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-16T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/16/on-being-loved.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Aging","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/15/toxicity.html", "title": "Toxicity", "content_html": "
![\"Toxicity](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/95427f7bf9.jpg\")
“Toxicity” by Ginny McKinney
“People tell you who they are, but we ignore it because we want them to be who we want them to be.”\nMad Men ~ Don Draper
\nOk, show of hands…how many of you have been in toxic relationships? Ahhhh, yes…I thought so. Almost all of you nodded your heads and said, “Yep!” I have been in more than one. They don’t feel good. They are crazy-making. And, they are avoidable but you really have to have your eyes open to see them!
\nI’ve been having the most fascinating ongoing conversation over the last week. I ran into someone from my past on Facebook. We knew each other fairly well back in the day. She watched me go through a terribly dark period in my life. She saw me spiral out of control. She saw depression consume me. She saw me reach out for help but the help I really needed just wasn’t there. There wasn’t anything she could do but watch helplessly as I went down in flames.
\nI was in a toxic relationship. I didn’t even know what that was at the time. It wasn’t until much later the term was coined and a definition was given for this type of relationship. According to Health Scope Magazine, “a toxic relationship is a relationship characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to their partner. Keep in mind that it takes two individuals to have a toxic relationship.” In my case, the damage wasn’t physical…it was emotional. Disparaging comments, derogatory remarks, mean-spirited repartee described as “just kidding”. Remarks like “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but…” and “You’re not wearing THAT out, are you?” and “Well…THAT was stupid!”
\nThe other day, I wrote about how I had been being critical of Mr. FixIt because I was frustrated about something. We all do that to one degree or another…on occasion. But, when a relationship devolves to base comments that never get better, that only tend to deteriorate and get “snarkier” and more brazen and harsh…that’s a problem. What most often happens in that situation is something called “gaslighting”. The term comes from a movie called Gaslight. In the movie, a man and woman are in a toxic relationship. He starts turning the gaslight off and asking her why she did that. He made the woman think she was crazy. Gaslighting is a terrible form of abuse and can go on for years unchecked if the person being gaslighted believes what is being said. I began to believe I was crazy. And THAT was crazy!
\nWhat was fascinating with this conversation was the third party observations that absolutely validated my experiences. That told me…I really WASN’T crazy! Well…beyond what the relationship caused. The important thing about the definition of a toxic relationship is…it takes two people to be in one. The other day I read about a celebrity who was dating a man who tickled her. She told him she didn’t like tickling, it made her feel vulnerable, helpless, and out of control…and would he please stop. He thought that was really dumb so he tickled her anyway. She broke up with him. I thought to myself, “Way to GO, girlfriend!” When gaslighting first started in my relationship, I second guessed it. I thought surely I must be mistaken. The person I knew and loved would NEVER do that. I must have misheard or misunderstood. I’m being too sensitive. Then you start walking on eggshells. Maybe you lash back. Maybe you try to trap each other and get in a power struggle to gain the upper hand and get things back in control. Whatever you do, a toxic relationship is best avoided at all costs.
\nMy old friend went through exactly the same thing in her relationship…word for word. The same life circumstances, the same process, the same results. To have someone who knows you, who has gone through the same thing, and can say “These things happened to me, too!”? Wow! Liberation. Validation. It’s hard to describe how that felt inside.
\nThe problem with toxic relationships is they rob you of your self-esteem…your self-confidence. They leave you feeling powerless and out of control. The first time I was able to set boundaries with someone and stick to it felt like I had just discovered fire! Such a rush of power came through me…it was totally foreign. I didn’t learn these skills growing up. I was a girl, to begin with. Secondly, I was the child of an alcoholic. I had no one to teach me about boundaries and values. It is utterly amazing to be very nearly sixty-five years old and finally “get it”. To have my eyes open.
\nThank you, thank you, thank you, my friend! Our conversations have done more for me than all the therapy I went through back in the day. I am so happy we have reconnected. God brings us the people we need at just the right time, doesn’t He? ❤️
\n“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”\nJames 3:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-15T02:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/15/toxicity.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/13/the-umbrella-incident-or-how.html", "title": "“The Umbrella Incident” or “How to Feed Your Man”", "content_html": "![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/def162faf9.jpg\")
“Winter Flooding in West Virginia” by Ginny McKinney
It all started innocently enough. It was going to rain and I was heading to town soon. As I jumped in the shower, I called out to Mr. FixIt.
\n“Honey…would you mind grabbing my umbrella out of the truck?”
\nWhen I got dressed and was heading out the door, I looked around. My umbrella wasn’t there. I asked if he had gotten it for me and Mr. FixIt said no. There was an umbrella there by the door. Now, it was a perfectly good umbrella. One that, you know, keeps rain off of you. But I wanted MY umbrella and I felt Mr. FixIt had made a decision for me. I didn’t like it.
\nSilly…that was just plain silly of me. But, I am my mother’s daughter and stubborn is my middle name. I hopped out the door and into the rain…sans umbrella.
\n“I’ll show YOU!” I thought as I made a mad dash for the truck. “I don’t need your stinky old boy umbrella!”
\nRidiculous. I got wet because I got my nose out of joint. And why? Because, somewhere in the far recesses of my mind I equated “Please get my umbrella.” with “Please tell me you love me.” That is old school thinking right there…something I thought I left behind like…two relationships ago.
\nIt’s been a couple of weeks now. And ever since, I’ve been criticizing Mr. FixIt’s every move. Mostly because he’s a man and he had surgery and he’s SUPPOSED to be taking care of that hand so it will heal properly and he’s as stubborn as me and he does things his way and….did I say he was stubborn? I have spent the better part of two weeks with “Don’t pick that up!” And “Here…let ME do it!” I think there were eye-rolls involved. All of this was done in an effort to punish him for a perceived slight that was nothing more than something made up in my head. Some unpacked baggage from seasons past that has absolutely nothing to do with him.
\nThen…the rain started.
\nIt rained…hard. Yesterday morning I awoke to the sounds of the carpet cleaner sucking water up from the rug downstairs. The basement flooded! I jumped up and ran downstairs. And there was my man…emptying one gallon containers of dirty water into the sink…carrying them with two hands, one of which he isn’t supposed to lift anything heavier than popcorn.
\n“Breathe…breathe…don’t scold him. He’s not a child.” My inner voice reasoned with me.
\n“Did you plug in the sump pump?” I asked.
\n“No.” Shoulders slumped. Voice dejected.
\n“Are you kidding me?” I asked.
\nShoulders slumped more. “Stupid. It was stupid.”
\nI took the carpet cleaner and started that part myself so he wouldn’t have to carry the bucket to the sink. Mr. FixIt went about sweeping up water in the room without carpet. He ran the vacuum. We didn’t talk much. Then I sent him off on an errand to town.
\nAfter he left, I went upstairs and fixed myself a cup of coffee. I sipped it as I ran the carpet cleaner back and forth over the soggy carpet. And I fumed. Then I could see the dejected slump of my sweetheart’s shoulders and my heart softened.
\n“Lord,” I said out loud. “I haven’t been loving this wonderful man you gave me the way I should. I haven’t been loving him the way you love me. And all because he didn’t get my umbrella for me!”
\nI sucked up more water, emptied the bucket, and began again.
\n“Lord, please give me the heart of a cheerful servant. Let me see all of his good qualities and none of the annoying traits that make us human. Can you do that for me, please?” I asked with sincere earnestness in my voice.
\nSuddenly, the old hymn “Farther Along” started up in my mind and I began to sing out loud as I vacuumed up bucket after bucket of water.
\n“Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder\nWhy it should be thus all the day long\nWhile there are others living about us\nNever molested though in the wrong.
\nFarther along we’ll know all about it\nFarther along well understand why\nCheer up my brother, live in the sunshine\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nWhen death has come and taken our loved ones\nIt leaves our home so lonely and drear\nThen do we wonder why others prosper\nLiving so wicked year after year.
\nWhen we see Jesus coming in glory\nWhen he comes down from his home in the sky\nThen we shall meet him in that bright mansion\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nFarther along we’ll know all about it\nFarther along we’ll understand why\nCheer up my brother, live in the sunshine\nWe’ll understand it all by and by.
\nYes, we’ll understand it…all by and by.”
\nI sang and sang and in two verses…maybe three…something happened. Any negative thoughts I had been having dissolved. My heart was soft and open. God had indeed given me the heart of a cheerful servant, just as I had asked.
\nI went on and worked, happily singing and emptying bucket after bucket of dirty flood water. I worked for about three hours when Mr. FixIt walked in carrying breakfast for me. I went upstairs and gave him a great big hug and an even bigger smile. I thanked him profusely for bringing me a warm breakfast. I hadn’t taken time to eat. I patted the seat beside me. He shook his head and said no…he needed to get back to it.
\n“Please?” I begged. “Just for a minute.”
\nHe smiled and sat down.
\n“Sweetheart, listen…I know you feel stupid for not plugging in the sump pump. But, I could have thought of it, too. And I didn’t. We unplugged it to put up the snowman for Christmas and just forgot. We make mistakes…it happens. It wasn’t your fault.” I put my hand on his knee and looked at him intently. I wanted to make sure he heard me.
\nMr. FixIt turned those baby blues to mine and gave me his sweetest smile. And, I felt I’d made it right. This is how you feed a man. You feed his spirit. You feed his soul. You breathe life into him. When you start looking for the bad in your love…that’s all you will see. I really, REALLY don’t want to go there. Do I get it right all the time? Oh, heck no! I’m human, too. I stumble and forget and let my lower self talk WAY too often. But sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I remember to ask God for help. Yesterday was one of those days. ❤️
\n“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”\nHebrews 4:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-13T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/13/the-umbrella-incident-or-how.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/12/here-comes-the-rain.html", "title": "Here Comes the Rain", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/41a9fc3f1c.jpg\")
“Belpre Bridge” by Ginny McKinney
Yesterday morning was sunny and warm. By warm, I mean 47. As in…above freezing! And by afternoon it was 72 degrees according to the thermometer on my truck. swoon I haven’t felt this warm since sometime back in September. It was downright balmy out there!
\nMr. FixIt and I had errands to run yesterday and he asked me mid-day what I’d like for lunch. My go to favorite? The Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad with Fat Free Honey Mustard Dressing from Chik-fil-A! And my go to favorite place to eat it? Point Park in Parkersburg. I wanted to watch the ice floes out on the Ohio River. Yesterday, there were three Blue Herons and a bunch of Seagulls sitting out on the ice. I believe two gents were trying to woo the same lady heron because one kept shooing off the interloper. Said lady was having none of it and kept flying away from Mr. Romance.
\nIt had just started raining when we parked in our favorite spot. We really wanted to see a tug pushing barges through the ice but unfortunately, none came along. As an update, Mr. FixIt started working with a hand therapist yesterday. He’s doing really well. He did strain it a little last Sunday night when he pushed up off the floor, but it’s much better now. The therapist made a custom splint for his wrist and thumb that is much sturdier than the one he was given at the surgeon’s office and I am relieved. I was very worried he would slip on the ice and snow last week and really do some damage. We sure don’t want to have to go through this again!
\nOne of my friends and his wife lost their faithful companion, Blue, yesterday. When I was so lonely and hurting, so many of my readers encouraged me to adopt a dog, but this is exactly why I couldn’t. I simply couldn’t put myself through that loss. Mr. Virgo and I put our seventeen-year-old Yorkie-Maltese mix down just three months before Mr. Virgo himself died suddenly. We had had Cricket cremated and were going to spread her ashes in the flower garden in the spring. When Mr. Virgo died, I just put that little box of ashes in the casket with him and swore I’d never have another dog. My heart aches for those who lose their beloved fur babies.
\nWith the nature of grief being so unpredictable, sometimes you literally feel as though you are just one crisis away from losing it entirely. I cannot tell you how many times I have been in the throes of grief, and the accompanying anxiety, and I have felt like I just couldn’t handle one more thing. As a matter of fact, the FEAR of having one more thing happen actually escalated everything. I have an arsenal of coping strategies at my disposal, but sometimes the slope is too steep and the boulder gains too much momentum too fast. There were so many nights when it all got away from me and all I could do was cling to God and pray for morning. If I can get a hold of the wave early enough, the best thing I can do is get out of the situation I’m in. It usually hits me when I’m in bed, so I get up and do something…scrub the kitchen floor, clean out the fridge, run the vacuum.
\nAnother thing that will stop things from spinning out of control for me is writing. There have been countless times I’ve sat down to write my post while I’m feeling the waves of grief and anxiety come over me. As I write, I can literally feel the stress, fear, and anxiety fade…sometimes melting away entirely. I can’t stress enough how much writing can help you through grief. You don’t have to have a blog. Get a journal and write in it every night. I not only wrote this blog, but I filled several personal journals through the first two or three years after Mr. Virgo died. Writing saved me. TOW-Wanda saved me. God saved me. ❤️
\n““This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.”\nJeremiah 30:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-12T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/12/here-comes-the-rain.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/11/the-bent-reed.html", "title": "The Bent Reed", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f05a2a3740.jpg\")
“The Bent Reed” by Ginny McKinney
A lot of people are struggling right now. I don’t know what it is about January. Sure, there’s the let down after the holidays. There’s the long, dark nights. There’s the bitterly cold, grey days. But there’s more than that. There’s a lot of loss.
\nI have friends who are dealing with very serious health issues…either of their own or members of their immediate family. I get prayer requests daily…from multiple people. Disasters, accidents, illness, death. Add this on top of the usual slump of January and it can send you down in a spiral in a hurry.
\nI was reminded of this beautiful verse the other day. I wish I would have had it written down so I could have carried it with me in those first long dark winter months without Mr. Virgo. I know it would have helped. As with all things, it has come to me now…when it means the most. When I need it the most. When I need to share it. God always provides.
\nMy mom died after a brief illness of five days in January 2014. My cousin’s husband a year later at 50. My sweet Uncle Bob the next January. January is just not a good month…for me and for a lot of other people.
\nI bought a new computer the other day. When I was setting it up this week, I noticed a bunch of photos had come down out of the cloud. I hadn’t seen them in a long time, since my computer has been on the fritz for a while. I was scrolling through when my screen was filled with…Mr. Virgo…in his casket. A friend took the picture for me. At first, I thought it was macabre. Then I realized I needed to have that. For a long time it was the only thing that would allow me to cry. I needed to get that out. But somewhere along the line, the pictures from the funeral home made their way up into the cloud and I didn’t see them again. Till this week. It was like getting sucker punched when that popped up, filling my screen with a vision so painful you can feel it in your bones.
\nYes, a lot of people are struggling. Debbie’s husband Toby is in the hospital. Sue’s friend had a biopsy today. Lynn’s family is struggling. Diane lost both her parents and her father-in-law in Januarys along the way and her best friend just lost his dad. The world seems to be reeling under forces whipping it into a frenzy. So, again…I am reminded of this verse.
\nGod will not break a bent reed. He will not snuff out a smoldering flame. When you are at your weakest point, God is still strong. The same God that gave his Son. The same God that walked on water and rose the dead and healed blind men. The same God that breathed life into this world lives today. And He knocks. And He waits. He is a patient, polite God. He will not impose himself. He will not barge in on you. He waits for you to open the door. Opening that door is what has made it possible for me to keep breathing, to keep walking forward through every storm…through every season. I was only bent. ❤️
\n“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out…”\nIsaiah 42:3 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-11T02:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/11/the-bent-reed.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/10/a-welcome-sight.html", "title": "A Welcome Sight", "content_html": "
![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/750015301d.jpg\")
\nThe sun! Ok, it was out for less than fifteen minutes at the farm today…but, oh! What a divine fifteen minutes that was!!! Ok, that is what is the hardest thing about living in the Mid-Ohio Valley as opposed to the Roaring Fork Valley. There is far less sunshine here. The sky stays grey for weeks at a time. When the snow finally comes, it stays till we can get a welcome respite of sunshine and warmth like yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Tomorrow is predicted to get up to 63 degrees! I will take that any day over the bitter, frigid weather we’ve had for the last few weeks.
\nI know…you’ve heard me state before that I would never spend another winter in the cold and snow. Well, never say never, right? A year ago, I didn’t know I would be where I am in this wonderful relationship. I had a fair idea which direction it was going, but a year is a year and one never knows for sure what might happen. I’ve learned not to look too far into the future since losing Mr. Virgo. Other than…this is where I want to be and who I want to be with. That’s enough for me.
\nThis winter isn’t going like we thought it would when we made our travel plans last summer. First, Mr. FixIt had surgery on his hand and it turned out to be a much bigger deal than we thought it would be so that nixed not only the trip to Colorado at Christmas, but also the two month camping trip we had planned in Florida for February and March. He has hand therapy to go through now and there is still much he cannot do for himself. We’ve decided this is an excellent time to go through closets and boxes of stuff at his house and do a little downsizing. I have a great deal of experience in that department and I am happy as a clam to help out.
\nIn my effort to stay present this year, I’m going to go out today and tomorrow and enjoy every moment of warmth I can possible soak up. I hope you are getting a respite from winter in your neck of the woods. I am also keeping the people of Southern California in my prayers as they struggle with the inevitable mudslides that follow devastating fires. I’ve personally seen the effects of that in Glenwood Springs after the Storm King and Coal Seam fires. I saw on the news last night where they rescued a teenager from the basement of her home. She was nearly encased in mud. It was unbelievable. She had to have been terrified. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this disaster. ❤️
\n“…Get up and pray…”\nLuke 22:46 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-10T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/10/a-welcome-sight.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peace","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/08/old-friends.html", "title": "Old Friends", "content_html": "
![\"Namaste\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/12d73a44d0.jpg\")
\nOur babies were just wee ones when we met. We were taking a sewing class together which really turned out to be twice a week therapy for busy moms to vent and create something beautiful. Sue took my breath away. Tall and slender with that long, thick, full-bodied hair those of us with baby fine strands drool over, she embodied the earth mother I so desperately wanted to be. We became fast friends. We got together and had tea. We hiked. We stitched and b****ed our way through our children’s youth. We were soccer moms. And, even though we were several years apart in age, we had so much in common.
\nSue is one of those friends you may not speak to more than once or twice a year. But when you do, you feel this incredible soul connection and time disappears. We pass each other on Facebook. We give each other virtual hugs and atta girls. We know we are never more than a message or a text or a phone call away.
\nSue moved away from Glenwood Springs a couple of years before that cataclysmic event…the overdose…and my world changed dramatically. She was so worried about me. She was supportive and listened and offered me unconditional love. There was a long stretch of time when we didn’t get to see each other. She was at our wedding. Then Mr. Virgo died and she couldn’t come to the funeral. When I went on my three month journey into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado, Sue invited me to her little “ranchita” down near the Four Corners area. She had ten acres overlooking Mesa Verde. She had a labyrinth she had designed and built. By this time, she was an accomplished yogi.
\nThe day I arrived at her place near Dolores, Sue came running out of the house and grabbed me. She hugged me tight then pulled back and looked me in the eyes.
\n“You said you were doing ok…but I had to see for myself. I wouldn’t know for sure till I squeezed you!” Then she drew me in for another hug.
\nSue ministers to you with softness, compassion. She settled me in the rocking chair by the big picture window. She brought me tea. She sat with me and we rocked…the comforting quiet hanging between us like a well worn quilt as we watched the birds at the immense feeder just beyond the glass. We drove to Silverton one day to be at the finish line of a mountain bike race. I was terribly anxious the night before. I had a really hard time with anxiety the first year or two after Mr. Virgo died. Sue sat with me for hours into the night as I cried and threw up and was generally a horrible mess. She’s that friend…the one who loves you when you’re really messy. She is the one who kicked me in the butt and made me write my book. She said…”Write it now while there is pain in your heart. We will feel it. If you try to write it after you heal, you will lose that voice.” She is so right. I love her dearly.
\nIt’s a new year…time for us to reconnect. Sue and I talked for two hours and twenty-two minutes last night. We discussed all the changes in our lives…all the changes to come. And we decided to plan a yoga retreat. We’ll have yoga sessions as well as talks…nutrition, self-care, grief, art, music, writing. I have a picture in my mind of what I want it to look like. I’ll let you know as we formulate a plan and I’d love you to come!
\nLife is full of interesting twists and turns, isn’t it? My word this year is “presence”. By being present, I will flow through life more awake, more open, more prepared to embrace challenges. Retreats have been a HUGE dream of mine. Time to start letting that dream out to play! ❤️
\n“gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”\nGalatians 5:23 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-08T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/08/old-friends.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/07/epiphany.html", "title": "Epiphany", "content_html": "
![\"“Epiphany”](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/124531bb4f.jpg\")
\nEpiphany
\nEpiphany; noun: plural noun: epiphanies
\nA) the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).
\nB) the festival commemorating the Epiphany on January 6.
\nC) a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being.
\nD) a moment of sudden revelation or insight.
\nYesterday was Epiphany. Traditionally, it marks the end of the Christmas Season. The day the Three Wise Men visited the baby Jesus and bestowed their gifts to Him.
\nEpiphany also means a sudden revelation, insight, and/or appearance of a supernatural being. Eighteen years ago, I experienced epiphany on many, many levels. I was seven years into a devastating depression…one I could see no way out of. I was over prescribed medications by a medical community that my husband at the time belonged to. I was a doctor’s wife. I had WAY too ready access to medications I had no business being on because a referral pattern is a terrible thing to waste. Doctors hate to take care of other doctor’s family. It puts a lot of pressure on them to go above and beyond…to be exemplary…to have a positive outcome, no matter what. Unfortunately for me, that meant seven years of medications that made me a zombie. Add a psychiatrist who told me at every visit, that this was just the way I was…I would need to take these medicines every day for the rest of my life…that I had a chemical imbalance in my brain. I lost my 40’s…literally. My marriage was irreparably damaged. December of 1999 found me struggling. My 20th Anniversary came and my husband told me he wasn’t in love with me anymore. I was devastated. I couldn’t see how I could possibly live without him. I circled the drain and on January 6, 2000…I overdosed on two full bottles of pills and I very easily could have died.
\nAs they worked on me in the emergency room…these doctors and nurses with whom my husband and I socialized…I “faded”. My vision became a tunnel. My hearing damped down till it sounded like I had tin cans over my ears. I didn’t see a great white light like some talk about when they have a near-death experience. I’ve drawn it here, as close as I can. It was this incredibly beautiful disc of cobalt blue with golden rays of light radiating from it all around like an eclipse. It was ethereal and sparkly and incredibly peaceful.
\nAs I stood in this immense ocean of blue light, my hearing left me and there was no sound. Dead air. Nothing. And suddenly, my grandma’s voice cut through the silence and straight into my left ear, as if she were standing beside me and bent down to speak directly to me. She shouted at me!
\n“Young lady…you get back down there right now! You have work to do!!!”
\nImmediately, my eyes flew open wide and I was in the ER, lying on a gurney, the overhead light shining in my eyes. I squinted at the glare and the sudden rush of noise. I rolled up on my side and threw up violently. After a while, I turned on my back. A nurse was leaning over me…a look of sincere concern on her face. I burst into tears when I realized what had happened. I kept crying, “I’m so ashamed, I’m so ashamed, I’m so ashamed.” She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear, “You have nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve been sick. You’re going to be ok.”
\nI was at the bottom of the barrel in that moment and I had to begin a very long climb back. It took a great deal of intense therapy to convince me the other doctor was wrong and I really didn’t have a chemical imbalance in my brain. It took a full three years to wean off the medications he had me on. My marriage was over. I nearly lost my relationship with my kids. It took a huge amount of work, strength, and determination to rebuild my life.
\nI think that experience actually gave me tools to help me cope with losing Mr. Virgo years later. I survived that horrible ordeal. I surely could survive this one. I’ll survive the next. It’s fitting that the overdose occurred on Epiphany. The symbolic ending. The supernatural appearance of my grandma’s disembodied voice…nine months after her death. The moment of sudden revelation and insight that I had gone as far away from where God wanted me to be as I could possibly go.
\nI look back on those years with a sadness that I lost so much. I look back on that night with the absolute conviction that God sent the one person I would listen to…my grandma. I believe with all my heart that God saved me that night because He wasn’t done with me. He still had work for me to do. And, I also believe I could not have done any of this work if I had never had those seven years of walking through hell…if I had never had that devastating overdose…if I had not nearly lost everything.
\nThose of you who have been following me for a long time have probably heard this story before because I consider January 6th my “Re-Birth Day” in a literal sense. My second chance. My do-over. And for those of you new enough that you haven’t heard it yet, it might give you a sense of where I’ve been, even before the devastating loss of Mr. Virgo. We all have struggles in life. And, so far, I’ve survived all of them 100% of the time. For a long time, I was embarrassed by this story. Depression. Anxiety. Drugs. Dysfunction. Once I became a Christian, I realized God can use me to help others in similar circumstances. If I shine His Light into every dark corner of my life and show that Light to you, then I am doing what He put me on this earth to do. I’m at peace with that part of my life now. It doesn’t embarrass me. I am not ashamed. I am strengthened by a God that wouldn’t let ME decide it was time to go. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given…a chance to rebuild broken relationships…a chance at great love, not just once, but twice. I’ve lost much…but I’ve gained so much more. ❤️
\n““Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”\nIsaiah 60:1 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-07T02:30:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/07/epiphany.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/06/greater-is-the-one.html", "title": "Greater is the One", "content_html": "![\"Earth](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85de1a59c8.jpg\")
\nThe nature of my writing has grown with the changes I have gone through on my grief journey. Early on, it was so incredibly painful to even try to put words together to express my pain. I understood for the first time how God could hear our prayers when all we can manage are groans. Once the words started, it was like releasing a torrent. My pain literally fell onto the pages and it was emotionally exhausting…for me, and for you as well. The release was cathartic. The more I let it go, the more my heart healed.
\nNot everyone has a blog where they can release the pent up pain, anger, frustration, confusion that comes with grief. I am blessed with this venue and I don’t take any of you for granted. Your feedback and support has been so incredibly healing for me. I am blessed with family and friends who were supportive during the early months of my grief. The day Mr. Virgo died and I called my daughters, they dropped what they were doing and jumped in their cars to begin the long drive to be with me. They stayed by my side. They answered the phone for me. They made important calls. They took me everywhere I needed to go. Daughter #1 slept with me every night with her arm across my chest to protect me, to calm me, to reassure me I was not alone.
\nPeople gathered and surrounded me with love and support and food. My daughters and I bought every funny DVD we could find and tried to find someplace to land besides terror and pain. My friends held me in silence…the same friends who dressed me for my wedding and placed the flowers all around. Here they were…nearly six years to the day…doing the only thing they could do. After we lay Mr. Virgo in the ground, we gathered at our home…my home. I went straight to the humidor and got the expensive cigar he was saving for golf in the summer. I grabbed the bottle of Courvoisier I had used for Mr. Virgo’s favorite fruitcake. And I gathered the men…and my younger daughter. She was particularly close to her stepdad. We went to the front porch and smoked the cigar, and passed the bottle around till it was gone. We told manly stories of golf and travel, hotels and restaurants…all things Mr. Virgo.
\nAfter everyone left, the family gathered me up and took me to a restaurant to entice me to eat. I hadn’t had much of anything but coffee for days. It was the day before St. Patrick’s Day…a fine day to be buried, Mr. Virgo would have said. My daughters needed to get back to Denver. Daughter #1 offered to stay longer if I needed her. And while I did…desperately…I said no. I knew she needed to get back to her own family…her own life. And so, just like that, they were gone. And the house became quiet.
\nI stayed home alone for a week. I had paperwork to do and some things to wrap up at work. I packed a bag, stopped my mail, and headed to Denver to be near the kids. My son-in-law’s parents kept me at their home. I don’t remember the first week I was there…except that I didn’t get dressed for a week and only occasionally ventured out of the room for a little food. I slept much of the time. Finally, I started to join the land of the living again.
\nSlowly…ever so slowly…I moved forward. Days became weeks and week, months. The firsts started…my first birthday without him, his birthday, the holidays. Our wedding anniversary was just three weeks after he died. People called to see how I was doing. They sent cards and texts and checked in with me on Facebook. One of my daughter’s friends from high school contacted me every week for the first year. And eventually…they all moved on. It was inevitable. They can’t stay forever. They can’t stop their lives forever.
\nAt first, I was really put out. I still needed to vent. I still needed to cry. I needed to tell every story, a hundred times. I needed so much. I needed more than they could ever give. I have to say, I never felt completely abandoned. I am blessed to have the most fabulous people in my life who would listen to me even today if I called and cried. However…I did feel “like a burden”, as one of my readers put it. I didn’t want to unload on them all the time. Somehow, I managed to reach that tipping point where I realized I needed to start managing this pain on my own. That was a really lonely stretch. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have to sit in that “waiting room” (as my friend Christina Rasmussen calls it in her book, Second Firsts) forever, but I had no idea how long I’d be in this social limbo. I wanted to stay alone forever AND I wanted to be with people. I wanted to be invited out AND I wanted to never talk to another soul. I wanted to feel normal AND I didn’t want to feel anything. Oh….grief is crazy making.
\nI had to have something to hang onto…something, someONE, who would anchor me and keep me from flying off the face of the earth. Even though I had been a Christian for seven years, I only attended church sporadically. One Sunday morning, many months after Mr. Virgo died, I decided I needed to talk to someone who never tired of hearing my cries. Someone who would give and give and give…no matter how much I needed. Who would love me no matter how messy or messed up I got. I went back to church…and I’ve been going ever since.
\nAs much as people want to help…they are people. They are fallible. They can say the wrong things. They can feel overwhelmed by your pain. They can burn out from your grief. But God? God never gets tired of hearing from you. God never gets tired of comforting you. He never gets tired of holding you close. Greater is the one who lives within me than the one who lives in the world. God is the one…the only one who will always, always love you. Even when you cry that horrible snot-slinging cry that no one needs to see. Even when you are so anxious you stay up puking all night. Even when your life seems not worth living. The only way you can lose is to give up. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Because joy comes again. It sneaks in the cracks of your broken heart when you least expect it. Not all at once…just a little tiny bit at a time. But it comes, dear one. Hang on…it comes. ❤️
\n“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”\n1 John 4:4 NIV
\n#God, #Love, #Light
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-06T02:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/06/greater-is-the-one.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/05/deep-freeze.html", "title": "Deep Freeze", "content_html": "![\"Winter](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da965fc8ab.jpg\")
Winter Dawn by Ginny McKinney
As most of the country settles in for a rough ride on the Snowball Express, I am sitting here snug as a bug in a rug at Mr. FixIt’s house. I’ve taken to listening to praise music as I write my posts. I’ve changed things up and started writing during the day instead of late at night. I thought it might give me a different perspective and add a new dimension to the blog. The praise music not only keeps my heart in the right place, it inspires me to write about a scripture instead of the other way around. All this time I have written my post then I’d go look for an appropriate scripture that illustrated what my thinking was. That’s a much more time consuming process.
\nI downloaded an app on my phone called Moment. It tracks my screen time and frankly, I was appalled when I saw how much time I spend staring at a screen. Granted, it’s not all mindless surfing or game playing. A good portion of it is spent writing these posts. Now, that in itself is not a bad thing by any means. It’s just that…I have this really sweet guy that would probably enjoy a little more attention and a little less screen time. So, I’m trying a few new things…new tactics to shave a little time off the screen and a little more looking into those baby blues that look so adoringly into mine. Win-Win, right?
\nAnother thing I’m going to try is, at least on occasion, including my drawings as the cover photo for my posts. This gives me the opportunity to practice…not only the drawings themselves, but the opportunity to be bold in sharing them. We all need opportunities to be bold.
\nSo, here I sit…snuggled on the sofa under that beautiful blue fox fur blanket. A fresh latte. Kari Jobe. A fire. Snow softly falling. My tree will remain to bring me light and peace well into the new year. I have the promise of a meteor shower and a blue moon to look forward to this month. The year is fresh with hope and promise. And I have this really cool Apple Pencil and Procreate…the world is at my fingertips! My heart is full, even in the depths of this bitter cold. Stay warm, my friends. ❤️
\n“Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.”\nJob 37:9 KJV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-05T02:30:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/05/deep-freeze.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/04/on-being-brave.html", "title": "On Being Brave", "content_html": "![\"Drawing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7a66419c9c.jpg\")
\nI step out…WAY out of my comfort zone here sometimes. I believe in pushing boundaries in order to grow. It has made me a stronger, more well-rounded person to stretch since Mr. Virgo died.
\nI’ve always been creative. I can draw and paint landscapes, flowers, houses and do a pretty fair rendition. But people and animals…faces…elude me. I never get the proportion right. I’m heavy handed. There is no “life” in them.
\nWhen my iPad died at the beginning of the year and I bought a new one, there was this white pencil lying next to it. I asked the salesman what it was and he told me it was a new tool to draw with. He showed me a program called Procreate and he could turn the pencil into a paintbrush loaded with oils or a big, fat pastel or a fine technical pencil. Anything…this thing can be anything! It was magic to me and I HAD to have it. Have it, I did. I knew I wouldn’t have time to really use it until the long dark nights of winter so I’ve been anxiously waiting to play with it.
\nI have no idea why on earth I would start with a face. I did a study on eyes. I did a quick sketch that vaguely resembled Mr. FixIt. Then I put on my headphones, turned on the Kari Jobe station on Amazon Music and closed my eyes. I thought of Jesus as I listened to the praise music and pictured His face. Then I started to draw. I tried to “get out of the way” and let my hand draw what I saw in my mind. I enjoyed watching it take shape. It’s amateurish, to say the least. And (here’s where I’m stepping out of my comfort zone) I’m sharing it with you here.
\nI’m much better at painting a picture with words. I’m much better at making a quilt or stitching a sampler or knitting a pair of socks. I’m much better at making jewelry out of old silverware or antique maps. A long time ago, I tried my hand at writing and I listened to the wrong people. They told me my writing wasn’t publishable. That it really wasn’t good. And I believed that, so I stopped trying. This drawing of Jesus may not be very good…but nothing anyone ever says to me will ever make me stop trying again. No matter what it is I’m trying to do.
\nIt doesn’t matter what the end product looks like. It doesn’t matter if a piece of art is gallery worthy. It doesn’t matter if you can’t carry a tune in a washtub. It doesn’t matter if your words aren’t Pulitzer Prize material. What matters is one thing…does it give you joy? If it does…do that! Don’t worry about what others might think. Don’t worry about being judged. Just do what brings you joy!
\nI’ll keep drawing. Who knows? My writing has improved over the years. Maybe the drawing will, too. But honestly? It’s a form of meditation for me…no matter how it looks. Be brave and stretch! ❤️
\n““Now get up, Ezra. Take charge—we’re behind you. Don’t back down.””\nEzra 10:4 MSG
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-04T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/04/on-being-brave.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Writing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/03/surviving-the-climb.html", "title": "Surviving the Climb", "content_html": "
![\"Survive](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0d8bc3b756.jpg\")
\nOccasionally I get a comment on my blog from someone so fresh on this grief journey that they are lost. They don’t know where to turn or what to do next. They are obviously in a great deal of pain and my heart breaks for them because…I know. I’ve been there. Many of us have. I respond to every single comment on my blog. Most often it’s with a ❤️, just to let you know I have seen your comment. Occasionally, I write something back. On this particular occasion, I wrote a whole essay as my response. After giving it some thought, I decided it was time again to revisit “How do you survive this?”
\nMy reader lost her husband unexpectedly in early November. He was minding his own business, driving to work, when he was struck head-on by an impaired driver and was killed. Her world was shattered. The future she had planned with her husband was gone. To add insult to injury, her husband’s death was followed in rapid succession by Thanksgiving, his birthday, an important graduation, Christmas, and New Years. All without him. Her question? How do you cope with this?
\nHere is my response:
\nFirst, let me tell you my heart is with you, dear one. You are SO fresh on this journey and it’s so difficult. Having all those firsts, one after another when the ink is hardly dry must be unbearable. I can’t tell you how to grieve because it’s such a personal thing. I can tell you how I dealt with things and hopefully it will help you as well. If you haven’t yet, do go to Marshmallow Ranch on Facebook and see if you can scroll back to the early days of my blog. You will find much more relatable material there. I started the blog in January 2013 as a way to promote jewelry I was making. Then Mr. Virgo died in March. That’s when the blog morphed into an online grief journal. I know that’s a lot of material to sort through, but it just might help.
\nAt your stage of this journey, let me say this…there is no rule book. But here’s a list of ways to cope.
\nDon’t let anyone say you should do it this way or you shouldn’t do it that way. Do it your way.
\nYou will make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you do.
\nBe careful…extra careful with your money.
\nGet plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise as you can.
\nAvoid drugs and alcohol…they are nothing but bandaids that put off the hurt. That goes for new relationships. I know, I know. I thought that was crazy too till I got involved with someone just five months after my beloved died. I just wanted the pain to go away but when I pulled that bandage off, dear God…it was worse.
\nFeel your feelings. Cry when you need to. Laugh when you can.
\nThere’s an actual condition called grief brain. You can’t remember squat and it may be scary as the dickens. Don’t worry…it does get better in time. You never go back to baseline, but you do get better.
\nYou won’t be in this fog forever and eventually you will feel joy. Don’t feel guilty for that.
\nI found the services of a grief counselor to be extremely helpful. I had PTSD from watching the CPR for hours so I had EMDR treatments which helped immensely.
\nRemember…you don’t “get over” this…you get through it. But, you will never be the same. Let me repeat that…you will never be the same. Don’t even try to find the old you. She is gone. Once a pickle, always a pickle…you don’t get to go back to being a fresh little cucumber again. Whether you become a sour or sweet pickle is largely up to you. Do NOT give up hope of finding a good life, though. You can…and you will…with determination and perseverance.
\nI realized early on that he died, I did not. I owed it to his memory to live…actually LIVE the days my husband was not given. Since we were looking at campers when he died, I went out and bought one and joined Sisters on the Fly…a women’s adventure group. I also belong to Girl Campers. These are all empowering groups that helped me become brave and strong.
\nOne last word of caution. It’s ok to mattress surf once in a while but don’t live there. Get up every day, splash water on your face, brush your teeth, and get dressed. Make your bed. You’re not as likely to climb back in it if it’s made. Scrub your kitchen sink. A clean sink sets the tone for the day in my book. Even if you just move from the bed to the couch…you’ve moved. Keep moving. One step, two steps. Eventually you will be able to take a deep breath again. (Oh, that’s also a thing. Physiologically, grief causes you to sigh a lot which makes you try to take deep breaths and it’s difficult. You almost feel like you can’t get a deep enough breath. Unless you are passing out or have chest pain or prolonged irregular heartbeat or cold, clammy sweat, its nothing to be worried about. Always ask your healthcare professional if you are concerned about your health. However…this sensation disappears after some time.)
\nTincture of time. That’s how I dealt with the loss of my husband. Move forward…and pray, a lot. You may not feel Him there, but God is with your every step. He holds you in the palm of His hand and He weeps for your pain. Let Him wrap His feathers around you and take your rest there. Come back here anytime you need some support. You may send me private messages at any time and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Prayers for comfort and strength, dear one. This is a club we didn’t ask to join. You will learn how to perform magic like tap dancing around that husband-sized hole in your heart without falling in…every…damn…time.
\nGrief comes in waves. At first it knocks you down. Eventually you learn to expect the waves and you can lean in and keep your footing without drowning. It’s almost five years since my loss and I have built a new life. I have expanded my social circle and have learned many new skills. And…much to my amazement…I have found love again and it is so sweet and rich. Mostly because now I have a thorough understanding of just what I lost and how incredibly precious life and love are.
\nWe all know someone who suffers a loss. We don’t always know how to help or what to say. May I suggest bookmarking this page and share it when appropriate? Share it with everyone you know because someone knows someone who is hurting. Let’s make this the year we reach out to widows and widowers and offer them whatever comfort and support we can. ❤️
\n“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”\nHebrews 13:16 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-03T02:30:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/03/surviving-the-climb.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Presence","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/02/ramona-and-her-pet-burro.html", "title": "“Ramona and Her Pet Burro, Bob” or “How My Memory Has Changed Since Mr. Virgo Died”", "content_html": "![\"Country](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/beb770d8d2.jpg\")
\nWe went to the farm yesterday. On our way there, Mr. Fixit pointed out the two little burros huddling in a shed, trying to keep warm in the frigid 9 degree air. Seeing the little burros, my mind immediately went soaring back forty years to one of the favorite periods of my life. When I met Hubby #2, he was a Physical Therapist who worked across the hall from me. I was the X-Ray Tech for a small rehabilitation hospital in downtown Denver. He was also finishing some pre-med classes at CU Boulder in preparation for applying to medical school. We were young and in love and poor as church mice. Daughter #1 was three years old. We had no money so we were adept at finding activities that were free, or nearly so. It was cool to be poor struggling students.
\nIt was the late ‘70s. Trivial Pursuit was HOT and we played it a lot. H#2 told me about the Trivia Bowl that was held annually at UC Boulder. It was free, it was close, and it was fun. It was held in a large room. Two teams sat at tables on a makeshift stage and the audience stood shoulder to shoulder around a packed room…a rowdy crowd. I don’t remember a lot about that night. After all, it was forty years ago. But I do remember one team was called “Ramona and Her Pet Burro, Bob”. How could you forget that, right? I also remember one of the questions was,…”What were the tail numbers on Sky King’s plane?” What??? I knew I was witnessing trivia royalty when one young student slammed his hand down on the buzzer in a fraction of a second and shouted out…”N5348A!” You’re kidding! Ok, I Googled it just now…but I was in awe back then. Who remembers stuff like that?
\nMy memory isn’t what it used to be. You don’t get to Medicare age without losing a little something. It’s been made worse by grief and the head injury I suffered in February didn’t help matters. I’ll bet memory loss…or, “grief brain”…is the subject I address most often with those who have recently lost a loved one. I remember I thought I was going crazy or something was wrong with me when I couldn’t keep track of anything in the first couple of years after losing Mr. Virgo. I made lists and then couldn’t remember where I put them. Or my notes seemed cryptic and made no sense when I revisited them. It was a scary time. Will my memory come back? Will it get worse? What is wrong with me?
\nI don’t remember who told me about grief brain (see???) but I do very much recall the overwhelming sense of relief I felt knowing it wasn’t just me. That’s when I knew for sure I needed to write this blog. Because not everyone has someone to mentor them and while I wasn’t far enough along to actually BE a mentor, I could share what I was learning and feeling along the way. One of the greatest gifts you are given from grief comes when you turn around and offer a hand to someone who is further back the road than you are. It is the price we pay for the grace we receive during our own grief journey.
\nMemory…its a slippery sucker. I still will get a brilliant flash of an idea for a post that I just know will resonate with someone…and if I don’t write it down, or make some sort of correlation in my mind to remember it later, it’s gone. That is probably the single most frustrating thing I face when I write. I still have a hard time making myself write down ideas because I swear I’ll be able to remember. It’s aggravating. The tool that helps me most is the “Note” app on my phone. I can jot ideas down and when I hit a lean period and have trouble coming up with a topic, I go into my list and find something that is currently applicable. It’s not like it used to be. It never will be. But it works for the most part.
\nJust knowing you aren’t alone in this is often all you need to relax into the flow and be present with your feelings. No matter how difficult your struggle, God is always there with you whether you feel Him or not. Knowing that can bring enormous comfort. ❤️
\n“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””\nJoshua 1:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2018-01-02T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/02/ramona-and-her-pet-burro.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2018/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "title": "Out With the Old...In With the New!!!", "content_html": "
![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6358b13262.jpg\")
\nI love when the calendar turns to a new year. The slate is wiped clean and you can start fresh…a great big do over. Never was this more impactful to me personally than January 1, 2014. It was the first New Year’s Day after losing Mr. Virgo. Somehow, I had it in my head that if I could just say “My husband died last year” it would somehow make the loss easier. It didn’t. Not by a long shot.
\nI had, in my crazed grief-stricken brain, thought it would be a good idea to start dating someone…just five months after my sweet husband died. Holy Mother of God…what was I thinking??? In my defense…I wasn’t thinking. That first year…well, really the first two years…I wasn’t sane. Not in a conventional definition of the word anyway. I did some things right, but my thinking was just off. My decision making skills were lacking. Thank God time and lots of prayer and introspection have brought me to this new place…this new life.
\nNow when I look at the New Year, I contemplate where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and formulate new goals. I don’t make resolutions. I’ve never kept a resolution in my life. But I do come up with a focus word. The word for 2017 was “Reach”. I think I lived up to that. I launched a new website. I spoke to several groups. I was interviewed on several podcasts and publications. I had a branded series developed for me called “Getting Bolder” on the Sisters on the Fly website. I continued to write an essay every day here. I traveled to Florida twice, the Outer Banks, Tennessee, and Colorado. I camped and/or had outings with the Girl Campers and Sisters on the Fly several times. I continued working on my social media platform to improve my chances of selling this book I’ve got basically written. And…I introduced you to Mr. FixIt. It’s been a really big year and I reached about as far as I could!
\nSo, now I need a new word for the new year. There are so many things I want to practice in the coming year. Patience. I am not a patient person. Compassion. I try, but I am not always successful practicing compassion with people who try my patience. Love. I want to feel my Heavenly Father’s love and involvement in everything I do so that I might feel that same love toward everyone…including those to whom I want to show compassion because they have tried my patience. You see where I’m going with this? You might think I’m going to choose the word “Patience” to meditate on this year, but you’d be wrong. I learned a long time ago not to pray for patience because when I do, God gives me every single little opportunity to practice it and I just don’t have it in me to be that challenged anymore. No, I have a different word in mind.
\nMy choice? Presence.
\nIf I am present in all I do, I am here to show up and do what is needed. If I am present…I feel God’s love. If I am present…I can actively choose to love others as Jesus loves me. If I feel God’s love, and actively choose to love others the way Jesus loves me, in every interaction I have…everything gets better. My relationships with family and friends are bound to improve. My interactions with others…even complete strangers…can only improve when I exemplify the kind of love Jesus has for me.
\nHow do you remain present in today’s hectic world? To achieve the kind of presence I am looking for, I need to start every day with a connection to the Source. I need to reach for His Word first…before Facebook. Before the news and weather. Even before Mr. FixIt. It doesn’t take much. Five minutes. Five minutes first thing every morning, before anything else, I will seek His face and feel His love for me. I will invite Him to come into my day…into my world…and walk with me. It’s no different than asking any other loved one to go for a walk with me. But the benefits are undeniably higher.
\nThat’s my word. Presence. Feel every moment. Focus on God’s love. Bring His Love and Light into every aspect of my life. I can’t help but shine! ❤️
\n“After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live.”\nEcclesiastes 5:18-20 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2018-01-01T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2018/01/01/out-with-the-oldin-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Presence"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/31/true-love-has-no-end.html", "title": "True Love Has No End", "content_html": "![\"Couple](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3a80f0cb47.jpg\")
\nThey weren’t much more than kids when they met. I remember the first time I met my cousin Tommy’s girlfriend, Suzy. I had such a crush on Tommy in his Navy whites. And Suzy was as sweet as they come. She’s been around as long as I can remember.
\nI’ve told you about Tommy. He has mesothelioma. There is no cure. And up until the last few years, there really wasn’t much to even offer people in the way of treatment. But they did their homework and took Tommy to the doc who wrote the book on Meso and as a result, he has had two really good years he may not have had before.
\nThe treatments Tom has received are not without side effects. The toxic meds have all but killed his kidneys. They have exhausted treatment after treatment yet, thanks to generous donations and scientific breakthroughs, more and more treatments become available. Maybe someday, they will find a cure. Because…you know. Cancer sucks.
\nTommy faces his illness and death with a positive attitude and a great deal of courage. They haven’t been afraid to “start the conversation”. They talk about death and his design…how does he want his story to end when he gets to the last chapter. Suzy is brave and strong. Their love knows no bounds as they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
\nThis year, Tommy wanted to give his “best girl” a gift that would knock her socks off. He wanted something so deeply meaningful that she would cherish it forever. Their daughter videotaped the moment for posterity. Suzy opened her gift ever so slowly. Indoor/outdoor slippers. (laughter) Then someone points out there’s something inside. Suzy looks closer and there it is…a small box tucked into one slipper.
\n“You stinker,” she gently chided this man she’s known forever.
\nShe goes on to open the second gift when a puzzled look comes across her face. She turns to Tom and says, “For us?” She thought they were a matching set of rings. She looks again and finally can see…they are earrings. Someone off camera says…”Look at the ring.”
\nSuzy is still puzzled then Tommy holds up his left hand and she can see he is no longer wearing his wedding band.
\n“No!” she cried. “No! Not your ring!” You can see she is instantly devastated. Until Tommy bends toward her and shows her that he has had the date of their wedding engraved on the back. At this point, The enormity of this selfless gift suddenly hits Suzy and she puts her face in her hand and cries.
\nThis is a sweet, personal moment between two wonderful people who love each other without limits. No disease…no cancer…not even death will truly separate these two. I asked for permission to share their story here. For one reason, I love them both so much. Second, I wanted to stress the importance of having “the conversation”, and three…I wanted to give you an idea what to do with his/her ring. Earrings made from a ring that has been cut in half would make a wonderful remembrance.
\nWe don’t know the future. It’s not a matter of if, you know. It’s…when. We pray for a cure. We pray for new medicines. We pray for good quality of life. Time. We pray for time. Lots and lots. Oodles of time. We will love our loved ones like it’s our last day on earth…or theirs. And we will hold fast to the tokens of love like there’s no tomorrow. ❤️
\n\n“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”\nPhilippians 2:4 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-31T02:30:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/31/true-love-has-no-end.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/30/let-me-entertain-you.html", "title": "Let Me Entertain You", "content_html": "
![\"Gluten](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ba22e3b6b9.jpg\")
\nOne of the all time BEST things about Mr. FixIt is this…he LOVES to have guests over as much as I do. I know it’s hart for you to believe but…I love to talk with people and learn about them and visit and tell stories. We had dinner guests three times this week. What a blessing it is to share a table with friends and family.
\nWe started with an appetizer of baked brie en croute with fig jam. It sounds like something complicated but it wasn’t. I bought it at Sam’s, baked it at 375 for 20 minutes. Done!
\nOur dinner guests brought salad and I served it with hot rolls and an aioli of crushed herbs, salt, pepper, more of that wonderful Chardonnay Garlic infused olive oil drizzled over top, and a small pool of both Mango pulp and Blueberry vinegar. Yummmmm!
\nFor the main course, I roasted two chickens. I did something completely different. I stuffed them with whole garlic cloves, quartered onions, and wedges of lemon. I trussed them up with kitchen twine, rubbed the sling with Chardonnay Garlic Olive Oil and sprinkled them with fresh ground pepper, ground pink Himalayan salt, more garlic, rustic herbs, and crushed rosemary. I placed a parking rack in a roasting pan and baked them at 350 for a little over 2 hours. OMGosh! When I cut into that chicken and the aroma of lemon and garlic hit the air? Wowza! It was awesome.
\nI accompanied the meal with fresh steamed broccoli with mashed potatoes and gravy (Sam’s ready made Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Teay’s Valley Cream gravy made this part of the prep fast and easy.)
\nDessert was homemade Gluten Free Bread Pudding with a dollop of French Vanilla Ice Cream. It was pretty heavenly!
\nServed with a Pinot Noir or my personal favorite, Fré dealcoholized wine, this was a meal fit for royalty. And it really wasn’t that difficult, or expensive, to throw together.
\nHere’s the recipe for the dessert. Bon Appetit!
\nGluten Free Bread Pudding
\n6-8 slices of stale gluten free bread, cubed\n4 eggs\n2 cups milk\n3 tablespoons Splenda blend brown sugar\n1/2 c. Stevia for baking\n1/2 tsp. Cinnamon\n1/4 tsp. Apple Pie Spice\n1 tsp Vanilla\n1/2 tsp salt\n3-4 big handfuls of raisins\nAbout 2/3 c. chopped pecan4 T. butter, melted
\nCube bread and place in prepared baking dish. In this case, I used an 8” iron skillet sprayed with Baker’s Joy.
\nAdd raisins and pecans.
\nMix the rest of the ingredients and pour over bread. Using a fork, press the cubed bread down into the egg mixture to moisten it thoroughly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven till the top begins to brown and the filling is springy to the touch. Serve warm with ice cream.
\n❤️
\n“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”\nRevelation 3:20 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-30T02:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/30/let-me-entertain-you.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/29/doing-the-right-thing.html", "title": "Doing the Right Thing", "content_html": "
![\"Writing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8a7d408d15.jpg\")
\nI love doTerra products. I especially love their LifePak vitamins and use them, along with a cannabis ointment to control the crippling plantar-palmar psoriasis I got after Mr. Virgo died. When I purchase these vitamins, I get reward points that I can redeem for free oils or other products. I didn’t realize just how many points I had until a couple of weeks ago. So, I had a grand time ordering bunches of stuff!
\nI received a notice in the mail just before Christmas that my box had arrived but it wouldn’t fit in the mailbox. I’m not sure why they didn’t deliver it to the door. We were home and could have received it, but it was during the Christmas rush so I am sure the mail carrier was overwhelmed. I went to the Post Office Tuesday and picked up my package. It was like a late Christmas gift to myself!
\nYesterday, I received three more boxes. In those boxes were three bottles of shampoo and two more Copaiba oils. I looked back at the emailed order confirmation and I had only ordered one shampoo and one Copaiba, among other things. That is when I also noticed that I didn’t receive one of the items on the original order.
\nI contacted customer service via the chat app on doTerra’s website. I spoke with Jakob and explained the situation. He said he would be happy to send out the missing item right away and email me a label to ship back the duplicate items. He offered to award me 10 bonus points for my inconvenience. In the course of the conversation, I told him I could have just kept the extras but that wouldn’t have been the honest thing to do. He came back and said he appreciated customers like me and he was going to add 20 bonus points instead of 10! That is free product in my mailbox…all for being nice.
\nI began this blog five years ago. I have written an essay nearly every day, covering a wide range of topics from my grief at losing Mr. Virgo to camping in the wilderness of Colorado to living on the family farm. I’ve talked about childhood memories, recipes, farm cats, and family. I’ve touched on sensitive subjects like depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and even came close to the third rail of politics…at least in the sense of trying to get along. I’ve talked about God and my faith and the importance of being good for goodness’ sake. In all that time, I can count on one hand the times I’ve had someone post something negative to me here. Do you know how rare that is in this business? The internet lets the bars down for rudeness because our interactions are not face-to-face. This emboldens some people to bring out the ugly side of humanity.
\nI cannot tell you how much I appreciate you all…every single one of you. You meet me in this space and we have mutual respect and caring. There have been times when I have considered quitting. There have been times when it has become overwhelming and I have had trouble finding my voice. There are times when I feel perhaps I have said everything there is to say. It got better when I reached the point that I could lay down the burden of my grief and I realized I didn’t have to talk, or write, about it all the time. And, every time I’ve thought of stopping, I get feedback from you. Someone says, “You were speaking to me today.” or “This spoke to my heart this morning.” That’s when I realize…I’m not done. God is still using me to deliver the hope and encouragement only He can give. I ask Him for the words. He gives them to me freely. He will tell me if it’s time to quit.
\nSo, I’ll be here every morning as you have your cup of coffee, or every afternoon when you take a break, or every evening when you stop and catch up with what’s been going on with everyone. I pray you find hope and joy and peace here. I hope you see the goodness in my life comes straight from God and it brings you closer to Him. Your “likes” and your “shares” and your comments bring His word to a greater and greater audience. We all spread Light and Hope and Joy when we share Him with others.
\nThank you…for being here, for listening, for loving on me. Thank you for another year’s journey. Thank you for the many, many blessings you bring me. It is an honor to be invited into your hearts and lives every day and I do not take that lightly. Thank you for letting me be…well, ME! I am richly blessed. ❤️
\n“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"”\nPsalms 50:23 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-29T02:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/29/doing-the-right-thing.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/28/hygge-comfort.html", "title": "Hygge = Comfort", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/58805cf25d.jpg\")
\nYesterday was a much better day. It still amazes me how quickly things shift for me since losing Mr. Virgo. Yes, it’s been nearly five years since he died. Yes, I am in a wonderful, fulfilling relationship. But am I the same as I was before the loss? No…not by a long shot. Is every aspect of that a bad thing? The loss…yes. The grief has been incredibly difficult. But the peace and personal growth I have grasped between the waves is nothing short of miraculous.
\nI spent some time at the farm, soaking in the quiet winter sounds. Then came here to a quiet house. Mr. FixIt was off running errands so I curled up on the sofa, wrapped in the warmth of my fur throw made from the coat Mr. Virgo gave me our first married Christmas. The fire was going. The tree was lit. The soft scented candle I got for Christmas filled the air with the sweetness of apples and cinnamon. I asked Alexa to play the Zen Garden station on Amazon Music. The sun outside the window glittered on the new fallen snow. A cardinal sang in the brush next to the house. A cup of tea sat at my side. The freedom and peace was palpable.
\nAgain, in my ever hopeful way, I stared out the window…searching the barren landscape for the beauty of winter. It’s difficult for me. I’m a summer girl. I let my eyes move across the the hill to the road and over to the meadow. I love it here. There’s five acres of flat land out there. I let my mind wander to past dreams. I’ve always wanted a place where I could hold retreats for artists, writers, craftspeople. A place where my Sisters and Girl Camper friends could bring their trailers and circle around a campfire. The big pole building out back is the perfect size for barn sales and dances. I let my eyes move on. There’s a pool between the building and the house. I smiled. Pool parties, family gatherings, barbecues. I have plenty of things to look forward to in the coming months.
\nI am also reminded of the term “hygge”. Originating in Scandinavia, the term means “simple, cozy pleasures, gratefulness, focusing on a better quality of life, taking pleasure in the presence in the gentle, an appreciation of the simple things in life, soothing things, a practical way of creating sanctuary, a place to restore and revive in the middle of very real life, evoking feelings of comfort” according to a recent article by Jan Zimmer, (Port Huron, Mich.) of the Times Herald. This will be my focus for the coming months. I will embrace the sunshine when it comes. I will listen for the song of the winter birds. I will sample teas and read and commune with my love. And, I will enjoy this end of the pendulum’s swing while I have it. ❤️
\n“…his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”\nPsalm 30:5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-28T02:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/28/hygge-comfort.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/26/practicing-minimalism.html", "title": "Practicing Minimalism", "content_html": "
![\"Opening](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4ebfd31ac0.jpg\")
\nI’ve had opulent Christmases where opening presents was a long, drawn out affair. And, I’ve had lean Christmases where money was scarce. I’ve seldom had a Christmas where we just intentionally bought each other a small gift so we could do something else…in this case, put new carpet in the family room that we recently painted. I have to tell you, it felt good to not have to worry about shopping, wrapping, paying for, and storing more “stuff” while still having a small token to enjoy.
\nI gave Mr. FixIt a nice weather station that records wind speed and direction, rainfall, temperature and humidity. It’s connected to the WiFi so we can check our weather at home wherever we are through an app on the phone. Kind of fun!
\nI got a much needed cushion for my banker’s chair and a book commemorating the Centennial of our high school. We had a big breakfast, watched movies, and went for a long drive to look at Christmas lights. Perfect!
\nAnd now, Christmas is over for another year. We’ll still have a week of festivities surrounding New Year’s, and then we have that long stretch of cold, grey winter. That’s what does me in. I love the cold and snow…at Christmas. Then I’m ready for March. It’s better now that Mr. FixIt is in the picture. He brings a welcome distraction. I remember the first winter or two after Mr. Virgo died were absolutely miserably long! I think Christmas lights should be left up till at least the end of February to bring light and joy into the night!
\nWe are planning a lot of activities to pass the time till warm weather returns. Hand therapy will take some time. Dinner parties, crafting weekends with the girls, sewing projects. I want to teach Mr. FixIt’s daughter how to knit. Maybe his granddaughters would like to learn, too. There are projects inside that need doing…stripping wallpaper and painting, replacing the backsplash and countertops in the kitchen, replacing some doors and baseboards. Lots to keep us busy.
\nThis is my new life. I still sometimes sit in awe that I have been blessed with another opportunity to love, another family to cherish, another home to care for. It seems surreal after so much loss, so much pain. I swore I would never do this again. Oh….but, I’m SO glad I did. I wouldn’t have missed this for anything! What a blessing this is! ❤️
\n“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”\nProverbs 15:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-26T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/26/practicing-minimalism.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/25/merry-christmas.html", "title": "Merry Christmas", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a4048ce496.jpg\")
\nWishing you Peace and Love…today and always!
\nLove, Ginny
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-25T02:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/25/merry-christmas.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/24/santa-is-real.html", "title": "Santa IS Real", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d52e8da8f9.jpg\")
\nHe held three beautiful children on his lap that afternoon in the mall. Three shining faces, looking up at him in rapt attention, their eyes glittering in awe. He’d done this many times over the years…listening to the repeated requests for dolls, trucks, maybe a baby brother or sister once in awhile. It never got old with him. He was born to be Santa!
\nAs the children got up one by one and gave the jolly man a hug, they smiled into the camera for that “Christmas Card shot” and he sent them on their way with a candy cane and a wave. He looked around and saw the line had finally thinned and he could take a much needed break. That’s when he saw her.
\nA woman stood alone, a fair distance away, but not so far that he missed her tears. Their eyes met and he held her gaze for a few moments.
\n“What’s this?” he thought. “Something’s up.”
\nThe cocked his head to the side, and without looking away, he moved slightly to his left in the chair, and patted the seat beside him. The woman looked a little startled, as though she might turn and run. But, he softened his shoulders, softened his eyes, and patted again.
\nThe woman gripped the wad of Kleenex in her hand, took a deep breath, and moved cautiously forward. At first, she sat on the stool at his feet with her eyes cast down. She didn’t say a word. He bent forward and whispered.
\n“Please, sit here. Come up here where I can talk to you.”
\nThe woman dutifully got up and moved to the seat beside him. He could tell she was visibly distraught and he didn’t want to rush her. There was no one in the line and the mall had hit the mid afternoon slump.
\nThe woman began to whisper and he had to lean in close to hear her.
\n“I lost my husband.” she said. “I need a new heart.” At this point, she burst into tears. He put his arm around her. He pulled her close in to his side and whispered.
\n“I am so sorry.” There wasn’t much more he could say to that.
\nThe woman struggled and managed to choke out the words. She had lost her husband to a sudden heart attack as they were standing in a travel trailer, picking out one to take them on adventures in retirement. And then he was just gone. She didn’t know how she was going to live without him. It broke his heart.
\nAfter a while, the woman regained her composure and apologized.
\n“Oh, I’m so sorry. I must look a fright!” she said.
\n“You’re perfect.” he whispered as he handed her another Kleenex and they smiled at each other. She got up to leave.
\n“Will you have your picture taken with me?” he asked.
\n“Really? I’d love to.” she replied.
\nAs the “elf” handed her the photo, she looked at it and her lip quivered ever so slightly.
\n“Thank you for stopping.” he said.
\n“Thank you for being real.” she whispered back.
\nIt’s been five Christmases since I met my Santa. Every year, I send him my letter, telling him what I’ve done this year…things I’ve accomplished, things I still need to do. And I thank him. For being so kind to a grieving widow suffering through her very first Christmas without her love. Santa writes back and tells me his life was forever changed that day and he is so happy to see me doing better every year.
\nIt’s going to be a big letter this year! I get to tell him about Mr. FixIt and how much bigger my family is now after adding 12 more people to it…including a new great granddaughter! I get to tell him about our travels and how we got to spend time with my Colorado family this year and how much I miss them at Christmas.
\nI think I taught him a lot that year. I taught him just how difficult it is that first year without your love. The second was probably worse. At least, it was for me. If you are struggling with the loss of your loved one, do be gentle with yourself. This is such a fragile time of year. I’m here to say…with time, prayer, hard work, and perseverance, life can get better again. Joy cometh in the morning, the Bible says. And, it does.
\nOh, and just in case you’re wondering…Santa IS real. And…he is my friend. ❤️
\nDear Santa…
\n“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.””\nRuth 2:12 NIV
\nLove,
\nGinny
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-24T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/24/santa-is-real.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/23/update-snowy-owl-rescued.html", "title": "UPDATE: Snowy Owl Rescued", "content_html": "
![\"Injured](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c2f6160b16.jpg\")
\nIf you look at the photo on the left, you see a healthy young owl. You also see a bird from the Arctic that knows nothing about roads. Here it sits in the middle of Emerson Avenue…a busy two lane blacktop north of Parkersburg.
\nThe photo on the right shows the same bird but notice his right wing. It’s now much lower and the bird is remarkably thinner. My birder friend, Julie Zickefoose, surmised it had been injured in some way in the two weeks between pictures and could no longer hunt properly. It turns out, she was correct. Someone came forward this week to say he had hit this snowy owl up on Emerson Avenue when it swooped down in front of him. Mystery solved.
\nPeople continued to encroach on the owl’s personal space, interrupting its sleep and stressing it out with their closeup selfies even after being warned away. A decision was made and the owl was rescued by the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia for rehab.
\nI’m glad the bird has half a chance to survive. I have no idea what the future will be for this magnificent creature, but at least uninformed locals aren’t trying to throw a coat over it and stuff it in a box. ❤️
\nUPDATE: Injured owl in Vienna rescued by Avian Conservation Center http://www.thenewscenter.tv/content/news/Arctic-Snowy-Owl-visits-Vienna-465065953.html
\n“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”\nProverbs 12:10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-23T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/23/update-snowy-owl-rescued.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Gratitude","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/21/messages-from-beyond.html", "title": "Messages From Beyond", "content_html": "![\"Misty](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/443fa66a37.jpg\")
\nI first met Sheba Wheeler at a holiday dinner at The Warwick Hotel in downtown Denver. Mr. Virgo was the Food & Beverage Director and had invited me to come down to the restaurant so we could at least see each other that day. Seating was limited so singles were being asked to buddy up at tables. I always enjoy family style seating as I get the opportunity to meet interesting people.
\nSheba and I hit it off from the get go. She was also a writer, working for the Denver Post. She’s a superb photographer and we enjoyed an evening of lively conversation. There was something about Sheba that drew me to her. She seemed exotic and mysterious and as comfortable as an old quilt. She had really great energy and I felt she was special…as in, she had “gifts”.
\nI’ve kept in touch with Sheba all these years and have watched her open up to accepting the gifts she has. She’s had many life changes…a new relationship, a couple flooding disasters that forced her out of her home, the loss of a job she loved. But with every door that closed, another opened.
\nSheba grew up in the church and her faith was instilled in her at an early age by her family. At the same time, she knew she was different. She “saw things”, “felt things”, “heard things”. It turns out, she learned long after her death that her mama had “the gift” too. It happened after she moved in the new house
\nIt wasn’t till she moved into a new home that Sheba got a real taste of what was to come. There was a spirit there. A Victorian woman named Theresa. She “visited” her. Sheba saw her clearly…heard her voice…felt her presence. She called in an investigator who helped her communicate. The investigator became her mentor and told her about her abilities as a medium. Sheba fought it for months till she finally embraced her gift. And once that door was opened, she became quickly overwhelmed with the sudden onslaught of spirits clamoring for her attention.
\nNow, I know what some of you are thinking. “Oh, that’s impossible.” “It’s heresy…evil…black magic.” “It’s demonic.” “It’s not Christian!” Listen, I’m here to tell you…I am a Christian. I love my God and have put my faith in Jesus. AND…there are unexplainable mysteries in life. The first time I saw my grandpa in the garden, leaning on his hoe, wiping his brow and waving…a full two years after he died…I was stunned. My grandma had told me long before that if I ever smelled roses around someone and there were no roses there, it meant someone was going to die. That has literally happened to me. When my aunt learned that these things had happened to me, she taught me to look at the time when I had “feelings” so I could look back later in comparison.
\nI believe Sheba when she says spirits visit her. I have no reason to believe she is mentally ill. I do not believe she is evil. Yet she is attacked weekly by people…mean people…over what many call “the gift”. In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verse 10 speaks of the Holy Spirit gifting certain people with the ability to “discern spirits”. I believe that’s what Sheba does…she discerns spirits around her.
\nI hadn’t had a chance to chat with Sheba in a long time and she kept popping into my head. I’ve learned to follow through when that happens, so I texted her. We chatted a while. I told her I had been following her posts about her gift. She had met Mr. Virgo. I asked her if he had ever tried to contact her. She said no but she could try from her end. I didn’t hesitate in asking her to do so. She asked for his full name and some bit of information only he and I would know. I gave her his dad’s nickname for him. Now, remember…this is via text. She told me she had never tried this avenue before but she would do her best.
\nI waited a few moments while she gathered her thoughts. Soon she came back…laughing. She said, “He’s here! The first thing he said was….Well, it TOOK you long enough!” You see, Mr. Virgo and I watched all the ghost hunting shows. We downloaded an app on my phone that could detect changes in the electromagnetic field. And, we promised each other that if there was any possible way to reach out and send a message from beyond, we would. I’ve felt his presence. I’ve even heard his voice on one occasion. I’ve had my cards read…not Tarot…just ordinary playing cards. I’ve been told he’s “with” me. I was even told the person was given a mental picture of the two of us, sitting in white wicker chairs on a covered front porch, drinking something out of mugs. That would describe our typical morning having coffee on the front porch. He told her to tell me those were the happiest times of his life, being out there with me. But, this was different. I was asking someone to connect with him directly and let me ask questions and get answers.
\nI asked if he was ok.
\n“Yes.”
\nAre you happy?
\n“Yes, it’s all love and light here.”
\nThen Sheba said, “Wait a minute. He’s really upset. I had to tell him to reel it back a little. It drains my energy too fast.”
\nShe was still for a few moments when she came back and said, “He says he’s sorry. He’s sorry he left you like that. He didn’t mean to.”
\n“I know he didn’t. He doesn’t have to be sorry.”
\n“He’s saying “Nooooooooo…I was supposed to do something!”
\nImmediately, I knew what he was talking about. The doctor had told him five months before he died that he needed a complete cardiac workup. He refused. I think he was saying he should have had the tests done then this wouldn’t have happened. He knew I had forgiven that. But he couldn’t forgive himself.
\n“You need to talk to him, Ginny!” Sheba said. “You need to tell him he needs to forgive himself…that you’re ok…that everything is as it should be, as it was meant to be.”
\nSheba had to get to a meeting and we rang off. I thanked her, and told her I didn’t feel this was a “dark” thing. Then I sat back and talked out loud to Mr. Virgo.
\n“Honey, listen…I know you didn’t mean to leave me. I know you had a strong work ethic and you didn’t think you could take time off during the ski season. And, I know it must be upsetting to know you might have avoided this…for a while. You have to forgive yourself. Let this go. It is what it is. It was hard. It still is, sometimes. But I’m doing well. I’m happy, I’m healthy, the family is great, and I have this wonderful man that loves me like you did. Just let it go now, ok?”
\nThen something extraordinary happened. You know how it feels when you’ve had a pain for a long time and you resign yourself to it and it just seems like it’s normal to feel pain? Then when that pain goes away, it becomes apparent you didn’t realize how MUCH pain you had been in? Well, when I finished saying what I had to say to Mr. Virgo, I felt as though a huge ball of static electricity suddenly released itself in front of my chest. I hadn’t even realized I’d been feeling that till it suddenly released. I texted Sheba back later and told her and we were both amazed.
\nI know it may seem far-fetched. Science fiction. Voodoo. Occult. But this is not at all what I feel…nor is it what I believe. I believe the ways of God are mysterious. So far, there haven’t been any documentaries made with empirical evidence, no footage, no recordings, of what happens when we cross over. I am a Christian, and I am a scientist. I believe in mysteries. And, if this mystery brings me comfort, there is nothing wrong with that. I know it may not be what you believe, but it seemed pretty real to me so I thought I would share. And some day…some glad day…we will know. ❤️
\n“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”\n1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NIV
\n*Note: There have been a few edits as Sheba clarified the details with me
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-21T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/21/messages-from-beyond.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Growth","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/20/the-great-snowy-owl.html", "title": "The Great Snowy Owl", "content_html": "
![\"Snowy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/749110899f.jpg\")
\nI love how Facebook can bring folks together that may never meet otherwise. That’s the case of Julie Zickefoose and me. When I was writing posts about the spring bird migration at the farm, a mutual friend “introduced” me to Julie. She is an artist and recently came out with a lovely book called Baby Birds. An artist’s view into the nests of birds in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio.
\nI was especially intrigued this spring when Julie took in a baby blue jay that had ended up on the ground below the nest and whose parents never showed up. She named her Jemima and taught us all how difficult it is to hand raise a wild baby bird. We watched with fascination as she fed her baby chopped up chicken and meal worms. We held our breath as Jemima learned to fly. We watched with mixed emotions as the fledgling was released into the wild, only to return to the safety of “her tree and feeder” time and again. Jemima is fully grown now but her pin feathers didn’t developed correctly because she was hours away from death by starvation when she arrived so she can’t fly very far till she molts next spring and grows new feathers.
\nJulie recently returned from a long awaited birding trip to Ecuador. On her way to the airport, she heard about a juvenile Snowy Owl that had made its way from the Arctic to the Mid-Ohio Valley, taking up residence along a creek near the mall in our little burg. Upon her return, she spent all day Monday observing the magnificent bird…and all the people who wanted to get close enough to take pictures. She was interviewed on the evening news and cautioned the public to give the bird space to rest. Here is the link to her story that was on her blog yesterday. It’s very well written and gives you the up close view you crave, but with a telephoto lens. I’ve seen a snowy owl once before. I haven’t gone to see this bird. For one thing, I’ve been under the weather all week. But, more importantly, this bird needs its space and it doesn’t need more people disturbing it. I’ll “see” it the same way you do…through Julie’s eyes. ❤️
\nhttp://juliezickefoose.blogspot.com/2017/12/parkersburgs-snowy-owl.html
\n“You may eat any clean bird. But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”\nDeuteronomy 14:11-18 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-20T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/20/the-great-snowy-owl.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/19/the-modem-of-the-mind.html", "title": "The Modem of the Mind", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e8765720c.jpg\")
\nI really love living out in the country. It’s peaceful. There’s lots of wildlife. It’s a slower life. I like life slow. I don’t like slow internet, however. Being a writer is a beautiful thing…until I’m standing with my cell phone over my head waving it around like a dead chicken, trying to get just…one…more…bar. It can be maddening.
\nMany of the images I use in my posts are really large…especially since I got my new iPhone. Great camera equals great pictures. Great pictures equals larger file size. That presents two problems. One, Wordpress only accepts files up to a certain size. Two, internet in the country is powered by two squirrels and a possum! It sometimes takes multiple attempts to get a photo or meme down to an acceptable size. That takes time and patience.
\nI went to the only office supply store in our little corner of the world and asked what I could do to make our internet work at the far end of the house where I write. We tried a booster. That didn’t work. We tried a repeater. That didn’t work either. Finally, I got the manager and he gave me a lesson in how WiFi works.
\nWiFi, it turns out, is pretty much like your water system. If you have one faucet in your house, every last bit of water pressure is going to send that water out like Old Faithful. However, if you have every faucet in the house turned on, the dishwasher running, a couple of showers, and someone flushes? You’ll be lucky to get a dribble. When we first got WiFi in our houses, we had a desktop computer, and maybe a laptop. Now we have, in this house alone, two iPhones, an iPad, Alexa, a laptop, two computers and a smart TV. It isn’t any wonder we can’t get everything to run well.
\nAs I was driving home from the store after that enlightening conversation, I thought about how my faith journey can be so much like that WiFi. When it’s just me and God, the signal is loud and clear. I feel His presence. I hear His Holy Spirit in my heart. I connect. But when I start plugging in device after device, my connection gets spotty. I start dropping calls. It is not good to keep God on hold. When I have too many “devices” plugged in, like we all do at the holidays, something has to go. And the first thing that went was my health. I caught a cold. I haven’t had a full fledged cold in a really long time. I mean a knock-you-down-and-drag-your-sorry-butt-to-bed kind of cold. This is that kind of cold, darn it.
\nThe good news is, colds are finite. You’re miserable for a few days and it gets better. I’ll be fine by Christmas. But, it IS a reminder to unplug some of those “devices” and spend some one-on-one time with God so my signal is clearer. ❤️
\n“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”\nRevelation 3:20 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-19T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/19/the-modem-of-the-mind.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/12/change.html", "title": "Change", "content_html": "
![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b5c1a7872.jpg\")
\nOne of the hardest things to deal with since losing Mr. Virgo is…change. And of course, that is the one thing you can absolutely count on in this life. Change. Things change. People change. Situations change. And, unfortunately…places change.
\nI have to tell you, sometimes you have no way of knowing what God has up His sleeve when He leads you down a certain path. Why this way and not that? Sometimes we never figure it out. Other times, it becomes crystal clear. I love those times. Even when they break my heart.
\nWhen I first came to West Virginia, it was just a year and a half after losing Mr. Virgo. I lived on the family farm but only for a few weeks. When my aunt decided she really didn’t want help, I went off on my own for a couple years. I never dreamed I’d have the opportunity to come back and be the caretaker of the home of my heart. When my uncle asked me to take care of the place for him, I jumped at the chance.
\nI know God has a reason behind every move. There was a plan before I was born. I hadn’t really thought about why I got to live at the farm again. Until yesterday. Mr. FixIt and I have noticed a lot of heavy dump trucks going up the road lately. We heard this summer that they’re putting in a compressor station back beyond the farm so we surmised the work had begun. When we got there yesterday, I drove past the farm and went up the back road. It wasn’t long till we saw the signs. “Road Work Ahead” and “Flagger: Prepare to Stop”.
\nIt’s funny. You hear change is coming. You see what other places look like when they change. Yet, you’re completely unprepared when the change comes and it affects your world. I’m a go-with-the-flow kinda gal, but when I saw them cutting into MY earth, MY world, my HEART…it crushed me. I motioned for the flagger to come over. I asked for details. “What are they doing there?” “How far back are they going?” “How long will this take?” He was a young man. Respectful. He seemed to understand this was hurtful to me. He explained carefully what steps they were taking. I sat and stared till the tears stung my eyes then I had to go.
\nI remember when they clear cut the back of the farm. I felt like this. But, trees grow back. This is a permanent scar that will never heal. As I sat and watched the big dump trucks back out the ridge to be filled with MY earth, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart.
\n“This is why you were given this time on the farm. You are here to memorize every inch of the place. You are here to document the passage. You are here to be a witness.”
\nChange is inevitable. I know that. I’m doing better with change. I don’t like it. And I especially don’t like them messing with the home of my heart. But, I’m also a realist. I’m pragmatic. There is now going to be a paved road out to the back of this ridge. There will be easier access to the workable land and that will improve the value of the farm. That’s the upside. There’s going to be a lot of sound pollution, increased traffic, as well as some environmental risks. That’s the downside.
\nI’ve always known my time on the farm is limited. I’ll still be taking care of it for the foreseeable future. And I’ll be saying goodbye to what it once was…one truckload of dirt at a time. ❤️
\n“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:”\nEcclesiastes 3:1 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-12T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/12/change.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","New Ideas","Grace","God","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/10/its-that-time-of-year.html", "title": "It’s That Time of Year", "content_html": "![\"Snowy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e4e54a2659.jpg\")
\nI visit this topic every year. There’s always a big hullaballoo every year about what to say when greeting others around the holidays. It seems like there are just WAY too many perceived offenses surrounding this subject. There are those offended by “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings”. There are some who are not necessarily offended by “Merry Christmas” but who wish to be more inclusive. Sometimes the debate gets heated and we forget what the whole thing is all about in the first place. Love. The kind of love that transcends all other love.
\nWhile I was not born Jewish, I lived as a Jew for 27 years. I became Jewish for a number of reasons, but it was NOT to convert because of a marriage. I married a Jewish man, but I considered myself Jewish before I met him. When he joined a medical practice in a small town on the western slope of Colorado, we were faced with a bit of a dilemma. Everything was strictly “Merry Christmas”. Which is fine. I have no problem with that. The Christmas program included Hanukkah songs, which was great. But, it was Hanukkah songs without acknowledging Hanukkah, per se. The other children in the school weren’t taught there was anything else BUT Christmas. They thought Hanukkah was the Jewish Christmas, and it isn’t. It doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas. And, being a stickler for education, I wanted the children to learn about all the winter holidays. I wanted all the children to be included and celebrated. And to do that, it couldn’t just be about ONE holiday…as if that were the only one.
\nI joined an ad hoc committee on religious sensitivity in the schools. We added books about other winter festivals and holidays to the school and public libraries. We asked for the program to be called the Winter Celebration. We were met with incredible resistance. The mayor of the little town was a former priest. He took great offense at our request. To the point that he hung a banner over the Main Street of town accusing the “heathens of trying to take Christmas away from our kids”. Personally, I really loved that man. He was kind, generous, and worked very hard for our town. He got our local representative involved. It was a real mess. We met with them. We communicated. We pleaded for our children to be included. And, as time passed…they were. We weren’t trying to take anything away from other children. We were trying to expand the scope of the holidays to embrace all children.
\nI don’t feel any holiday should be diluted. Every faith has its own place in this melting pot of a country. Religious freedom is what this country was founded on. I am a great proponent of inclusivity. In the years since, I have become a Christian. My faith is very important to me. But, I have a memory. And my little girl was ostracized by her peers. She was…to her face…called a “stupid effing Jew” and that is totally unacceptable.
\nSo, here’s my bottom line. I do not care if you say Merry Christmas. I didn’t care when I was Jewish if you said Merry Christmas to me. You were being kind and wishing me well. What’s not to love about that? I, however, will more than likely say “Happy Holidays” to you unless I know for certain that you celebrate Christmas. Because, I am not clairvoyant. Unless you are wearing a Santa suit or elf ears, I’m not going to assume who or what you are. I will respect your human-ness. With a heartfelt holiday greeting.
\nI love Christmas. And, I love Hanukkah. I am not familiar with Kwanza, but I love that there is such a holiday. For me personally, I love the story of the Nativity, of the birth of the Christ Child. And, I love all of you. I hope this season is full of love, no matter what your faith…or lack thereof. This is a dark time of year, and a dark time of the world in many ways. We all need all the Love and Light we can get…and not just in December! ❤️
\n“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;”\nLamentations 3:22 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-10T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/10/its-that-time-of-year.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/09/its-ok-to-sayno.html", "title": "It’s Ok to Say...No!", "content_html": "![\"Background\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/097e55ae69.jpg\")
\nThe first year of widowhood, absolutely everything was totally overwhelming. I cried my way through the grocery story. I was filled with angst over making decisions as small as getting my hair cut while I easily went out on a three month trip in my little camper. Work was difficult and I made mistakes. I sat through family holidays literally biting the insides of my cheeks to keep from screaming. It was so hard.
\nThe second year wasn’t much better for me. Worse, in many ways. Mainly because now I was awake and aware and he was still gone. This, however, was the year I learned to say no. In the tiniest of ways. When I felt overwhelmed during the holiday celebrations, I left the room for a break. And no one made a fuss. No one got mad. No one had a hissy fit. As a matter of fact, I’m not really sure they noticed. And that emboldened me to try saying no more often.
\nThis is the fifth Christmas without Mr. Virgo. You would think after this long, and having a new love in my life, I’d have a handle on this whole grief thing, wouldn’t you? But, I don’t always. Take the last month, for instance. My stress level went through the roof. Mr. FixIt and I started fixing up his house. We had his family over for Thanksgiving. I’m just getting to know them and I really want things to be good. We traveled to see some of my relatives over Thanksgiving. Mr. FixIt traveled and I took care of two homes, five cats, cleaning, decorating and rearranging. Then we had pre-op visits and his surgery. I had a huge change in my health insurance and my bill went up. Not something I planned for. I need new brakes on my truck.
\nI always go see the kids and grands in Colorado at Christmas. I kept putting off buying my tickets because I didn’t know how this surgery would affect Mr. FixIt. I didn’t know how long it would be till he could drive, cook, even dress himself. Everything piled up and my anxiety was through the roof. Finally, I had a talk with my daughter. I explained my situation and before I could even finish, she said, “Mom, it’s ok. You’ve got a lot on your plate and you have to do what you have to do. The kids are big enough now to understand adult stuff happens and things don’t always work out the way you planned. Don’t worry about it…it’s fine. Really.” And…just like that…the weight fell off my shoulders. I hadn’t even realized how tense I’ve been till I let go of that and sighed.
\nAs it turns out, it’s absolutely the right decision. Mr. FixIt’s surgery went well, but there are things we hadn’t thought of that he can’t do alone. Opening his pill bottles. Washing the dishes. Showering and dressing. I know this man. If I’m not watching, he’ll be trying to do things he should NOT be doing. I told my friend, Gail, I wasn’t going to Colorado. She said, “Family is important. But so are new relationships.”
\nIt’s ok to say no. It’s ok to acknowledge your limits. It’s ok to take care of yourself and not feel guilty. It’s ok not to be the perfect mother, grandmother, lover, friend, wife, sister, colleague. It’s ok to not go to that party. It’s ok to turn down that invitation to the ornament exchange party. It’s ok to back out of something you thought you could do, but when the tie came to do it it just felt too overwhelming. It’s ok. It’s ok. It’s ok.
\nYesterday Mr. Fixit and I hung out at the house all day in our jammies. We watched movies. We ate good food. I made homemade vegetable beef soup and hot rolls. We didn’t do a darned thing and that was ok. My stress level dropped exponentially after the surgery was over and I knew I didn’t have to scrape together enough money for a plane ticket in a week or two.
\nThe lesson learned here is…there’s really not much that you absolutely HAVE to do surrounding holidays. We have such great expectations and they seldom pan out the way we imagine them anyway. So, why not just give yourself a break and stop trying to create the perfect holiday? Try these things instead…
\nPractice saying no once in a while.
\nMake a cup of tea.
\nBreathe.
\nEat a chocolate.
\nRead a magazine.
\nGo for a walk.
\nTake a nap.
\nSend a card.
\nWatch your favorite movie.
\nTake a bubble bath.
\nLight candles in the evening.
\nCall a friend.
\nDraw a picture.
\nKnit.
\nBake cookies.
\nWatch the snow fall.
\nGo for a drive.
\nDonate to charity.
\nListen to music.
\nGet a massage.
\nPray.
\nSelf care. It’s not selfish. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Reduce your holiday expectations. Just say…”No…no, thank you. I’d love to another time. Thank you so much for asking but I’m stretched so thin right now, I need to practice some self care.” Be honest. Tell the truth. Just. Say. No.
\n“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”\n3 John 1:2 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-09T02:30:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/09/its-ok-to-sayno.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Holiday","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/08/coming-home.html", "title": "Coming Home", "content_html": "![\"American](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e42f923250.jpg\")
\nI lived in England in 1973 and 1974. My first husband was in the Air Force and stationed over there. When he was transferred stateside to his next duty station, my baby and I flew to West Virginia to spend Christmas with my family. When I flew over to England, I traveled commercial. But when I came home, I flew military transport.
\nThere were several people from the base he was stationed at who were traveling with me. Another mother with her two little ones. Two young Airmen. We traveled for three days before I arrived…exhausted…at my mom’s house. The first day was spent driving in a small VW van to a base up north. The second day was spent waiting…waiting…waiting for a plane to be ready. Once we boarded, we sat on the tarmac for six whole hours before we took off.
\nMy baby was using cloth diapers, and you can well imagine, I was running out of clean ones before I got home to West Virginia. She was also drinking formula that I had to carry with me. She slept all the way across the Atlantic. I however, did not. By the time we began our final descent at Fort Dix, I was becoming really emotional. I cannot properly express how I felt when I looked out the windows of the plane and saw the American flag flying over American soil. I felt so proud…so relieved…so honored…so exhausted.
\nYesterday was Pearl Harbor Day. There are fewer and fewer people still living who were there that day or who listened to the radio broadcasts stateside. I know what I felt combing home. I can’t imagine what people who have experienced war must feel when their feel finally touch the soil of “home”. I know it’s a day late, but I would like to honor those who served…and continue to serve. Those who spend the holidays away from their loved ones so that we may enjoy the privileges we have here in this country. Thank you. God bless you and your loved one. ❤️
\n“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."”\nGenesis 28:15 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-08T02:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/08/coming-home.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/05/he-loves-melike-that.html", "title": "He Loves Me...”Like That”", "content_html": "![\"Man](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c29a911247.jpg\")
\nIt was December 4th, 2013. It had been 267 days since the love of my life died right in front of me. It was 267 largely sleepless nights. I had made myself put one foot in front of the other…day after miserable, lonely day…for 2-6-7 long $&@#%€* days. I was tired. I was broken. But I was trying.
\nOn this day, I went to work. It was normally an hour commute each way, but on this particular day, the skies opened up and snow started falling at an alarming rate. The further west I drove heading home, the deeper the snow became. When I finally pulled up in front of my house, there was nearly 18” of heavy, wet snow in my driveway. I slogged up the drive and got my snow shovel out. You know…the one with MY name on it…not Mr. Virgo’s. He was gone. Two-hundred-sixty-seven days of…gone.
\nI shoveled for what seemed like hours. I was numb…physically and emotionally. I could hardly make a dent in the snow removal. I barely got my car in off the street when I gave up and went inside. I marched straight to our…MY…bedroom. I stood in front of the picture of Mr. Virgo and yelled at him. I screamed. I cried. I ranted and raved. He had a lot of nerve leaving me like this…with this house and this mess and this…LIFE! I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t want this. I was just so $&@# tired. I didn’t care if I lived or died, to be perfectly honest.
\nThat was a particularly dark and dreadful season in my life. There were a lot of people who helped me through that. I had support from those who loved me and from complete strangers in several widow’s support groups on Facebook. I’m only active in a couple of them now. I see myself there now as a symbol of hope, having survived the worst of it.
\nThe other day, one of the women in the group said “No one will ever love me like that again”. I couldn’t let her go on thinking that…believing that. I know early on…I couldn’t imagine loving again. If for no other reason than I was sure another loss like that would surely kill me. Then time passed, wounds scarred over, and color started to filter back into my life. I started to think…maybe I COULD do this again. I prayed a lot about it and asked God to place a worthy man right in front of me. And…He did.
\nI wanted this woman to know…your heart can beat again. You can open it up. You can give and receive love. It’s been almost five years since my world fell apart. And, while this man is so different than my late husband, he loves me “like that”. I feel the same joy true love brings. I feel the same hope, warmth, trust. This one is far more passionate…partially because I’m acutely aware of what I lost and I find this so precious. Which brings me to the biggest difference. Fear. When my husband was alive and I used to have the fleeting thought…”What if he died?” I had absolutely zero understanding of what devastation that loss would bring. Now, I know exactly what that loss brought to me. I still don’t know what losing this man would be like, but I have a $&@# good idea. I try to keep the wolves at bay and live in the moment, but they’re always howling in the woods somewhere.
\nGod did not create in us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 is one of my go-to verses when I’m feeling weak and out of control. Mr. FixIt is having some reconstruction surgery on his hand Thursday. Even though I worked most of my career in medicine and was married to a physician for two decades, since losing Mr. Virgo, I don’t handle medical situations very well…especially when it involves someone I love. I read 2 Timothy, and asked a friend to come join me at the hospital for coffee and a chance to catch up. I know it’s not a huge invasive surgery, but I know things can happen. This man loves me…”like that”. I will do my very best to support him in whatever comes our way because…I love him “like that”, too. ❤️
\n“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”\n2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-05T02:30:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/05/he-loves-melike-that.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/04/making-progress.html", "title": "Making Progress", "content_html": "
![\"Interior](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cf92378bfc.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt came home yesterday! happy dance Doggone it…we really miss each other when we are apart. I always say, “But, I still need my space. I have to have time to recharge!” And I do. About four days and I’m good. After that, I’m ready to see that happy smile on Mr. FixIt’s face. It is a good thing to miss your love when you’re apart. It means you’ve got it goin’ on, right?
\nI worked like a little bee while he was gone. I did some rearranging and cleaning and decorating and nested like a woman about to deliver. (Thank God THAT’S not happening anymore!) I didn’t want to post pictures while he was gone because he reads my posts every day (didn’t I say he was sweet?) and I didn’t want to ruin the surprise when he walked in the door. I have to say, the look on his face was worth all the work. I literally finished minutes before he pulled into the drive!
\nReally, the only room we’ve done any work on has been the family room. Some paint, a new desk and chair, editing what was in there, and adding some of my special things, and it’s a whole new room for very little outlay. There’s more to do, but it’s really lovely now and it reflects US! This picture is the corner where I set up my desk and chair. I love how the desk closes up, hiding any “office clutter”. The raven on the top is an old orchard decoy I bought thirty years ago. The heron lamp belongs to Mr. FixIt. The quilt was a wedding gift to Mr. Virgo and me from a friend. It hung in the breakfast nook at my home in Colorado. The sign on the top says “Once in awhile, in an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.” I bought that to put in my camper as a remembrance of the love I had with Mr. Virgo. And now, it’s doing double duty because I get to live another fairytale!
\nI’ll share bits and pieces of my decorating as we go along but I have to maintain Mr. FixIt’s privacy as well. Bless his heart, he signed on for a heck of a ride when he asked me out for lunch a year or so ago. He’s never said a word about showing up in my posts, but I want to respect his boundaries at the same time.
\nThe house is decorated for Christmas and this week is jam-packed busy with appointments. I hope you are enjoying your early holiday preparations. If you are experiencing your first (or second, or tenth….doesn’t matter) holiday without your loved one and you’re really missing your person, I hope you are practicing good self care. Reach out here if you need extra support. There are a lot of us here who have been through similar losses and we’re here to help as we can. ❤️
\n“…I found the one my heart loves.”\nSong of Songs 3:4 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-04T02:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/04/making-progress.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/03/the-rheostat.html", "title": "The Rheostat", "content_html": "
![\"Rheostat\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d4dd13ff46.jpg\")
\nWhen Daughter #2 was born, I had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. Her sister, and only sibling, turned sixteen and got her driver’s license just a few months after she was born. So, I had a lot of time on my hands to devote to the baby. I knew this would be my last child so I read all the parenting books and nurtured her learning from the get go. As a matter of fact, I placed headphones on my tummy and played Mozart and Beethoven to her in utero. Yes, I was “one of THOSE” moms.
\nDaughter #2 was precocious. She could READ the alphabet at seventeen months. She knew the names of all her body parts, by their anatomical terms. She spoke complete sentences early. She was a beast! Fierce. Determined. Focused. I had flash cards on the wall by the changing table. We would talk about what it was and what it meant and how you spell it and how you pronounce it.
\nBecause of all this exposure to knowledge, this baby was powerfully curious. She pointed at everything and wanted to know what it was, how it worked, and what you used it for. One afternoon, I caught her staring intently at something from her high chair. I followed her gaze. She was looking at the dimmer switch. Soon she looked at me and asked “Whassat?” It was her FAVORITE question! She asked it hundreds of times a day.
\nI explained to her that it was a dimmer switch, but the thing that makes it work is called a rheostat. I took her outside and showed her the electric lines coming into the house. I told her about electricity. And I told her how a rheostat slows down or speeds up the waves in the electricity and that changes the light from dim to bright to dim at will. After that, wherever we went, she demanded to know if our host or hostess had a rheostat. My friends rolled their eyes at me. “Would you let her be a kid, for crying out loud?” I should have, probably. My daughter struggled because the other kids just didn’t “get” her. She had trouble relating to kids her own age. She’s turned out fine…it just wasn’t easy for her.
\nLife can be like a rheostat. We can turn up the frequency and shine light out into the world. Or we can turn it down and sit in the dark. There’s something really cool about the light, though. Darkness cannot overcome the light. Only light can overcome darkness. Keep shining your light out into the world. Keep the darkness at bay. Constantly tell the enemy he is not welcome here. Show him your light. Tell him Who you get that light from. Send him packing. Remember your rheostat when you feel down…and turn it up! ❤️
\n“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””\nJohn 8:12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-03T02:30:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/03/the-rheostat.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/02/more-christmas-memories.html", "title": "MORE Christmas Memories", "content_html": "
![\"Ceramic](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bf84f90cf7.jpg\")
\nI have been on such a nostalgia kick lately! Here’s one I know you all will remember and you probably had (still have!) one of these bad boys. My mom had one that she made in a ceramics class. As a matter of fact, I think I might have made one somewhere along the way. I seem to remember painting on the glaze that puffed up like snow and gluing the little ornaments in the holes. Wow…that’s like opening the top of your head and reaching WAY back in the memory banks!
\nMom got to the point where this was the extent of her holiday decorating. When Christmas was over, she dusted off the “tree”, put a dry cleaning bag over it, and took it back upstairs to the attic till the next year. I found it up there after she died. It’s one of the things I saved when I cleared out her house. And, unfortunately, it’s one of the only things that broke during one of my many moves over the years. It made me so sad.
\nI was rummaging around in the upstairs of the cellar house the other day and ran across one of these in a box up there. I need to get it out and set it up on the dining room table. My aunt used to put it out when she lived there.
\nI was wandering around the mall yesterday and was thinking of more things we used to get at Christmas. Remember those round bath oil beads? They were jewel-toned, came in about four or five scents, and often were in a tube with a plastic crook on the end to look like a candy cane. You put on in your bath and the hot water would melt the gelatin bead and the oil would come out into the water. Only, who could resist picking it up and playing with it till it completely dissolved???
\nHow about the Easy Bake Oven??? OMGosh! Do you remember how horrible that stuff tasted??? Yet, we ate it! There was Chatty Cathy, Betsy Wetsy, Tiny Tears. I always wanted one but never got one. I did get the bride doll that was as tall as me! And I had a Barbie. My Aunt Marge once traded eggs for a Barbie Doll dress that the neighbor made. I knew that was a big deal for her to do that and I took extra special care of that dress.
\nHow about the socks with the toes in them? Or games like Operation or Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. I remember getting a set of Old Maid cards once.
\nOne year, money must have been really tight. Mom ordered our Christmas presents from a catalog and they didn’t come in time for Christmas. So on Christmas morning, mom gave us each an envelope with the pictures of what we were going to get when the box arrived. But then, when the box did come, Dad found out Mom had charged the items so he made her send them all back. We were so disappointed and to this day, it makes my heart ache for her. She had to have felt horrible that we didn’t get a Christmas.
\nWe moved into the house we grew up in over Christmas break when I was in second grade. The house and furnishings were our Christmas that year. I remember my Grandmother bought me a bedroom set. It was grey, very modern. It had a twin bed and a dresser that had a drop\nFront that turned into a desk. Grandmother made curtains out of pink fabric with grey poodles on them. There was an old TV console in my bedroom and for some reason, she made a cover for that as well. I even had a black metal trash can with a poodle on it! My brothers room was decorated with a Cincinnati Reds theme. That was a grand Christmas!
\nI remember when I got old enough to babysit, I would go downtown to Kresge’s and buy Mom a little bottle of Evening in Paris perfume or a chiffon scarf. She always acted as though that was the finest gift a mother could have wished for and it made me so proud. I loved wrapping the presents. As a matter of fact…when we got old enough, she would put our gifts in boxes and I’d wrap my own presents! I wrapped everyone’s presents. It took all day on a Saturday. I’d sit on the floor in front of the TV and use up all the bows and the stickers and the gift tags and have a big time. Then I’d pile everything under the tree. We didn’t have a lot. But we had enough. ❤️
\n““Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”\nExodus 20:12 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-12-02T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/02/more-christmas-memories.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/12/01/johnny-and-punkin-spice.html", "title": "Johnny and Punkin Spice", "content_html": "![\"Dog](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/899f0bd7c2.jpg\")
\nI have this friend. She’s one of those wonderful shining stars that God places on this earth to be a guardian of animals. I am convinced she is an “angel unawares”. I met Aimee through a high school friend. They were talking at a conference once and Aimee told her about this great group of women campers she belonged to called…Sisters on the Fly. Diane couldn’t wait to hook us up. And I am so glad she did. I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with Aimee. As a matter of fact, I believe we have only seen each other in person two or three times. But it’s always “old home week” when we greet each other like long lost friends.
\nNot only are Aimee and I “Sisters”…we are also fellow West Virginians. And darned proud of it, I might say. Aimee works for the state and created the COOLEST soil trailer. It’s a cargo trailer that she converted on the inside to give you a “worm’s eye view” of what it looks like in the ground. So, she’s an animal activist, she hauls a soil trailer all over the state to teach kids about the earth, she’s a Sister on the Fly, and a farmer, and she creates beautiful art pieces that she sells at some of the big decorator barn sales. On top of that, she’s beautiful, funny, and I just love her to pieces. Because she saved Johnny’s life.
\nJohnny was a rescue. Terribly ill, he was essentially a lost cause. The vet didn’t think he could possibly live. But Aimee found out about him (I think she’s on speed dial at the animal rescue) and scooped him up. She sat up with Johnny for days, snuggling him in blankets, taking him in for infusions and tests practically every day. He kept getting sicker and sicker. He was a rescue…but he had wriggled into her heart and she couldn’t give up on him. One night, they made a desperate trip to see the vets at the university in Columbus. It took a while, but they finally diagnosed Johnny with a rare disease that affects his joints. If they could just get him through, things would get better for him and he would live a pretty normal life. But there were no guarantees. They pleaded and prayed and now…look at him! He’s so beautiful. All of us fell madly in love with him and Aimee is great at recording his life for his fan base.
\nThis fall, Aimee was driving down the street in her truck when she saw something very tiny in the road. It was a kitten! And there was a man in a truck alongside the road. The kitten was trying desperately to get in the truck but the man just sat and stared at it. Without thinking, Aimee jumped out, stopped traffic, scooped up the kitten, and ran back across the busy highway. She yelled at the man. “Didn’t you see that kitten?” He just shrugged. “I don’t know anything about that.” Oh, he knew alright! He had more than likely dumped that baby right before Aimee drove by. God puts angels right where he needs them, doesn’t He?
\nThis little kitten went to work with Aimee every day as she fostered it. She socialized her and made sure she had all her shots and took extra special care of her in hopes she would forget all about the bad man in the truck. What sent us over the moon was how much Johnny loved his kitty. HIS kitty. Oh…how Johnny LOVES kitties! He would cry and cry until Aimee gave him the kitten. Then she had to sit with him and tell him over and over…”Easy, Johnny. You have to be gentle. Easy. Easy.” Johnny knew, the only way he could have his baby was if he laid down very still…then Aimee would place this tiny little fur ball under this big boxer boy. He laid so still…but his tail pounded the bed like a drum.
\nEventually, the kitty found her way to a forever home with a boy to play with. We were all SO worried about Johnny. How would he handle losing his baby? Aimee posted pictures of Johnny with his other kitties. His mommy knows when she has reached the number of animals she can responsibly care for. She did the right thing. And she knows Johnny better than any of us. She knew he would be fine. It’s as if Johnny knew he was only a temporary caregiver for this little baby.
\nWe can learn so much from Johnny. Patience, kindness, caring…unconditional love. He doesn’t care that the kitten isn’t like him. All he knows is…here is someone who needs love and he has love to give.
\nYou never know what kind of stray Aimee will attract next. Right now she is fostering a dog with cancer who is legitimately psychotic. They are trying to figure out how to help her. If anyone can, it’s our divine farm girl…the Dirt Queen. Thank you, Aimee…for having such a huge heart. You are so loved and there are many stars in your crown. ❤️
\n““But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”\nJob 12:7-12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-12-01T02:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/12/01/johnny-and-punkin-spice.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/29/the-shift.html", "title": "The Shift", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08a030f2c5.jpg\")
\nThe earth shifted yesterday. Did you feel it? I did. Mr. FixIt is about halfway through his guy getaway to Florida with his buddy and I’ve been staying at his house…feeding cats, cleaning, decorating, rearranging. It’s been great fun.
\nFor those of you who have been following from the beginning, I downsized and got rid of ninety-five percent of my personal belongings when I sold my house in 2014. I brought those things to West Virginia that I could not part with. A friend has been so kind as to let me store them in his basement all this time. I went over a couple of weeks ago and brought a whole truckload over to Mr. FixIt’s house. The Christmas decorations were all put out so yesterday, I got into the boxes of decorator items. A pink Fenton hurricane lamp, an antique cast iron rabbit doorstop, some quilts, my raven decoy, a sign that says “Kindness Matters”…these found themselves mingled with Mr. FixIt’s memories. Looking at the finished project, they could have all been purchased together for just the same house
\nI went back into the storage room and lugged the heaviest box to the kitchen. This is where I felt the shift. Do you sense what’s happening here? I’m nesting. The lines of “yours” and “mine” are blurring. Nowhere did I feel this as much as when I opened that heavy box. It was filled with china. Precious cargo that has been carted from one side of the country to the other…never seeing the light of day.
\nOne winter day, what seems like a lifetime ago, Mr. Virgo and I were shopping for a tablecloth. When I caught up with him, he was standing in front of a display of china. He was studying something intently so I followed his gaze. When I saw what he was looking at, I gasped out loud. Royal Doulton’s “Tennyson”. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. And, six months later, I got eight place settings for my birthday. I sat down and cried like a little girl. I’d never had anything so…fine.
\nThose dishes were packed away in 2014 when I sold my house. Yesterday…I carefully unwrapped each one, inspecting them for chips or cracks. They were perfect. I carefully hand washed and dried each piece and set them out on the dining room table in Mr. FixIt’s house. I thought about how far I have come in the nearly five years since Mr. Virgo died.
\nMr. FixIt and I still have an unconventional relationship. He has his place, I am taking care of the family farm. We stay a little here, a little there. We travel, and we stay apart a little. It works for now.
\nI am so blessed that Mr. FixIt gets me. He’s an angel…tolerant of many things. And he’s thrilled to spend whatever time he can with me. The feelings are mutual. ❤️
\n“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain…”\nPsalm 127:1 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-29T02:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/29/the-shift.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/28/the-stick-tree.html", "title": "The Stick Tree", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/df4b74fec3.jpg\")
\nYou’ve all seen that spindly little Christmas tree Charlie Brown had, right? Basically a stick with some twigs branching off. As far back as I can remember, that was the tree out at the farm. My Uncle Bob was a simple man. When he was told to go cut down a pine tree for Christmas, he did just that. And being a practical man, he brought back one that was easy to carry and would not take long to decorate. He was the smartest of the bunch, turns out.
\nGrandma didn’t have a lot of ornaments. I remember some of those made by Shiny Bright. There was a very old hand blown Santa that my fat baby fingers accidentally broke one year. sigh And, there was an angel that went on the top of the tree. Her dress was made of vinyl with a net skirt over it. Her upper torso, arms, and head were like a doll made of hard plastic. Her hair was spun glass. And her wings were silver pressed cardboard. Somehow, I managed to acquire that angel. I suppose because I’m the oldest grand daughter and got married first, I don’t know. But that angel has been with me forever. She is too fragile to put on top of a tree…I’m afraid the cardboard tube that slips over a branch might break. So, she gets tucked in a place of prominence on the front of the tree…up high enough to avoid any encounters with two or four-legged children.
\nWe always had a big, fat tree at home that my dad bought at a lot. I remember the excitement of driving around looking at Christmas lights then stopping at the lot to pick out our tree. I wore a woolen coat buttoned up to my neck, someone’s hand-me-down, I’m sure. I had a blue velvet hat that tied under my chin with blue satin ties. And, hanging on one side we’re two white balls made of real rabbit fur. I remember shaking my head back and forth to feel them bounce around. I wore that hat till it literally disintegrated. I wore rubber boots that fit over my shoes and buckles with an elastic string over a button.
\nDad would walk us up and down the aisles to choose the perfect tree…i.e. the cheapest without too many holes in it. Once the price was negotiated, an attendant would help Dad carry the tree to the Oldsmobile and strap it to the top with sisal rope. Once we got it home, there was trimming to be done before we could take it in the house. We had strings of lights with big reflectors that went on before screwing the big bulb in. This was a safety feature that kept the needles from touching the hot bulb and catching fire. And many of the ornaments hanging on my tree that I so carefully preserve were placed on those big, fat trees at the house on 55th Street.
\nI remember feeling so sorry for Grandma and her skinny little Charlie Brown tree. Now I look back and appreciate the simplicity with a fervor. I use an artificial tree now. The first one I’ve had since Mr. Virgo died. I opted for a slender one. I thought I’d be putting it in front of the window at the farm. Instead, it’s over here at Mr. FixIt’s. I never would have dreamed. This is the fifth Christmas without Mr. Virgo. To have found this new love and new joy and renewed zest for life is something I am profoundly grateful for.
\nIt’s the simple things I crave now. Things held by loved ones long gone. Gentle, loving companionship. Soft music. A warm fire. Good food. And a loving God that made all this possible for me. I am richly blessed. ❤️
\n“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”\nRomans 15:13 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-28T02:30:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/28/the-stick-tree.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/27/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "title": "The Ghosts of Christmas Past", "content_html": "
![\"Antique](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ae88575c4b.jpg\")
\nI think this is my all-time favorite Christmas ornament. It’s been in my family as long as I can remember. I have a dozen or so of the smaller ones of the same era but this is the only big one that survived. I can still remember the box it came in. I am always extremely careful with all my ornaments when I store them, but this one especially so. It is so fragile and the paint has been flaking away for years.
\nThere are so many ornaments on this tree that have a story. Baby’s First Christmas. The angel topper from Grandma’s tree. Hand blown glass Santas. A sterling silver tree that was a gift to Mr. Virgo from The Ritz Carlton in 2011. An Old World Santa with the tip of his Christmas tree broken off that Mr. Virgo rescued from the trash at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Dozens of coveted hand made ornaments gathered from my friend Judy’s famous Christmas Ornament Exchange Parties. And, the seven Ne’Qua ornaments Mr. Virgo and I bought together on our trips…one for every Christmas we shared.
\nChristmas has always been my favorite holiday. I found an e-mail the other day where Mr. Virgo had asked me to get our Christmas decorations and stage them in the living room so we could put up our tree that weekend. We always put on White Christmas and decorated the tree together. The first Christmas after he died, I followed the tradition. I did fine until I got up the next morning and saw what I had done. I can’t tell you how close I came to taking the whole thing down and putting it away. I cried for days. It was brutal. The next Christmas was spent in my friend’s apartment, sitting in the dark, staring out the window as the snow slowly drifted down through the circles of light around the old fashioned street lamps of Marietta, Ohio. It was still brutal.
\nThe next two Christmases were spent with my Colorado family. That was much better. We decorated the tree together and baked a million cookies. It was fun.
\nEach holiday season is a little easier. Last year, even though we weren’t together, Mr. FixIt and I had started dating and had fallen in love. Holidays were again filled with light and love and joy. Mr. Virgo was still there with us in spirit but the sadness of his absence had abated somewhat. This year, Mr. FixIt and I did the majority of the tree trimming before he left for Florida. I finished up last night. I’m actually glad I had those few hours decorating alone. I turned on Christmas carols. (I can’t figure out how to turn on Mr. FixIt’s DVD player. ?) I held each special ornament in my hands and thought of the person who made it, or where I got it, or who was there when it was used year after year. The Ghosts of Christmas Past paraded through the room and through my mind and heart as I smiled through the tears that stung the back of my eyes as Tony Bennett crooned The Christmas Song.
\nThis is a new life…a different life. Another chance at love. Another gift of making memories. My heart is full to overflowing with the beauty of it all. God has been so good to me…us. ❤️
\n“A cheerful heart is good medicine…”\nProverbs 17:22 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-27T02:30:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/27/the-ghosts-of-christmas-past.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/26/o-christmas-tree.html", "title": "O Christmas Tree", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1fffbc5f7c.jpg\")
\nLast Christmas, Mr. FixIt and I had just been dating a few weeks and December found us traveling in opposite directions. He went to Florida with his buddy and a few days later, I went to Colorado for a month with my kids. That’s the longest we’ve been apart since our first date and we neither one liked it. That’s when I figured things were pretty serious between us.
\nRight around Christmas, I was talking to him on the phone, lamenting that I didn’t get to put up a tree and have a Country Christmas at the farm. When I pulled in the driveway upon my return, I stopped in my tracks. While I was gone, this sweet man had decorated the farmhouse for me to come home to. Not only that, but he was standing there in his grey wool trousers, black dress shoes, a white shirt, and a red sweater vest. He looked so sharp and my heart nearly exploded! What a sweet and generous thing for him to do. He also bought me an indoor lighted Christmas tree, but we didn’t put it up because it was almost New Year’s when I got back from my trip. So, this is the first year we have a tree together.
\nSomeone mentioned they wanted to see a picture and someone else wanted to know about the mechanical angel, so I decided to post a video for you this morning. I still have ornaments to put on but didn’t get home till late last night so I’ll decorate more today.
\nI went to the funeral yesterday. As it turns out, Sis wasn’t just my grandma’s friend and neighbor. We were related…through marriage. I’ve told you before, you can’t throw a stick up this holler without hitting someone I’m related to. I got to see several cousins and met Sis’s son. He’s been my Facebook friend for ages. It’s such a small, small world.
\nI am so relieved that I can attend a funeral service now without wigging out. My friend’s son was killed in an accident a year or so ago. Another friend took one look at me during the visitation and said, “Let’s go.” She got me out in the air and my heart started beating again. You certainly don’t LIKE going to funerals, but you have to be able to express condolences without flipping out and it took me a while to get there. For the longest time, I seriously felt like I was just one crisis away from losing it altogether. That “one crisis theory” hung over my head like Damocles’ sword which increased my anxiety exponentially. Full blown grief is about as close to flat out crazy as you can get. I didn’t know if “I” would ever come back. Thank God I did. I couldn’t live like that forever.
\nMy sweetie is gone for his annual Florida guy’s trip so I’m spending the week catching up with “back burner” things…stuff I put off because it’s much more fun to go play with my bestest buddy. I need to be pretty productive this week! ❤️
\n“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”\n2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-26T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/26/o-christmas-tree.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/25/its-small-business-saturday.html", "title": "It’s Small Business Saturday", "content_html": "
![\"Shop](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/de9742a1bc.jpg\")
\nI avoid Black Friday like the plague. There is nothing in this whole wide world I…or anyone I know…need bad enough to risk life and limb for. I know there are great deals. I know the color glossies and TV commercials have been pumping everyone with the next great thing they can’t live without. I’m fortunate in that my kids were raised Jewish. They got a little present every night, then one big one on the last night of Hanukkah. They also had Santa but there was only one really extravagant year that I can remember. My kids and grandkids are frugal. They would much rather have money and go shopping at the after Christmas sales. More bang for their buck!
\nI have everything I need. I buy myself a plane ticket every year and go see my Colorado family. I don’t want anything I have to take care of or dust. This year, Mr. FixIt and I have decided instead of getting each other presents for Christmas, we’re going to carpet the family room. We’ll get much more enjoyment out of that than any appliance or sweater. And, it’s the gift that keeps on giving! I encourage you to shop small, hometown, mom & pop businesses this year. Big box stores may have better deals on cheaper goods…but they don’t have the vested interest in you personally that a small business owner has. I’ve owned my own business before…I know. This month makes or breaks a small business. Do your best to keep your money local.
\nI have a funeral to go to today. Sis Strickling passed away. That’s not her first name, nor is this her last name…my family always just called her Sis “Stricklin’”. She was born and raised on the country road a couple miles from the farm. Always sweet and with a smile on her face, my favorite memories of her were at the little one room church house where Grandma went. Sometimes she would come over to the farm for a visit while I was there. She kept her house neat and tidy. After her husband passed away, she went to Ohio to be with her kids. Her memory went at the end and I know it was so hard for her family. I praise God that he gives us an eternal home with no pain, no tears, and no illness. I know her husband and loved ones who went before her met her with open arms.
\nIt took the longest time for me to be able to go to a funeral after Mr. Virgo died. I wasn’t sure I would ever go to another one, but surprisingly…it’s BECAUSE he died that I can go easily now. If I begin to get anxious, I remind myself I am doing this for the loved ones. This has nothing to do with me…it’s all about them. I was so touched by everyone who came to my husband’s funeral. Their presence meant more to me than they will ever know. I remember so few individuals, but I do remember a sea of faces and that equates to a boatload of love. That love helped me through, so that’s why I go to funerals now.
\nMr. FixIt and I put up the Christmas tree last night. It’s our first one together. Blending traditions gave us ample opportunities to discuss and compromise. He wanted the tree in the dining room where you could see it from the road. I wanted it in the family room where WE could see it. We compromised by moving furniture around so we could put the tree in front of the picture window in the family room. This way we can see it from the side road coming in AND while we’re sitting in the family room. I’ll put lights in the dining room window so he can see it from the big road. Even through the top branches of the tree were pretty tippy, the mechanical angel HAD to go on top. I managed to wedge the branches around enough to support her and she is beautiful. Melding…it’s what you do when you keep adding to your family. At this point, if we got everyone I’m related to through marriages together, that would be one huge family portrait. I am so, so blessed to add so many branches to my family tree. ❤️
\n“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.”\n1 Kings 8:57 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-25T02:30:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/25/its-small-business-saturday.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/24/and-soit-begins.html", "title": "And So...It Begins", "content_html": "
![\"Christmas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aa1b343fa7.jpg\")
\nThe other day I found myself with a little time on my hands and stopped at the Blennerhassett Hotel for a Starbucks. The Easter Seal Parade of Trees was on display so I took my coffee and wandered among the holiday decorations, getting inspiration. There were some stunning trees this year. The trees are decorated by volunteers, sponsored by local businesses, and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It’s a wonderful fund raiser for the Easter Seal Society and helps provided needed services for area physically and developmentally disabled children.
\nI grew up going to the Easter Seal Treatment Center. My big brother was born with cerebral palsy and went to therapy every week. He had physical, occupational, and speech therapy for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was a play table with little doors. You went in and the door shut after you. It was designed to allow children with disabilities to stand up for a period of time. There were toys and puzzles you could play with on the table in front of you, but what really stuck with me was the milk and cookies we got at snack time. Even though I had no need of these services, I was allowed to attend many of the sessions because I totally understood my brother’s speech when others found it difficult.
\nMom learned to drive when my brother was first starting therapy so she didn’t have to rely on my dad to get us to school and therapy at the end of the day. I’ll never forget my mom’s friend Elaine trying to teach her to drive. I sat in the back as mom drove around and around City Park. At one point, we ran up an embankment and nearly hit a tree. Mom put her head down on the steering wheel and cried. She kept saying, “I can’t. I can’t do it!” And Elaine would pat her arm and say, “Wanda…you have these kids to take care of. Of course you can do this. Now, let’s try again.”
\nElaine was a saint. And…so was my mom. I look back now at what her life was like and I’m in awe of her. I wasn’t always a supportive child and I sure wish she was here now to receive this new appreciation I feel for her.
\nChristmas is such a special time of year. I love bringing beauty and light into the long, dark nights of winter. We came back last night from our Thanksgiving visit with my family and will work today to get some decorating done before Mr. FixIt leaves for Florida on Saturday. This will be our second Christmas together…my fifth without Mr. Virgo. Bittersweet becomes more and more sweet with time.
\nI hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I ate a lot, loved on my family, and took a nap!!! ❤️
\n“You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.”\nProverbs 3:24 MSG
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-24T02:30:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/24/and-soit-begins.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/23/with-gratitude.html", "title": "With Gratitude", "content_html": "
![\"Ginny](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a3ca25658f.jpg\")
\nIt’s deer season in West Virginia and I bagged my first deer yesterday. Unfortunately, it was with Mr. FixIt’s 2007 Tundra. There was no stopping and I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I didn’t swerve. I held steady. Fortunately, there’s not much damage to the truck but we will have to replace the bumper. I’ve never hit a deer before. One fell down in front of me once but I drove right over it and it jumped up and ran away. I am grateful we weren’t injured and the damage was minimal.
\nThe other night, Mr. FixIt and I were having dinner and talking about Old Mama Kitty being gone. He stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth and asked, “You don’t suppose she wandered into the cellar house when you were in there last week and got trapped, do you?” OMGosh! The look on my face must have been pure horror. He looked at me with such compassion and said, “Don’t worry…we’ll go right back out there and check.” We drove the twenty-two miles and I ran up to the building and checked but she wasn’t there. Im sad she is gone but I’m grateful I didn’t accidentally trap her and keep her from food and water.
\nWe visited my mom’s sister and brother and his wife yesterday. My aunts are having memory issues and my uncle is caring for them. So far they’re holding their own. Actually, the aunt whose dementia is really bad was having a pretty good day. She recognized me and told me she had been worried about me. She put her arm around my neck and pulled me close. She told me she loved me. She waved goodbye with a smile. I am grateful to have made that connection with my aunt.
\nMy uncle regaled us with funny stories all evening…one of which I thought to record. He told the story about the day they rolled the old farmhouse I’m living in down onto the new basement they built. We all laughed. I am grateful for this man’s strength, courage, and sense of humor. Most of all, I’m grateful for his heart…it is full of love!
\nI am grateful for my Colorado family. They are healthy and happy and enjoying their lives. My brother is doing well. I’ve more than doubled my family since bringing Mr. FixIt into my life. More people to love!
\nI am grateful to all of you for making a little space in your lives for my words. You all bless me every day. Thank you for indulging me in my stories. May you all be richly blessed.
\nHappy Thanksgiving! ❤️
\n“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”\nPsalms 100:1-5 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-23T10:36:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/23/with-gratitude.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/22/little-lies.html", "title": "Little Lies", "content_html": "
![\"Pinky](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0a23834061.jpg\")
\nIs there such a thing as a “little white lie”? I mean, isn’t a lie…a lie? Big or small, untruths between couples erode trust in a relationship. If you have a need to outright lie to your spouse, you might not be with the right person. And what about the sin of omission? Ok, I’ve been guilty of “rounding down a little” when reporting how much I spent on that little black dress I had to have or trying to maintain a secret surrounding a gift. And, if I’m going to be honest here, there have been times in my life when I have not been truthful in a relationship and I’m not married to that person anymore. Which brings up that point again…if you have a need to outright lie to your spouse, you might not be with the right person. I wasn’t way back when. Enough said.
\nI was thrilled when Mr. Virgo came along. He was a great communicator, which was quite refreshing for me. We told each other everything. We told each other stories. I loved his stories. He worked in 5-Star resorts, hotels, and restaurants around the world. He met fascinating people…celebrities, politicians, dignitaries, kings and queens. His stories were enthralling and he loved telling them as much as I loved hearing them.
\nSeveral weeks after Mr. Virgo died, I was going through his personal papers in his dresser and came upon things that shook me up. Things I didn’t know. Things I felt were out of character for the man I knew and loved. Oh, it wasn’t anything like a second family in another state or something of a criminal nature. It was credit cards I didn’t know about. A relationship he had had before me that he never told me about. A business he had lost that had debt I was unaware of. Little things, but little things add up to big things.
\nI didn’t know how to feel. I felt a little betrayed. I felt a little disappointed. I felt a little angry. It added to the sadness and devastation I was already feeling at his loss. I carried that around for a long time and never told anyone because I didn’t want to besmirch Mr. Virgo’s good name. And you know what happens when you hold things in…they rot and swell and become that abscess you need lanced or your soul will explode.
\nI’m sure I’m not the only person who went through this. But I’ve never really talked much about it till the other day I met someone going through the same thing I went through and I knew there was a post in there. I knew somewhere out there, there is at least one person who needs to hear how I handled that, so here we are.
\nWhen I first stumbled across information that I had not known when Mr. Virgo was alive, I was confused. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking at. Grief brain addles your mind anyway. Add conflicting information and I was stumped. I wrote things down, made notes, compared conversations till I had a pretty good idea what I was looking at. Then I started the process of reconciling that information and asked myself a number of questions.
\nDoes this new information change how you KNOW you feel about him…how you’ve felt about him since the beginning?
\nFor me, the answer was a resounding “No!”
\nDid he love me? “Yes…more than life itself!”
\nWhy did he not tell me? “He didn’t want to…for whatever reason…and that was his choice to make.”
\nIf I would have known this information before I married him, would I have gone through with the wedding? “Oh, h*** yeah!”
\nMr. Virgo is still the same man I knew and loved and grieve for. The only thing that has changed is thought. Yes, there was some debt to contend with that I wasn’t expecting. That is what life insurance policies are for…debt, funeral expenses, and living expenses till you can stand up and breathe again. It wasn’t much, but it helped me get through the messiness. The relationship he had before me that I didn’t know about? Who cares? He married me. The credit cards I didn’t know about? That is still a puzzle, but one I’ve had to let go of. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter.
\nUnless it’s something criminal, or there’s a whole secret family you didn’t know about, my advice is…let it go. Obsessing over things never changes the past. It only sullies the present and tarnishes future memories. They make mistakes…they sin…they’re human. Let it go. I prefer to preserve that special relationship I felt before I rummaged around in the bottom drawer of his dresser. It’s better this way. ❤️
\n“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”\n2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-22T02:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/22/little-lies.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/19/almost-heavenhomemade-apple-pies.html", "title": "Almost Heaven...Homemade Apple Pies!", "content_html": "
![\"Homemade](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/78f5f508bf.jpg\")
\nOne of the happiest places in the world for me is a kitchen. I used to bake competitively and had a huge kitchen back then. My last house had a rather small galley kitchen but I still managed to bake several times a week as Mr. Virgo had a sweet tooth. When I sold that house after his death, I lived much of the next three years in my camper. I don’t know if you have ever tried to bake in a camper oven but they are nothing like a home stove. The bottom of everything burned and I gave up trying to bake anything. There is a big country kitchen at the farm, but I traveled so much this last year, I really didn’t cook all that much. I kind of got out of the baking habit.
\nWe’re having our early Thanksgiving dinner with Mr. FixIt’s family today. I actually started cooking Friday evening. I cooked a bag of cranberries and put them in the fridge in a covered container. I have the sweet potatoes parboiled and in the fridge ready to assemble with butter and brown sugar today. The fresh green beans and ham have been cooked and will just need reheated. Yesterday I fried bacon and added chopped pecans and dried cranberries. I parboiled Brussels sprouts and tossed them with the bacon mixture in my huge electric skillet, then put the whole thing in the fridge. I mixed up two pans of dressing…one sage, the other with nuts and cranberries…sealed them with foil and put them in the fridge as well. Then I made two pumpkin pies and two apple pies.
\nToday I have to bake a 20-pound turkey and a ham, hot rolls, the two pans of dressing, and the sweet potatoes. I’ll heat everything else up and time it all to be ready at 4:00. The table is set. The ice is made. We are expecting thirteen for dinner. I’ve got this!
\nThe family room is finished. It took three coats of Kilz and two coats of Valspar with primer to cover that dark green but we got it done. I didn’t get curtains made in time for dinner, but that will come soon enough. I sat there enjoying the fruits of our labor, listening to soft music in the background as I wrote this. It was very warm yesterday…nearly 70, but rain came in at dusk and it will continue to get colder as the week progresses.
\nAll but the most stubborn of leaves have fallen now, the color all but gone. I have such vivid memories of going out to the farm for Thanksgiving dinners and having it look just like this. It’s funny how our senses take us back so quickly, isn’t it? The sights, sounds, and smells transport me over six decades and brings me so close to my mom and my grandma. I miss them both so much. And I miss my Colorado family. The grandchildren are growing so fast. I always say this, but I wish Colorado and West Virginia were closer. It’s hard when your heart has two homes. ❤️
\n“She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”\nProverbs 31:15-17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-19T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/19/almost-heavenhomemade-apple-pies.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/17/its-just-a-phase.html", "title": "It’s Just a Phase", "content_html": "
![\"Phases\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/737daa8371.jpg\")
\nMr. FixIt and I graduated from the same high school class. Our classmates started gathering once every two or three months for dinner. We are “of an age” where loss is too real and we want to enjoy each other while we can. Last night was just such a gathering…and it was wonderful. There were forty-two of us…our largest gathering yet outside of an actual class reunion.
\nBeing the social butterfly that I am, I went from table to table to visit so I could speak with everyone, at least for a few minutes. Some of these people I’ve known since first grade. They are all\nImportant to me, whether I’ve known them forever or not. Some of my dearest friends were talking about Mr. FixIt and I. One of them mentioned I’m in a new phase. She wasn’t crazy about my “I downsized so you all should too” phase. lol I don’t blame her…I can beat a subject to death sometimes.
\nWe’re having a dozen or so family members over for an early Thanksgiving Sunday. The family room is nearly finished. Another coat of Kilz on the second door then the trim color can go on. A little touch up here and there, then up comes the tape and drop cloths, a good vacuuming, and move the furniture back then I can start cooking.
\nYes, this IS a new phase. Not totally uncharted territory. I’ve been in relationships before. I’ve nested and played house and been Susie Homemaker. This time around is different somehow. It’s more deliberate…easing into it, savoring each moment like a fine French wine or an aged Camembert. Feeling the silky smoothness of love and fun and laughter and even the serious moments. I love this phase. Remember how you wanted to stop your kids at three…at least for a while? Three-year-olds are perfect. They have gained some reasoning skills and they are sweet as sugar. That’s how this feels. I want it to just be like this…forever and always. I’m a realist…and a dreamer. ❤️
\n“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.”\nEcclesiastes 7:8-11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-17T02:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/17/its-just-a-phase.html", "tags": ["Hope","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/15/the-long-goodbye.html", "title": "The Long Goodbye", "content_html": "
![\"Vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/266ba1783d.jpg\")
\nI have a longtime friend…I’ll call her Betty. Betty is retired. She was a child and family counselor…and a darned good one. She is kind, gentle, tender in her approach. She was an intuitive therapist. She raised a beautiful family. She had struggles along the way, as we all do. Some of hers were really difficult. But, in the end, she is still with the same loving spouse, and her children are thriving.
\nSeveral months ago, Betty contacted me and asked me to go to lunch with her. It was there that she revealed she had been diagnosed with dementia. It was hereditary, she explained. She already saw the signs and was struggling a bit. She wanted to thank me for teaching her to quilt because it has been a favorite pastime for her the last few years. Her legacy is in the quilts she stitched by hand as well as the books she wrote.
\nBetty’s biggest worry, she told me over lunch, was being a burden to her family and friends. She told me she was going to become more involved in Facebook as a way to stay engaged and interested. She didn’t want to disappear into the shadows of her mind. I encouraged her to write and remain present as long as she could. In true Betty fashion, she turned her Facebook page into a lesson…of love, of courage, of perseverance. She used to send me private messages occasionally. Bringing an article to my attention. Sharing a travel photo. Sharing a memory. Then the private messages stopped. A few days ago, she shared that her dementia was worsening…right on schedule. She doesn’t leave the house much anymore. She realizes how much she is forgetting and she hopes she isn’t boring any of us. I told her this:
\nWe love you. We cannot fully understand what you are going through. But, we can certainly empathize. It must feel like you are leaving on a cruise ship and the people on the shore are getting further and further away till they disappear. But here’s the good news. The land to which you will eventually arrive has streets paved in gold. There will be no more illness and pain. Only love and joy. And when you can no longer feel our hands, turn around and reach for His. He is always waiting for us with arms wide open.
\nIt’s been a long goodbye. And while I will miss her sweet, gentle posts with pictures of “Home”, I know for a fact she is surrounded by people who love her very much. They will support her as best they can. They will guard her and protect her and wish her bon voyage. I do not know where she will go when she gets lost in her mind. But I hope it will be pleasant and not painful for her. Safe travels, my friend. I will see you on the other side. ❤️
\n“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”\nPsalm 23:1-6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-15T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/15/the-long-goodbye.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/13/when-things-get-messy.html", "title": "When Things Get Messy", "content_html": "
![\"Painting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b9cda10b8.jpg\")
\nThis is the part I hate about home improvement projects…living through the mess till it gets finished. I have done this countless times in my life. You can’t avoid it if you are a homeowner. I did this and then some when my mom died and I prepared to sell her house. She wouldn’t let me do anything to her house when she was living because it meant she would have to throw something away. I completely redid the kitchen and bathroom, painted the whole house, and refinished the hardwood floors…all by myself. It’s ever so much more fun to do a project with someone…especially if you work well together as a team. We took yesterday off, went to church, then out to the farm to feed cats. And today we are back at it.
\nAs I sat down to write this post, a notification came through on my phone. There are nearly a hundred women from Sisters on the Fly down in Port Aransas doing hurricane relief. The very day the hurricane hit, the call went out on the Sisters on the Fly Facebook page. Someone picked up the ball and started The Sister Corps. They immediately started recruiting women to go south to help with the cleanup efforts as they knew help would be needed beyond the immediacy of the storm. The Sister Corps has been posting pictures of the mounds of trash out in front of the houses where they are working. Homes are bare to the studs where drywall must be replaced because of flooding. Bathrooms and kitchens are being replaced. Carpeting and ruined flooring has been ripped out. It makes me look at this room with a whole new vision.
\nWe are freshening this room…not salvaging it. We are making a choice to change outdated colors and carpeting, not replacing everything because of a natural disaster. Again, God humbles me when I get too “uppity” for my own good. This is a joy…a blessing. We are wealthy beyond our wildest dreams. We are rich in love and the bountiful blessings of not one, but two homes to live in. We have the money to buy a few gallons of paint without having to go through insurance adjusters and contractors and estimates to do so. I will look at this project with new eyes today when I am privileged to pick up a paint brush and know I have a comfortable bed to sleep in tonight. I know where my family is sleeping tonight. I know we have food in the pantry and a little money in the bank.
\nI want to share with you another way God works in my life. The other day, I received notice I needed to make a change in my insurance. I’ve been on the healthcare.gov website and on the phone a few times choosing New coverage. It’s an affordable policy, but still…money I wasn’t necessarily planning on spending. As I looked through the choices, I prayed. “God, show me what I need. I’ll worry about filling out the paperwork…you worry about how I’ll afford what I need.” God always, always provides. You want to know how I know this? Because, yesterday after church, Mr. Fixit and I went to the post office to pick up the mail and there were, not one but…TWO checks in there. Not enough to pay for a full month of insurance. But enough to cover my tithe for the next three months.
\nThis is how God works. He has countless, countless blessings for YOU. They have your name on them…specifically. And he so wants to give them to you. But…he waits for you to ask for them. Don’t come out of the chute asking for those blessings directly, either. Come into the conversation thanking Him for the blessings he has already showered on you. An attitude of gratitude is a fair way to start a prayer when you are asking for more.
\nThank you, God…for the unexpected bounty you have blessed me with. I am so grateful. ❤️
\n“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”\nMalachi 3:10 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-13T02:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/13/when-things-get-messy.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/11/the-closet-christian.html", "title": "The Closet Christian", "content_html": "
![\"Rain](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6dcd069dda.jpg\")
\nSometimes it’s hard to walk the talk. And sometimes it’s even more difficult to talk the walk. I shied away from Christianity for many, many years after being frightened by a little ol’ banty rooster of a man. He was a circuit preacher, all hellfire and brimstone. As an adult, I can appreciate where that style of preaching is coming from and what affect it has on my spirit. But, as a seven-year-old, it literally scared the pee out of me and I ran in the opposite direction. I walked a long journey away from Jesus. I couldn’t be an atheist because I knew God. It was this Jesus guy that gave me fits. I rectified that by becoming Jewish for 27 years. It wasn’t till I was 51 that I became a Christian. And, even then, I was a closet Christian.
\nI never wanted to be that person. You know, that stereotypical church lady who can’t carry on a conversation without “Praise Jesus” this and “Praise Jesus” that. I’ve since learned you can…and SHOULD…let others know that you are a Christian by the way you act and talk. You can do this without shouting “Hallelujah” in the produce section when the Olathe Sweet Corn arrives. (Although, that actually may be justified!) I took closet Christianity to the extreme though. I was like the Unabomber in my hoodie and shades, being very careful not to expose my true identity. Some of that has fallen away with age. I don’t care as much what people think about me. Mostly it’s a conscious decision.
\nI had lunch with a dear friend Thursday. We met at Bob Evans…a busy chain restaurant where I can get a good breakfast any time of the day. We hadn’t seen each other for quite some time so there was much catching up to do. We talked about the kids and our new loves. We chatted about our travels and holiday plans. And we talked liberally about God and our faith walk. It was an easy conversation…the kind of comfort you only find with close friends.
\nAfter about an hour or so, a woman walked over and placed her hand on my arm. “I overheard you talking about the Lord. Thank you! Isn’t He wonderful?” Yes, yes He is. I appreciated the woman’s gesture. She was a true Believer and wanted to share that moment with me. That was fine, but what meant more to me was this…if SHE, as a Believer, overheard our conversation, then there just might have been someone there who may never have had the opportunity to hear someone praising God over hash browns and scrambled eggs.
\nIncorporating our love for God into our daily conversations doesn’t have to come in the form of that guy with the sandwich board in front of Taco Bell shouting about the end times. That’s the quickest way to turn people off of any religion, in my humble opinion. I prefer a more organic approach.
\nDon’t hide your light under a basket. Let it shine! ❤️
\n“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”\nMatthew 5:15-16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-11T02:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/11/the-closet-christian.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/10/brushing-up-against-the-past.html", "title": "Brushing Up Against The Past", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e40973f790.jpg\")
\nToday is Veteran’s Day. Every Veteran’s Day, I sent Mr. Virgo a note thanking him for his service. His father was a veteran. His late daughter was a veteran. My dad, my uncle, my first husband, my niece, my late father-in-law…all veterans. Mr. Virgo had military honors at his funeral. I cannot hear taps without feeling a catch in my throat. This time of year brings him closer to the surface.
\nThe other day, one of my dear friends posted a video. In it, she addressed her friends and family. Her nose was red from crying. She sniffled as tears slowly dripped down her cheeks. This is the angelversary week of her husband’s death. It hits her hard every year and even though it’s been eleven years, she relives his final days over and over. It broke my heart. And, of course, it made me think of Mr. Virgo. His was a sudden death. No warning. No long goodbyes. Thankfully, no suffering. I cannot imagine a lingering death. It crushes me.
\nWhile I haven’t cried for him in quite some time, that doesn’t mean I never will again. It certainly doesn’t mean I’m through with grief and loss. That’s something that is forever imprinted in the fibers of my being. But I will say this…I don’t let myself “go there” very often. I used to meditate on him. I felt it was necessary to purge myself of as many tears as possible to clean out my heart from this terrible pain. When tears wouldn’t come, I would look at a picture of him in his casket taken at the viewing… white turtleneck, ivory sweater, hair carefully combed, glasses missing from the CPR efforts. I know that sounds absolutely macabre, but somehow I needed that pain to burn itself out or the fire was going to consume me. I knew this without a doubt.
\nTime and distance has softened Mr. Virgo’s death somehow. It’s like looking at the horizon without my glasses. I see the line…it’s just blurred. If I concentrate, I can bring it back into focus because it’s always there…just beyond where the light spills over. But, something interesting happens when he brushes up against my mind now. When I get close to the memories, I “feel” him instead of “see” him. I mean…literally. While there are some passages in the Bible that allow for a little wiggle room in the idea of “ghosts”, Evangelical Christians believe that we are absent from this place once we die. However, it isn’t far fetched to believe that God may use visions, smells and touch to evoke loving memories of loved ones who have passed.
\nThe other night, Mr. FixIt and I were talking and he said the sweetest thing. He said, “How can we love each other this much?” Immediately, I felt something brush up over my right arm. It surprised me and I sat very still. I looked down at my arm and thought hard. “Do it again.” I whispered in my mind. And there it was…a distinct “touch”…like static electricity on my right forearm. I smiled and looked up at Mr. FixIt. I don’t know how we can love each other this much, but we do.
\nAnd…I’ve a feeling someone else approves. ❤️
\n“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”\n2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-10T02:30:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/10/brushing-up-against-the-past.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/09/what-have-i-done.html", "title": "What Have I Done???", "content_html": "
![\"Computer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a778e52dce.jpg\")
\nOMGosh! I broke my absolute cardinal rule yesterday and…gasp…bought a piece of furniture! I know, I know…you all were with me when I downsized and I absolutely SWORE I would never accumulate “stuff” again. BUT…things are different now. A lot different. I’m not living in a camper, for one thing. For the last three years, my desktop computer has been riding in my camper, under the bed, in an airtight plastic storage tub. There have been numerous times I’ve needed to use it and I have to go out, prop up the bed, haul it out, and put it away when I’m done. Ok, ok…I’m rationalizing. Here’s what happened.
\nI had to run to town yesterday for an appointment and on my way back to the house, I saw a sign that said “Grand Opening!” It was a consignment store. Who can pass up a good consignment store, right? My truck pulled in, all on its own. I had no choice but to follow. I browsed around and they had some beautiful pieces of furniture. I was first attracted to an old rolltop desk. It was small, and a little beat up. Mr. FixIt has a nice rolltop desk…much nicer than this one. I went on and looked at other things. When I came back around, I asked the clerk about the desk. He said, “You know, if it were me and I had the room, I’d be looking at this one. Much better piece of furniture.” He opened the doors and the drawers and showed me the solid oak construction. The top opens and there’s a place for the monitor, a drawer for the keyboard, and a separate cabinet for the CPU. It is in two pieces to make it easier to transport. The selling point for me was the price. The piece originally sold for $1800. It had been priced for sale in the consignment shop for $500…a decent price for a sold piece of furniture of this quality. However, it was marked down to $250. So, I own a piece of furniture.
\nThat’s two pieces, actually. I also own the jelly cupboard in the kitchen at the farm. Oh, and a recliner. Hmmmmm….I am accumulating. Not excessively, but still. It doesn’t feel as scary to put down some roots as it did in the first few years after Mr. Virgo died. I didn’t want to feel a sense of permanence then. Permanence meant real loss when things headed south. I needed to feel untethered…free. I didn’t have the strength to be needed…even by inanimate objects. As long as it fit in my truck and my camper, I was just fine. And like I said, things are different now. A lot of healing has occurred. Time has passed. A relationship has been established. A home is being created. Two homes, actually.
\nMr. FixIt lives exactly twenty-two miles from the farm. He lives on five acres out in the country. He generously shares his space with me. Mi casa es su casa. My house is your house. He is just as comfortable at the farm as I am at his place. And neither of us are giving up our space. We stay a little here, a little there, and then have our own space to retreat to when we need to recharge. It’s the perfect arrangement for the time being. I became very independent after losing Mr. Virgo. While I missed him, certainly…I also came to appreciate the stillness of my own breath. Mr. FixIt and I both like our alone time. Although…truth be told…whenever we are apart, we miss each other terribly. This whole relationship thing is growing on both of us. I suppose, for me, there is still an element of fear deep down inside. That “What if something happened to him” thing. I know I can’t live my life in fear. I won’t. But, there’s something to be said for taking your time in any given situation. After all, there’s no biological time clock ticking here. There’s absolutely nothing to be in a hurry over.
\nMr. FixIt and I have been together for a year now. I was thinking about this yesterday. I’m in a really good place now, emotionally. I haven’t had a “bad night” in a really long time. My anxiety level is at an all time low. I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’m happy. I am blessed. And…I am grateful. God has answered so many prayers. I think I’m just going to go along for the ride and enjoy…everything. Life is so sweet! ❤️
\n“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”\n1 Corinthians 13:4-10 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-09T02:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/09/what-have-i-done.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/08/getting-cozy.html", "title": "Getting Cozy", "content_html": "
![\"Gas](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8456322d9.jpg\")
\nI’ve always loved to sit in front of a nice fire with a cup of tea, a comforter, and a stack of magazines. I haven’t had a stove or fireplace to sit in front of since my youngest was a baby. She’s twenty-seven. We are fortunate to have free gas at the farm so we have a couple ventless gas stoves to ward off the chill in the far reaches of the house. But they don’t look like a wood stove and are situated where sitting near them is impossible. I was delighted when Mr. FixIt showed me his house for the first time. This gas stove sits in the family room and is perfect for getting cozy on a cold, wet November afternoon.
\nAnd it’s a good thing we’re getting cozy today because…we are about to embark on the first real test of our relationship. Painting a room together. We picked up an array of paint samples at the hardware store the other day and sat down with them yesterday. Or rather…I did while Mr. FixIt finished up something he was working on. I looked through the color swatches, booklets, and magazines and all I felt was frustration. You can ask Daughter #1…I’m horrible at choosing colors. I have it in my head what I want but putting it down as a plan that makes any sense eludes me. I spent an inordinate amount of time cross-stitching a quilt pattern for one of my BFF’s one year for Christmas. I had it framed and when it was done…well, let’s just say it looked lovely in her downstairs guest bathroom. I have a horrible time matching colors. My daughter, however, can pick out tea towels to match the accent wall in her kitchen six months after painting it. I couldn’t tell you if it was green or yellow. (It was the color of red grapes, actually. I mean, what IS that?) Anyway, I finally found a picture that showed what I was looking for just as Mr. FixIt walked into the room.
\n“How’s it going, my baby?”
\nBreathe. Act like you know what you’re doing.
\n“Great! What do you think of this? We can do three walls in this color, one accent wall in this darker shade, and the trim in white!”
\nI held my breath.
\n“I like it!”
\nReally? That was easy. Listen, this may very well actually BE the world’s most perfect man!
\nWe went to town and bought the paint and some supplies we needed. Now comes the challenge of actually painting…together. I’ll keep you apprised how that goes. In the meantime, I sat here in front of this cozy fire with a Rosemary Chicken in the oven, a definite chill in the air, browsing through a stack of my favorite magazines, a nice cup of tea at hand. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that!
\nMr. Virgo’s Rosemary Chicken
\nPick out a nice, fat roasting hen. Remove giblets and set to simmer for gravy, if you’re into that sort of thing. Personally, I think innards go in the trash, NOT in my gravy. Rinse the chicken, inside and out and place in a baking dish. Wipe the chicken with extra virgin olive oil. Season with fresh ground pepper, salt, rustic herbs, garlic and crushed rosemary. Place uncovered in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake until golden brown…about an hour and a half to two hours. The leg should be squeezable and when a knife is stuck in between the thigh and breast, the juices should run clear. That’s it, easy peasy. Mr. Virgo and I had this every Sunday. I made it for Mr. FixIt last night for the first time and it was a big hit. If you need a quicker meal, prepare chicken thighs in the same manner but bake 30-45 minutes. Bon Appetite! ❤️
\n“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”\nPsalm 119:76 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-08T02:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/08/getting-cozy.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/07/he-will-cover-you-with.html", "title": "He Will Cover You With His Feathers...", "content_html": "
![\"He](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/663e764471.jpg\")
\nMr. Fixit is doing some cleaning up and updating at his house. We make a really good team working on projects together and he is constantly amazed at the things I can do. I think it really shocked him at first when I did jobs around the farm that may have been labeled “men’s work” in an earlier time. He’ll still watch me do something and shake his head. I usually look at him and say “What?!” He’ll laugh and say, “You amaze me, that’s all. You’re a remarkable woman!” I love that. I love being considered a remarkable woman by a man I greatly admire. It makes me feel both feminine and empowered at the same time.
\nSomewhere in the midst of moving things around at his house the other day, Mr. Fixit stumbled upon a book called Lists to Live by for Every Married Couple. Even though we aren’t married, we figured since we’re a couple, the book ought to work for us as well. Every evening we sit down and read a few pages and discuss the lists. There are lists of activities to do, things to say, things NOT to say, good habits…you know, common sense things that keep marriages (and couples in relationships) on an even keel as they navigate this journey called life. And even though this isn’t our first rodeo, it’s our first in this particular one, so it doesn’t hurt to read.
\nI like that these lists have faith-based items on them. Pray for your partner. Tell your partner you are praying for them. Read the Bible. Go to church. Mr. Fixit hadn’t been to church for thirty-five years until I came along. I never pushed him to go. I just told him that’s where I’d be every Sunday morning. And I was. And one day he said he might go with me every once in awhile. Not every week…but, once in a while. I smiled and said I would love that. Again…no pressure. Then came the Sunday he went with me. Easter, I think. When we came out, his eyes were lit up with a fire! He was so excited. He’d never experienced church like this. He had always fallen asleep in church. THIS church grabbed his attention and kept him engaged the entire service. He’s gone with me every Sunday since unless one or the other of us is traveling.
\nThis is something new for me, as well. To have someone want to go to church with me every week. To hold my hand during worship and prayer. Someone to sing with me. A voice I recognize praying next to me. This has become a big part of our bonding experience. There should be three people in every relationship…you, your significant other, and God. If both of you keep God at the top of the triangle and you both strive to climb closer to Him…you cannot help but get closer to each other. It’s simple geometry.
\nWhen trouble comes into our life, either in the form of tragedy in the news or something that affects us on a more personal level, we remember that God wraps us in His feathers and we can find refuge there. We needn’t be afraid of the things of the world. I watched the news again last night and saw the follow up stories surrounding the shooting in Texas. I watched the mother, the pastor’s wife, whose fourteen year old daughter was killed. I saw her model grace in the wake of an unspeakable loss. And this verse came to me. What a remarkable example of trust. Of faith. Of absolute assurance she will see her child again. I was in awe.
\nMy heart is with those mourning losses today. My prayer is they will find refuge under His wings. ❤️
\n“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,”\nPsalm 91:4-5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-07T02:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/07/he-will-cover-you-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/06/when-its-all-bad-news.html", "title": "When It’s All Bad News", "content_html": "
![\"Cross\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/89d0881981.jpg\")
\nI watched the news last night and was reminded why I don’t watch the news. The sadness in my gut, the fear in the front of my mind, the sorrow for families of loved ones lost to senseless tragedy is unbearable. The news came through an alert on my cell phone as we left church yesterday. I grabbed Mr. Fixit’s hand and shared. His jaw clenched as he gripped my hand, silently taking it all in. Thinking…no doubt…that it could have been us.
\nChurch. Church is where we’re supposed to feel utterly safe. Yesterday’s tragedy in Texas was the third mass shooting in the last seventeen months…all of which were among the worst in U.S. history, according to USA Today. I don’t know about you, but I look around more these days. I wonder about people I don’t know. I ask myself if they could hurt me…or my loved ones. It’s taxing. I’m feeling the strain of fear. I don’t like this. I don’t like worrying. I don’t like wondering, not IF, but WHEN will it strike close to home?
\nThere is evil loose in this world and we’ve been rocked to sleep…complacent in our busyness. In our rush to beat the clock and get the most out of every day. Lists need to be made and checked off. Appointments need to be scheduled and kept. And the enemy doesn’t give a darn about any of it. He is only here to seek, kill, and destroy. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. He distracts us with the sparklies then swoops in with the spear…or, in this case, an assault rifle.
\nWhen bad things happen and you are simultaneously grieving, everything is compounded and spins out of control. It’s difficult to remember there IS control in this world. There IS a winner. There IS a great comforter. When I hear and see reports of things like the shooting yesterday in Texas, I am inclined to feel fear. That fear is from the enemy. However, when I turn to God, He reminds me to put my trust in Him. The enemy whispers…”Ahhhh, yes. But will that bring back the twenty plus lost yesterday? What good is your trust if your God can’t save His people?”
\nThe enemy will not deter my faith. God doesn’t cause these horrific tragedies to occur. It breaks His heart to see his children suffer. What He DOES want is for us to turn to Him for comfort and solace in times of trouble. He wants us to continue to love. We love….because first, He loved us. There will always be senseless tragedies that we can’t explain. But…there will come a day when the things of this world will melt away and we will be freed from the shackles of fear and pain.
\nI pray for the families of the innocents lost. I pray for the victims of this senseless shooting. I pray for the first responders and the citizens of this very small town in Texas where everyone knew everyone else. I pray for the family and friends of the shooter who may have known something was off…may have tried to get him help…may have never dreamed this could have happened. And I pray for the soul of the shooter. He could not possibly have been in his right mind so I pray for any healthcare workers who may have tried to help him but couldn’t. I pray for the pastor of the church where the shootings occured and for his wife. They were not at the church yesterday…but their fourteen-year-old daughter was one of those killed.
\nNo, I will not roll over…I will not let satan win by becoming consumed with fear and loathing. I will keep my faith in God and let Him sort the rest out. That being said…I will make my feelings about gun safety known to my elected officials. God wants us to turn to Him…but he needs us to suit up and show up and go into battle, too. ❤️
\n“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”\nPsalms 56:3 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-06T02:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/06/when-its-all-bad-news.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/05/sweetness.html", "title": "Sweetness", "content_html": "
![\"Sweet](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/722845f6ca.jpg\")
\nIt seems like yesterday when I traced the delicate shell of my first baby’s ear. She was so tiny at just over five pounds. I was terrified I would break her. That was forty-three years ago. Twenty-seven years ago, I did the same thing with my second daughter. Thirteen years have passed since my first grandchild was in my arms and ten since I cradled her little sister. I thought it would be a long time before I got to hold a little baby again. But, along with Mr. FixIt came a brand new great grandchild and I’m in love all over again!
\nOh, this makes me ache for Big and Little…my sweet grand daughters in Colorado. I won’t get to see them till Christmastime. They are growing so fast…and without me. This is the hard part…the only downside…of living in West Virginia. Being so far away from my family. I wish I could tie a rope around Colorado and a rope around West Virginia and pull them closer together. My heart has two homes and sometimes it really hurts when I’m away from those I love. Holding this little sweet thing (who I am SURE is going to call me Gigi!) brings me all kinds of feels.
\nWe had a first yesterday. Our first dinner party together was quite successful. I used that electric pressure cooker again. This time I cooked a pork roast. Mr. Virgo only wanted pork roasts actually ROASTED in the over with EVO, garlic salt and pepper. I seared this roast in a hot skillet then placed it on a bed of sliced onions in the bottom of that pressure cooker, sprinkled it with fresh ground salt, pepper, rustic herbs and garlic and two cups of water. I cooked it on high for 45 minutes then turned it off and let the pressure come down on its own. I opened it and checked the meat and it wasn’t quite tender enough. I cooked it another 45 minutes (it was a big roast) and released the pressure. I let the roast rest in its juices while I made mashed potatoes, fried sauerkraut, green beans, fried apples and hot rolls. When the guests arrived, I tore off chunks of the roast with a fork and served it with the rest of the fixings on the side. It was wonderful and we all had a fun evening filled with fellowship and laughter.
\nIn case you forgot, daylight saving time is over. Turn your clocks back an hour. Have a blessed Sunday, dear ones. ❤️
\n“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”\n1 John 3:2 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-05T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/05/sweetness.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/04/i-spy-with-my-little.html", "title": "I Spy With My Little Eye...", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/61b19a035e.jpg\")
\nSome very observant readers picked up on something in my picture yesterday. My inbox lit up like a Christmas tree! I didn’t answer the questions directly and suggested they come back today to read my post. I love a little mystery. What was it they saw? A ring…a shiny ring…on my left hand!!! squeeeee
\nYes, I have a ring! And in all fairness, so does Mr. FixIt. I gave him his first though. So here’s how it went down, what it means, and how we’re feeling about it.
\nEarly in the year, just a couple months after Mr. FixIt and I started seeing each other, we found out there was something wrong with his blood. The initial thoughts were he had leukemia. Suffice it to say, we were both pretty devastated about it. After all, we just “found” each other again after 45 years. It would be terribly tragic to turn around and lose him, too. He had more tests run and they were worse, so we went for a bone marrow biopsy.
\nWe had been talking about a life long commitment but that’s as far as it had gone. Then the blood thing came up. I wanted some way, some outward sign that would show Mr. FixIt that…no matter what the results of this bone marrow biopsy, I was in this for the long haul. I didn’t want him to worry or be afraid. I happened upon a beautiful gentlemen’s ring and in a moment of impulse, I bought it. We were leaving for the hospital when I pulled out the box and told him I wanted him to know…good or bad…I’m not going anywhere. I thought he was going to cry. He knew I was sticking with him, but the gesture was not lost on him. He asked if this meant we were engaged. Smiling, I said, “Halfway.”
\nOne evening we were going out to dinner with friends and I stopped by Mr. FixIt’s to get ready. I was sitting out front when he came home. He said, “Oh! You’re wearing my favorite dress!” I stood up and twirled around. He had a concerned look on his face and I thought. “Uh-oh. Somethings wrong.” He looked at me and said the dress was missing something. Something sparkly. Then he gave me this beautiful ring!
\nHere’s where it gets complicated. This is the most personal I’ll ever get about our relationship. I don’t want to get married again. At least, not in the conventional way. I’ve had three husbands. That’s two other women’s quotas. It has nothing to do with how much I love Mr. FixIt…or Mr. Virgo, for that matter. When women of a certain age become widows, they qualify for “widow’s benefits”. If they get married, they lose that. Things don’t work in the widow’s favor in this regard. Therefore, a lot of very long engagements take place in my age bracket. And that’s just fine.
\nFrom a faith standpoint, it slays me that women are forced to lose income in order to\ndo what God says to do. Someone said to me…”Well, you aren’t trusting God to provide.” To which my answer is…maybe He already provided. Maybe those widow’s benefits ARE his answer to prayer. The Lord takes care of those who help themselves. To me, it would be crazy to throw away money He had provided.
\nLong engagements are still in vogue. I will be here for the long haul. The rest is a matter of semantics. So, no…there’s no date set. No fanfare. No hoopla. Just love. Lots and lots of love…always and forever. I’m sure I’ll be talking to God about it when I get to Heaven. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long conversation! ❤️
\nEdit: He still has an abnormality which they have determined is not leukemia. They still don’t know what it is. We have to repeat the tests in six months. I’m sorry. I was writing this late and missed that piece.
\n“…..may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”\nProverbs 5:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-11-04T01:30:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/04/i-spy-with-my-little.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Holiday","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/11/03/the-promise.html", "title": "The Promise", "content_html": "
![\"Before](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d646665210.jpg\")
\nThree thousand seven hundred sixty-four. That’s how many days came between these two pictures. On the left, the day I married Mr. Virgo. Is it any wonder that handsome man wanted to marry me??? Look at that fresh face, smooth skin, dark hair with just a smattering of gray. Where are the wrinkles around my mouth? Where is all the proof of my sorrow and my joy?
\nIt was a warm spring day stuck smack dab between storms. They shoveled the snow off the balcony so we could get married outside. I had shopped and shopped for the perfect dress, finally finding it on eBay for $45! It was too big so my friend took it in for me. I loved the beads on the silk with hand painted flowers. I thought I looked like a million bucks!
\nIf I had it to do over again, I would have had Mr. Virgo plan the wedding. While it was lovely, it wasn’t until the honeymoon when he reminded me this is what he does for a living. I hadn’t even thought of that. I was just so darned excited to be marrying this great guy, I just barreled through like a bull in a china shop. I asked him why he didn’t say something, and in his sweet, self-deprecating way, he told me, “Sweetheart, it really is all about you. You were having so much fun with it, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.” I started to ask him what he would have done differently and I know he would have said, “Nothing, baby doll. Not a thing.” Because, that’s the kind of guy he was.
\nWe stood before some seventy-five or so of our family and friends and shared our vows. We promised to always be there. Till death do us part. We had no idea at the time it would only be five years, eleven months, and five days till the unthinkable happened and he was gone.
\nThere is joy on that face on the left. Fresh with the wonder of love and a wedding and music and dancing and cake! Fast forward a decade and look…that face has aged. It has seen indescribable loss. The eyes have shed a river of tears. The hair has a lot of glitter in it. And, there is also joy on that face on the right. Fresh with the wonder of love and music and camping and great barbecue and the handsome man taking my picture….my life companion. The woman on the right is wiser. Older chronologically, but not in her heart. While I lost so much when I lost Mr. Virgo…I ended up gaining in the end. I have a much greater sense of adventure. I’m not so “in the box” as I used to be. I got out from under crushing debt and the weight of long held worldly goods. I figured out what’s really important in life. I’m SO different now than I was then.
\nI am relieved to be this far down the road of this grief journey. The pictures I have of those weeks, months, years break my heart. I try not to think about the possibilities of having to walk that path again but I’m realistic enough to know it can happen. I know I could survive it again if I had to. But, for now…I think I’ll just hang on and go for the ride. The best is yet to be! I’m becoming a crone! ❤️
\n“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.””\nGenesis 2:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-11-03T01:30:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/11/03/the-promise.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/31/free-refills.html", "title": "Free Refills", "content_html": "![\"Free](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d81787510b.jpg\")
\nSunday’s sermon was amazing, as usual, and I am always compelled to share my impressions. Pastor Justin Enoch of The Warehouse Church delivers a passionate message every Sunday that really speaks to me. I love this church! It’s contemporary, has a great praise team, and speaks to my spirit week after week. As I was driving to church Sunday, I felt this delightful anticipation that made me smile. I’ve never known a church where people are SO excited to attend. They give you “high fives” as you enter and as you leave. They hold up signs in the parking lot that say “So glad you’re here!” and “You can sit with us!” It is a reaching church and welcomes everyone, no matter where they are in their lives. I love that.
\n“If you only knew…” This was the title of Sunday’s sermon. How many times have you said…”If I only knew then what I know now…”? Pastor Justin used the example of the oil and gas industry. If he had only known about the development that was going to come, he would have thrown everything he had into the pot and bought all this land for pennies on the dollar that has now created so many “Mailbox Millionaires”. We live our lives this way. The enemy feeds on this. He whispers into our lives and makes us fearful of the future, worried about today, and ashamed of the past. If you take up the spoon and eat what you’re being fed, you’ll soon starve to death. Your spirit will be hungry…for what, it has no clue. So you seek to find something that fills you up. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, shopping…anything to fill up that hole in your spirit.
\nPastor Justin goes on to ask how many of us love “free refills”. Hands go up all over the sanctuary. We do! We love to have that bottomless cup of coffee at the diner or the unlimited soup and salad at Olive Garden. We want something for nothing. God offers us unlimited, bottomless cup, free refills for all eternity…refills of love. If you only knew how much He loves you. If you were the only person on this earth, He would still have sacrificed His Son for you. That kind of love is unfathomable. You can’t earn it. You can’t buy it. He gives it freely. And when He does, you cannot help but be changed.
\nThere is an East Indian saying that says, “No matter how far you have gone down the wrong path, turn around.” You have to make choices in your faith walk. If you are struggling with addiction, you can’t get clean and play in the same playground you did before. You have to make changes. God offers his love freely, but we have to show up and suit up and play the game. What if you put that passion and drive and love and attention you put into anything that takes you off the right path and turned it towards God? What if, instead of running to the bottle or the needle or the charge card or the relationship, you ran towards Jesus? Whoa. That blew me away.
\nFree refills…unconditional love, free for the taking. I’ll fill my cup at the well that serves Living Water and my cup will never be empty. I ran into a gal in Harrisville yesterday. I hadn’t seen her in about a year. She looked at me and said, “You look so rested, so peaceful.” I am…for a number of reasons. My cup is filled every day by a living, loving God. I have healthy, happy children and grandchildren. My brother is stable and happy and living a fulfilling life. I live in the country in the home of my heart. And, I’m in love with a wonderful man. I am wealthy beyond all imagination. I may not have a boatload of money…but I’m richer than I have ever been in my entire life.
\nTwelve years ago today a tall, silver-haired gentleman with piercing blue eyes and a disarming smile walked into my needlework shop in Glenwood Springs and changed my life forever. I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful I had that kind of unconditional love and that I have it again. I am so grateful for this life! My prayer today is that you are richly blessed in your own lives. ❤️
\n“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””\nJohn 4:13-14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-31T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/31/free-refills.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/29/the-art-of-aging.html", "title": "The Art of Aging", "content_html": "
![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/42d0a17323.jpg\")
\nI sat in the big leather chair yesterday and gazed around this circle of marvelous, beautiful women I have the honor of calling my friends. We all graduated from high school together…could it really be forty-six years ago??? We’re a diverse group. Some were jocks in high school. Some were wallflowers. Actresses. Musicians. Artists. Dancers. Some were heavy into books. Some were heavy into boys. We were shy…and we weren’t. We were scared…and we weren’t. And look at us now. These raven-haired beauties have glitter on their crowns now…whether we choose to show it or not.
\nWhat is age but a number and an attitude? I haven’t climbed all these mountains to ignore the view. I worked hard to get up here. I got knocked down a few times. (Haven’t we all?) But, I kept on climbing because the view is pretty magnificent from this side of sixty. I don’t want to be young. I’ve been young. I don’t want to lose the character lines on my face. I’ve had alabaster skin. I don’t want to be skinny. I’ve worried about my tummy for the very last time. What I haven’t been is sixty-five and seventy-eight and ninety-two.
\nWhen Mr. Virgo died, I truly thought my life was over. In a way, it was. THAT life was. But I got a new life…whether I wanted it or not. I built it to suit me. Stripping away to the foundation of your soul takes great courage. My mantra every day was a whimper…”Move forward…move forward…move forward.” From a whimper to a whisper to a shout, joy was my carrot on a stick. Did I ever dream I’d find love again? I did at some point. I can guarantee it took a while to get there. Did I ever dream I’d find a love like THIS again? Oh, h*** no! Is it better than what I had with Mr. Virgo? It’s different…as it should be. I wasn’t looking to “replace” my husband. I was looking to enhance my life with joy, and Mr. FixIt brings that and then some.
\nI don’t want to be anything but what I am because if I lose focus on sixty-four, I’ll miss it. I want to be present with my breath and my heartbeat…my bones and marrow. I want to feel my muscles move as I strive to continually improve them. I want to taste my food. I want to smell sunshine on fresh sheets. No…I don’t want to be young. I want to be me…at every stage. I want to make aging my canvas…my art…my muse. ❤️
\n“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”\nProverbs 16:31 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-29T01:30:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/29/the-art-of-aging.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/28/soupnatures-tranquilizer.html", "title": "Soup...Nature’s Tranquilizer", "content_html": "
![\"Homemade](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f01a66ca3e.jpg\")
\nIt was twenty-seven degrees here at the farm yesterday morning when I sent Mr. FixIt off on a guys trip to North Carolina. This leaves me on my own till Sunday night. I love this man…I truly do. AND, I love my alone time on occasion, so I’m sitting here in the dining room, in front of Grandma’s favorite window, classical music playing softly in the background. It is lovely outside…nearly sixty degrees, sunny, the last of the autumn leaves clinging desperately to the branches like quivering field mice bracing for winter’s chill. It is warm and cozy in this little, old farmhouse and I’m snug as a bug in a rug.
\nThe other day I told you I was making pot roast in the pressure cooker. That night after dinner, I added a can of green beans, a small can of sliced carrots, a can of diced tomatoes, and the leftover potatoes from dinner to the crock pot. When I say “‘crock pot” and “pressure cooker”, I am talking about the same appliance that also is a steamer. When I got rid of most of my belongings and moved into the camper, I didn’t want to be without the conveniences of my kitchen appliances and there wasn’t room for everything. That’s when I ran across this wonderful gizmo that does it all. It’s not very big, but its big enough for two and leftovers aplenty.
\nI put the soup on and frankly…I forgot all about it till I was heading to bed. I came into the kitchen to lock the back door and noticed it was still cooking. Too hot to put in the fridge, I took the soup…pot and all…out to my truck and set it inside for the night as the temperature got down into the thirties. The next morning, I skimmed off the fat and plugged it back in to have ready for lunch. It was wonderful!
\nMr. FixIt was heading into town after lunch to help his ex with something. I sent him off with a container of soup and some crackers for her. Why cater to the needs of an ex-wife? Because…divorce may change a relationship status, but you can still be family. There is Christian loving-kindness to be considered. She is moving this week into her first home of her own. I remember what that was like after my divorce. I wanted her to know she is loved and cared for. It is the same love and kindness extended toward me from my exes’ wives. You can be bitter and angry and full of resentment with a divorce. Or, you can embrace the new member into the family circle. I know that doesn’t work for everyone, but I choose love. I always choose love. ❤️
\n“We love because he first loved us.”\n1 John 4:19 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-28T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/28/soupnatures-tranquilizer.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/27/how-far-have-we-really.html", "title": "How Far Have We Really Come?", "content_html": "
![\"Ad](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a9ce66e4e0.jpg\")
\nI have really been getting into nostalgia lately. The other day I shared my Pinterest page of Childhood Memories. When I have a few minutes, I go on and add a few more. It’s interesting how Pinterest works. When you click on something, you soon see more and more pins in that category and it’s been a fun walk down Memory Lane. Some of the memories I could do without, though.
\nEventually, I started seeing ads…legitimate ads…that reminded me of a time before “political correctness” became de rigueur. Ads about keeping women in their “place”. Ads about making little girls feel less unacceptable by dressing them in Chubettes. Ads about keeping slim for your man by taking amphetamines or gaining weight if you’re too skinny in order to be more attractive to the opposite sex. It makes my blood boil that generations of women…including my own…were made to feel “less than”. To be objectified…categorized…scrutinized. Ads like this one. I mean, seriously…what is this even about? What are they saying? “Wear these stylin’ kicks and your woman will worship the ground you walk on. As an added bonus, she’ll do it fabric free!”
\nFinally…finally, finally, finally…these kinds of ads fell out of fashion. It became considered to be in poor taste to openly objectify women. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still happen…it most certainly does as is evidenced by current events being reported. People of power often take advantage of those seen to be beneath them or weaker than they. Hopefully, this is a gut check and might strike a more even balance of power in the future.
\nI was visiting one of the “widow pages” I frequent on Facebook the other day. The topic of one post was regarding the Hollywood actresses who went back to their abuser in order to get another part. She couldn’t understand how a woman could do that. This smacked dangerously close to blaming the victim so I had to step into the fray and offer my two cents. It IS difficult to understand how a woman could go back to the same circumstances and risk abuse again. That is, until you try to look through her lens. She’s an actress. It’s what she does. She depends on the power brokers of Hollywood to promote her, hire her, give her a break. The power broker knows this. He is emboldened…drunk with his position to make or break the careers of nubile young coeds. She (or he, as the case may be…actors are not exempt to abuse) knows what will happen if she is blackballed in Hollywood. She might as well go back to the Midwest or wherever she came from and get a job, because she or he will never work in Hollywood again. Everyone knows this. They just didn’t talk about it. And, finally…somebody told. The hoopla over it all will die down with the next news cycle but maybe some meaningful change will occur.
\nWe’ve come a long way, to be sure and there’s so much further to go. I understand people’s frustration with “political correctness”…sometimes even I think it can be excessive. But, when I was growing up, it was called being polite, doing the right thing, showing respect. The Golden Rule. Good manners. And there’s nothing wrong with exercising plenty more of that. ❤️
\n“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”\nGalatians 5:14-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-27T01:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/27/how-far-have-we-really.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/26/farmhouse-obsession.html", "title": "Farmhouse Obsession", "content_html": "
![\"Farmhouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dd542a5e6a.jpg\")
\nIn 1982, Hubby #2 and I moved into an old brick bungalow that had been the farmhouse before the area around it was developed. It was drafty and poorly insulated. Three quarters of the basement was bare dirt floor. The brick support pillars down there were crumbling and frankly, it was a pretty scary place. But the rest of the house was charming. Dark hardwood floors and built-in storage, tall ceilings and a sun porch, large windows you could fling wide open to catch the cool evening breeze…it was the closest I had come to living in an actual farmhouse since I’d left home at the tender age of twenty.
\nHubby #2 was in medical school when we moved into this rental. Even though it was a farmhouse, it was on a very busy street in east Denver. I had a big garden and flower beds everywhere. We grew as much of our own food as we could and I was very much into Mother Earth News. I made our bread, yogurt, granola and tofu. What I couldn’t grow, I bought at the neighborhood farmer’s market. I canned dozens of jars of green beans, pickles, tomatoes, jams and jellies in my huge country kitchen which looked very similar to this one.
\nI have a total obsession with these porcelain farmhouse sinks. There’s nothing better for canning than one of these babies. The sink was huge and deep…perfect for washing large quantities of fruits and vegetables. A water bath canner could sit right down into the sink for easy filling. And two dishpans fit perfectly side by side for washing and rinsing dishes. My grandma’s farmhouse doesn’t have one of these sinks but I imagine the first one I ever saw was in West Virginia. I run across them every so often here but haven’t found just the right one. The laminate on the countertops in the farm kitchen is lifting and needs to be replaced. I’m thinking if I ever do that, this kind of sink is going in. The plumbing under the sink is getting pretty fragile so when it goes, it’ll be a perfect opportunity to do a little updating. It is, to be sure, just an earthly tent…but the home of my earthly heart.
\nSpeaking of plumbing, remember when I told you about leaving the bath water running and getting distracted by a phone call? I actually ran the well dry and this terrible, black water started coming out of the faucet. I spoke with one of the locals here and he said this hard water gunks up the insides of the pipes just like cholesterol in your arteries. When I let the well run dry, the “spurting” of air and water essentially roto-rootered the plumbing. Before that, the water smelled and tasted awful. Now, while I don’t think I’d drink a glass of it, I can stand to brush my teeth with it…but only after I tested the water. It’s hard, and slightly alkaline, but there’s no lead, pesticides, or bacteria. It’s really amazing the difference in the quality, before and after.
\nThe pot roast from yesterday was wonderful and is in a crockpot for vegetable soup today. It’s cold and rainy and we were expecting our first hard freeze last night. It’s time to get out the jeans and sweaters and boots and jackets. The only thing missing is a fireplace but this old house is all wood and I wouldn’t dare have one. We did change out the stove in the bathroom yesterday with one that has a thermostat. Now it shuts off and on rather than being way too hot or freezing with the manual shutoff.
\nThe fire in Parkersburg is dying down but still has smoldering hotspots. More information is being released about the owners and what they were doing in there. And, more importantly, what they WEREN’T doing…like correcting past environmental and safety violations. The owner, who has at least four other of these warehouses in the area packed with God knows what, is conveniently out of the country at the moment. Fines had been levied against them for these violations to the tune of $80,000…$60,000 of which remains unpaid. They’re still evaluating the air quality results. The first class action lawsuit was filed Monday. And the circus begins. I pray for the first responders and the folks who live nearby and in the path of the smoke cloud, which shifted continually with the direction of the wind. I pray this gets sorted out quickly. I hear Erin Brokovich has been alerted. I hope that helps. ❤️
\n“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”\n2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-26T01:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/26/farmhouse-obsession.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/25/comfort-food.html", "title": "Comfort Food", "content_html": "
![\"Pot](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dda2759fc7.jpg\")
\nToday’s the day…time for the first “comfort food” meal of fall. Mr. FixIt and I have been working at our respective homes a lot the last week or so and haven’t had a day at home for a while. Today is trash day. It’s “install the new bathroom heater because we bought one without a thermostat, oh my gosh, what were we thinking” day. It’s a day to reconnect and play cards and visit. Today is “Pot Roast Day”. I’m pretty sure it’s a national holiday.
\nI love pot roast. I love a good bone-in pot roast but haven’t seen one of them in a grocery store for years. Mr. Virgo always said the flavor of meat comes from the bone, but everything seems to be boneless anymore. My grandma used to can beef. On Sundays, she’d go get a couple quarts of canned beef, drain it, dredge the chunks of tender meat in seasoned flour and fry it in butter. Makes my swoon to think of it. You could cut it with a knife and it literally melted in your mouth. A nice brown gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttered bread made the BEST Sunday supper ever!
\nIt’s cold today. It was supposed to get down to 32 last night with a high today of only 47. It rained like crazy yesterday and there was graupel associated with it. Graupel occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze onto snowflakes. It looks like tiny hail, but it’s soft. It’s common in Colorado but this is the first time I’ve seen it here in West Virginia. We’ll have snow before we know it. I’m getting there, but I’m not ready yet. The mower and the summer garden tools have been put away and the porches are cleared off. Progress is being made!
\nI heard a great horned owl last night. Can Halloween be far behind? Have a happy Wednesday, dear ones! ❤️
\n“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease."”\nGenesis 8:22 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-25T01:30:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/25/comfort-food.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Grace","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/22/the-chemical-valley.html", "title": "The Chemical Valley", "content_html": "
![\"Fire](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7fe7cd0539.jpg\")
\nThe Ohio River is busy with boat traffic delivering supplies to various plants up and down river. Barges are filled with coal, gravel, gasoline, and who knows what else. Many of the big manufacturing plants are located on the banks of the various rivers in this valley for the convenient shipping. The Ohio River has been cleaned up a lot since I was a kid, yet I was told tonight it is not recommended you actually EAT the fish you might catch out of there. Who knows what is still in that water any given day?
\nAs a child, my bare feet would turn black from the carbon fallout from Union Carbide, just up the river. Johns Mansville was located right in town just a block from a grade school. American Cyanamid, DuPont, Marbon, GE, Viscose, Ames…all plants that deal with toxic chemicals and known carcinogens. DuPont has been in litigation for quite sometime over polluting the ground water with C8…a known carcinogen. They don’t call it cancer alley for nothing.
\nMr. FixIt has degrees in drafting, mechanical engineering, and business law as well as real estate. He worked for a short time at Viscose then moved to Ames. We awoke yesterday with messages and phone calls from friends and family announcing the old Ames plant #1 was burning. Apparently some pretty toxic stuff has been being stored in there and the unthinkable happened…it caught fire. It has burned well over twenty-four hours sending a huge plume of dark black, foul-smelling smoke into the air that has spread for miles. Large chunks of debris are raining down on the surrounding neighborhoods. Soot and ash are falling on cars miles away. So far, the EPA is stating the ash is nontoxic to humans. The smoke, however, is a different story and Wood County has declared the area around the Ames plant as disaster area, along with a list of known toxic chemicals that were in the building.
\nHow many abandoned factory and plants are in your town? Do you know what’s inside? Has someone been storing stuff in there that you wouldn’t want to be living with, let alone have it burn up next to your house or your kid’s school? Start a conversation. Go for a drive. Jot down the address of the place of concern and ask someone…several someones. Maintaining the status quo and just looking the other way might get you into a mess one of these days. It may be months, years maybe, before the people of Parkersburg know what they were breathing yesterday. The EPA isn’t there for decoration. They keep us safe. Be mindful of legislation. Be involved in helping clean up this planet. We don’t get another one. And pray for Parkersburg. So far, there have been no injuries, thank God. Let’s hope it stays that way! ❤️
\n““Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand, and in his disaster cry for help?”\nJob 30:24 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-22T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/22/the-chemical-valley.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","West Virginia","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/21/the-ice-cream-truckfor-adults.html", "title": "The Ice Cream Truck...for Adults", "content_html": "![\"UPS](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2aed99e684.jpg\")
\nI finally broke down and got Amazon Prime. Living out here in the boonies makes shopping difficult sometimes…especially in winter. And, while I try to buy local at every opportunity, there are things that I’m not willing to compromise on like saving money. Prime gives you free two day shipping. It pays for itself quickly. Also, I love the music channel. I can ask Alexis to play “Kari Jobe” or “Contemporary Christian Rock” and she gets right to it.
\nI’ve told you before but, since downsizing, I’m very careful about what I accumulate. It would be very easy to let things get out of control. If I run across something I think I might need, I jot it down on a list in my iPhone. If I haven’t thought of it in a couple of weeks, I figure I don’t need it and take it off the list. When I get four or five items on the list, I go on Amazon and put them in my cart but I don’t actually buy them. If I haven’t bought them in a week or two, I re-evaluate whether I really need that particular item. Often, my fascination with it wanes or I figure out how to use something I already have.
\nI placed an order this week and the UPS man backed up my driveway this afternoon. Four boxes arrived and it felt like Christmas! I ordered some probiotics for the best price around. I bought Lisa Mora’s book called Vintage Trailer Style. (I’ve been eyeing it for months. Cute camper ideas.) I ordered a microwaveable corn bag to warm my feet up at night. I have a barley one but cannot find it anywhere. And I bought a small gas stove for the bathroom. You may remember I replaced the stove in there in the spring, but we got the thing hooked up before we realized the stove had no thermostat. I thought we’d get by, but a stove that runs all the time soon has this little house WAY too hot! This new stove is exactly like the other one but with a thermostat. We’ll get that installed this weekend…another winter prep job.
\nI mowed the yard yesterday. I put the mower away in the barn so hopefully I won’t have to drag it out again this fall. I mulched the leaves into the lawn for extra fertilizer. I covered the air conditioner with heavy plastic for winter. I got the lawn chairs put away in the basement and worked on the back porch. It has become a catch all this summer and it was getting out of control. Still didn’t get the cat beds fixed yet. As I was writing this last night, Old Mama Kitty knocked one of the beds off the table and onto the cement porch floor. It sounded like a bear was getting into a trash can. I jumped and looked out the back door. When I went out, poor Mama came running like she needed me to save her from that big, bad plastic tub. ?
\nWe’re supposed to have good weather this weekend and rain comes Monday. There’s a meteor shower this weekend. Get away from the city lights to someplace dark and enjoy Morher Nature’s fireworks. ❤️
\n“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”\nColossians 3:23 NLT
\n#UPS, #cleanhouse, #farmlife
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-21T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/21/the-ice-cream-truckfor-adults.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","The Cats","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/19/i-am-not-alone.html", "title": "I Am Not Alone", "content_html": "![\"Prisma](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1925126736.jpg\")
\nOf all the comments I get on my blog posts, by far the most common is “It’s good to know I’m not alone.” When Mr. Virgo died, I felt like the only person on the planet. No one could possibly understand what I was feeling. I didn’t know how to find resources to help me feel better. I didn’t know who to turn to. I tried reading grief books but I couldn’t read. I couldn’t get beyond a sentence or two before my mind exploded. My family and friends were wonderful…don’t get me wrong. But I was sure even they couldn’t really get it because they hadn’t walked this particular path.
\nI reached out through this page as much for me as I did for you. Maybe more so. And we both found out we’re not alone in this. That was HUGE for me. Knowing others were having the same or similar experiences gave me courage.
\nI scroll through my files of pictures often for inspiration. Sometimes a particular photo will jump out at me and that’s the one I go with for my next post. Last night, it was this one. Mr. Virgo…big smile, twinkling eyes, and that shock of silver hair…in the afternoon sunshine at Rocky Mountain National Park on a day much like today. We had gone for a drive to view the elk and the bright yellow gold of the aspen leaves quaking in the breeze. It was a perfect day. As I scrolled through the photos and saw this one, two things happened. My heart squeezed for a few seconds. And I smiled. The smile is good. The squeeze in my heart still takes my breath away because it takes me by surprise.
\nI had a beautiful day yesterday. It was a day much like the one in this picture. The sky was a brilliant cerulean blue. The temperature was reasonable in the high sixties, low seventies. I was with the man that I love. We had a really busy and full day winterizing another of the four campers. Lunch out. A granddaughter’s softball game. A trip to the Piggly Wiggly. A day. Just a normal day in a life. Some would say it was nothing special. I beg to differ…it was.
\nWhy was yesterday special? Because I get to love again. I get to look in another human being’s beautiful eyes and see love in return. Because I get to love…a lot. I get to love both of my ex-husbands and that great cowboy I dated for awhile. I get to love Mr. Virgo. And…I get to love Mr. FixIt. That is so special. I can still love all of them because I stretched my heart and made room
\n“I am not alone” has taken on a new meaning now. I’ll never take that for granted. ❤️
\n“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”\nIsaiah 41:10 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-19T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/19/i-am-not-alone.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/18/a-birds-eye-view.html", "title": "A Bird's Eye View", "content_html": "
![\"Satellite](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cae84595af.jpg\")
\nHave you ever gone on Google Earth and looked at the places you know? I remember one winter day before Mr. Virgo died. I was missing home…the dense, green woods and dusky purple mountains of West Virginia. Google Earth was still relatively new and they had just added the “street view” feature. I plugged in the address for Grandma’s farm, clicked on the little man icon, and…viola! I was “standing” in front of the farmhouse! I was SO excited! I quickly moved the map so I could “drive” down the two-lane blacktop the three miles, taking in every turn, house, and tree. It was mesmerizing. I could “go home” anytime I wanted to! I have “traveled” to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, London to ogle Big Ben, Rome to see the ancient ruins…all from the comfort of the easy chair in my living room.
\nThe other night, Mr. FixIt was doing a little virtual traveling and he stumbled upon this. TOW-Wanda! MY camper…sitting right where I park her in the summer! I know approximately when this was. This is mostly uber cool…and, a little bit spooky in a Big-Brother-is-watching-you sort of way. It’s a good thing there was no nude sunbathing going on…for a vast number of reasons! ?
\nThis satellite photo was taken about fifteen months after Mr. Virgo died. I had been full-timing in my camper for about seven months at this point. I was interviewed yesterday for another episode of Janine Pettit’s Girl Camper podcast. This time we talked about full-timing…dream vs. reality. I’ll post a link when it goes live.
\nLiving on the farm has been such a treat that I’ve hardly thought about whether I miss all that time I spent on the road. The answer is yes…and no. Could I do that again? Yes! Would I? Maybe. I’m a lot more awake and aware now than I was back then. Grief brain may have clouded my judgement sometimes. But I’ve never regretted having that time alone out in the wilderness and backroads. I was so free and life was pared down to the bare essentials. There’s something to be said for simplicity. Janine asked me if I ever found myself lonely and I’m not sure I properly answered. I’m a people person. I’m gregarious and thrive in a place where I can have regular contact with people I know and love…friends and family that love me for who I am and I can let my hair down. I think that was the driving force behind allowing the Siren Song of the farm to lure me into planting some roots…at least for a while. And now…I have Mr. FixIt. We both love to travel and we never stay put for too long. But I’m looking forward to some nesting this winter. That’s the goodness of fall…it invites us to put another log on the fire, brew a nice cup of tea, and read a good book. The campers are put away for the season and I’m ready to be a homebody for a while. ❤️
\n“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”\nProverbs 24:3-4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-18T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/18/a-birds-eye-view.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/17/getting-bolder-stories-not-stuff.html", "title": "Getting Bolder: Stories, Not Stuff", "content_html": "![\"Stories,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/66cdba44e9.jpg\")
Today’s post is a link to my most recent installment of “Getting Bolder” on the Sisters on the Fly blog. ❤️
www.sistersonthefly.com/getting-b…
\n“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,”\n2 Corinthians 3:12 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-17T01:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/17/getting-bolder-stories-not-stuff.html", "tags": ["Faith","Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/15/a-perfect-fall-day.html", "title": "A Perfect Fall Day!", "content_html": "
![\"WVU](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1129495ec4.jpg\")
\nWe couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for football yesterday. It was HOT…about 84…and not a cloud in the sky. The stadium was sold out and the crowd was great. West Virginia clearly got our butts whipped the first half. Frustrating calls, penalty flags out the wazoo, and eleven points down definitely put a damper on things. I was thinking to myself (ok…I MAY have said it out loud) that maybe college football games weren’t my thing. Mr. FixIt looked at me and said, “It’s not over yet…you just wait.” As if he somehow held a crystal ball and knew a change was coming.
\nThe halftime show was cool. The alumni band played because it was homecoming and they mentioned my friend Karen Nutter Ali as being the oldest alumni member playing. They crowned the homecoming king and queen. I ran into someone I knew. Then…the magic happened. The Mountaineers came out on the field looking less like an aberrant junior high school team and more like a well-oiled machine. Far less flags flew in the second half as the ’eers finally settled down and got it together. Down eleven points as they left the field at the half, they ended up trouncing Texas Tech 46-35 to win the game. They always play John Denver’s “Almost Heaven” at the end of every game but the atmosphere is electric when sung in victory. My heart swelled and I teared up as I sang along with 65,000 Mountaineer fans. It was glorious!
\nAfter the game, we joined Mr. FixIt’s family for a tailgate party. I’m just now meeting more of his family and it was great fun! The meatball sliders I made were a big hit. Here’s the recipe.
\nwww.jessicagavin.com/grandmas-…
\nNote: I used three pounds of ground beef so I added a little extra of the other ingredients to compensate. I also used jar sauce but added two cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and about a cup and a half of diet blackberry flavored fizzy water for a sweet kick. I used packaged hot rolls from the grocery store, cut them in half, added a meatball, a little sauce, and some shredded mozzarella cheese and topped with the other half of the roll to make a little sandwich. I arranged the sliders in two disposable aluminum baking pans. I brushed the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkled the top lightly with garlic salt, covered with foil and baked them at 375 until the cheese was melted. Yield: 24 sliders. These were SO good! I’ll definitely make them again.
\n❤️
\n“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”\n1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV
", "date_published": "2017-10-15T01:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/15/a-perfect-fall-day.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Peace","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/14/lets-go-mountaineers.html", "title": "Let's Go, Mountaineers!", "content_html": "![\"Mountaineer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4723ac6886.jpg\")
\nToday is a day I’ve been looking forward to for months. I’m attending my first college football game…EVER! West Virginia takes on Texas Tech at home. Milan Puskar Stadium is a couple of hours from the farm so we’ll be up early. We’re tailgating so I need to get the food assembled early since it’s a noon game.
\nMr. FixIt is a seasoned Mountaineer Fan. One of his three degrees came from WVU and he is a rabid fan. Ra-bid. We listen to the game on the radio when we’re driving and he’s a hoot to watch. He’s bought me three WVU shirts. So far. Yesterday afternoon he announced we needed to go wash my truck to take to Morgantown. I didn’t get it till we got home and he stuck two big WVU magnets on my tailgate. Ahhhhh….it’s going to be one of THOSE days! I’m excited, actually. I had such a good time at the basketball game Mr. FixIt took me to. The football game is a sellout so there will be around 65,000 people there!
\nWVU has three games a season where they play up a color. One is gold, one is blue, and the other is striped. The game against Texas Tech is striped, meaning even numbered sections wear gold, odd wears blue. We’re gold…hence the new shirt! ?
\nSince I’ve never tailgated, I went to my favorite supplier of fun ideas…Pinterest. I searched for tailgate recipes and got an idea for meatball sliders but I wasn’t crazy about the recipe itself. I Googled “Italian Meatballs” and came up with this great recipe. I used jar sauce (some Italian grandmother is rolling in her grave) but I used the meatball recipe. I used three pounds of meat because I made twenty four sliders. I used store bought hot rolls, sliced them, put a meatball with a little sauce on it, sprinkled with shredded mozzarella, topped with the other half of the hot roll, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic salt. I put them in an aluminum sheet cake pan, covered tightly with foil and popped them in a 375 degree oven till everything was hot and melty while I got ready. Just before we left, I took the sliders out of the oven, covered them tightly with foil and popped the whole thing in a paper bag and wrapped it tight with a couple of towels and set it on the floor of the back seat. Voila!
\nI’ll have pictures for you tomorrow along with a game day recipe for Italian Meatball Sliders.
\n? Go, ’eers!!! ?
\n❤️
\n“He has blocked my way so I cannot pass…”\nJob 19:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-14T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/14/lets-go-mountaineers.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Fun","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/13/an-act-of-forgiveness.html", "title": "An Act of Forgiveness", "content_html": "![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8059e8674.jpg\")
\nDisclaimer: This may be a trigger subject with some. It is dreadfully sad but it touched my heart and I wanted to share with you. It is about the Holocaust and Forgiveness.
\nEva Kor was a young child when she and her twin were torn from their family upon arrival at Auschwitz, never to see them again. Under the direction of Dr. Mengele, they were both subjected to medical experiments that nearly killed them. By sheer will, they fought to survive and were liberated by Russian forces.
\nFor fifty years, Eva held on to her position of “victim”…and rightly so. Her life had been forever altered in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend. She is all that is left of her family. As the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz approached, she awoke one morning with an idea. What if she could forgive someone. She was often called upon to speak and recalled a Nazi doctor that had been at Auschwitz. She had met him at a conference. She figured he may still be alive so she found his phone number and worked up the courage to call him. I’ll let you watch the video and see how she found it in her heart to forgive the most heinous of acts.
\n\nWe speak a lot here about forgiveness. Anger, bitterness, and resentment are the poisons we take hoping they will affect our enemies. Our enemies don’t care if we are eaten alive inside by negative emotions. They are going on with their lives in the nature of enemies…unknowing, uncaring. If my Lord and Savior has forgiven me of my sins, who am I to not do the same? I try to love others as Jesus loves me…even when they are my enemies. Eva’s act of forgiveness took a great deal of strength and courage. She was alienated from other Holocaust survivors for forgiving the Nazis who killed millions of their fellow citizens, friends, and family members. But she didn’t care. She didn’t do it for them. She did it for herself. I am in awe of that kind of heart…that spirit of forgiveness. My petty grievances pale in comparison. ❤️
\n“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”\nColossians 3:12-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-13T01:30:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/13/an-act-of-forgiveness.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/12/magic-hands.html", "title": "Magic Hands", "content_html": "
![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/24d31fbbae.jpg\")
\nOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have always been prompt at getting my mammogram done every single year. I always had it at the same place for consistency. Still, even though it always niggled in the back of my mind that time was slipping by, I went a full three years without one. The fact that I am fairly diligent in doing breast self examination regularly was at least some consolation. But not all lumps and bumps can be felt. An exam and getting the tatas compressed is your best advantage for early detection of breast cancer.
\nI had my mammogram done September 27th, a Saturday. I was up before dawn to go get this thing done. I was in and out relatively quickly. The technologist was friendly, knowledgeable, and the entire experience left me feeling confident in the Women’s Center at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital in Parkersburg. I left the appointment and met my girlfriends for coffee and it became a day like any other day.
\nThe following Wednesday, I went camping for a week and when I returned, there was a message on my home phone from the doctor’s office. Mr. FixIt and I looked at each other and I saw the slightest flicker of fear in his eyes.
\n“I’m sure it’s fine, sweetheart. I’m a girl…girls are complicated. We’ve got all these parts we have to maintain. It happens all the time.” I said in my most reassuring voice. But he wasn’t buying it. And neither was I. I’d never been called back before. And I’d never had an ultrasound of my breast.
\nMy doctor’s office made an appointment for me for the following Tuesday…a whole week away. As much as I tried not to think about what it could mean, it was fruitless. I’ve worked in medicine almost my entire working life. I was married to a doctor who was the director of hospice. I was an x-ray tech. I know what I know. I ran through the risk factors. I used to drink more than I should have when I was going through a particularly difficult marriage/divorce but when the divorce was over, so was the drinking. I am not at my ideal weight and I don’t exercise as much as I should. The king sized plus for me is absolutely zero family history of breast cancer. By the time the appointment came around, I was feeling pretty confident this wasn’t cancer.
\nTuesday finally came. The technician who came out to get me was the same gal who did the first mammo. That was comforting…and good, in that her technique would be the same for comparison’s sake. She told me there were two places in the breast that caused them concern and she pointed them out to me. She proceeded to do another mammogram. This one used a compression paddle on the machine that squeezed a small, three inch circle…really squeezed. I won’t lie…it stung. No problem holding my breath for that one! When she had the top down views done, she changed the paddle to a five inch circle for the side views. Again, the compression took my breath away, but I wanted good compression so the radiologist could see what he/she was looking for. It was soon done and I was ushered to a waiting room. Once the radiologist said no more views were needed, I was taken to the ultrasound room.
\nI’ve had ultrasounds many times, but never of my breast. They warm the gel! How nice! I’m laying there with my arm over my head and my boob hanging out in front of someone who was born the year I graduated from high school but, by golly, that gel was warm! The tech turned the screen slightly toward me and I saw what I had seen on the mammogram, only instead of being an oval, clearly encapsulated thing that looked much like a grape…I saw a black hole. My heart sank for a moment. Then my medical expertise came back and I thought about the physics of ultrasound. I soon reasoned what I was looking at was a fluid filled cyst and the vast majority of those are benign. Breathe.
\nThe tech moved to the other spot. This was more worrisome. It was calcification within some very dense breast tissue. I have what used to be called fibrocystic breast disease till they dropped the disease part, because…it isn’t one. It’s extremely common. The last time I had a mammogram, my doctor was musing to herself. “Hmmmm, I wonder why your left breast is so much denser than the right?” “Easy,” I said. “I’ve always been with right handed men” I think she peed a little. Anyway, I digress. I couldn’t make heads nor tails of what I was seeing in this exam area so I just laid back and let my mind wander. What was my gut saying? “This is ok. Don’t worry.”
\nI was wandering through the mall yesterday, contemplating a pair of shoes, when the doctor’s office called. She said the doctor felt the findings were benign. They wanted to know if there was a family history of breast cancer. Since there is not, the recommendation is to repeat it in six months and if there are no changes, resume the yearly schedule. I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath as I sat down on one of the chairs in the shoe department. I thanked her and hung up. Relief spread over me and I immediately texted Mr. FixIt and my Prayer Warriors.
\nOne out of eight women get breast cancer. Unlike Julia Louise Dreyfus…today it was not me. Get your mammograms, girls. Save the tatas! ❤️
\n“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”\nProverbs 17:22 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-12T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/12/magic-hands.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/11/free-spirit.html", "title": "Free Spirit", "content_html": "
![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/deff4aaa3d.jpg\")
\nMuch of my life was spent trying to conform…to not be too loud, too big, too much. To fit into the mold of who I (and others whose opinions I valued over my own) thought I should be. I was a doctor’s wife. I was supposed to fit in, entertain, volunteer. I converted to Judaism. I smiled, a lot. I had a perky voice. I did the best I could. And still, things unraveled, my marriage fell apart, and it darned near killed me.
\nIt took a long time, and a lot of therapy, to find my voice. So many times women hang their identity on a hook by the front door and become who they need to be…who they’re expected to be. I have two beautiful daughters who are wonderful adults. Honestly, I don’t know how they survived me because I was a hot mess back in the day.
\nMr. Virgo was the first man to really “get” me. He was patient and listened intently and fiercely supported me. He helped me see, and really FEEL, my value. When he died suddenly, my world and my self-confidence was rocked. When I was alone on my grief journey in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado in the first few months after he died, I really understood for the first time that it’s up to me to be happy. If we search for happiness from external things, we will always be disappointed.
\nI had a Mr. Virgo-sized hole in my heart and a God-sized hole in my life. I couldn’t bring Mr. Virgo back, but I could…and DID…reach out to God to fill me up with a peace only He could give. My go-to scripture became “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Over and over, through long anxiety-riddled nights, I repeated it till I believed it…till I felt it in my bones. And magically, God filled in the empty, hurting places with a golden love-light like none I had ever known.
\nI was telling someone yesterday…I loved Mr. Virgo with the white-hot heat of the sun. But I still never felt whole till I loved GOD with the white-hot heat of HIS Son. My light shines from within. I carry myself differently. I’m happy and content with myself and my life. And now? Now I have Mr. FixIt. I’m so glad he came into my life after I was broken open. I don’t know that we would have appreciated each other if this would have happened at any other time in our lives.
\nGod’s timing is so perfect. ❤️
\n“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”\nLuke 12:6-7 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-11T01:30:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/11/free-spirit.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/10/past-the-breaking-point.html", "title": "Past the Breaking Point", "content_html": "
![\"Photo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee854f77b4.jpg\")
\nFilicide. It’s something we don’t want to talk about…something we don’t understand. How could a mother kill her own children? It’s beyond our comprehension. How can someone be pushed so far that they would break like that? It goes against every grain. Yet, it happens.
\nThere was a tragedy in West Virginia last week. A woman shot her two young children, then herself. The little boy was hanging on by a thread last I heard. The little girl and the mom are gone. I just learned last night that not one, but both children have/had special needs. I don’t know what they’re challenges are/were, but I do know what it’s like to grow up in a family with a special needs child. My brother was born with cerebral palsy and mild mental impairment. I will never forget the day the doctor gave Mom the prognosis. They told her he would never live a normal life. He wouldn’t drive or be able to take care of himself or hold a real job. She was devastated. Add to that a troubled marriage and it’s no wonder she suffered from migraines, anxiety, and depression.
\nAbout six years ago, I did a short stint as a substitute paraprofessional in a severe needs classroom at the elementary school where my older daughter taught. I couldn’t do it…and I grew up with this. I don’t know how teachers and parents keep from going over the edge. This mother had more than she could handle and she broke.
\nThe news headline said “Let this be a wake up call.” Yes, let’s. There are few people who don’t know anyone affected by a special needs child in their circle…be it church or the hair salon or the bank or a neighbor. If you know someone, and you’ve never offered to help out, do something. A couple hour break could make a world of difference in an overwhelmed parent’s life. Take them a meal. Offer to cut their lawn. Give them a gift card to the grocery. Heck, give them a hug. Tell them, while you can’t understand exactly what they’re going through, you’d like them to know you’re there for whatever help you may be able to give them. Pray with them. Pray FOR them. If you can’t do any of these things, pray for God to open your heart to whatever He would want you to do.
\nMy demographic here is 40-65 year old women mainly, so I guess I’m encouraging grandmas to do what grandmas do best…love on somebody that sorely needs it today. You never know who that outstretched hand may save. We cannot understand how horrible things like this can happen, but perhaps we can change the course by opening our hearts and loving people like Jesus does. ❤️
\n“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.”\nMatthew 19:13-15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-10T01:30:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/10/past-the-breaking-point.html", "tags": ["Faith","Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/09/a-little-rr.html", "title": "A Little R\u0026R", "content_html": "
\n
![\"Ol'](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/da0ba7457c.jpg\")
\nWe awoke to the sound of rain gently falling on the tin roof yesterday. What a welcome sound. Something else grabbed my attention. It was stuffy and still in the bedroom. I picked up my phone to check the temperature. No wifi. The power was out so the fan was off. This happens frequently here at the farm. I keep thinking I’ll get a generator but haven’t yet.
\nOld Mama Kitty curled up at my feet while I sat on the porch, watching the rain. Every time we have this moment, I wonder how much longer we’ll have her. She’s about twenty-four years old now. I love this sweet little kitty.
\nThe persistent rain made me sleepy and I couldn’t get motivated to do much. I did put about half the stuff away in the kitchen that I had brought in from TOW-Wanda. The rest of the day was literally spent doing as little as possible. Sometimes you just need a day like that. Mr. FixIt is like the Energizer bunny. He never stops. I like to do a lot of stuff but when I need down time, I NEED down time. I sent him off to deliver a chair to his granddaughter and go bowling and I spent the afternoon/evening laying low. Just what the doctor ordered!
\nThe only downside of having a lay low, shut in kind of day was not going to church. The only upside to that is the Warehouse Church where we attend goes live on their Facebook page every Sunday night at 7:00 so if I can’t go for some reason, I can watch the sermon from home.
\nLast night, Pastor Justin spoke on getting past your past. I dragged my past behind me like a sack of rotting garbage for years. I played and replayed every mistake, every misstep, every wrongdoing I ever did and berated myself for being a bad daughter, sister, wife, mother. It turns out, those were all lies…whispered into my life by the enemy. He has no power over the future, but man…does he know how to play the past. There are ways you can use the past. Learning from your mistakes and moving forward, letting the past “push” you into the person God has always intended you to be…THAT’S the only useful thing the past can give you. God uses those mistakes you made in the past to allow you to minister to others, to speak life over them, to demonstrate that you do not have to let your past define who you are. You can get past it. Powerful message. So, I got my lay low day, I had a nap under the sounds of a gentle rain on a tin roof, AND I heard a great message from God. What’s not to love about that? ❤️
\n“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 3:13-14 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-10-09T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/09/a-little-rr.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","The Cats","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/10/06/losing-your-sense-of-direction.html", "title": "Losing Your Sense of Direction", "content_html": "
![\"Losing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1397099534.jpg\")
\nThere’s no quicker way to lose your inner compass than through the experience of grief. God built us to numb down so we don’t experience the loss in one gulp. I remember the first year. I was so numb from the neck up. I didn’t fully grasp what had happened to my world until the second year. THAT was the year of pain for me because I “woke up” and he was still gone. I didn’t know where to turn. I literally didn’t know which end was up. I couldn’t make intelligent choices. I couldn’t see further than today…maybe even this hour. It was terribly disconcerting to me to feel so out of control. It was terribly comforting to me when you all started writing back with things like “Yes! That’s me!” and “OMGosh! You’re in my head! How did you know?”
\nLosing your inner compass is normal in grief. Losing your sense of direction doesn’t just come with the loss of a loved one though. It can come with anything that shocks our sensibilities. And I can’t think of anything more shocking than the events of the last month. While I was out galavanting around, camping here and there, appearing at public events, being interviewed while flyfishing, sitting around the campfire with friends…events were taking place that were shattering our world and I was largely disconnected save for the occasional notification on my phone when I was in cell range.
\nDisclaimer: I’m not here to discuss politics. There are many, many sites where that is the theme. This is a safe place where we discuss grief and the things that effect it. That being said…I would be remiss if I sail along singing Kumbaya and not address the horrifying events that have hit us over and over and over the last few weeks.
\nDevastating hurricanes. Deadly earthquakes. Horrific mass murders. Huge breaches of electronic security. Every week…every day…it’s something. Another thing…another horror. It’s hard to feel safe in times like this when you aren’t grieving. Add the insecurity and emotional turmoil of loss to the mix and it’s so easy to lose your way…to lose direction…to lose hope.
\nYes, there are political avenues that can and…in my humble opinion…should be implemented to curb events that can be curbed. I am an enigma. I am a diehard liberal Christian and Democrat with a gun. I believe in my right to carry and protect myself, my property, and my loved ones. If I need to hunt to eat, I need a weapon to do so. What I don’t need is an assault rifle, let alone forty-three of them, and I certainly don’t need one that shoots automatically. I might need a couple hundred rounds of ammo. I don’t need ten thousand. I might need some fertilizer for my garden. I don’t need enough to blow up a building. I need to protect my little corner of the world from nefarious interlopers. I’m fully aware not everyone agrees on these issues and I’m not here to debate politics or gun control or any “third rail” issue. This is a faith-based blog so I’m going to approach this from my own personal faith-based perspective.
\nI usually drive in silence. It’s my think time. But, occasionally I listen to a book on tape or a talk given by someone on a subject I am interested in. As events unfolded over the last month, I found myself getting upset and angry…a perfectly normal reaction to such chaos. Since losing Mr. Virgo, I’ve found it helpful to retreat within myself and become quiet and introspective in order to process additional loss. Now that I have Mr. FixIt in my life, I don’t have long stretches of time to silently contemplate my feelings, process them, and retrieve my bearings. I felt my fear grow and my frustration build to the point of lashing out at him when he did nothing but be kind and love me. I needed to fix that before it became a problem.
\nGod always brings me what I need to walk through this path. Remember me telling you that we have to walk through fire in this life, but God throws gems down in the flames? We may not recognize the meaning of a particular gem, but we tuck it away because somewhere down the line, we’ll understand. When I was in Colorado, I went to a used book store looking for books on tape for the long drives I take traveling with TOW-Wanda. This time I found several presentations by such notables as Brené Brown, Pema Chodrin, and Joyce Meyers. I tucked them in the truck but didn’t listen to them on the trip home because Mr. FixIt was with me.
\nLast week I traveled up to Beaver Creek State Park and found the four hour block of time to listen to Pema Chodrin’s “Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions”. Her basic premise boils down to finding compassion for the perpetrator. She spends the better part of three and a half hours explaining how to fight the addiction of anger and replace it with patience and compassion. Anger sits in the pit of our stomach. It’s uncomfortable and we lash out to release those pent up feelings. But, what if we allow ourselves to sit with that discomfort, recognize it as a temporary feeling, look at the person pissing us off and feel compassion? If that’s too hard, then at least just say…“OK, this person is pissing me off. I’m not biting that hook.” There is a difference between suppressing anger and diffusing it. Suppression will just place it in a pressure cooker and it becomes self-destructive. Diffusing it dissipates the energy and converts it into something self-soothing.
\nHow does this relate to the current events in the world? Well, environmentally, these storms are getting more powerful, more frequent, and more destructive. As an environmentalist, one can get angry at politicians who refuse to believe in climate change. As one who believes this is a predictable cycle of nature, one can get angry at the “tree huggers” for leading the charge with “the sky is falling!” Earthquakes? Environmentalists are angry with the oil and gas industry for fracking and causing instability beneath the earths crust. Others are angry at such rhetoric saying the earth’s crust moves…deal with it. Mass shootings? The NRA will give you their guns when you pry them out of their cold, dead fingers as Charlton Heston so eloquently put it. Gun control advocates are angry that this just keeps happening over and over and over and nothing ever changes.
\nThe common denominator in all of this is anger. Righteous indignation. Me against them. No one ever resolves conflict with increased conflict. The divisive nature prevalent in today’s world does nothing to diffuse anger. As a matter of fact, it seems its only point is to produce more anger and conflict. This is the work of the enemy. This is where my faith comes in. This battle has been fought for centuries and my personal belief is…the good guy wins in the end. My personal belief is…that which lives within me is more powerful than that which lives in the world. Lashing out at Mr. FixIt because I’m harboring anger over world events is counterproductive. So, how do I resolve that inner conflict? Through compassion.
\nHow do we live out the compassion of Christ in such a dark time in this world? Turning to the Master Teacher, we can cry out for Him to teach us compassion. We can read about the ways Christ showed compassion to others…even his enemies. He touched those who were sick. Even the outcast…the untouchables with leprosy. He sought them out and ministered to them and healed them with just a touch. Race, religion, social or economic status…nothing kept Christ from touching the lives of others with love and tenderness. We can read about Jesus’ tears for the fallen. How He wept for those who refused to hear His teachings. How he asked His Heavenly Father to forgive those who crucified Him for they knew not what they were doing. That in and of itself is the ultimate display of compassion. The motivation behind all of Christ’s teachings throughout the New Testament is love and compassion.
\nSo, how do you show compassion for someone who stands in a hotel room on the 32nd floor of a busy hotel and calmly executes 59 innocent people, wounds nearly 500, and changes the lives of thousand more…forever? For me, it comes from the realization that one does not do something like that unless they are not in their right mind. There is such evil in the world. Satan whispers into the lives and hearts of vulnerable people and leads them to do unimaginable, unspeakable things. My response is to pour out more love…to try to tip the scales of the world toward goodness and light. Not with a Pollyannaesque naïveté, but with the pure, genuine love and compassion expemplified by Jesus.
\nIt’s a scary world. I saw Mr. FixIt’s first little greatgrandchild this week. I held this tiny, perfect little human in my hands and prayed hard that God would keep her safe in this great big place. It hits hard when a new life is placed in your hands. In the end, the left wing and the right wing belong to the same bird. We really are in this together. There is one race…the human race…and if we want to keep going, we are going to have to find a way to come together, to get along.
\nOk, we went to church there…but, in my humble opinion…this world needs more light. For me, it is through Christ, who strengthens me. For others, it may be different. But by whatever means available, the answer to everything is love and compassion. ❤️
\n“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”\nColossians 3:12-14 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-10-06T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/10/06/losing-your-sense-of-direction.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/27/twolane-blacktop.html", "title": "Two-Lane Blacktop", "content_html": "![\"WV](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/360a30fe7b.jpg\")
\nYesterday was errand day. Up at dawn, I ran through my list of very important things that needed to be done for the camping trip I’m leaving on today. And, not surprisingly, there were a couple of things I forgot. Mr. FixIt to the rescue! Yet another of the many wonderful advantages of dating this good man! He stopped on his way to my place and picked my items up at the market.
\nDriving back home on the two-lane blacktop, I always let my mind run through the points of note along the route. There’s the State Police barracks where I took (and failed) my first driving exam. (Not my fault, mind you…there was a hole in the muffler.) There’s the county line where I got carsick when I was seven. (I have no idea why that sticks with me, but it does.) There’s the last bridge of its kind between town and the farm. (It’s a lot like the old bridge that used to be where you turn onto the country lane to drive the last few miles to the house.) There’s the old country store where we stopped for ice cream on Sunday afternoons on our way back to town. There’s the turn where I had my wreck in February. My mind takes me through every turn and hill, reliving days long gone.
\nOne of my favorite turns brings me to a straight stretch that passes the old Nutter Farm. There’s a family cemetery on the hill across the road. Every time I drive through that stretch, I get the strangest feeling. It’s akin to the feeling you get when someone hugs you. I didn’t get to meet the particular set of great-grandparents that are buried there, but somehow I feel them when I drive by. It’s a little eerie, but comforting at the same time. My great-grandfather died in his early 30’s of a ruptured appendix and left my great-grandmother with four little boys to raise. Charlie and Sabina. I have always loved her name. Folks called her “Binie”, with a long “i”. I never knew her proper name till after my last child was born or I might have named her Sabina Rose.
\nI know every turn, every pothole, every hill on that road. It stretches for miles all the way back as far as I can remember. I really get John Denver’s lyrics. “Country Roads, take me home to the place I belong…West Virginia!” I love coming home when I’ve been gone a while. When you’re there every day, you don’t notice how the house smells. But when you return from a long trip, it’s truly like stepping back in time to my childhood. It smells like old wood…damp and rich. It smells like old books and worn leather…slightly stale, dusty, and tired. It smells like iron skillets and well water. But it smells like family. It smells like home. I bought a scented candle when I first moved in last year and was decidedly dismayed when all you could smell when you walked in the back door was cinnamon apples. I stopped burning it right away and was ever so relieved when the familiar aromas returned a week or two later.
\nI count every day here as a blessing…a gift that God has brought me. This place almost seems like my reward for having lost my sweet husband. As though God said, “You’ve suffered enough. Let the memories in these walls comfort you for a time.” I know it’s not forever…one day the house will pass from one to another and I’ll need to move on. Or, more likely, there will be that point in my life when I choose to live elsewhere. But for now…for this brief time…I will live and love and laugh in the home of my heart. And I’ll remember every nook and cranny, every squeak in the floor, every line in the worn linoleum. I’ll remember every bend in the road. ❤️
\n“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”\nIsaiah 32:18 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-27T01:30:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/27/twolane-blacktop.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/25/tethered-to-god.html", "title": "Tethered to God", "content_html": "
![\"Dock](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e4ada266a7.jpg\")
\nA ship that slips its moorings is quickly swept to sea. At the mercy of the wind and the waves, it may sink to the briny depths, never to be seen again. Our relationship with God is much the same way. If we remain tethered to Him, we can weather any storm, but…let go and all bets are off. HE never lets go of us. It is always the other way around.
\nMr. FixIt and I have been attending the 5:00pm service at our church. It gives us all day on Sunday to enjoy the farm, then head to town about 4:00. He bowls on Sundays at 7:00 so it works out to be a good time for us. Last night’s sermon was on the detours life gives us. There are two types of detours. The kind we take ourselves on when we become untethered from God and the kind God takes us on.
\nWe are so egocentric, we think God is punishing us if we can see what He intends to give us, but he takes us the long way around instead. These trials weren’t necessarily orchestrated by God. He has a much bigger world view than we do. His grand view takes us through these trials so that we CAN have the reward He has in mind for us…even if it’s not delivered in this world. Our job is to hang on and remain tethered to Him. He is our anchor.
\nWe all have trials in this world. God uses those trials. Not as punishment. But as a way to hone us into the person He intends us to be. Suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance, character. And character, hope.
\nI have a speaking engagement this evening at a local church. I’m really looking forward to that and always pray God brings me every opportunity to praise Him and share with others how He has blessed me.
\nHave a Happy Monday! ❤️
\n“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”\nRomans 5:1-5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-25T01:55:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/25/tethered-to-god.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","God","Wisdom","Forgiveness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/22/when-things-dont-go-as.html", "title": "When Things Don't Go As Planned", "content_html": "
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3800980b81.jpg\")
\nThe first two of our three day getaway was perfect. The weather was moderate. We hiked, fished, lazed around, read, cooked, and sat out long after dark watching the boats go up and down the river. We had to go into town Wednesday to salvage some doors, windows, and light fixtures out of a structure that’s being torn down today. It was hot, dirty work and by 2:00, we were done. We ran some errands then headed to a restaurant for lunch. We’ve eaten salads there before but I was hungry so I ordered a chicken salad wrap and fries. We left to head back up to the river to the campground and within 10 minutes, I was sick as a dog. The thing that scared me was my heart was doing weird things and I felt faint. Mr. FixIt took me to the hospital. They kept me overnight for observation and did a ton of tests. They finally decided they thought I had food poisoning. I got home from the hospital yesterday and unhooked the camper and went to bed.
\nThere comes a point when you have to realize…even though you may FEEL 24…when you’re 64…you ARE 64! That’s not “old” by any stretch of the imagination. But for the first time in a long time…I feel my age. I have to slow down just a little bit. Not enough to stop. But enough to take care of myself.
\nNot the way I wanted my little getaway to go. But I need to listen to my body and not keep pushing so hard. Today, I mattress surf! ❤️
\n“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”\n1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-22T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/22/when-things-dont-go-as.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Grace","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/16/my-lot-in-life.html", "title": "My Lot in Life", "content_html": "
\n
![\"Windmill](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/085421e4ae.jpg\")
\nFor those of you who’ve been following me for awhile, you remember what a struggle it was to downsize when I sold my house. Getting rid of 95% of my personal belongings just a year after losing Mr. Virgo was very stressful. I have been so careful not to accumulate “stuff” again. But, I’ve got to tell ya…this Country Living Fair is exceptional. I think this is my third in a row and it seems each one gets better. I will have to say, there were a lot more people here on opening day than the last two years. If that’s any indication of the overall attendance, we’re in for a whale of an event!
\nWhen you work a Fair such as this, you try to have enough people helping that you can take breaks and wander around. As I was walking over to the main stage for Janine’s talk yesterday, I spied some windmill vanes and stopped after to price them. The one in this photo was a half vane for $600! One with two less fins was $400. Still way out of my price range. My daughter’s sister-in-law has one she got from the family ranch and has it mounted on the wall in her dining room. I’d love to have one, but A) I’m not spending that kind of money and B) I don’t have anyplace to put it right now, and C) experiences before stuff. I could have a really great trip for $600.
\nWandering the aisles of the fair is so tempting. I will tell you what I bought yesterday. A nice serving of Miss Parolee’s Kentucky Deep-Dish Blackberry Cobbler warmed up with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Windmill vane. Miss Parolee’s cobbler. I think I made the better choice! ❤️
\n“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.”\nEcclesiastes 5:18-20 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-16T01:55:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/16/my-lot-in-life.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair","Uncategorized"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/14/he-will-cover-you-with.html", "title": "He Will Cover You With His Feathers", "content_html": "![\"Wings](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a19602883.jpg\")
\nIt’s hard to believe exactly four-and-a-half years ago, I was preparing a funeral for a man I never dreamed of losing. Mr. Virgo was gone in a heartbeat, literally, and I was left to make some sense and order out of the chaos left behind. Looking back on it with today’s vision, I can see so many things I would have done differently. I don’t think I made huge mistakes, but I think if I would have known then what I know now, there are definitely things I would have done differently.
\nI hosted the Sisters on the Fly event over the weekend and there were a couple fairly new widows there. They did well, enjoyed themselves, and were very capable campers. I could see through all that to the pain that lay beneath the surface. I recognized them…I was there not all that long ago myself.
\nA couple of years ago, I was contacted by a writer and published author of many books on women and finance. She was writing an article for the New York Times on widowhood and retirement and asked if she could interview me. We have stayed in touch over the last couple of years and she has followed my blog. Recently I heard from her again. She had been asked by Fidelity to write an article about widowhood and investing and immediately thought of me. We spoke again and I shared those things I felt I did right, and those I could have…should have…done differently.
\nThe article for Fidelity’s “Viewpoints” online magazine went live yesterday and I am sharing it with you here. From the beginning, this blog was meant not only as a way to share and heal my own grief, but also to serve as a place to learn, grow, and experience support if you are grieving, and preparation if you aren’t. Knowledge is power and grief makes you feel totally powerless. I wish I would have had a grief mentor in my early stages of loss. I try to be that person for others. If it weren’t for God covering me with His feathers to guide, guard, and protect me, I never would have survived such a loss.
\nAnd now, here I am nearly five years after losing Mr. Virgo and I not only have survived, I am thriving. New life, new love, new experiences. I never would have dreamed this was possible. Today I leave for the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. Please stop by for a visit if you are in the area! ❤️
\nhttps://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/8-financial-tips-for-widows
\n“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”\nPsalm 91:4 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-14T01:55:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/14/he-will-cover-you-with.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Wisdom","Girl Campers","Country Living Fair"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/07/the-beckett-brothers.html", "title": "The Beckett Brothers", "content_html": "
![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/689a3511e1.jpg\")
\nI never met them. I didn’t know them. But, I knew who they were. Everyone knew who they were. When I was a little girl, you didn’t drive anywhere in town without seeing them together…walking. They walked everywhere. They loved to travel. One would always walk about ten feet behind the other. Their determined stride would take them cross town and cross country. I’ve heard stories. “They were very wealthy…they just chose to live this way.” I don’t know the truth. I do know they called them names. “Pete and Repeat”. “Mutt and Jeff”.
\nIn truth…they were Gerald and John. They were inseparable. They were not twins but they dressed alike. Always. One time one of them was injured and they got a wheelchair. The well one wheeled the sick one. When he finally got well, an argument ensued. The well one felt it was his turn to be pushed around but the sick one refused to give up his cushy gig. There were lots of stories. But not a lot of people coming forward with open arm to help these guys. Finally, a girl named Heather was driving buy and saw them with the wheelchair stuck in the snow and said a prayer. “Lord! Why don’t you DO something for these men.” And God answered her…“I did. I made you!” So Heather turned around, drove back, and helped the men out of the snowbank in her high heels. Thus began a loving friendship between the most unlikely of people. Heather taught her children to love the way Christ loved.
\n![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/255b62a734.jpg\")
\nThis week, Gerald died in his sleep. Heather and her family was at his side. So was John. We’ll just have to wait and see how John fairs without his brother. I pray for his comfort. I pray for Heather and her family as they make this journey with only John. Parkersburg has lost a legend, an icon. It will never be the same without them walking the streets together. ❤️
\n“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”\nPsalms 133:1 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-07T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/07/the-beckett-brothers.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Prayer","Hope","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Humbled","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/06/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly", "content_html": "
![\"Sisters](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e894d8cf7a.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/69677a7cd3.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f07e8b48bb.jpg\")
What is Sisters on the Fly?
\nIt’s the world’s largest outdoor adventure group for women. We have affected the lives of over 9,000 women from around the world. Our motto is “We have more fun than anyone!” And it’s true! Sister gatherings are jam packed with fun and we turn women into girls.
\nWhat do the Sisters do at their gatherings?
\nWe do a number of things! Some of us fly fish. Some ride horses or mountain bikes. We love to go junkin’ and eat great food. Some hike. Some play and listen to music. Whatever floats your boat. And speaking of floating your boat, we are going to ride the sternwheeler on the Ohio River over to visit the Blennerhassett Mansion this week. We love to eat so we’re going to have an old fashioned weenie roast. My Pop-Pop whittled the end of sharp sticks for roasting weenies and marshmallows. We’ll serve them the WV way with sauce and slaw. We are playing music and listening to music and maybe even clog dance. Sisters will try just about anything!
\nHow can I be a Sister?
\nYou can have more fun that anyone by heading over to www.sistersonthfly.com and signing up. Dues are $70 a year and there are gatherings of every interest all around the globe.
\nWhat kind of women become Sisters on the Fly?
\nBold women. Shy women. Women with campers. Women with tents. Women who prefer the lodge or a fine hotel or a cabin. Single women. Taken women. Married women. Widowed women. Young women. Old women. Key word is Women. No men. (Sorry, guys!) No kids. (Sorry, kids!) and, no pets.
\nThese gals love to eat! I shopped yesterday. Such a wise shopper I have become. This big grocery cart ended up costing $150! I was impressed. We will see how the menu and activities go over. I’ve done the planning, the shopping and the prep. As my friend V says…it’s time for the fun! ❤️
\n“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”\nProverbs 3:17 ESV
\n(Photos from older Sisters on the Fly gatherings.)
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-06T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/06/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/02/an-unlikey-pair.html", "title": "An Unlikey Pair", "content_html": "![\"Turkey](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b3f35cb96e.jpg\")
\nI’ve been living on the farm a little over a year now. It went so fast, yet…as with many things…it seems so much longer. Not long after I got settled in, I began to notice an odd pair of friends at the house down the road. You never see one without the other and I cannot help but smile when I see them. They never leave the yard, wandering about nibbling up bugs and grass.
\nI don’t know the story behind these two. The family who lives there lost their mom several years ago so it’s just the guys on their own. They all work a lot and the house and grounds seem to be well cared for, but I rarely see anyone….just the turkey and the duck.
\nAs Mr. FixIt and I drove to town yesterday, I asked him to stop in the rain so I could take their picture. As soon as the car stopped, the turkey laid down. The duck never moved from the turkey’s side, but he set to squawking like crazy to let me know he didn’t like the intrusion. We sat by the road and talked to them for a bit then moved on. We forgot something and had to go back to the house and when we came back down the road, the fowl confab had moved behind the house to eat uninterrupted.
\nI thought about this pair all the way to town and wondered…Why can’t we ALL just get along like that? Those two don’t know they’re different. They just like each other’s company. Now, I’m not going to get into a political discussion. I’m not “choosing sides”. I just think we could take a lesson or two from this turkey and duck. We only have one race…the human race. We only have one life…this one. We are being divided and I’m not sure by whom. Media? Politicians? Special interest groups? Who know…who cares? I just want to love my fellow man like this duck loves this turkey.
\nGod created us all. He gave us the rule book. We can’t do this divided. The enemy wants us to fail. And if he can get us to do his dirty work for him and make us destroy each other…well, that’s just icing on the cake. Shine your light, people. Walk out in faith and fight for truth and justice….for all! ❤️
\n“Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?”\nMalachi 2:10 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-09-02T01:55:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/02/an-unlikey-pair.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/09/01/words.html", "title": "Words", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/667f78caa0.jpg\")
\nI have seldom been at a loss for words. My mom always said I had “the gift of gab”. I was always a little insulted by that because I was sure she was saying “You talk too much!” Ok…I’ll have to admit…I do have a lot to say. About everything.
\nSome of my very best writing has come from my very deepest pain. As difficult as it was to go through, that kind of writing is actually a whole lot easier than writing from a place of joy. Of peace. Of love. Writing from pain is cathartic. It releases energy and the words have a life of their own. Someone told me I had “lost my focus” a little while after I introduced Mr. FixIt to the story. That has niggled at me ever since. She’s right…in a way. But not in the way she thinks.
\nHere’s the thing. I was driving to the farm last night after spending a lovely day in town. I am putting some finishing touches on the event I am hosting next week for the Sisters on the Fly. Between that, the trip to Colorado, the trailer breaking down, the return trip to get it, catching up with stuff around the farm, the Centennial Celebration at my high school, and nurturing a new love relationship…I haven’t been keeping my focus where it belongs. Not on grief, but on God. I was driving along that twisty turny two lane and started talking to Him. Then I realized…I hadn’t been keeping Him at the center of my life for a little while. I took my focus off for just a moment and that led me down a path I don’t like. Peter was walking on water toward Jesus when he took his eyes off Him…and sank immediately.
\nI had a long discussion with God…it’s a forty-five minute ride, you know. I made my apologies and I’ll try to do better. Because everything is better when I keep God at the center of my life. My relationships. My writing. My life. It has to be more than just lip service, this profession of faith. Keeping that fire in my belly keeps me from drowning…and keeps my words flowing. ❤️
\n““Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””\nMatthew 14:28-33 NIV
\nPhoto Credit: Shutterstock
\n", "date_published": "2017-09-01T01:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/09/01/words.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/28/forgiveness.html", "title": "Forgiveness", "content_html": "![\"Warehouse](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e753e5f4c.jpg\")
\nWe had a guest speaker at church yesterday and man…did he deliver! So here we go…it’s time for some Monday Morning Motivation. We’re going to church.
\nForgiveness. Such a simple word that is packed full of power. We all need forgiveness for something. Something we’ve done that has hurt others. Hurt ourselves. Or maybe, something we did in the dark that no one knows about. Thing is….someone knows. Someone always knows. You know. And God knows.
\n“would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.”\nPsalms 44:21 ESV
\nOur guest pastor was Pace Hartfield of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He tells a story of the first night his father let him drive his mother’s brand new car when he turned sixteen. There was just one caveat…he was not to leave town. So, of course, he left town. And had an accident. He had hoped to leave his dad in the dark, cruise 22nd Street with his homey, Andy, and get back with his dad none the wiser. But the deed was exposed. There was the damage to the car. And the police report. There was no way around it. Pace’s dad didn’t yell at him. He didn’t beat him. He grounded him. He also informed him he had lost his father’s trust. He would have preferred the beating, I am sure.
\nHow many time have we lost the trust of others by our deeds? How many others have trespassed against us and we have lost our trust in them? As Pace pointed out so eloquently, forgiveness requires exposure. And that exposure creates vulnerability. Oh, we hate feeling vulnerable, don’t we? We can get stuck in that exposure and vulnerability and feel shame without forgiveness. It is the forgiveness that sets us free. That frees others. Who have you literally held hostage for years by not forgiving them?
\nThe guest pastor spoke of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders tried to set Jesus up by bringing the woman before him in the temple where he was teaching. They were loud and raucous and challenged Jesus to do something with her. Instead, he ignored them and stopped down to write in the sand. The leaders were outraged and became even louder. Jesus quietly stood up and said, “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” He then went back to writing in the sand. One by one, the leaders left without stoning the woman till they were left alone in the temple. Jesus knew what she had done. But he loved her anyway. He did not condone what she had done, and instead offered her forgiveness and sent her on her way with the admonishment to “Go and sin no more.”
\nWe all sin. We all make mistakes. We feel guilt and shame. But we are forgiven and we are loved. Forgiveness sets us free from the bondage we place on ourselves, on others, by others. I often quote Maya Angelou…“We do what we know and when we know better, we do better.” Well, sometimes we know better and we do it anyway. Yet, still…we are loved and forgiven by a good, good Father. Our work here is to love and forgive in the same way. ❤️
\n“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”\nProverbs 15:3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-28T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/28/forgiveness.html", "tags": ["Faith","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Monday Morning Motivation"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/26/back-on-the-farm.html", "title": "Back on the Farm", "content_html": "![\"Grandma's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9c6c082a94.jpg\")
\nIt’s been a year since I put down roots here on the family farm. Well, as deep a root as I can put and not own property. What a remarkable year! I battled fleas, painted walls, mowed, trimmed, pruned, cleaned, sorted, dehumidifier, and about scared myself to death that I had ruined the well or burned up the pump. I’ve learned to stop letting grief steal my joy. I’ve learned to let go of the fear of loss and clear out enough room in my life to accommodate the love of a sweet man. I’ve spoken in front of crowds, large and small. I started blogging for Sisters on the Fly as well as here on Marshmallow Ranch. I bought a vintage camper to fix up. I’ve been to Colorado twice, Florida twice, the Outer Banks, Tennessee, Savannah, Amish Country, and a fun trip to a WVU basketball game. I’ve been to concerts galore…Garth Brooks, SHEL, Brandy Carlisle to name a few. I’ve camped at some pretty cool places. I’ve been interviewed for podcasts and articles. I’ve lost some people in one way or another and I’ve gained more. I spent some wonderful time with my family. I’ve grown stronger in my faith. And I fell in love. All in one year! Whew!
\nWe got home from the trip to Indiana and It was almost dark. I had to back this camper up into the driveway and it was more challenging as the light faded. I got it in ok and Mr. FixIt was a real trooper coaching me along. He filmed it. It might be funny…I don’t know. I haven’t taken the time to look at it yet.
\nWe are going to a class picnic today so as soon as I walked in last night, I mixed up a yellow cake to bake. I’ll make Penuche Frosting this morning so it’s nice and fresh. I looked through Grandma’s notebook hoping to find her recipe but it wasn’t there. Her Brown Sugar Pie recipe was though. I’ll have to make that soon…it’s wonderful!
\nAs I sat and wrote this, Mr. FixIt asked if I could hear the owl. I couldn’t until I went to the front door. I recorded it for you and posted it last night so be sure you catch it. It’s the Eastern Screech Owl we heard the other evening on our walk. Oh…we visited with the neighbor down the road he other evening. He had a health scare while we were in Colorado and I was so happy to see him out working in his garden! It’s just another reminder how uncertain life is.
\nIf you are in Texas, or have loved ones there, you are in my prayers. Please check in and let us know how you’re doing.
\nYes…it’s been an amazing year on the farm, hasn’t it? Big things, little things, fun things, scary things. But we made it through. We’ll keep on keeping on and I’ll keep telling you these stories about this crazy, beautiful life I am privileged to lead. Thank you all for being here! ❤️
\n“and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”\n1 Timothy 5:10 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-26T01:55:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/26/back-on-the-farm.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Girl Camper","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/22/back-to-business-as-usual.html", "title": "Back to Business as Usual? Not so Fast!", "content_html": "
![\"Boxer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cfc6ed7bc4.jpg\")
\nOk, move along…nothing to see here. Just a boxer in some goggles…looking uber cool, I might add! This is Chloe. I met her and her human, Kelly, at Point Park yesterday. All weekend I’d been poo-pooing this whole eclipse madness as though the entire world had gone ‘round the bend. I was on my way back to the farm yesterday…fully intending to go home and mow, when I got a call that something I was having repaired was ready for pickup. I hadn’t gone far out the two-lane so I turned around and headed back. Mr. FixIt called and when he found out where I was, he came to join me. (Mr. FixIt would crawl through glass to see me. He told me so. ?) So, there we were, nothing to do, with a nearly total eclipse about to occur. And…I went silly!
\nI asked the clerk for a couple pieces of paper. I got a manila envelope with a large hole for the clasp. And, I punched a smaller one in it with an earring post. Whatever works, right? We took off for McDonalds to arm ourselves with cold drinks and headed for Point Park. It was hot! The light started to change. I wasn’t getting the right distance to get a clear picture with the pinhole projector I had jury rigged. There was a couple standing next to us that offered to share their eclipse glasses. A few others gathered. And for one glorious hour, we were treated to a taste of what life was like in the olden days. You know…pre-election. We had an awesome goal…share a cool experience and have fun! And then it hit me. THAT’S what the whole over-the-top, staggeringly silly, brouhaha was all about…these mega gatherings. We just wanted an escape. A reminder of our humanity. A reminder there is peace and goodness and kindness in the world. It filled me with hope of brighter days ahead.
\nWe have the power to turn this around…this sense of frustration and fear. It’s all about focus. What we focus on is what we see. Yesterday it was the sun. Today…what will it be? For me? I’m looking for joy. Joy created by others. And joy which I can create. C’mon…let’s change the story. Let’s go do the good stuff. Look at Chloe, The Boxer. She changed the story with a pair of shades! ❤️
\n“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”\nPhilippians 2:4 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-22T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/22/back-to-business-as-usual.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Growth","Grace","Love","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/17/my-hometown.html", "title": "My Hometown", "content_html": "![\"Sunset](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e98d9cf5c9.jpg\")
\nThere was a time in my life when I didn’t think much of my home town. I considered it terribly backwoods in comparison to the metropolis of Denver. To my chagrin, I recall making disparaging comments about Parkersburg, and West Virginia in general to anyone and everyone. It’s a wonder they didn’t revoke my home state status and mark me down as “hatched from under a rock”. What can I say? I never rebelled as an adolescent. I saved it all for long after I should have known better.
\n![\"Parkersburg](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/531ac2c362.jpg\")
\nI remember making such comments to one of my oldest, dearest friends. We went to high school together and we’re “sisters of different parentage”. As a matter of fact, when I went off to live outside London for two years then settled in Denver, it was my high school friend who kept a close, personal friendship with my mom. She was a much better daughter to her in those days than I was. When I spoke ill of my fellow Mountaineers and this Wild and Wonderful state, she had some pretty stern words to say to me.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cb39f24681.jpg\")
\n“You just remember where you came from, missy. I knew you when you had nothing, just like me!”
\nOh, she was so right. I was feeling pretty full of myself…a doctor’s wife and all. Like…small town girl does good. I was an ass. Plain and simple. And I’ve done my best to make up for it. As Maya Angelou said…“We do what we know. And when we know better, we do better.” These last three years, I’ve spent more time in West Virginia than I had in all of the forty years prior. I’ve grown to love and appreciate this rugged state filled with can-do, sturdy individuals. I still get frustrated sometimes when I see progress thwarted at every turn. But maybe staying a little backward is ok. Yeah, we have been hit hard with drug problems. Poverty, obesity, poor education run rampant. Plants and mines closing down. Towns with nothing for kids to do but make more kids that do nothing. But, at the base, there is this amazing depth of pride for coming up through the hard times and standing tall when they play the National Anthem at the Friday night football games at every high school in every county. The mountains run through our veins like the coal beneath our feet and we are a fiercely proud, fiercely independent, fiercely loyal group of people.
\n![\"Barges](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bb044e3bee.jpg\")
\nLast night, as Mr. FixIt and I sat and watched the sun set over the Ohio River at Fort Boreman Park, we looked out over this town we grew up in. You could see where the houses sat on Quincy Hill where Mr. FixIt grew up. You could see Ohio across the river. I snapped photo after photo, trying to capture for you the essence of West Virginia…of Parkersburg…of my home town. In the end, it is in the peaceful colors of the setting sun that I see the famous blue and gold…West Virginia’s colors. And I realized that we are the river and the sky, the mountains and the valleys, the wooded hillsides and the amber fields. We will always be here. Montani Semper Liberi…Mountaineers are always free. ❤️
\n“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”\n2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-17T01:55:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/17/my-hometown.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/15/a-change-in-the-air.html", "title": "A Change in the Air", "content_html": "
![\"Early](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1b9f4b761c.jpg\")
\nEven though it is only the middle of August, there is a definite change in the air. There are leaves changing already and the woods have taken on the “tired green” of late summer, having spent their glorious stores of chlorophyll in the peak of summer. Yesterday dawned cloudy and relatively cool and soon the sky gifted us with a gentle rain that lasted most of the day. So much for mowing the lawn.
\nI’m sitting on the front porch at the farm as I write this, watching the goldfinches fight over the socks of thistle seeds. Boy Cat and Old Mama Kitty are keeping me company as I listen to the rain pattering on the leaves in the nearby woods. The sun is trying to break through and make its first appearance of the day, just shy of 5:00. Since I couldn’t mow, I drove to town and ran errands. I am hosting a Sisters on the Fly event September 7-10 and I needed to make arrangements. I have 23 women signed up so far and registration is still open if you would like to attend.
\nI felt much better today…stronger, better rested. I have been thinking about triggers and how they stimulate the grief response. At first, everything is a trigger. When you are in the acute stages of grief, your feelings are like a frayed electric cord, ready to shock you at the slightest touch. After some time, things even out a bit but it is still amazing how the tiniest thing can trigger grief. When you’ve had a long stretch without a meltdown, you can get a little complacent, thinking maybe you’re through all that. So it kind of takes you by surprise when a new wave comes. That was what I felt over the weekend.
\nAs I was driving through town yesterday, I was coming up to a stoplight when I heard an ambulance approaching. I stopped and waited for it to come through from my left and make the turn towards the hospital. There was an elderly man seated in the front passenger seat and I suddenly flashed back to the ambulance ride taking Mr. Virgo to the ER from the RV dealership where he had his heart attack. I hadn’t thought about that drive for quite some time. For a brief moment, my eyes met those of the man in the front seat and I recognized that panicked and confused look on his face. There was a slight set of the jaw that was familiar. “Ok, ok, ok….let’s get this done. Be strong. Just breathe.” At least, that’s what went through my mind when I was in his shoes.
\nI didn’t have a reaction to this trigger. I was prepared. It’ll be a while before I have another grief response, I imagine. I’m a bit more on guard now. That’s a relief of sorts. I hate when the wave comes unexpectedly. For now, I’ll sit on the porch and watch the rain as the light changes and the hummingbirds fight over the feeder…and wait for Mr. FixIt to call so I can start supper. History repeats itself and life goes on. ❤️
\n“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”\nColossians 3:15 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-15T01:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/15/a-change-in-the-air.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/14/when-darkness-calls.html", "title": "When Darkness Calls", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f3ff9d6243.jpg\")
\nI have some really great friends who look out for me. They each seem to have a role. My longest term friend “feels” when something is wrong and she needs to reach out right away. Others send articles for my reference and give me a heads up when I have a typo in a post. They know I cannot STAND typos. One sends me the funniest memes I have ever seen on the internet and spends equal time kicking me in the butt when I need it…which is more often than you may imagine. My old high school chum, Marion, sent me an excellent article the other day about what the first year of widowhood was like for Jodi of the blog Extra Grace Required. She listed the important things she learned that first year. If memory serves, I’ve written a few of those missives myself. We live and we learn and we grow as we crawl our way along on this grief journey.
\nJust because I have found new love, doesn’t mean I have miraculously “gotten over” the loss of Mr. Virgo. It means I’ve grown. It means my heart has healed enough to make room for more love in my life. It certainly does NOT mean I never have a bad day or have sad feelings. And here’s what’s most important. My bad days or my sad feelings have absolutely nothing to do with my love for Mr. FixIt. It’s complicated loving two men…one here, one not quite so much. It’s easy to love this wonderful man I’ve known almost as long as I can remember. I just have to incorporate a lot of feelings at once which is made more difficult when I’m tired and not feeling up to par.
\nOne of the things Jodi noticed after her first year is, she feels the grief of others more easily. Before loss, grief is sad, you feel bad for the one who has lost a loved one, you have your own feelings to sort out about your relationship with the departed. But, once it has happened so close to home that your heart has literally been ripped out of your chest, the grief of others is not so easily compartmentalized. Someone close to me lost a son-in-law this summer. I spoke to the widow on the phone Saturday, giving some support, acknowledging feelings, commiserating, feeling. When she broke down into those guttural cries I still remember so vividly, my heart squeezed tight, my throat closed, my stomach churned, I got hot and sweaty, my fight or flight response kicked in big time. I held it together. I didn’t crumble….until late in the night. I couldn’t go to sleep. My head was pounding and my heart ached for this young woman who is so new in this journey. I tossed and turned. I used my Rescue Remedy. When sleep wouldn’t come, I changed course and walked around the dimly lit house until I felt I could settle down. I finally slept, but didn’t feel much better when I awoke.
\nSo, it was one of THOSE days. Out of sorts. Off my feed. I didn’t even want coffee…gasp! It was a tea and oatmeal and crackers and lay low kind of day. Not exactly a day spent mattress-surfing, but close. The best part was…Mr. FixIt was there to offer comfort and support and love. He was totally nonjudgmental. He is a remarkable man. He just listened and held me and that’s all I needed. After a while, I was feeling better. Not fine, but ok. I sent him home to do whatever he needed to do for the afternoon and I settled in with my thoughts and processed.
\nProcess.. That’s what this whole thing is. It doesn’t matter if it’s one year or five years or twenty-five…grief is a process. It doesn’t always hit me like this anymore…thank God. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in all of this is, when the wave hits, don’t fight it. Let it carry you to a place of self-discovery and love. And when you’re ready, dust yourself off, wash your face, and get back to the business of living. Because, that’s what we’re here for. ❤️
\nextragracerequired.com/2017/03/2…
\n“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”\nRomans 8:38-39 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-14T01:55:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/14/when-darkness-calls.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/12/hand-in-glove.html", "title": "Hand in Glove", "content_html": "
![\"Summer](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e8f15bb98a.jpg\")
\nI fit here. West Virginia is just the right size and shape to accommodate all that is…me! We were sitting on the porch last night contemplating the “traffic” up this little country lane. Maybe a dozen or so cars and trucks have come and gone. The light turned that beautiful golden of August, giving the tired green of the trees a gilding that brings a little life back in their weary veins. Old Mama Kitty munched out on that bit of pork chop I surreptitiously dropped for her to try to keep her from climbing Mr. FixIt’s leg like a young sapling, disturbing our Friday “date night” dinner.
\nI love to cook. I didn’t for a long time, but cooking for an appreciative audience is delightful. Last night’s fare was pork chops, sauerkraut fried a golden brown, mashed potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and home grown tomatoes. Oh my…be still my heart. Mr. FixIt rose to clear the table and rid up the dishes while I settled in to write this post. Norah Jones is crooning softly in the background. The air is still. A jet flies overhead, whisking happy travelers off to another place. Crickets, katydids, locusts, and tree frogs serenade us as we each settle in for our own interests for a bit.
\nWe are a perfect fit. A hand in glove relationship. Mr. FixIt comes out from cleaning my kitchen (seriously, is there anything sexier than a man cleaning a kitchen???) and taps me on the shoulder. He hands me a cherry flavored Tootsie Roll pop. I give him my brightest smile. He knows. He knows what I love. He listens. He cares.
\nHe got here about fifteen minutes before I woke up from my nap. He came in quietly, picked up the paper and settled into the rocker to read and wait for me to wake up. He would have waited much longer than fifteen minutes. He would never have disturbed my rest. When I got up and saw him in my dining room, I smiled and gave him a big kiss. I padded into the kitchen for a cold drink, and there…sitting in a jug of water…we’re two dozen beautiful copper-colored roses. Hand in glove. This man gets me.
\nLearning to love and appreciate this man has not taken anything away from my feelings for Mr. Virgo. If anything, it has kept that love alive and in the forefront in many ways. When Mr. FixIt does or says something sweet and loving, I smile knowing how Mr. Virgo would love the way this man treats “his best girl”. Not by way of comparison. Mr. FixIt is his own man and I love him for his own merits. But, two dozen roses? Letting me wake on my own? Doing the dishes? Bringing me a cherry flavored lollipop? Oh yes…this man fits me and I am ever so grateful for the honor of loving, and being loved, again.
\nI am home…and it isn’t all about the house, the land, the state, or even the man, really. No…it’s all about living comfortably in my skin and choosing the right guy to share it with. Hand in glove. Peace. ❤️
\n“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”\nJohn 13:34 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-12T01:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/12/hand-in-glove.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/08/road-trip-day-thirtyonecamping-in.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirty-One...\"Camping in Comfort!\"", "content_html": "
![\"Paulaner](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85f8227926.jpg\")
\nOMGosh! After camping two nights in parking lots, Grandpa’s Farm Campground is just what the doctor ordered. Mr. FixIt and I were up at the crack of dawn and dragged our sorry butts into the IHOP for breakfast. Coffee, coffee, coffee. I slept maybe three pharmaceutically induced hours to the refrains of a hundred diesel engines idling all night. Ok, there were…like, twenty-five, ok? All I’m sayin’ is…it sounded like the 10th Armored Division were on maneuvers in my living room. Have I ever mentioned I’m grumpy in the mornings if I don’t sleep well and coffee is delayed by the briefest of moments? I thought not…I hate to tarnish my pristine reputation. Oy.
\nAfter breakfast, we sat down with the Atlas and the RV Campground Directory and figured out how long we wanted to drive today. It put us right in the vicinity of Richmond, IN…a very cute little burg. I was in Richmond when Daughter #1 graduated from college a few miles away in Oxford, Ohio at the Miami University. I stopped at this campground on my way out to Colorado this summer. It’s the one I found on a Saturday night when I was contemplating how sorry I was that I’d miss church the next morning, only to find out they have Campground Church every Sunday. It’s run by a lovely family. There is some road noise in the early evening, but it soon dies down after folks get home from work. There’s also a rushing stream along the edge of the campground that you can hear at night. AAA got me a discount and a full hookup site was $32.50. As soon as I got everything hooked up, I turned on the hot water heater so we could enjoy hot showers for the first time in three days! Heavenly!
\nBut, here’s the very coolest thing….Mr. FixIt DROVE for me all but the first hour. We were tooling along and I just hadn’t had enough sleep or enough coffee. We pulled into a service station, got my pillows and blankets out of the trailer, and I crawled into the passenger side and slept for two hours. When I woke up, I marveled at the decadence of having someone drive me around…pulling my camper with confidence, being just as careful of her as I am. It felt amazing…this giving over some control after having to do everything by myself for so long. The thing is, I kept hanging onto that control…long after I had a capable partner to help me. It was liberating in the totally opposite way of women’s liberation. It felt inclusive, a communal effort. And I was in hog heaven!
\nWe got to the campground by 3:00 which allows for so much more of an evening than midnight does. Mr. FixIt went for a walk while I wrote this post so we could just enjoy the evening without interruptions. We cooked a nice dinner and sat outside listening to the many sounds of the campground. What a precious treat this man is. Thank you God for safe travels. And thank You for bringing me such a wonderful man to enjoy! ❤️
\n“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”\n1 Chronicles 16:23-24 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-08-08T01:55:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/08/road-trip-day-thirtyonecamping-in.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/03/road-trip-day-twentysevenwhen-your.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Seven...\"When Your Mom Dies\"", "content_html": "
![\"View](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/692bad8a26.jpg\")
\nMy friend, Fred, lost his mom yesterday. We got the word while we were visiting Buffalo Bill’s grave. It made me think of my mom. It made me think back to when my oldest was about three and Mom came out to Colorado for a visit. I brought her up here and we sat on this very bench. She was well and happy and healthy and I thought I’d have her forever. Years later, my mom got sick suddenly and was gone in five days.
\nNature tells us our parents will age and eventually die, leaving us to go on as best we can without them. But, at least for me, we never are prepared for how we’ll feel when the time comes and we have to say goodbye to our source…the giver of life, the nurturer, the teacher, the nurse, the chauffeur, the disciplinarian, the confidant. We’re never ready…we’re blindsided with the enormity of the loss. Incredulous as it may seem, this larger-than-life woman had the audacity to grow old and leave me.
\nIt’s been thirteen years since I lost my mom. I still want to call her every Sunday evening. I think of something to share with her then sadly remember she is gone. And now Fred is a member of the club of orphans…his mom gone away from him. He is alone. My heart is with him and his family.
\nWe enjoyed the visit to Lookout Mountain yesterday. And, last night I spent the evening with all my girls. Mr. FixIt takes great pics and it was so much fun to laugh and share funny stories. Stories about their dad…and Mr. Virgo…and Grammy. We hated to break away and end the evening. We vowed to talk more often. Another day done. Another day filled with love. ❤️
\n“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”\nProverbs 31:28 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-03T01:55:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/03/road-trip-day-twentysevenwhen-your.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","The Grand Adventure","Grace","Wisdom","Aging","Fitness Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/08/02/road-trip-day-twentysixon-sharing.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty-Six...\"On Sharing\"", "content_html": "![\"Daisies\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cba0e5e988.jpg\")
\nThere has been a major shift within me this trip. I wasn’t sure going into this vacation how I would react sharing the space that is mine in Colorado with both Mr. Virgo’s memory and Mr. FixIt’s presence. How would everything fit? At home on the farm in West Virginia, Mr. Virgo only occupies space in my mind and heart as well as what few tangible things I have kept that were his. Here, he lives in the mountains, he sits in the sunsets, he whispers in the wind that blows through the trees. He’s everywhere. Would he distract me too much? How would I feel entertaining two men…one very much here, the other very much real but not here?
\nI took this wonderful man to “meet” Mr. Virgo and I needn’t have worried. He respected my space. He listened intently. He waited patiently. And at the perfect moment, he walked up behind me, wrapped me in his arms and said, “I’m so sorry, Ginny. I know this was so hard for you. You’ve been through so much and you are very brave.” His arms were a comfort. My fingers intertwined with his as I leaned back against him. I felt his warm breath in my hair. For a moment, I remembered what this same position felt like with Mr. Virgo. Then I let it go…like a feather on a breeze…dancing and floating away from me.
\nTime has allowed me perspective and healing. Choice has brought me ever onward and upward. Prayer has given me strength where there was none. Mr. FixIt has given me…Love. Hope. Trust. Joy. Peace. Companionship. Friendship. Laughter. Stability. Comfort. Contact. Connection. I am grateful. This shift has a lot to do with all of the above. Sharing this space with my new love is helping me to, yet again, redefine its meaning. Redefine who I am…redefine my “status”. I know it’s different for everyone. For me, at four and a half years…it’s a choice. I choose love. It is my purpose in life. It is the one thing I am to practice, to hone my skill at. To emulate in a Christ-like way. Not just my love for Mr. FixIt or Mr. Virgo…but for everyone.
\nI’ve been asked when I will share a picture of Mr. FixIt with you. And the answer is…not in his lifetime. Not a definable picture, anyway. Distance, maybe. From the back, sure. His hands, definitely. He has the hands of a hard-working man and I love them. But I won’t be sharing his name or his face because those are mine. I share everything else with you…my pain, my fears, my hopes, my joys, my struggles, and my triumphs. I do so without reservation as this is my platform…my purpose. I share to spread love and promote healing. This one great thing…this glimpse into who he really is in real life…is the one tangible thing I will fervently protect.
\nYesterday was a day shared with loved ones. My heart is full. ❤️
\n“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”\n1 Corinthians 13:2-7 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-08-02T01:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/08/02/road-trip-day-twentysixon-sharing.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/31/road-trip-day-twentyfourin-jesus.html", "title": "Road Trip, Day Twenty-Four...\"In Jesus' Name\"", "content_html": "![\"On](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/87bbb1d1c4.jpg\")
\nWhew….some Mondays we just have to go to church here at the Ranch. Especially when I’ve heard a sermon like yesterday. Let me tell you a little bit about how God works in my life. There’s a church here in Denver that I really like…Red Rocks Church. It’s very much like my home church in West Virginia…contemporary, progressive, energetic. I love it and couldn’t wait to take Mr. FixIt. Red Rocks Church has four campuses plus a prison outreach. One campus has the pastor live and all the others watch a live feed on the big screen in their respective churches. I usually go to the Arvada campus, but I really wanted Mr. FixIt to hear the sermon live. I was planning to drive down to the Littleton Campus in order to accomplish that. I’m always quick to get ready but yesterday I just couldn’t seem to get it together. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the clock and saw we would be lucky to make it to the local satellite church. We made a bee line and got there in time to grab a cup of coffee and get seated. As we were walking into the sanctuary, a volunteer said, “You’re in for a treat today…the pastor is here live with an amazing message!” I couldn’t believe it. If we would have left on time to get to the other church, we would have been watching the pastor on the big screen! God fascinates me. His ways are so mysterious. His love is so complete.
\nThe message yesterday was about the Samaritan woman at the well again. The pastor spoke about five words and how they relate to all of us. Pain. Prison. Power. Platform. Purpose. The Samaritan woman had suffered pain…as we all have. She was living in a self-imposed prison of isolation as she avoided interacting with others. Then she had an encounter with Jesus at the well and experienced His power. She used her experiences of Pain, Prison, and Power as her Platform from which she could share her testimony. This allowed her to live her Purpose.
\nI don’t know about you, but I struggled for nearly sixty years trying to figure out what my purpose is in this life. I hadn’t done a very good job being a wife until my third marriage. I didn’t feel I had been a very good mother, although I tried and I did the best I could with the knowledge and experiences I possessed at the time. It wasn’t till I lost Mr. Virgo and spent three months in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado that I discovered my purpose is to love. To accomplish this, I have built this new life from the ashes of who I was before the fires of grief changed me.
\nThe pastor used an example of someone who has turned her pain into her platform. At seven years old, Gabriella has had more pain than you can imagine. After a diagnosis of leukemia, it has been this innocent child who teaches the doctors and nurses…and, anyone in earshot, really…about Jesus. She comforts her mother when she worries about her and says “Don’t worry…God’s got this!” As they were taking her into surgery to place the port for chemo, this brave little girl only said three words but she said them over and over for two hours before they wheeled her into the OR. “In Jesus’ name…In Jesus’ name…In Jesus’ name.” When the folks from the Make a Wish Foundation contacted Gabs and her parents to find out her wish, she couldn’t think of what to ask for. She didn’t need anything. Finally, after weeks of contemplation, she decided last Saturday what she wanted. She wanted to preach at Red Rocks Church. So, yesterday, this beautiful little angel…just a wisp of a thing in her flower halo…bravely marched out onto the stage in front of hundreds of strangers. She held her notes in one hand, the microphone in the other, and she told us about her friend, Jesus. And how He holds us in the palm of his hand. She said we don’t need to be afraid because when she was afraid before her chemo, it was Jesus who comforted her. She said that was why she had wanted to be “bapatized”…because she loved Jesus. I’m telling you…that was the most powerful service I have ever attended. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place and I was so grateful to have been in the front row to witness it live.
\nThe rest of the day was beautiful. We drove up to the top of Mt. Evans after church. At 14,134 feet elevation, we were quite literally in the clouds. After the power of witnessing the faith of that child, standing on top of the world seemed almost inconsequential. Afterward, we went to Central City for supper and to wait out the Sunday evening traffic returning to Denver. By the time we were back and told our stories of the day to our family, we were spent. Yes, some Mondays I just have to take you to church. This was one. ❤️
\n“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”\nJohn 14:13-14 NIV
\n#Jesus, #wisdom, #faith
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-31T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/31/road-trip-day-twentyfourin-jesus.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom","Humbled","Peaceful Moments","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/26/road-trip-day-twentyanother-day.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twenty...\"Another Day in Paradise\"", "content_html": "![\"Rifle](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/391eea4a9a.jpg\")
\nLast week I reported to you that Mr. Virgo was in my dreams two nights running saying he was leaving me. He appeared again Sunday night. In this dream I found out that he had some sort of neurological problem and that’s why he decided to go on and not try to come back. He was brought to me in a black limousine. They told me he was coming and that I could see him the way he would have looked had he survived the heart attack. When the car pulled up, he rolled down the window and he had obvious neurological damage, yet in the dream, he could still stand. He got out of the limo and looked at me so sad. I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” He said it was HE who was sorry he had to leave me like that. I pulled away from him and said, “You know how much I love you, right?” He said of course he did. I said, “Well, I’ve met someone wonderful and I love him, too. I can’t leave him now.” His eyes softened and he wrapped me in his arms and whispered into my hair, “It’s ok. It’s ok. It’s ok.” And…I woke up. Three times in a week he’s been in my dreams and he hasn’t been here that much in the last four and a half years. I think it’s because I’ve brought Mr. FixIt here to Colorado…turf that, up until now, belonged to Mr. Virgo and me.
\nIt was still dark…the first hint of daylight tinting the eastern sky. I lay there quietly, listening to the soft breathing of this wonderful man I have come to love. “It’s ok. It’s ok. It’s ok.” I smiled in the darkness, snuggled closer, and went back to sleep.
\nWe were up bright and early yesterday. Lots to do…doctor’s appointment and pick up the replacement thermostat (it’s still not in after two more stops in the RV dealer). We went out for breakfast then stopped to visit Mr. Virgo’s grave. I left one of the painted rocks that I’ve found recently that said “I love your smile!” It made ME smile. Then I took Mr. FixIt up to Rifle Falls State Park. In all the years I lived here, I had never been there. We hiked up to the top, took lots of pictures, and headed back to town to take my brother out to dinner again. Afterwards, we stopped at the grocery store and ran into Rob and Jordan, two young men from Virginia who had built this funky trailer from scratch and are on a five month trek across the country. They have a YouTube channel called Fantasy Jive ( www.youtube.com/channel/U… ) What an adventure!
\n![\"#CruisinCabana\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7a984cc5c9.jpg\")
\nA trip to Lowe’s rounded out the day. We needed some wire connectors and wire stripper for the thermostat project. With the groceries put away, we finally had time to sit in our new chairs and listen to the river rushing through the canyon as the sun set. We stayed the last two nights at Glenwood Canyon Resort…one of the most beautiful places to camp in Colorado, in my opinion. While the sites are rather close together, there’s nothing like sitting and staring up at the steep canyon walls directly across the river from your campsite. Trains run through the canyon at all hours, but if you’re like me, they make you smile.
\nToday we break camp and head on to our next stop on this adventure. Stay tuned to see what we are up to next!❤️
\n“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”\nJohn 14:16-17 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-26T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/26/road-trip-day-twentyanother-day.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Love","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/21/road-trip-day-fifteen-focus.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Fifteen \"Focus\"", "content_html": "
![\"Moose\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2ba5b7f1aa.jpg\")
Moose
I am in my fifth year writing this blog. The original page was intended to showcase art jewelry I was making out of antique silverware and maps. Then Mr. Virgo died and it morphed into a grief blog. I dealt solely with the monumental task of putting one foot in front of the other and surviving that horrid loss. In an effort to cope, I put something joyful in front of me in the form of a small camper and a group of spunky women who liked to travel and have adventures. The focus gradually shifted from the darkness of death to the possibility of living after loss and eventually I started breathing again. With each stage of grief, with each right of passage, with each new thing, the focus of my writing has shifted to accommodate the change du jour.
\nA reader commented yesterday that my site has “lost its focus”. I had to sit down and give myself a good self-examination. For what seemed like an eternity, the only thing I could talk about was pain and death and grief and darkness. Thank God that’s not the focus of all my writing any more. It means I’m healing. So, what IS the “focus of my site”? Trailers, camping, travel, Girl Campers and Sisters on the Fly? Not entirely. My family in Colorado and West Virginia? Somewhat. The farm and the cats? Sometimes. God and how He has touched my life and moved mountains? Much of the time. My writing is all of these things and more. I’m part storyteller, part preacher, part analyst, part therapist. I’m part comedienne, part realist, part widow, part mom. Because that’s what life is…it’s 10,000 things all at once so I write about the 10,000 things and try to make some sense of it all. Because out there…somewhere out there is a widow that’s hurting, a wife who was left, a child who was molested. And somewhere in here is a story that just might help one of them, whether it seems unfocused or not.
\nWhile the subject matter of my blog has indeed varied over the years, my focus has not. My focus is to help people in any way I can. To be of service. To quote John Keats, “Love is my religion…”. I will admit, writer’s block has me occasionally writing diary-like posts a la Bridget Jones. And this new, wild and wonderful love story I’ve got going on here is distracting, to say the least. I take constructive criticism to heart and I will try to write more focused essays in the future. I have no problem hearing constructive criticism. We all have room for improvement. ❤️
\n“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”\nProverbs 15:31 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-21T01:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/21/road-trip-day-fifteen-focus.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Humbled"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/20/road-trip-day-fourteenmy-person.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Fourteen...\"My Person\"", "content_html": "
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8844e1c7a.jpg\")
\nI’ve been holding my breath for months now. I wanted to talk to you about it, but I couldn’t. It was really complicated and it was scary and it had to do with Mr. FixIt and I hadn’t told you about him yet. I was still trying to figure out how to introduce a new character into our little story here without changing the dynamic so much that you ran away in droves. Come to find out, I needn’t have worried about that. Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive of my new love and I am so grateful. So, now I can tell you the other half of the story.
\nMr. FixIt and I hadn’t been seeing each other romantically very long when he had an annual physical and some blood tests came back abnormal. The doctor wanted to wait three months and then repeat the lab work and this time it was even worse. He referred us to a specialist and Mr. FixIt had a series of tests. One of the possible diagnoses was leukemia. My heart both sank through the floor and jumped out of my chest. This was my biggest fear…that I would fall in love with this wonderful man and be over-the-moon happy only to have him get sick and die on me. Leukemia. Just thinking the word made me physically ill. And Mr. FixIt was flat out devastated that he just found happiness and the rug could get pulled out from under us. He hated that this scared me to death. It scared him, too.
\nHe had a bone marrow biopsy and after waiting three weeks, we finally heard the news we had been praying for. It is NOT leukemia! Thank you, Jesus! That’s the good news. The bad news is we still don’t know exactly what it is, because there IS something going on. But our doctor contacted the specialist at West Virginia University and they both agreed to watch and wait six months and repeat the tests then.
\nI let out my breath. This man has become so important to me. He has stolen my heart. We’ve known each other since we were kids. We’ve always been great friends. That came first. But to fall in love, to open my heart again and to love so deeply after the profound loss of Mr. Virgo…only to lose again? I couldn’t bear the thought. I prayed…fervently. I asked others to pray…unspoken prayers, specific prayers, prayers for healing. “Please, don’t let it be cancer!” “Please heal him.” “If he’s sick, let it be something easily controlled and non-life threatening.” Denying. Bargaining. In his favor, Mr. FixIt is extremely healthy, walks 5-6 miles a day, has purposefully lost sixty pounds, and eats a healthy diet. I can’t help but think, whatever this is, it can’t be too awfully bad or he wouldn’t be this healthy. So I’ll breathe. I will relax a little. I didn’t realize how wound up I was till I heard the doctor on the other end of the line in our phone conference Tuesday.
\nAnd now, my sweetheart is here with me! Oh…standing in the greeting area of DIA yesterday, my heart leapt with joy when I saw this handsome man, this lean and lanky guy with the graying red hair, my best friend in the whole wide world coming up the escalator! I could hardly wait to get a hold of him. Our good news of the day before underlining the poignancy of the moment. What would I have done? What if it would have been the worst case scenario? It is not unreasonable for my widow-mind to go there because I’ve been there before. Well…I’ve had a little time to think about those “what ifs”. And I’ll tell you what. Our love is long term. Platonic for the majority of our lives…romantic for only the last few months. It doesn’t matter. When you love someone, and you are dealt a blow, there is only one thing to do…you just hold hands and walk into the fire. Together.
\nWe are grateful we have each other at this time in our lives. We celebrate this wonderful chance at love. We thank God for his bountiful blessings. We put our trust in Him for He has plans for us. ❤️
\n“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.””\nJeremiah 29:11-14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-20T01:55:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/20/road-trip-day-fourteenmy-person.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Wisdom","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/19/road-trip-day-thirteenin-him.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Thirteen...\"In Him\"", "content_html": "
![\"John](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/342f8b4e98.jpg\")
\nThe phone dinged. I had a text.
\n“Are you awake?”
\n7:30am on vacation. A Tuesday.
\n“Yes!”
\n“I have to bring the van back and pick up my car and I’m stopping at Starbucks. You want something?”
\nOMGosh! I love this woman…daughter or not.
\n“Yes, please!!!”
\nDaughter #1 is a busy woman. Even though she is technically “off” on summer break, her oldest is on swim team and practices eight times a week. She’s helping her BFF remodel a kitchen. She carts her youngest to this camp or that. She took a whole passel of kids to a concert Monday night. She’s organizing a cleaning a house that is a challenge. She’s always ready at the drop of a hat to be someplace, help someone, do something. And yesterday morning, that something was to curl up on the twin bed in my slide out, coffee in hand, for an hour and a half of uninterrupted conversation with her mom.
\nI miss this. I miss my babies and their activities. Big grew five inches since I was here at Christmas. Little at least two. Their hair is long, their knowledge increased, braces are gone. At the same time, I’ve found peace and love on a farm in West Virginia and I can’t imagine not living there right now. So, I continue to come here twice a year, summer and Christmas. I did suggest perhaps next summer everyone can come visit us!
\nI met one of my Sisters on the Fly friends for lunch and walked around the mall for some exercise. I heard on the news yesterday that it was something like the 23rd day in a row of 90 degrees or above here in Colorado. At least it’s a dry heat. It’s much easier to exercise in the mall than outside. It turned out to be another wonderful day.
\nI have learned that when I am in the Word…when I am God-centric…when I am Faith-focused…I have peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding. This is supernatural. This is standing in Grace. This is Joy. I am so grateful. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””\nJohn 16:33 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-19T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/19/road-trip-day-thirteenin-him.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Gratitude","Grace","Love","God","Peace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/18/road-trip-day-twelvehe-sent.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Twelve...\"He Sent Me Birds\"", "content_html": "
![\"Two](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9cf889e03b.jpg\")
\nSometimes it takes a couple days of cogitation before I recognize a sign. You’ve heard me say many times that Mr. Virgo sends me birds to let me know he is near. Strictly speaking, souls in Heaven have no connection to us here on earth. Dogma dictates our loved ones cannot see or contact us. I can’t quote you a scripture to support this, but I would not doubt there is one. That being said, since the Discovery Channel has not sent a team of investigators and a film crew to the other side and brought back photographic evidence of what Heaven is like, I prefer to believe our loved ones can and do watch out for us. It gives me hope. I physically saw Mr. Virgo’s spirit leave his body. I know for a fact the spiritual realm is real. Therefore, I believe he sends me birds.
\nThe first such occurrence happened early on after Mr. Virgo died unexpectedly of a heart attack. It was late summer and I had recently returned from my three month sojourn in the wilderness and backroads of Colorado. For the first eighteen months, I brought a good sized rock to place around the perimeter of Mr. Virgo’s grave. I had just placed several rocks from my trip and sat back in the car next to his grave so I could get out of the sun. I was overcome with grief and laid my head on the steering wheel and sobbed…that loud, raspy, snotty cry that comes in the early weeks and months after such a profound loss. As I started to regain some control, I heard a bird…fairly close…singing. I looked to my left, and there…on the boundary post not three feet from me…was a mountain bluebird. He was looking straight at me, singing his bluebird song, and tilting his head this way and that as he watched me…intently. I held my breath, afraid to move because I didn’t want to scare him away. He stayed there for the longest time, then finally flew off into a thicket across the road.
\nFor months, every time I went to the cemetery, bluebirds would come. First one, then two…then five, eight, twelve! Flocks of bluebirds! One warm spring day a year after Mr. Virgo’s death, I had the door open and my feet propped up on the door handle. Suddenly, three bluebirds swooped down and landed on the top of the open door. Two more flew in and rested on the side view mirror. I was stunned! As I traveled, birds would come sit near me. One morning in Missouri, as I was programming my GPS, I heard a tap, tap, tapping on the driver’s side window. I looked and there was a goldfinch sitting on the little edge of door, tapping on the glass. This has continued on and on…for four and a half years.
\nSaturday night, I had a dream. A nightmare, really. Mr. Virgo is seldom in my dreams. As a matter of fact, my dream life has largely vanished since his death. But Saturday night, he came and sat on my bed. He looked at me and said he was leaving. I woke up in tears. It felt like a “breaking up with you” kind of leaving. It tugged at the far corners of the abandonment issues I have largely put to rest. It didn’t feel good and made me a little sad. Then, Sunday night…the owls came. Two BIG Great Horned Owls…in the daylight…in a highly urban area…50 feet from me. They sat there in the tree for twenty minutes or so…softly hooting…when first one, then the other, soared on silent wings off to another area. It didn’t really occur to me that Mr. Virgo could have sent those owls…until the second dream.
\nSunday night, he came again. This time he was…softer somehow. Hazy. Ethereal. His voice was thinner…farther off. Again, Mr. Virgo told me he was going away. This time it felt…kinder, gentler. I woke up and lay there in the dark. This didn’t feel like abandonment. This felt like putting the binding on a quilt, tucking the ends in neat and tidy before placing the anchor stitch. Mr. Virgo was saying goodbye. I’ve felt him with me many times in the last four and a half years. Little has seen him. She told me every time he looks at me, he smiles. She was six at the time. I think he knows I’m really, truly ok. I think he knows I’m safe with Mr. FixIt. I think he knows he doesn’t have to watch over me anymore. Does this mean my grief is “over”? No…it means it’s morphed into yet another form. This shape-shifting beast has been largely tamed at this point. It will raise its head every now and again, but for the most part…it is healed. Scarred, but healed. Maybe this has more to do with ME letting go.
\nI will always notice the birds and I will smile in remembrance. But, I will never again think of them as coming from Mr. Virgo. ❤️
\n“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”\nHebrews 4:16 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-18T01:55:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/18/road-trip-day-twelvehe-sent.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/17/road-trip-day-elevenyou-are.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Eleven...\"You Are Worthy\"", "content_html": "
![\"1](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/506ac1d14a.jpg\")
\nOk, we’re going to church here in a little bit…fair warning. But first, I want to share something cool that happened. As I settled in TOW-Wanda last night after a fun-filled day with the family, I heard the soft hoot of an owl. A Great Horned Owl, to be precise. I jumped up and quietly opened the camper door only to see a pair of huge owls sitting in the tree about 50-60 feet away from where I stood…in awe, I might add. This is not something one sees ordinarily. Not in the daylight and not in a large urban area. I wish Little could have been here…she is really into Harry Potter right now. She would have loved to see the owls.
\nLittle went to church with me and really had a wonderful time. She enjoyed the worship team. She brought up points from the sermon during the day and told me I need to take her whenever I go there. We went to a friend’s house in the afternoon to help her paint her kitchen then, after a little quiet time in the afternoon, we attended a graduation party. It was a beautiful day.
\nYesterday’s sermon was about the Samaritan woman at the well. The story goes, Jesus is waiting by a well while his disciples went for food. It was noon when a Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus asked her to draw a drink for him and she objected. Jews and Samaritans did not mix company. The pastor has, of course, read this passage countless times, but recent events altered his interpretation. Last week, he and his family went on a trip to Africa to check on Missionaries they are working with. One morning, they went to the well at the base of a mountain and it was crowded with women and children from the villages above…filling their water containers to haul back up the mountain to their homes. Just to survive. And the next day and the next would find them doing the same thing. One would think the drudgery of hauling heavy loads of water back up the mountainside would create a dismal mood at the well. But, that wasn’t the case. There was much laughter, hugging, the sharing of news and stories among this community of women. This was their only social outlet…their only time to get the love and support we all so desperately need in our lives. Then they headed home, their containers full, till they descended the next morning.
\nAs the pastor watched this activity, he thought of the Samaritan woman and a line from the scripture struck him in a way it never had before. It said the woman came to the well at about noon. Now, noon is the hottest time of the day. No one would come to the well at such a time and try to haul heavy containers of water. Why would she have chosen to come when the others were not there? What was going on in her life that would cause her to forego a sense of community. His answer lay in the rest of the scripture. The Samaritan woman had been married and divorced five times. She was living with a man who was not her husband. She was well aware of what the others thought of her and she just couldn’t face the scrutiny, the judgement, the name-calling and whispers. She was ashamed. She felt unworthy. Till she had a chance encounter with Jesus and He taught her that her worth comes from God…not from the opinions of others. That she was just as worthy in His eyes as any other.
\nHow many times have you felt unworthy? How many times have you avoided interactions with others out of fear of condemnation? How many times have you shut down simply because it was easier than facing what others throw at you? I know I spent far too many years feeling unworthy of love, of respect, of kindness. The child of an alcoholic, the victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of two different men…these things set me up for low self-esteem and all the resultant destructive behaviors one does to cope. It wasn’t until I felt the unconditional love of a Father I had never known that I began to recognize my worth. I believe God sent Mr. Virgo to talk some sense into me and love some of that pain away.
\nYou are worthy. You are loved. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are “less than” or “unloveable”. It simply is not true. God doesn’t want you to wait till you have your act together to come talk with Him. He loves you exactly where you are, exactly how you are, in spite of what is going on in your life. That is the message from the sermon yesterday and I just felt I needed to share that with you today. It’s Motivation Monday…time to straighten up your crown and own your worth today, dear ones. ❤️
\n“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”\n2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-17T01:55:28-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/17/road-trip-day-elevenyou-are.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/16/road-trip-day-tenshe-is.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Ten...\"She Is My Crown\"", "content_html": "
![\"Girl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ef66f15d76.jpg\")
\nDear God in Heaven…thank you for bringing this small human into my life! She and her sister are the delights of my life. Yesterday was our semi-annual “Nana and Little’s Day of Fun!” Each grandchild gets to pick and choose what they want to do with Nana, where and what they want to eat, and how the day and night will play out. Big is thirteen now so we pretty much go shopping and have lunch although last summer she did want to go to the Denver Aquarium with me. Little is only ten and she is still all about the fun we can have. Her day is always centered around shopping, doing a craft or baking, and a sleepover in TOW-Wanda. She told everyone at the mall what the significance of the day was and what we’ve done and what we’re going to do. She’s like me…gregarious, funny, creative. Her sister is the thinker, brilliant, caring…strong and tender.
\nLittle always comes up with the funniest things. She is deep and profound and hilariously, seriously funny. Our first stop was 2nd & Charles…a bookstore where you can sell or trade your old books, movies, CD’s…even vinyl. There are three bins out front filled with free stuff. Yesterday, I picked up a book by Michael Moore, a cookbook with gluten free recipes, a Dr. Who Christmas Ornament still in the box, and Audubon’s Field Guide on Insects and Spiders of North America. Not a bad haul. As little and I rummaged through what was left in the bins, she came across a coloring activity sheet from either a Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. Jesus was standing with several children and someone had placed a sticker over his mouth. Little turned to me and said…“Nana…I can’t tell if this is Jesus or a Jedi.” For some reason that just totally cracked us both up and the more we laughed, the funnier it got. Joy…sheer joy. This is my reward for being puked on at 3:00am…for putting up with a sassy pants teenaged girl…for the pain of letting her grow and get married and move to the opposite end of the country. This. This sweet child and her sister.
\nLast night was dinner out with the other grandparents and a viewing of the first Harry Potter movie with popcorn. We “camped” in the driveway in TOW-Wanda. This morning is church with my girl. My heart is so full. ❤️
\n“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”\nProverbs 17:6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-16T01:55:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/16/road-trip-day-tenshe-is.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Love","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/14/road-trip-day-eightwhat-a.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Eight...\"What a Feeling!\"", "content_html": "
![\"Altitude](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cad48fb165.jpg\")
\nThere’s nothing like feeling really good after feeling really bad. I was so miserable Wednesday…too tired, too much junk food, too much altitude, not enough water and I was laid low. Nancy, one of my Colorado readers, sent me a message yesterday first thing and suggested I try to find some “Altitude Adjustment”…a nutritional supplement that helps your body adjust to the changes our bodies go through at elevation. I don’t know the science behind it, but if they told me twirling a chicken over my head would have made me feel better, I’d have been heading to the nearest barnyard. I was willing to try anything because I didn’t want to spend another day miserable. Nancy even offered to meet me halfway to deliver some if I needed her to. I called the number on the back of the package from the picture she sent and got the name of the nearest store that carried Altitude Adjustment and took it right away. I drank three bottles of water. My son-in-law’s mom insisted I eat something and made me an egg sandwich. And within an hour, I felt great. I spent the day out with my daughter and grandchildren and last night we all got together to celebrate birthdays and an anniversary. It was a great day!
\nAlso, my latest post on the Sisters on the Fly Blog series “Getting Bolder” went live yesterday. It is always so exciting to see that! You can catch it here…
\nwww.sistersonthefly.com/getting-b…
\nThank you for your kind words of support yesterday. I never feel entirely alone with God..and all of you out there! ❤️
\n“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.””\n2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-14T01:55:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/14/road-trip-day-eightwhat-a.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/13/road-trip-day-sevenso-you.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Seven...\"So, You Thought You Were Done, Eh?\"", "content_html": "
![\"Odometer\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5ef22681a.jpg\")
\nI ran an errand yesterday morning. I didn’t have much of an appetite. I had my coffee. I snapped the picture of the odometer to show you how much I drove in one week. The cloud cover was grey and threatened thunderstorms all day. And soon…my mood matched the grey skies and I retreated to TOW-Wanda to figure out what was going on. First off…I’m flat out exhausted. Pulling this big of a camper is harder than pulling little TOW-Wanda. I’m more convinced than ever that she’s going south to storage and be used as our winter refuge as snowbirds. Second…much as I was hoping not to, the altitude is still an adjustment. I’m just smart enough this time not to go higher and exercise till I acclimate. Third…I’m still healing from my concussion. Fourth…I did not eat right as I traveled. Fifth…I miss Mr. FixIt and he won’t be here till next week. And Sixth….ahhhhh, Sixth. Grief caught up with me yesterday…not only by my surroundings, but also by these damn Facebook Memories. Damn. Damn, damn, damn. I know I tell you often…“You don’t ‘get over’ grief…you get through it”. And yes…that is SO true. And maybe if the first five things weren’t in play, and if FB hadn’t decided to smack me up the side of the head with pictures of Mr. Virgo’s grave, it wouldn’t have hit me so hard. But, they were there, and I am here. Colorado. This is where Mr. Virgo “lives”. Well, the memories of him. They are strong…and yesterday, I was weak.
\n![\"Grave\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/26d38a9ef1.jpg\")
\nI had a massage scheduled with my daughter. As nice as that sounds…I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have it in me. All I wanted was a popsicle and Mr. FixIt. And, as much as I miss him….I was actually glad he wasn’t here yesterday. I will not use him as a pacifier for grief. That is a road that, while comforting to know I have someone who has my back, is best navigated alone…at least for a time. Till I get it together. Twenty-four hours…thirty-six tops. I mattress surfed. I read. I played games on my phone to keep my mind moving. Amazingly, I didn’t cry. I talked it out with Mr. FixIt and with my family who love me more than anything. And I practiced self care. Self soothing.
\n![\"Grave\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1f8efb80fb.jpg\")
\nKnowing how to navigate these waves is the gift I received from having been down this particular road so many times over the last four years. Knowing the waves aren’t as high, they don’t hit quite as hard, and they don’t last quite as long…those are the gems God threw down in the flames along this fiery path and that I obediently picked up…whether I understood their importance at the time or not. Today is another day. And if I’m not tip-top…there’s tomorrow. It’s the nature of grief. It’s not even about Mr. Virgo himself, really. I’ve reconciled myself to the loss. No, this is like an echo of pain and memory that opens a door in your heart…for just a few moments. Just long enough to let pain leak out and spill on the scars like a wash of acid. So, you retreat and set about scrubbing up the mess. You don’t stuff it back in the hole. That makes it worse the next time. Instead, you sit with it. Roll it around between your fingers till it turns to dust, then you sweep it away and quietly close the door. Till the next time. ❤️
\n“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”\nIsaiah 43:2 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-13T01:55:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/13/road-trip-day-sevenso-you.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Love","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/10/road-trip-day.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day 4", "content_html": "
![\"Trim](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1636bc7ec3.jpg\")
\nThis is the part of the trip where I’m always ready to be there yet I have a long way to go. It would be one thing if I were just meandering along without an agenda, but I’ve got grandbabies to see and I’m ready to be there NOW! Between not being able to drive over 60 (you shouldn’t drive over 65 while towing anyway!) and all the construction zones at 45-55mph, this trip feels like it takes forever. I always stop every four hours, stretch, get a bite to eat, use the facilities, and stretch out on the bed for a power nap of 30 minutes or so. When I stopped at 5:30 yesterday, I walked around to the passenger side of the camper and about a third of the trim over the wheel well was flapping in the breeze. I took it off then went to Walmart for a package of nuts and bolts to screw it back on securely. By the time I was done with all that, it was after 8:00. I started watching for signs for campgrounds and before long I had a site secured in Kan-Do Kampground. I really enjoyed speaking with the owner at checkin…she was a hoot!
\nIt was pretty hot and stuffy when I pulled in so as soon as I got the electric hooked up, I flipped on the AC and…nothing. The switch “hesitated” a couple of times last year so I imagine it needs fixed. It seems like an awful lot of “bugs” are showing up this year. I don’t know if that’s normal or not, but I don’t like it.
\nChurch yesterday morning was very nice. A lot of people attended. I’m going to try to get an early start this morning but don’t know if I’ll make it all the way to Denver today. Safety first! ❤️
\n“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.””\n2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-10T01:55:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/10/road-trip-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/09/road-trip-day-three.html", "title": "Road Trip: Day Three", "content_html": "
![\"Campfire\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6997667d33.jpg\")
\nI had to say goodbye for now to my Girl Camper friends yesterday morning. I hit the road about 8:30 after enjoying coffee and breakfast burritos with the early birds. Hookup was easy and after doing my safety check and checking the air in my tires (thank you Jeremy and Stephany of RV Family Travel Atlas!) I was on the road in no time. I did find this new truck can’t tow nearly as fast or stable as the ole one. It must have something to do with that rear axle ration. It was still a little windy yesterday so that might have been a contributing factor. I can’t drive much over 60mph with this truck but then again, you shouldn’t tow over 65 anyway so it’s probably just as well. Maybe I’ll look at trucks in Colorado. The 373 rear axle ratio is much more available out there.
\nI really took it easy yesterday. At lunch time, I pulled into a rest area and had lunch and a little power nap. I stopped at Camping World and bought extension mirrors so I can see around the back of my camper. I also bought some covers for the bedroom windows. The first thing I did when I bought this camper is take out the valances and shades. I hated them. But, when I travel alone and nap in the rest areas by the truckers, I’d just as soon not be so visible from the outside. I bought some Command Hooks and two cat litter mats that were the perfect size. I stuck the hooks on the outside of the camper and hung the mats over the windows on the outside. That way I still get air circulation when I open the windows. Brilliant!
\nI pulled into another rest area at supper time and ate and stretched out again. I guess I needed to catch up with a little sleep. One thing I do when I drive is think about stuff. And I talk things over with God. It’s our special alone time. I was telling him how much I hated missing church this weekend. Especially since our pastor is coming back from vacation today. My plan for driving this trip was drive, stop, eat, nap, repeat. I really had no intention of camping in RV parks. When I was in Camping World, I saw the new RV Campground directory…their three inch thick book listing all the campgrounds that give a Good Sam discount as well as many other. I’ve always found it very helpful. When I woke up from my nap, Spirit told me to look in the book for the closest RV park. I know better than to question so I did and there was one three or four exits away called…get this…Grandpa’s Farm Campground. There were others, but that’s the one that jumped out at me. I called. They had one site left. I took it and was there in ten minutes. There was a group of about thirty people out on the front lawn playing bingo as I pulled in. Located right on the bank of a rushing stream, the sites were nicely spaced down at the end where I was parked. Full hookup with Wifi was $34.50 with the Good Sam discount, tax included. As I was signing in, I noticed on the map “This campground is run by a Christian family.” Camp Church is at 8:30 in the morning…free coffee and donuts at 8:15! Isn’t God good to provide a safe, clean place with church in the great outdoors?
\nI took advantage of the full hookups to do some housekeeping last night. The tanks needed emptying and I hooked up to city water, turned on the hot water heater, and took probably the best shower of my life. And that did me in for the night. I always write my posts at night before I go to bed. I have to get into the Word when I write and search for the perfect scripture to go with it so this becomes my evening meditation. Another day safe, and closer to my babies. Mr. FixIt arrived safely in Florida last evening so I am very grateful for that as well. Have a happy Sunday! ❤️
\n“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”\nRomans 15:13 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-09T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/09/road-trip-day-three.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","goRVing","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/08/fun-around-a-campfire.html", "title": "Fun Around a Campfire", "content_html": "
![\"Hitch](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9812bc4646.jpg\")
\nTraveling on a cross-country road trip, you must be flexible whenever possible. Yesterday’s forecast had severe thunderstorm warnings off and on all day with winds predicted to top 50mph. I don’t know if you have ever driven in winds like that or not, but it is ill-advised to do so while towing a camper. I figured if I was going to be overtaken by severe storms, I would just as soon be in a campground with a bunch of girls I know so I stayed put another night. Today is another day. As it turns out, I would have driven right through those bad storms as they were right along the way I would have been traveling so it’s a good thing I stayed where I was.
\n![\"Morning](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/87eb4bd47d.jpg\")
\nYesterday was a lovely, lazy day filled with naps and reading, conversation and laughter, and plenty of good food. Too much good food. I did have to move my camper…twice. I had only reserved a site for one night and it was booked for last night. I moved and set up at another site but didn’t think to go online and reserve it. I just filled out the reservation form. After I got everything set up, I took a nap then got a call from the park employees telling me the site I was in had just gotten booked. So, off I went again. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t long enough to stay hooked up so I had to disconnect. That’s ok…I’m a pro at hooking up and unhooking this trailer now. It’s no big deal.
\n![\"Beaver](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5af3f994bb.jpg\")
\nThe purpose of stopping here to camp just a few hours from the farm was to surprise the head Girl Camper, Janine Pettit, and her good friend, Mary Brennan Morey, as they begin a four week tour of several national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier. If you haven’t checked out the Girl Camper Facebook page or the Girl Camper podcast series, you really should. Not only are they informative, but they are just plain fun! I filmed Janine yesterday doing her F-150 Fitness Routine that she learned from MizzFitness herself, Bianca Jade. Janine is going to stay fit on the road by doing this routine every day as she explores the highways and byways of America.
\n![\"View](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cd4b1f8ed1.jpg\")
\nThere’s nothing like spending time with other women who are camping enthusiasts. Sharing knowledge, stories, and camaraderie is such a bonding experience and we forge life-long friendships over the campfire. I never would have dreamed how important my girlfriends would turn out to be at this stage of my life. ❤️
\n“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
\nJohn 15:12-14 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-08T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/08/fun-around-a-campfire.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Gratitude","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/05/a-room-with-a-view.html", "title": "A Room With A View", "content_html": "\n
![\"Greenery](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e6c1e057e7.jpg\")
\nThe last few nights have been insufferably hot and muggy in the farmhouse. There is a room air conditioner in the living room, but unless you’re sleeping on the couch, it doesn’t effectively cool down the house and ends up running up the electric bill to no avail. The best alternative is TOW-Wanda. Equipped with fans and open windows, it’s been pretty darned comfortable out there. I will miss this view of the bank along the driveway here at the farm. The lush green of West Virginia summers may bring bugs and humidity, but the foliage is a sight to see any given day of the week. Colorado is semi-arid so it is a sharp contrast from here. At least it’s a dry heat, right?
\nI emptied out the belly of the camper yesterday and cleaned the floors. I reorganized the contents of the big tub of odds and ends I keep down there. After repacking, I cleaned out the fridge, scrubbed the floors and vacuumed the carpets. The pantry needs vacuumed and wiped out then restocked. The bathroom needs a good scrubbing and I need to organize the storage under the bed and in various cabinets. Since this new truck doesn’t have the torque the old one had, I need to be more conscious about my weight.
\nI’ve made a list of last minute items for the trip. I’ll go into town for those today. Tomorrow I head out on another segment of The Grand Adventure. The longest Mr. FixIt and I have been separated was when I went to Colorado for a month at Christmas. We didn’t like it one bit. I so wanted to tell you about that homecoming back then but it was not the right time. I can tell you now. I flew in and out of Dayton because it is SO much cheaper and my dear friend Cindy lets me park at her house so I don’t have to pay for parking. That drive to the farm from Dayton felt like it took forever. I knew Mr. FixIt was at the farm waiting for me and I could hardly contain myself. It was after dark when I pulled into the driveway and I stopped dead in my tracks. For the first time since I was a child, the house was decorated. There were trees lit on the front porch and a large lit-up star on the second floor above the porch between the two windows! It made me cry. I jumped out of my truck and ran into the house squealing like a little girl. Mr. FixIt walked out from the living room and I stopped, mouth agape. He was wearing charcoal dress pants, a crisp white shirt, and a red sweater vest. He took my breath away and I knew…anyone who would do this for me was a keeper. He knew how much Christmas means to me and how much I love this house. He knew I missed having a country Christmas at the farm, so he made sure I had one on my return. What a wonderful guy!
\nMy babies live in Colorado. I have to see them as often as I can. In the meantime, Mr. FixIt has obligations he must attend to here. We couldn’t stand the thought of being apart two whole months so he’s flying out to join me for three weeks in the middle of my trip so he can meet the family. We’ll go camping and sightseeing as he has never spent time in Colorado. The kitties are covered, the farm is being watched, my sweetheart is coming to see me, and I get to spend quality time with my girls! What’s not to love about that? Sweetness. Sheer sweetness! ❤️
\n“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”\nEcclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-05T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/05/a-room-with-a-view.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/04/the-fourth-of-july.html", "title": "The Fourth of July", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e47f3421b0.jpg\")
OMGosh! How does the summer fly so quickly and winter drags on forever? Yesterday was the quintessential perfect summer day. We had our first dinner party yesterday! This is something that, I have to tell you, absolutely thrills me to no end. Mr. Virgo was not one for socializing because he worked long hours and was exhausted when he got home. Mr. FixIt is a social butterfly just like me and we are looking forward to entertaining often. I invited my cousin and his wife who live down the road from the farm. Mr. FixIt told me the other day that he loves cabbage rolls and…I just so happen to make GREAT cabbage rolls! I haven’t made them in years. It was entirely too hot to turn the oven on so I cooked them in the crockpot. It worked out great. Tennessee tomatoes, fresh green beans with bacon and onions, fresh corn on the cob. Charlotte brought salad. A new tablecloth in a salmon pink quilt pattern and a basket of strawberries dressed the new picnic table Mr. FixIt bought me for my birthday. He set up the dining canopy for some evening shade.
\nAfter supper, we went for a ride in the side-by-side. If you don’t know what that is, it looks like an ATV (4-wheeler) but has a front and back seat and can carry four people. It’s rugged and has a sturdy roll bar and cage around you as well as seat belts. We went all over the back roads up on the ridge behind the farm. All the way, my cousin was telling family stories I knew nothing about. They showed us where they are building a compressor station on a big gas line that is going down all the way to Louisiana. The compressor station will be built straight back over our hill and it will make a good deal of noise. It is upsetting to think that in a year, the whole timbre of the region will be changed forever. I think that’s why I’ve been led to live here…so I can really experience the peace I remember before it’s gone.
\nSome of these backroads where people live are unbelievable. Little children running barefoot…not a care in the world, living in squalor while a ridge or two over are huge homes tucked into quiet groves of trees. We bumped and bounced around till we came to an area where the “road” was actually the riverbed. We were driving along holding our feet up because the water was up over the floorboards. Up steep hills and over places where cinderblocks were thrown into the deep ruts to hopefully allow passage. I was hootin’ and hollerin’ all the way. On the way back, I turned to my cousin’s wife and said breathlessly, “OMGosh! I feel like I’m sixteen!!!” What a great day/evening. We got back just after dark…exhausted and beat up but highly entertained. I hugged by cousins goodbye till I return from Colorado the end of August.
\nI am immensely grateful for the infinite sweetness of this life. I am wealthy beyond my wildest dreams and it has absolutely nothing to do with worldly goods. I ran into a gal at the yard sale yesterday who lives out the road from the farm. When I told her where I was living she said she just knew someone new was living there because the house is coming back to life. I am so blessed to be living here at this time of my life. And to have Mr. FixIt and family and friends to share it with.
\nBe safe out there today and enjoy your holiday! ❤️
\n“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”\nPsalm 16:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-04T01:55:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/04/the-fourth-of-july.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","The Farm","Gratitude","Holiday","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/03/the-weekend-walkabout.html", "title": "The Weekend Walkabout", "content_html": "\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1745513e4e.jpg\")
\nI’m a procrastinator. I have a list as long as my arm to prepare for this trip west. I could have spent the entire day yesterday cleaning and organizing the trailer, doing laundry, straightening up the house. But yesterday was the Lord’s day, so Mr. FixIt and I went to church first. The rest of the day was ours. We went my mother’s family’s reunion and made the introductions. Mutual admiration was expressed. Everyone loves Mr. FixIt. He’s highly personable and, like me, strangers are just friends he hasn’t met yet. We went from there to the City Park and wandered around the carnival. We played a few cards of bingo. We went to a car show. We stopped and visited friends. One of the coolest things about dating Mr. FixIt is…we have a ton of mutual friends so the comfort level is already there. It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. This man knows people wherever we go. Literally. My family reunion? A guy that worked at the plant. Church? The daughter of a friend in his bowling league. Car show? Two guys we went to high school with. It’s crazy…and SO fun!
\nWe ended the day with dinner out.
\nWe.
\nWe’ve been “us” for several months now yet it still surprises us sometimes. Because I have been trying to keep him under wraps, my posts have always been “I”. Now that we’ve decided to “go live” so to speak, there seems to be a bit of a learning curve. Like remembering to introduce the other. We’re at that point in our relationship where we’ve just passed this margin threshold where we have built up enough recent memories together to say …“Remember when we…” Oh, I love that! The icing on the cake is our shared memories from high school. I actually remember him from 2nd grade but he has no memory of me back then.
\nWe.
\nOdd…but so lovely and exciting and full of promise. I love when he tells stories of “us”. I love that he got teary eyed when he read some of your comments about finding each other. I love that even though he had a difficult childhood, he is a kind, gentle, peaceful man. I love how he reaches for my hand when we stand to worship and pray in church. I love this man…my lifelong friend…my best friend.
\nSomeone commented yesterday that she didn’t understand my once a pickle, always a pickle analogy meaning I will always be a widow. The thing is, grief has no rule book. She felt remarrying meant she was no longer a widow. At what point does the pain of grief become fond memories? It’s different for everyone. And grief is variable by time. You can be fine, think it’s gone, truly fall in love, yet still be blindsided by a chance encounter, or the smell of familiar cologne. The way the light slants in at supper time. The sound of your grandchildren playing. Memories remain alive when you feed them. No, I’ll always be a widow. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be joyful. And crazy in love. ❤️
\n“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”\nJoshua 1:5 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-03T01:55:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/03/the-weekend-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Hope","Fun","Gratitude","Love","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/02/towwanda-is-home.html", "title": "TOW-Wanda is Home!", "content_html": "![\"Starcraft](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2c1ae1f8a4.jpg\")
\nFirst of all…OMGosh! Your response to my post yesterday was more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you all so much for the lovely comments, likes, and shares. You warmed my heart! I was so worried that introducing a new party to this adventure would change the dynamic and people would drop away. It turns out, more people tuned in so we’re off to a good start in this new chapter of Mr. FixIt and me! Of course, grief is a lifelong process so I will still touch base on how that affects me as we go along. Ever the teacher.
\nThere’s an interesting timbre to this new man. None of the men I have been with in my sixty-four years were mechanically inclined. Mr. FixIt, however, is a mechanical engineer and a lifelong camper. Imagine how difficult it was for him to sit back and watch as I hooked up and unhooked my camper. Oh…this is entirely new territory for this guy! He wanted to do the heavy stuff for me, and while I certainly could have sandbagged and let him, I still will be traveling alone some of the time so I need to keep up my skills and know for certain how things have been hooked up. I know, I know…control issues. I asked him sweetly to wait till I got what I needed to do done, then I would share some of the other duties. I also told him when we camp in his campers (he has two!) I will sit in a chair and watch him till he has a job for me to do. I made it up to him by doing all the cooking and fixed some pretty fabulous meals! He did a wonderful job changing out the gas lines for me and helped me troubleshoot the electrical bug we had. He doesn’t get the name Mr. FixIt for nothing!
\nWhen we arrived home I told him I needed to back the camper into the driveway rather than pull it in like I usually do. With the vintage camper up at the end of the drive, there was no room to get the truck out and around the camper. Our road is a narrow country lane and the driveway is tight. I have to say, I totally impressed Mr. FixIt with my mad backing skills! He was bragging about me at dinner Friday night when we met 20 of our classmates at a local Italian restaurant. I don’t think this guy has ever run across a woman like me. He just looks at me in amazement. It makes me smile.
\nI washed the exterior of the camper yesterday. It hadn’t been cleaned since I was in Myrtle Beach in September of 2015. It looks so much nicer now. I need to do a deep cleaning inside in the next few days, reorganize, and pack her up for the trip cross country. I leave Thursday. I am traveling alone so I won’t be divulging my exact location when I’m there, but I’ll be checking in daily to give you progress reports and tips for traveling solo in a camper. Mr. FixIt gets to come join me in a couple of weeks and meet the family. That’s exciting!!! In the meantime, he’ll be holding down the fort for me and keep the farm going.
\nBack off girls…I saw him first! ❤️
\n“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”\nGalatians 6:4-5 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-07-02T01:55:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/02/towwanda-is-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","goRVing","Love","God","Wisdom","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/07/01/when-i-becomes-we.html", "title": "When \"I\" Becomes \"We\"", "content_html": "
![\"Two](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f40518c61a.jpg\")
\nYou could knock me over with a feather. I never, ever dreamed I would get another chance at a deep, loving relationship after losing Mr. Virgo. I’ve walked this path of widowhood for over four years now. At first, I was adamant. I would never have another relationship because I would never go through this again. It was just too hard. I had an ill-advised attempt at dating just five months after my husband died suddenly. It didn’t take me long to figure out that was a bandaid that I hastily slapped on the gaping hole where my heart had been. When I ripped that bandage off, the pain was even more unbearable. I didn’t try again for another year. My second attempt wasn’t much better. Both were perfectly nice men. They just weren’t for me. And the timing was still too soon. I had a lot of healing to do before I could risk dating so I made up my mind I’d just give it to God. I told Him if He had someone for me He’d have to just dump him in my lap because I wasn’t going out there looking anymore. It was too hard on me and it wasn’t fair to involve men and break hearts along the way.
\nI’ve kept myself busy. I’ve traveled. I’ve deepened my relationship with God because He became my primary focus. My writing grew in depth and meaning. My reach broadened. I had everything I needed. But I still wanted someone to share it all with. I was planning to live up at the river again when I came back to West Virginia last August. Then I got the call that my aunt wasn’t doing well and was going to go live with her brother. My uncle asked me to live on the family farm. And I put down more roots than I’ve had since I sold my Colorado house three years ago. It has been an amazing time of healing for me. I have a wonderful group of friends and a rich social life here.
\nSometime in the fall, I ran into an old friend from high school. I’ve known him for almost 49 years. I was fifteen and he was sixteen when we met. He was on the stage crew and I was in the art department. One day I was up on a ladder painting a backdrop. I heard someone clear his throat. I looked over and there was this tall, lanky redhead with the most beautiful blue eyes and an impish grin. We became fast friends and always looked for each other in the halls. Funny…we never dated in high school. We were both shy. We both went on and dated others and after graduation, our paths went in different directions. We never forgot each other though and were always so happy to catch up at class reunions.
\nSometime before Thanksgiving, we ran into each other and the timing was finally right for us. He invited me out for lunch and the rest, as they say, is history. He understands me. He is tender and sensitive to my needs as a widow. He has made room in our relationship for Mr. Virgo because he realizes he is only gone physically. He listens to my stories. He knows Mr. Virgo would have been the kind of guy he would have respected and enjoyed being around.
\nI’ve been leaving breadcrumbs for you here. I’ve spoken of “my friend”, “my traveling companion”, and even his blog identity…“Mr. FixIt”. He has fixed many things for me…around the farm, around my heart, around my life. He is so much fun to be around. Sweet, attentive, open, honest to a fault…an honorable man I am proud to be with. We wanted to keep this to ourselves for a while for a number of reasons…not the least of which was just savoring every moment with it being just us. Now, we’re ready to step out into the world and walk through anything life hands us…hand in hand. I wasn’t sure how to tell you. I am not sure how this news will be received. But, since the very beginning, this blog has been about speaking openly and honestly about my grief journey…and this is just another twisty turn in it. My grief is not over. It will never be over. I’ve gotten through the worst of it, by far. Even though I’m in a relationship, I am still a widow. Once a pickle, always a pickle…you don’t get to go back to being a fresh cucumber again. I have always wanted my story to be about my love for God and to give you hope. Hope that, if you want to travel, pull a little camper, write a blog, or fall in love again…you can. Life comes to a screeching halt after the death of a spouse. Everyone’s grief is different…but, you CAN find joy again. I’m living proof of that.
\nI hope you will stick around and see what comes next. I hope you’ll share the love and joy and hope. It’s all about beauty. It’s all about love. It’s all about life. ❤️
\n“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”\nAmos 3:3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-07-01T01:55:15-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/07/01/when-i-becomes-we.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","Gratitude","Love","God","Wisdom","Aging","Starting Over"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/30/rest-relaxation.html", "title": "Rest \u0026 Relaxation", "content_html": "![\"Beaver](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d944442d3b.jpg\")
\nWe all need a little R&R from time to time, don’t we? My little two days away were peaceful, yet productive. I really wanted to see how the new truck performed pulling TOW-Wanda. My other truck had a rear axle ratio of 373. That thing would pull TOW-Wanda up Vail Pass at 65MPH in cruise control…piece of cake. Trucks with that rear axle ratio are scarce as hen’s teeth in these parts but a dime a dozen in Colorado. That’s because Coloradans have some pretty steep passes to go over and a large proportion are towing big stuff like campers and horse trailers. Around here, that ratio is overkill. Let me tell you, there is a huge difference between a 373 and a 331 like my new truck. I was so worried it wouldn’t be able to tow the big camper but she worked like a charm. Very smooth. I watched my transmission temperature on the hills and she did fine. A little hot on the very steepest hill, but I took it slow. I’m sure the Rockies will give her a run for her money but I think she can handle it. I feel much more secure now than I did before I went.
\nI knew there would be some maintenance issues to address before the trip. When I went to pick her up, the first thing I noticed at the storage lot was the nose of the camper tilted down. She wasn’t like that the last time I went. Turned out, the ground under the front jack softened after the last really big rain and the wood block it sat on shifted. The jack dug down into the ground and held solid but it could just as easily have bent the jack. Thankfully, it did not. I pressed the buttons to raise the jack. Nothing. I called over to the workman and he came out with the tractor. He lifted the nose and sat the jack back down on solid wood. I told him the electric jack wasn’t working. He said the battery was dead. I said the only time this had happened before was when there was a problem with the fuse that is on the pigtail line running from the battery. No, he said…your batteries are dead…even though I assured him I had just gotten them last spring. I wish I would have opened the little fuse covering but didn’t. I took his word. I went to Walmart and bought a battery charger then went back to the lot. With the electric line hooked to the back of my truck, I was able to raise and lower the jack and finally got hitched up and left. What should have taken four hours took seven.
\nI arrived at the Beaver Creek State Park (Lisbon, OH) campground and discovered the refrigerator was warm. This was a mystery but I decided to worry about that later. I finally got unhooked at the campground and hooked up to electric, I opened that fuse cover and there was my answer. The fuse was badly corroded. Some battery post cleaner and a new fuse fixed the problem. Next to address was why the refrigerator didn’t run on gas. I took the cover off the gas tanks, moved one slightly, and it started to hiss. The hose had sprung a leak, but only just then…not on the drive up. I puzzled over the problem and figured the igniter didn’t go off because of the fuse thing. But now I had to address the gas hose. If one goes out, you should replace both. It doesn’t cost that much and better to be safe than sorry.
\nThe nearest RV dealer was twenty miles away and fortunately they had the hoses. I asked if these were what I needed and the guy said yes so off I went back to the campground only to discover the fittings on the hose was too small! Back to the RV dealer for two adapters, which he just so happened to have, and back to the campground. Lesson learned…always double check your fittings when you buy replacement hoses. Everything fit back together perfectly. I checked for leaks with dish soap…nothing. Good. Turned on the gas, switched the refrigerator to gas, and voila…it turned right on!
\nI took my hose out from the underbelly of the camper only to come to the sad realization that my site was electric only and I had neglected to fill the water tank before I left! No hot showers or doing dishes for me because I was NOT hooking that camper back up for anything! I ran into town and bought water and heated it in my electric teakettle for dishes. I kept some water bottles in the bathroom for rinsing the toilet and used the camp bathroom for solid waste.
\nBLT with fresh leaf lettuce and Tennessee tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob, Amish potato salad and fried green tomatoes…a perfect camp dinner. I was so excited to have friends at the campground. We sat around the campfire and caught up. Other than the maintenance items, which I fully expected to deal with, it was a wonderfully relaxing couple of days away. I hope you all have been enjoying your last few days of June. It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is upon us! I’m in the final countdown before I head out on my next big road trip! I need to deep clean TOW-Wanda and get her packed. I backed her up into the driveway at the farm so she’s here where I can work on her. Stay tuned! ❤️
\n“let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered."”\n2 Kings 12:5 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-06-30T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/30/rest-relaxation.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun","goRVing","Holiday","Peaceful Moments","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/26/that-one-day-in-june.html", "title": "That One Day in June", "content_html": "
![\"Collage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/18221483da.jpg\")
\nThere’s one day in June. It’s perfect. The temp hovers at 80 with a nice breeze. The puffy clouds float in a clear, blue sky. The green is ever so slightly past the bright apple green of spring but not nearly the darker green that come with July’s heat. A green that is so intense and so pervasive you feel EVERYTHING is chock full of chlorophyll. From the moment you rise to the time to rest your head on the pillow again, the day is chock-a-block full of fun summer activities. Yesterday was just such a day!
\nIt began, of course, with church. Pastor Justin was away so the team leaders each came forward and spoke about the mission statement and the various guidelines our church works toward. It was informative and encouraging. Afterward, I changed into shorts (I still cannot force myself to wear shorts to church!) and headed to the park to walk. When I got out of the truck I saw a huge crowd and realized there was a car show going on. What a treat to walk around and talk to these auto enthusiasts and run into folks I know! Once I had seen all the cars and trucks, I walked two miles. As I did my laps and passed the baseball field, two teams started to warm up for an afternoon game. I stopped and watched a bit. Then I went to Marietta for a late lunch of Mexican food. I drove my friend home and headed out to the parsonage at the Methodist Church in Smithville for the going-away party being held in honor of Pastor Matthew and his fiancé, Felicia. It was bittersweet telling them goodbye. I have grown quite fond of them both but I know I will see them in Ohio. It was wonderful to share stories of how God is working in all of our lives and to spend a couple of hours win fellowship with some wonderful people that I have met through the local Revivals.
\nI drove home in a soft rain then watched the sky turn scarlet as the sun set. It was a day to remember. I love those best. ❤️
\n“He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”\nLuke 21:29-33 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-06-26T01:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/26/that-one-day-in-june.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/25/weekend-walkabout.html", "title": "Weekend Walkabout", "content_html": "
![\"Bowl](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aece33df3a.jpg\")
\nIt rained off and on all day Friday. The remnants of Tropical Depression Cindy finally blew through at about 7:30 in the evening. I went for a drive up over the far ridge and picked berries till I got to a place where a tree was down across the road. I hooked up a heavy duty tow line but it had landed right beside another tree and was locked in like a gate. So I backed up a ways and did a three-point turn to get out of there. Right about then, my phone went crazy with tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings. The sky opened up as soon as I got home. All told, we got an inch and a half of rain overnight which was good because we were getting pretty dry.
\nI met my high school girlfriends for coffee yesterday morning which is always a delight. I won’t get to see most of them till fall. I went for a drive in the afternoon and bought a couple hummingbird feeders as mine developed a leak. Then I stopped at this little hole in the wall BBQ joint in a nearby college town for the best…ribs…EV-ER! Got home and went for a long walk as the evening cooled then settled in here on the porch to watch the lightning bugs. It was another beautiful day in paradise!
\nAs I was walking along the little two-lane blacktop by the farm, I got to thinking about yesterday’s post about patience and realized patience, or rather…the lack thereof, is really all about control. Not control as in controlling your temper. I’m talking that illusion we so often carry with us that somehow we have control in this life. There are somethings we do have control over. Our reactions. Our attitudes. Our immediate needs to a certain extend. If we fail to “save for a rainy day”, we’ve passed up an opportunity to control our spending. My patience runs thin when others don’t do things on my time line and that’s where we get into trouble. The girls and I were discussing this at coffee yesterday. My point was “I want what I want and I want it now. I ALSO want what I want and I want it NOW. I try. I really try to remember what a doctor told me once. He was counseling Hubby #2 and I when we were having an amniocentesis. We were talking about our older daughter and how we were trying to get her to do some such thing…I don’t remember what now. He said, “Here, let me write this one piece of advice down for you. It will absolutely change your life and you’ll never forget it.” He proceeded to pull out a 3x5 card, wrote something on it and handed it to us. It read…“Give up all illusions that you have control of your children after they’re 13.” So true. Oh, there was a little more control when we could take away the car keys. But other than that, if you don’t have the good stuff in them long before they turn 13, you’ve gone way past the cutoff date.
\nI can’t control anyone. I can’t even control myself sometimes. Control is an ill-conceived illusion of power where there is none and causes more problems in relationships that anything else, in my opinion. Money quarrels…control. Housework conflicts…control. Relationship issues…many are just power struggles. So how do you give up control? Heck if I know. I’m still working on patience. I suppose the best way to give up control is to ask God to help you remember that HE is in ultimate control and you’ll keep trying to move out of his way. When you let go of a kite, it will fly straight and true. But if you try to hang onto the tail, it’s not going anywhere. Practice, practice, practice. You’d think we’d have this all figured out by this age, wouldn’t you? ❤️
\n“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”\nLuke 12:22-26 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-25T01:55:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/25/weekend-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/24/on-being-patient.html", "title": "On Being Patient", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e75f4f1351.jpg\")
\nThis is a tough one for most people. I try. I think I practice humility, most of the time. And I feel I approach people gently. But patience? If patience is a virtue, I am far from being a virtuous woman! The pastor was talking last weekend about what happens when you can see your goals and dreams but they just aren’t manifesting for you in real time. What happens when you get a clear picture of what God wants you to do but no matter what you try, you can’t get there? Oh, it’s so hard to be patient and wait for things to happen in God’s time, isn’t it?
\nI’ve never been patient. I want things my way and I want them now. That doesn’t mean I can’t compromise in relationships, but I’d have to say…if you ask either of my former husbands…they would tell you I’m a pistol. If my mom were still living? Oy. Let’s just say, I’ve never been patient. Trust me on this.
\nSo…how do you become patient if that is not your nature? The answer is, of course, with practice. Impatience comes from being reactionary. Slowing things down, taking a breath, giving yourself a moment to think automatically makes you more patient by simple pausing. I used to blurt out answers to questions, sometimes regretting my response immediately. I am trying to practice, “Hmmmm…I’ll think about that and get back to you.” Unless you are in a life and death situation, most people don’t actually NEED an immediate response. They will probably prefer it, but seldom NEED it.
\nI’ve stopped praying for patience because it seemed like that was just like asking God to give me more opportunities to BE patient. I have enough of those without asking for more. We all have faults. If we wish for others to be patient with us, then we must practice patience. And…when they are not patient with us, we have to practice twice as hard. Patience brings peace and calm to stressful situations. I know this intellectually. I just have to remember to practice it. I suppose that is why, in the English language, we say “practice patience”…not “DO patience”.
\nAll things are done in God’s time anyway. Impatience in any situation is just wasted energy. Mindfulness can help ease impatience while we wait for results. Clearly, all we have is this present moment. All other moments are memory or anticipation. I guess it boils down to our perception of control. We cannot change the actions of others…we can only control our reaction to them. So, I’ll keep practicing. ❤️
\n“You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.”\nPsalm 75:2 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-06-24T01:55:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/24/on-being-patient.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/22/there-is-hope.html", "title": "There is Hope", "content_html": "
![\"Before](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f0aa30cee2.jpg\")
\nIf you are grieving, please know there is hope…for healing, for brighter days, for joy. Those of us who have walked this particular journey know full well the feelings of hopelessness that come in the dark of night. We know how hard it is to find the motivation to do the simplest of everyday tasks like personal grooming, cleaning house, cooking. Preparing a meal becomes Herculean. Brushing your teeth is as daunting as climbing Everest. Balancing your checkbook is something you did in a former life…you know, that time back in the day when your brain functioned as it should.
\nWhen you are slogging through the midst of this madness called grief, it is easy to lose hope that things will ever get better. After all, how could they without your special person? I know, when I lost Mr. Virgo, my world came crashing in at my feet and I swore I would never feel anything but the crushing pain of loss. I was so tired, so depressed, so angry, so fearful. In the picture on the left, my eyes were puffy from crying all the time. I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat right. I didn’t exercise. It was all I could do to breathe…and I didn’t even do that very well. Do you remember what it felt like to not be able to take in a deep breath? I sighed..a lot. That’s actually a physiological response to grief.
\nI was a Christian before I lost Mr. Virgo. One of the “hidden gems in the flames” of grief has been a closer relationship with God. That depth of love has brought me through the darkest days of my life. I cannot imagine how I could have possibly survived this without my faith. There were long nights where sleep simply would not come and anxiety would have me paralyzed and physically ill. I tried everything to make it stop. There were nights I thought about the gun in the cupboard. About how easy it would be to just end this suffering. But…I simply could not do that. After having suffered a near-fatal overdose during a severe depression seventeen years ago, and seeing the devastation that caused my family, I knew full well that would never be my way out. No, somehow I had to find a way to get through this.
\nI remember nights when I couldn’t pray. I couldn’t form words. All I could do was moan in pain. I would close my eyes and visualize Jesus. I would picture him sitting on a bench in a beautiful garden…his robes as white as snow, his dusty sandals strapped to his road-worn feet. I couldn’t speak before him. All I could do was moan…my pain escaping from my throat in guttural gasps. And when I would look at him, he showed me such compassion. He held his arms out to welcome me into his presence. I walked forward and collapsed at his feet and laid my head upon his knee and sobbed. And he would gently stroke my hair and console me. He loved me as a father…as a brother. He poured his mighty love and light over me and washed away the pain for that particular night with the sincere promise that I could come back any time for more. He is always there…my comforter, my rock. And now look…he poured SO much love and light into me, it flows outward. I finally fully understand the phrase, “My cup runneth over.”
\nIf I bring you anything with my words, let me bring you hope. Hope for brighter days. Hope for sleep-filled nights. Hope for healing. Hope for joy. I couldn’t have done this alone. I have my writing. I have you all. I have the love of friends and family. And I have Jesus. Jesus makes me shine. He most definitely makes me shine. Ok…Rodan & Fields skincare helps, too…but it’s mostly Jesus! ❤️
\n“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”\nRomans 8:26-27 NIV
\n\n
#RFGoNaked
\n\n
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-22T01:55:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/22/there-is-hope.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","God","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/21/summer-nights.html", "title": "Summer Nights", "content_html": "
![\"Gazebo](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8e2e40e85d.jpg\")
\nOh, how I love summer! The days are long and bright and packed full of sunshine and flowers and fun activities. Yesterday was an action packed day. I was up at 6:30 and didn’t get back home till nearly midnight, at which time I had to still write my post. I write every evening, pretty much without fail. I think I could count on two hands how many days I’ve missed since Mr. Virgo died.
\nDoctor’s appointment. Breakfast with a dear friend, reader, and fellow widow who has recently fallen head over heels in love so there were lots of things to catch up on there. Errands galore. I had the truck thoroughly inspected since I’m going on a road trip soon. They found the pinion seal was leaking and replaced it. Fortunately, it was under the drive-train warranty. It’s good to go now. I borrowed some tools from my good friend, Mr. Fixit. I can work on the camper today. I went out for dinner with a friend and then a group went for live music in the park situated right on the river. We sat and talked till dark and I made the hour long drive back to the farm.
\nI’ve got a list as long as my arm of things that need doing. I found someone to stay at the farm while I am gone to Colorado. They will feed the cats and the birds. There’s never a dull moment here. It wasn’t 10 minutes after I got home that I wrote this and gave up for the night…happy and content with a day well lived. I’ll write more tomorrow. ❤️
\n““As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””\nGenesis 8:22 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-21T01:55:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/21/summer-nights.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/19/weekend-walkabout.html", "title": "Weekend Walkabout", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/01dc6c2e32.jpg\")
\nWe are truly knee-deep in June now here in West Virginia. We’ve been getting some rain finally. But oh my…it has been so hot so now it’s muggy. It is a pleasure to lay in front of an open window at night, though. When the cool of the evening comes in and you pull a quilt up to your chin, it makes for divine sleeping weather.
\n![\"Magnolua\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/53b2f0f000.jpg\")
\nI went to town for the last Saturday evening service at my church till fall. I love going on Saturday night, going out to dinner with a friend afterwards, then taking a long walk by the river as the day cools off. It was a perfect evening.
\n![\"Marietta,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/755a226090.jpg\")
\nAs I write this, the thunder is rolling on the surrounding hills. I love thunderstorms! So far we have been really lucky and haven’t lost electricity. The cats are sitting at opposite ends of the porch. Old Mama Kitty has her nose out of joint because I scooted her away when she tried to jump up on me. She has never done that so I suppose I am now officially the Food Goddess of the tribe. I wouldn’t mind giving her a cuddle, but fleas and ticks have been a problem in the past and I found I was out of flea treatment when I looked. I must put that on my list.
\nThe turkeys are calling in the bottom across the road. A pair of cardinals are chasing each other around the locust flowers. An Eastern Bluebird has made his appearance the last few evenings and sits on the phone line a few feet from me as if he has no place better to be. Mr. Virgo has always sent me bluebirds. This one showed up the day I brought “Joy” home. His official seal of approval.
\n![\"1967](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c648226f0a.jpg\")
\nI went to church at the little white church on the hill yesterday so I could say farewell to young Pastor Matt. He is taking a new charge, and a new wife we found out yesterday, to a small town north of Cleveland. I have grown quite fond of that young man. He has helped me reach something deep inside that has never been touched. I feel filled by the Holy Spirit through deep, fervent prayer and anointing. The last night I attended Revival, I was facing a situation coming up that normally would fill me with fear and dread and anxiety. I needed to be absolutely at the top of my game last week to help a friend through a scary medical procedure. At the altar call, I went forward and knelt and prayed that God would remove this fear from me completely so that I could be of service to my friend. I had no sooner knelt down when I felt hands on my back and shoulders. Pastor Matt’s father is a pastor as well and he put his arm around my shoulders and started praying loudly over me. Exultant, exuberant, fervent pleas went up asking for exactly what I was silently praying for. He shouted, “Lord, bring this sister the strength and courage she needs to go through what she is faced with this week. Let her be strong and fearless as she marches through what she needs to do!” This went on and on. I was stunned. How did he know? I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me and I could do nothing but bask in this praise and prayer surrounding me. I was totally drained when I got up and went back to my seat. And you know what? From that moment on, any dread, any anxiety, any fear left me completely. I helped my friend get through the procedure as though I’d had a sedative, I kid you not. It was downright supernatural. I want more of that. How could you not want more of that?
\nI’m loving this space that I’m in right now. I’m walking in love and light and Spirit. It’s incredibly peaceful. As I sign off for the night, the lightning bugs are rising, the rain is falling, and the thunder rolls. I hope you have a wonderful Monday. Make a choice to have a good week. Lift people up. Pay it forward. Be good and kind to one another. Life is a beautiful thing…really appreciate it while you’ve got it. ❤️
\n“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”\nActs 8:14-17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-19T01:55:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/19/weekend-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm","Gratitude","God","The Cats","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/18/lawzy-lawzywhat-have-i-done.html", "title": "Lawzy, Lawzy...What Have I Done?", "content_html": "![\"Refinishing](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/44a20a7e3a.jpg\")
\nOh…I almost hate to show you what I’ve gotten myself into. Y’all are gonna sit there and roll your eyes and shake your heads. As with most projects, the more you tear into it, the more you find needs doing. Thank goodness my friend, Mr. Fix-It, is willing to help me with the heavy stuff. We cleaned everything out of her today so we could get a good look at the job ahead. We started by making a list of what needs doing and setting priorities. First off was the realization there is no earthly way of getting this thing done before I leave for Colorado next month. Not and do it right anyway. Sigh.
\nFirst off, there are several wooden ceiling joists that have rotted through and need to be removed and custom cut to the curvature of the roofline. Once those are tied into the frame, the roof needs to be completely removed, a new underlayment placed, new wiring and insulation, then a new roof placed on. Once the roof is done, the windows come out and any rotten wood replaced. The windows will be sandblasted and glass replaced then the windows go back in with caulking. There are some cabinets that need to be removed. Also the bunk in the back comes out. Then the floor gets touched up and mended. Once the wiring and the insulation in the walls is replaced, paneling goes in making it an open room. There will be a double bed on a platform in the back. I will find used furniture to convert into a cabinet/kitchen/workspace. I don’t necessarily want a gas stove in this camper but there is one so but we’ll see. A small convection microwave and an electric convection hot plate would be fine. I might have a small refrigerator…not sure. I want a closet with a luggable loo and up front I’d like a couple of comfy chairs and a small table between them. Very simple inside. I just need a cozy place to sleep out of the rain.
\nI know she looks like a ton of work, but I’m in a place right now where I love a challenge and I need another joyful thing to look forward to. So…I have named her “Oh, Be Joyful!” I’ll call her “Joy” for short. My challenge for myself is to find as much stuff as possible free to fix her up with. I love the idea of salvaging and putting as little money in her as I can while still making certain she is roadworthy. This is indeed going to be a joyful experience!
\nI went to church last night and the pastor preached on Exodus. He pointed out that even though the Israelites were freed from slavery, they were still in bondage because they looked backwards at the chariots full of Egyptians bearing down one them. In order to break free from the bondage you are in, you have to have faith and move forward. I am weary of watching for chariots carrying grief. I’m moving forward…with “Joy”! Isn’t that a beautiful thing? ❤️
\n“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.”\nPsalm 27:5-7 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-18T01:55:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/18/lawzy-lawzywhat-have-i-done.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","Fun","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/15/in-transition.html", "title": "In Transition", "content_html": "![\"Tussock](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/83932a865c.jpg\")
\nThe life I led before becoming a widow fell away from me on March 12, 2013. I was a beautiful caterpillar before that day…pretty, perfect, moving from meal to meal mindlessly. Oh, it didn’t seem mindless at the time. I was full of energy and purpose and life and love. But the day Mr. Virgo died, the “ME” I was left for good. I tried for a long time to get her back. In my naïveté, I thought it was somehow possible to get over all this and get back to the business of living my life as a caterpillar. After a while, I finally got it…that part of my life was over.
\nI went into my cocoon, that dark space where I worked on what was inside somehow trusting the outside would follow. And eventually, after lots of prayer and time and travel and mistakes, I finally emerged…changed, to be sure. But with wings! Wings that have carried me to new heights. To new places. To new life, new love, new friends, new peace.
\nAs I sat on the front porch yesterday, this little yellow caterpillar crawled up on an old pair of boots I have sitting on a table outside Grandma’s front window. I watched it explore this inanimate object in search of food. It’s a beautiful thing…soon to become a tussock moth. I contemplated all the varieties of caterpillars there are in the world. They are different for a reason. They are meant to become a moth or a butterfly…whether a short, stubby, nondescript gypsy moth or a magnificent luna moth, a tiny Karner Blue or a Monarch or a Swallowtail…they will all have wings and fulfill their destinies.
\nWidows are the butterflies of love and loss…we transform through a period of darkness, stillness encased in a hard shell, a chrysalis, a crucible of change. When our time comes and we are ready, we start to grow. Our comfortable shell, that place that helped protect us from the world, begins to feel too tight, too constricting. In the time before we break through to our new life, this one begins to feel quite painful. It is in that moment we think we can’t do this anymore. It’s just too much. We’ve endured so much pain, so much discomfort. Now, here we are going through it again. Unlike the caterpillar, we have a choice to make here. Stay in this dark place forever or emerge into the world of the unknown, fresh and new, yet forever changed.
\nWhat we have the hardest time seeing in that dark place is the beauty of the life beyond. If we can just drag ourselves out on the limb, hang on by tips of our fingers, and trust God to work on our hearts, life blood pumps into our wings and they begin to expand and dry. For a while we sit there, in disbelief. We flex our wings…our beautiful, multicolored wings…and in a glorious moment of magic, we fly!
\nThere is a certain ambivalence between sorrow and healing. What starts out as a line as thick and strong as a ship’s anchor chain, time and healing stretches that connection to our loved one out into a thinner and finer cord. Still strong, but lighter. If you cut that cord that ties you, are you unfaithful to the memory of your lost love? Have you turned your back on what that relationship meant to you? Are you betraying your life partner if you choose to step out into the sun? I don’t believe so. Spreading my wings and flying is exactly what my love would want, would expect, me to do. I’ll never forget my days as a caterpillar but I’m choosing to move forward, to live my life as a glorious butterfly. To really own that. I choose to fly. ❤️
\n“The LORD our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.”\nDeuteronomy 1:6 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-06-15T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/15/in-transition.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/13/will-you-still-need-me.html", "title": "? Will You Still Need Me? ?", "content_html": "
![\"Laundry](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51663b1e99.jpg\")
\nI have waited a long time for this birthday so I could sing that Beatles tune! I have always loved my birthday. That one day of the year where it was all about me. My Grandma celebrated my birthdays with a homemade cake every year. It was always the same…a yellow cake with penuche frosting. (http://www.food.com/recipe/grandmas-penuche-frosting-22376) If you’ve never had it…you must, you must! I could literally sit and eat it with a spoon, warm out of the pan. Divine! We didn’t have that gosh awful icing in a can when I was growing up. Frosting was a handmade confection from handwritten directions that was handed down from generation to generation. I still have Grandma’s “cookbook”…a stenographer’s notepad with her eighth-grade-education scrawl, written with a stubby, hand sharpened pencil, no doubt.
\nMr. Virgo made a big deal out of my birthdays because he knew what it meant to me. He would call the girls ahead of time to make sure they remembered and invite them to a restaurant. Like Christmas, he would shower me with gifts that he remembered me saying I liked. He was a generous man. The girls have done a good job remember me on my special day. It may not be on the actual day, but when I get to Colorado next month, we’ll have a gluten free cake. I want a yellow one with penuche frosting this year!
\nI received a beautiful gift last week…an early birthday present. A friend of mine said, “What you need out here is a good picnic table!” The next visit, I had one! What a kind gesture and a lovely gift! I am so blessed! Birthdays after loss can be sad affairs. I remember that feeling of loneliness and yearning I felt…especially the first couple of years after Mr. Virgo died. Now I make my own birthday celebrations and I make sure I include all those whom I love. I don’t wait for others to remember. People have busy lives. I’ve done that…waiting for others to remember me then being disappointed when they don’t. Not any more. I am quick to let everyone know it’s my special day because I want to celebrate with them! ? When I’m 64! ? ❤️
\n“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”\nPsalm 90:12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-06-13T01:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/13/will-you-still-need-me.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm","Gratitude","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/11/what-lies-beneath.html", "title": "What Lies Beneath", "content_html": "
![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ee0c0a528d.jpg\")
\nI was awake bright and early yesterday. I love staying at my cousin’s house up on North Mountain. They have a pavilion overlooking a pond. We had a cookout Friday night and a lovely visit. I went to sleep to the sound of whip-poor-wills and awoke to the lowing of cattle at dawn. I left around 8:00 and headed to visit my uncle and two aunts. I took my uncle for a ride in my new truck and ran errands. We had a nice lunch and I picked some sour pie cherries before heading home.
\n![\"Sites](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/809006e647.jpg\")
\nThe drive back to the farm takes you through an area called Seneca Rocks. There are some really amazing rock formations. A climbing school teaches people to take advantage of the sheer, vertical rock walls. For the less adventurous, horseback rides are available that take you the long way around and very close to the top. You can hike the rest of the way up. I’ve done that before…it was amazing! There are two old timey stores and a restaurant. One of my favorite things is the old Sites Homestead…especially when they are holding a special event like yesterday’s quilt show. Women were sitting around quilting or preparing long rag strips to make rag rugs out of. I had a lovely conversation with the Heritage Gardener. I was going to quiz her to see if she knew what that awesome “hairy berry” plant was that I found this week and when I turned to her…there was a huge Wine Berry bush right there. Go figure!
\n![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0daed8d5bf.jpg\")
\nAs my new friend showed me around the homestead, she gave me a tour of the historic quilts. Most of the quilters were identified as well as where they lived, when the quilt was made, and the name of the quilt pattern. She made a point to show me this one particular quilt. It was hung so that the sun could shine through it. She pointed out the quilt within the quilt…a Double Wedding Band covered by a Dresden Plate when the old quilt got too worn. When I saw that, it reminded me of the resiliency of the Spirit. When we are tattered and worn, broken seemingly beyond repair…the Spirit cleanses us and makes us new again when we ask. It’s so simple…so remarkable…such a miracle. I loved the frugal nature of the quilter…nothing was wasted.
\n![\"Sour](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4451fbbc1d.jpg\")
\nI arrived home as the sun was setting. I sat in the backyard and listened to my own whip-poor-wills. The mama robin swooping in to feed her nestlings. The kitty rubbing my legs, welcoming me home. The deer foraging on the hillside. The possum ambling out from behind the barn hoping to get a bite or two of cat food. I sighed…a contented smile on my face. Another day in Paradise! ❤️
\n“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”\n2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-11T01:55:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/11/what-lies-beneath.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/08/the-walkabout.html", "title": "The Walkabout", "content_html": "![\"Roosters\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/56129d77bf.jpg\")
\nI've been walking a lot the last three days and wanted to share some photographs I've taken along the way. Hopefully, you can get a flavor of June on the farm.\n![\"Turtle](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8419075239.jpg\")
\nYesterday was really chilly. So chilly, in fact, I had to draw the bedroom window nearly closed and drink hot tea. This has been one of those weeks where I either sleep like a stone or I’m awake all night. I hate those nights. It gives me too much time to think. In the past, my mind often led me down paths where I really had no business going and anxiety would rear it’s ugly head at me.
\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/dacc80fb41.jpg\")
\nOne thing I have come to know through these Revivals is I have power over darkness. I can send Satan packing with my words. I am a scientist. I worked in medicine for decades. I was married to a doctor for 21 years. And…this I know…doctors do not know everything. When I went through that severe depression as my second marriage was failing, I saw a psychiatrist who spoke death into my life at every visit. He kept saying to me, “This is just the way you are. You have a chemical imbalance in your brain and you have to take all of these medicines every day for the rest of your life, just like a diabetic takes insulin.” It’s no wonder I couldn’t pull out of depression. Those words alone were depressing, let alone the circumstances in my life that were contributing to it. Once I got with a competent doctor, it took him an entire year to convince me I really didn’t have a chemical imbalance and I could safely go off all that medication. It took another two years…two years of withdrawal symptoms with this electrical “zapping” feeling behind my eyes…before I was safely off the medications. All told, I lost a decade of my life unnecessarily. It was wicked darkness.
\nWe get what we order into our lives. We can speak depression and anxiety into our lives and we can speak it out. I am not advising you stop any medications your healthcare provider prescribes. I am not giving medical advice. My spiritual path has set me free from the chains that held me captive for so long.
\nLiving a simplified life has opened my heart, expanded my mind, eased my spirit, and strengthened my body. I can walk freely these days and forge through the challenges life throws at me much more quickly because I know God is there with me always. I am filled with awe and wonder at this amazing life I’ve been blessed with. ❤️
\n“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”\nPhilippians 4:8 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-08T01:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/08/the-walkabout.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/07/getting-filled-up.html", "title": "Getting Filled Up", "content_html": "![\"Basket](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/61856c1efd.jpg\")
\nWhew! Revival…can you stand some more? The young evangelist who led the Revival at Grandma’s church a few weeks ago has four churches in his charge. At the ripe old age of 26 or so, this guy is a crackerjack, for sure. He’s leading a Revival in a church in a neighboring community this week. I was able to attend the last couple of nights and let me tell you, it was just as powerful (if not more so) as the first one I attended.
\nAs I sat listening to this young man preach and I looked over the attendees, I got this vision of a bunch of baskets. I’d go back to listening, then pretty soon I’d be thinking about baskets again. As I drove home, I slowly made my way through the twists and turns of country roads, watching for deer and any other critters. I no sooner pulled out on the two-lane blacktop when the baskets were back. So, I did what I always do when something incessantly niggles at my brain and I can’t get rid of it. I had a conversation with God.
\nMe: OK, Lord…what’s with the baskets?
\nGod: Wait a minute…is that any way to start out a conversation with me? What were you just telling the good folks at church? Something about “thanks”, I think it was.
\nMe: You’re absolutely right…Lord, thank you for never having your phone off the hook when I call you! Thank you for always being there and for the blessings you give me. I’m confused though. Why are you showing me baskets?
\nGod: Look at these baskets. They’re all different shapes, all different sizes. They have different patterns, different colors. They have one thing in common…they are woven. They can carry lots of things. Eggs, vegetables, flowers, stones. But, what if I were to ask you to carry water from my well in one of these baskets? Could you do that?
\nMe: Of course not…they are woven. There are holes in them. The water would run right through!
\nGod: That’s right…it would. You are like a basket. You are woven together in exactly the way I patterned you. All the people of the world are like baskets. They are as different as fingerprints. And, they all have holes in them. You are a thirsty people. When you take your basket to the well, you can’t carry the water you need to quench that thirst. It falls on the ground.
\nMe: Ok. I can see that. I still don’t understand what you’re getting at.
\nGod: I am the most important water…the Living Water. That is the only Water that flows from MY well. Would you have the Living Water spill out on the ground and be wasted?
\nMe: No! Of course not! But how can I keep that from happening if I’m a basket full of flaws and holes?
\nGod: Ahhhh…I’m glad you asked! It’s very simple, really. You have to line the basket with something waterproof. Something that will plug up the leaks so you can carry my Living Water within you.
\nMe: What would do that? What could I use?
\nGod: The recipe is simple. You start out with a good strong base of Obedience. Then you spread on a thick layer of Faith. Top that off with a whole bunch of Prayer and you’ll have a strong, waterproof lining that will carry my Living Water. Then you can drink to your heart’s content and quench that thirst you’ve been carrying around with you.
\nMe: What if my basket springs a leak?
\nGod: The enemy will try to poke holes in your basket at every turn. You must always be vigilant. I have given you power…super powers to be exact. Your words are mighty weapons. Speak life into your situation. Tell the enemy to stay away from you and leave your basket alone!
\nMe: As simple as that?
\nGod: As simple as that.
\nWe complicate life. We worry. We suffer anxiety at every turn. When we use our words to speak life into our lives, darkness has no choice but to flee. When we create a waterproof lining, we can carry anything…Water, light, precious gems of goodness. Watch how you think. Then watch how you speak. Speak love and light and life into your lives. You’ll march through the crises of your lives much quicker when you plug up the leaks. ❤️
\n““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."”\nMatthew 7:24-27 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-07T01:55:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/07/getting-filled-up.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/05/in-my-own-voice.html", "title": "In My Own Voice", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aaf888cda8.jpg\")
\nFor those of you who are fairly new here, the whole thing started with this field. Twenty-two years ago, I brought the kids to West Virginia to introduce my future son-in-law to the family. Daughter #1 was about 19 and #2 was about 4. We went for a drive in the country, came around a bend, and here was this field filled with what looked all the world to be giant marshmallows. #1 told #2 that this was a Marshmallow Ranch. “This is where they grow the marshmallows really big then they cut them up in little pieces, put them in bags, and sell them at the stores.” she said.
\nYears later, I owned a little needlework shop called Needles & Pins. When I made items to sell in the shop, I created an art division of the company and called it Marshmallow Ranch because it was cute and catchy. Three months before Mr. Virgo died, I revived the name and began making handcrafted jewelry and art out of antique silverware and maps. I opened an Etsy shop and started this page. When I became a widow, I really wished I had a grief mentor to walk me through the painful journey ahead of me. Since I didn’t, I decided to BE that mentor for others and began blogging about what I was going through, with an honest and open heart…no matter how ugly it got. I already had around 400 followers at this point so I just kept the name and that started four years of daily blog posts. It’s been an interesting, painful, challenging journey. It has also been filled with hope, love, and joy…something I certainly couldn’t see starting out.
\nI didn’t really start speaking in my own voice until death whipped every ounce of pretense out of me. I had spent two decades as a Jewish doctor’s wife and never really felt “authentic” in that space. When you are raised in the home of an unpredictable alcoholic, you learn to tap dance for your supper. When you are born into a family with a child with a developmental disability, you learn to not give your mom any more trouble than what she is already facing. You learn to be the clown, to not rock the boat, to make everyone laugh. Above all else, I wanted to make my mom laugh. In so doing, I became a chameleon. I “changed colors” with my environment in order to fit in.
\nWhen I couldn’t keep all the balls in the air anymore, I dropped into a deep depression and spent seven years in what has come to be known in my family as “The Prozac Years.” I cannot be held entirely responsible for my behaviors from 1993 through 2000. Prozac altered my personality and I didn’t care about anything or anyone…a fact I’m still making up for. I was much more genuine the seven years I was with Mr. Virgo, but still, I hid parts of who I was…from him, from my family, from everyone. Grief has a way of stripping you bare. Your heart breaks open wide and shatters to the floor in a million shards. At some point you realize you have come to a crossroads. Stay where you are with your heart at your feet, or pick up the pieces and put yourself back together as best you can. What better time to drop all pretenses and become the genuine “you” you were born to be? I would stand in front of the mirror and ask God to show me who He wanted me to be…who He had MADE me to be. And bit by bit, piece by piece, I discovered my genuine voice. It’s much easier to just BE than it is to try to fit in.
\nThat’s the peace you see on my face when you send me such lovely messages about my pictures. That is the genuine, real me…relaxed in my own skin for perhaps the first time in my life. What you see is God’s love shining through me. I’m merely a conduit, passing on the Light I have been graced with. My cup is full to overflowing. ❤️
\n“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”\n1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-05T01:55:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/05/in-my-own-voice.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/02/taste-treats.html", "title": "Taste Treats", "content_html": "![\"Tasty](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8bb485f0fd.jpg\")
\nWhen I was a little girl, this farm produced strawberries for the local Farmer’s Market. The berries my grandparents grew were known far and wide as some of the best available. They were huge, juicy, red ripe clear to the center and as sweet as sugar. Oh, my mouth waters thinking about them. Sometimes you couldn’t get more than five or six in the quart berry baskets. I wasn’t allowed in the berry patch. My hands stuffed those berries in my mouth much faster than they should have and I kept stepping on the runners because I didn’t understand their importance. But I watched every step of the production and took great pride in driving to town with my Pop-Pop and a pickup load of berries every afternoon.
\nAnother childhood memory from these parts is Ward’s Market, a fresh produce stand that also carries a good variety of Amish made and local delicacies. I had to make a run to town yesterday so I stopped on my way home to see what the market had available. I was thrilled to see home grown strawberries there! As you can see, this isn’t one of your mass produced, farm-factory grown berries. This baby is red straight through, and while the taste is not as sweet as Grandma’s berries, these have excellent flavor. Aromatic, succulent, still warm from the sun. Oh, my…what’s not to love about that?
\nI found several items to add to my larder. Amish roll butter is my favorite. As little butter as I use, I choose the real deal over the plastic stuff you get in tubs at the grocery stores. Margarine was invented to feed cattle and they wouldn’t eat it so they added food coloring and feed it to us. Delightful. No thanks. I got a jar of sweet heat pickles and black raspberry jam, also made in Amish Country. Then there’s my favorite…Oliverio Hot Peppers in Sauce and Oliverio Spaghetti Sauce….made in Clarksburg, WV. Clarksburg has a high concentration of Italians and there are some wonderful Italian restaurants there. I like to mix these two jars when I’m making spaghetti sauce and add my own touches like black olives, capers, garlic, oregano, onions, hot Italian sausage, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, and three or four mashed anchovies filets. This makes a lovely Putanesca Sauce…a peasant style Sauce from Northern Italy. I’m planning to have a dinner party before I leave for Colorado next month and I think this will be perfect on the menu.
\nAfter my foray into town, I mowed the lawn. I had arranged with a young man to mow while I was gone and he didn’t show up so I’ll need to make other plans for when I’m in Colorado. I hate mowing when it’s so deep because you can’t avoid getting clumps of grass everywhere. I ran over a snake with the mower and cut it in half. I really felt bad because it was a black snake and they help keep the rodent population down. I am, however, very glad it wasn’t a copperhead or a rattlesnake! I bought a couple suet feeders in town and set them up. I replenished my thistle supply so I fed the finches. I think everyone is going to be pretty happy out there today.
\nAs I was mowing yesterday, I got to thinking about how much my writing has changed through my grief journey. I go back sometimes and read my early stuff to see how far I’ve come. It’s pretty remarkable actually. There has been an improvement in my writing in general. I think that is to be expected when you write an essay every single day for four years. It’s like skiing. If you don’t improve after skiing every day for four years, you weren’t cut out to be a skier. I also notice my subject matter is much more diverse now. The blinders are off and I can see the world again. And I can interact with it. The reason I’m saying this is, there are new readers who find this page every day. Many of them are fairly new in this widowed life and they may just pass on thinking there is nothing here for them. I would encourage you, if you are new here, to scroll back through the blog to the earlier stuff. I’m sure you will find something to relate to. I guess what I’m getting at is…if you are hurting tonight, if you heart has been broken wide open, if the life you have known and hoped to live forever has fallen in pieces at your feet, please know my heart is with you. We have some really amazing people who frequent this blog. Wonderful, supportive, loving people who understand where you are. If you’re new, please find encouragement in the fact that, four years…three years…two years ago, I was desperately in pain. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t sleep, I ate my pain and put on drastic amounts of weight, and I really didn’t care much what happened to me. Sure, I had joy. I had insights. I had hope. But I certainly had pain. Please take encouragement in the fact that I can take great joy in planning a dinner party and filling the bird feeders and mowing the lawn. The life you want will not come to you. You must walk to it…kinda like an elaborate treasure hunt where the gift you find at the end is…YOU!
\nKeep searching. Leap moving. Keep coming back. You’re going to make it, dear one. ❤️
\n“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”\nMatthew 5:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-02T01:55:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/02/taste-treats.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/06/01/the-deer-and-the-cat.html", "title": "The Deer and the Cat", "content_html": "![\"Green](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6d9f437295.jpg\")
\nWell, I saw something I’ve never seen before. I sure wish I would have had my camera ready fast enough. I was sitting out on the porch yesterday, enjoying the cool of the evening when I heard a ruckus on the hill you see here. The lawn goes to the edge of the creek there and then the hill goes up the other side. I heard something running through the underbrush over there and could just make out an orange streak barreling down the hill. Kitty Boy! He doesn’t show up but maybe three nights a week or so these days. Fixing him and feeding him and the companionship of Boy Cat doesn’t seem to be enough for this adolescent and he’s off galavanting the farms and hills. As I watched this fairly small cat making a bee line down through the woods, it occurred to me he was making a whale of a lot of noise. I looked on up behind him and hot on his trail was a doe! She almost got him but he jumped on down into the creek and the doe stopped just short of coming out of the cover of the thicket. She proceeded to stomp her front hooves on the ground and snort for a good five minutes before she was convinced the big bad kitty was gone. My guess is she has a baby hidden up in those trees and Kitty Boy got a little too curious.
\nThe hummingbirds were causing quite a ruckus of their own…buzzing back and forth in front of me as I sat and wrote my daily post. The evening birds were calling. I could see across to the old garden area…the birds have totally cleaned out the cherry trees. Grandma’s snowball bush was blooming and the purple and white clematis were making a show of themselves on the metal lawn bracket my uncle built for them years ago. Sumac with broad heads of yellow-green blossoms were sweet on the evening air. The sparrows and chickadees and titmice were darting back and forth from the shrubs to the feeders. Three pairs of mourning doves foraged on the ground below the feeders, picking up the excess seed discarded by the more aggressive birds above. The brown headed cowbirds were there, but they’ve stopped their watery plunking calls and the dancing on the phone line meant to entice the ladies. The wildlife are settling into the summer child rearing season quite nicely and there seems to be a different rhythm on the farm these days.
\nThe clouds came rolling over the far ridge in time to catch the evening sun, sending a golden light over everything. Two turkeys called back and forth to one another from opposite hilltops. Rain was coming. The air thickened with the dampness that gathers just before the shower begins. By 8:00 last night, as I was writing this, I still hadn’t managed to sleep more than an hour out of the previous thirty-six. I took a walk. A hot bath. I wrote. I meditated. I prayed. And, I am quite sure…I’ll sleep afterwards. Because…here comes the rain. ❤️
\n“When he speaks in the thunder, the heavens roar with rain. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses.”\nJeremiah 51:16 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-06-01T01:55:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/06/01/the-deer-and-the-cat.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","Gratitude","Peaceful Moments","The Cats"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/29/rose-colored-glasses-or-keeping.html", "title": "Rose Colored Glasses or Keeping the Faith?", "content_html": "![\"Quote](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b4e1658e27.jpg\")
\nIt’s difficult to keep faith in humanity when the world looks like it does today. There are bad…evil bad people in the world but they are the drops in the ocean. We are tricked into thinking all of humanity has gone to hell in a hand basket when indeed they have not. There are plenty of wonderful, loving people in the world. I’m not going to go on a political rant here. I just want you to keep in mind there is a reason politicians and media keep the pot stirred up. It’s easier to keep control of a fearful crowd. Keep your eyes open. Look for the love. Look for the good. Send out positive, uplifting energy. Raise the vibration of the world. If you are the praying sort, pray with all your might that we are saved from he who would do us harm. We know how this ends. The light banishes the darkness. It is written. It is physics and metaphysics. It is biblical. When I get discouraged I read my bible first. That’s where I find the most comfort and encouragement. Then I look for quotes of famous peace brokers like Gandhi, Rumi and the like. They help me reboot and keep moving towards a peaceful planet. That and calling my congressmen with my concerns. That’s about all I can do.
\nToday is Memorial Day. Let us look past the angry rhetoric today and honor those who have fought for our freedom. Let us be fully awake and remember. Thank you to all those who have given their all to this country.
\nIn memory of my uncle…George Melvin (Sonny) Chadock, who died in a plane crash 5/5/55 ❤️
\n“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”\nColossians 3:15 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-29T01:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/29/rose-colored-glasses-or-keeping.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/28/shooting-stars.html", "title": "Shooting Stars", "content_html": "![\"Sun-kissed](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cad23a2dc4.jpg\")
\nI didn’t go anywhere yesterday. I sat out on the front deck with my coffee for a couple of hours then took a short walk on the beach. It was already getting hot and oh so crowded, so I came back to the condo and sat on the front deck for another two hours reading and writing. True decadence. I cooked a nice supper and went down with a chair to sit on the beach for sunset. I had a lovely conversation with several people and was gifted this photo of myself. I have to tell you this…and I’m not being vain or self-aggrandizing. But, it’s been a long, long time since I felt this beautiful. It was such a peaceful day. The sun was setting. The mist began to settle in on the beach and my skin felt dewy and fresh. I even had a glass of my “merlot”…a dealcoholized wine made by Fré that I really enjoy…as I watched the people strolling up and down the shoreline. Some 40-year-olds tossed a football back and forth. A little 12-year-old girl practiced on her surf board. I sat out till long after dark, watching the stars come out and the moon slowly set. I saw two huge shooting stars overhead and counted my many, many blessings. I had heard there were fireworks scheduled after the concert down at the pavilion by the pier. I saw two or three small ones but it didn’t amount to much. Then I walked up the beach with a flashlight looking for crabs and jellyfish. I saw a few, and also the first seagulls I’ve seen during this trip…only three or four of them. Lots and lots of pelicans, though.
\nSo that was my day…peaceful, joyful, happy, and oh so grateful!
\n“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”\nPsalms 37:4 NLT ❤️
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-05-28T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/28/shooting-stars.html", "tags": ["Travel","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun","God","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/25/were-not-in-kansas.html", "title": "We're Not in Kansas", "content_html": "
![\"1956](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/518165aab6.jpg\")
\nWhat a crazy weather day in the south yesterday. After a relatively calm morning walk on the beach, the weather continued to amp up till the Weather Channel reported multiple tornadoes. Daytona Beach was under a tornado watch most of the afternoon. Wave after wave of severe thunderstorms drove through the area, blowing the deck furniture all over. I’m glad I got a chance to get out Monday evening and explore a little.
\nAs I was heading south to check out New Smyrna Beach, I saw an antique car restorer and decided to stop on my way back. There were some absolutely gorgeous cars there. This particular beauty is a 1956 Chevy BelAir. Restored in a two tone with black and a striking chartreuse green, it looked so much more impressive than the black and white I remember. There was a woman who lived down the road from the farm who had one of these when I was a kid. I have always loved the ‘56 and ‘57 Chevys. Couldn’t you just imagine a tiny canned ham camper being towed behind one of these babies?
\nI went out and about again last night. I was driving through a beautiful neighborhood when I saw a sign advertising a small fiberglass camper…a Trillium. It was so sweet and small and would be perfect if it wasn’t $16.5K! Not possible. The lady selling it was lovely and we had a nice chat as she told me of her travels in the little camper. I think she was disappointed that I didn’t take it. I went grocery shopping and stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I love a decaf Americano late in the evening.
\nAs I am writing this, the storms have passed on out to sea. I’m sitting on the deck, a lovely sea breeze rolling in over the waves. It is a sensible 73 degrees and a light sweater is plenty to keep me comfortable as I count my many blessings. I had a wonderful conversation with the powers that be at Sisters on the Fly today and I am signed up to write a monthly post on their website under the branded column they created for me…“Getting Bolder”. I took a little hiatus after the accident in February and it seems they missed me. I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle, so to speak, and share some stories and showcase some amazing Sisters who are also Getting Bolder. It was another beautiful day! ❤️
\n“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”\nPsalm 127:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-25T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/25/were-not-in-kansas.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/24/paradise-found.html", "title": "Paradise Found", "content_html": "![\"Pelican\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/62dd05f068.jpg\")
\nI love these guys. Sort of mini pterodactyls. They fly in and land on the piers and posts and give you the stink eye looking for handouts. They’re rough and battle-worn soldiers of the sea. You can sit on the beach and see big splashes far from shore where they dive down, down, down…tucking their wings in tight, stretching their beak and neck straight out and cut right into the water. They come up with their catch and swiggle and wiggle their heads around till they swallow their prey. It’s awesome to watch.
\nYesterday was day two on this segment of The Grand Adventure. I had a big breakfast and headed out to the beach. There seems to be a constant breeze coming in off the ocean which makes the 86° and 100% humidity bearable. I did not know you can drive on Daytona Beach. The beach here is very wide at low tide and it is smooth and hard. It costs $10 a day to drive your car out but then you have all your stuff handy and it’s a quick and easy set up and break down. The sand is tan, soft and fine between your fingers and has gold glittery bits that shine in the sun. It’s a very clean beach, very few shells, and no trash. I am quite impressed. I walked at least two miles on the beach. I came back and soaked in the jacuzzi tub (because they have one) and took a nap (because I could!).
\nI can sit on the front patio of this condo and see the Halifax River across the road and from the side patio I see the ocean. This is a long, skinny island much like the barrier island of the Outer Banks. The water is a bluish-grey and is very clean. I am further down than the typical touristy areas so it’s pretty quiet.
\nI wandered around a bit yesterday afternoon and walked through New Smyrna Beach. I stopped for an excellent meal at Blackbeard’s Inn. OMGosh! They bring a bucket of hot rolls and fresh cinnamon buns to the table first. Fresh, HOT cinnamon buns that are to die for and totally NOT gluten free! Swoon. I had salad bar (I could have made a meal of the pickled beets!), a generous serving of coconut shrimp, baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Oh, just roll me home! The server asked if I saved room for dessert, and while that homemade key lime pie sounded divine, I demurred. I’ll have to walk a lot more than two miles today to make up for last night’s meal!!!
\nI’m looking forward to the coming days when the rains are gone and I can lay out on the beach at night and count the stars. I know it’s only been two days but I’m already a relaxed noodle. Thank you God for your gift of the sea! ❤️
\n“He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.”\nPsalms 107:29 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-24T01:55:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/24/paradise-found.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/23/hallelujah-anyway.html", "title": "Hallelujah Anyway!", "content_html": "h![\"Penny](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/75d04f457a.jpg\")
Anne Lamott wrote a poignant book about blessing whatever comes into your life…good, bad, indifferent. Because it has all come for a purpose, even if that purpose is merely to thank God it isn’t worse. Being grateful in spite of the messiness of life is truly a gift you can give yourself…and others. When you shout “Hallelujah Anyway”, you demonstrate gratitude, forbearance, and joy to those who may look to you for guidance. I love that! I’m going to remember to say “Hallelujah Anyway” when things don’t always go smoothly. I certainly didn’t need to shout it yesterday because I could not have possibly experienced a more beautiful day than I did my first day in Daytona Beach!
\nI had a lovely sleep-in then fixed my coffee and sat outside watching the waves not 100 steps away. As I counted my blessings, I added a huge thank you to the friend who made this trip happen and the friend that loaned this stunning condo. I changed and went to the beach for a couple of hours. Even though the temperature was up in the eighties, the breeze coming in off the ocean was divine. I went for a long walk down the beach and back. As I was walking under the pier, I was thinking about Ms. Lamott’s book and all the times I’ve been challenged in the last four years and I still managed to say “Hallelujah Anyway!” Just then, I looked down and this penny was right in front of me. Delight surged through me as I picked it up. Well, Hallelujah Anyway!
\nI came in to clean up and head out for lunch. I ate in a seafood place called Down Under and I’m afraid I was “underwhelmed”. The first couple of hush puppies were wonderful, but the refill was doughy. The cole slaw was marginal. The fries were good, but who needs fries, right? The crab cakes were terribly disappointing. Doughy, undercooked, beige disks that were truly sad. But, lesson learned. Don’t eat at a place under a bridge, right? Oy!
\nAfter lunch, I headed to Target to pick up a few groceries. I love Target…much better than Walmart. Clean, well stocked, friendly staff, and a Starbucks…what’s not to love? Afterward, I stopped at the Daytona Speedway and poked around. That place is HUGE. There were the remnants of an RV show in the parking lot so that was fun.
\nOnce the groceries were put away back at the condo, I curled up for a nap to catch up from the long drive. When I got up, I fixed a tray of carrots with French Onion dip, grapes, raspberries, hummus with pretzel chips, hard boiled eggs and dealcoholized Merlot and carried it out to the deck. Just as I finished, the sky opened up and I was presented with a lovely chorus of lightning and thunder! Oh my….this was just the perfect ending to a perfect day. As I write this, I’m curled up in bed in the master suite with the door flung wide, catching the cool sea breeze and listening to the rush of water…both from the rain and the ocean. The sound of tires on wet pavement marks the adventurous souls out in spite of the weather. I can just hear them as they creep along, the rain making it difficult to see the road, their vacation plans only slightly ruffled by a late spring thunderstorm as they mutter, “Hallelujah Anyway! Look where I am!!!” ❤️
\n“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”\n1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-23T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/23/hallelujah-anyway.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/22/the-smokin-pig.html", "title": "The Smokin' Pig", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f2ad59579f.jpg\")
\nI arrived in Statesville, NC at 2:00 yesterday morning. I had stopped at the NC Welcome Center and picked up a hotel coupon magazine and found one for the Ramada. I stayed here in February when I was on my way back from Florida. I managed to get one of the last rooms available for $65, including a really good hot breakfast. I love this hotel because it is clean, convenient, and the staff are always friendly. I worked in the hotel business for a few years and I learned that you pay more for a reservation. You can get your best prices as a walk-in, especially with a coupon and a big, friendly smile. I asked for a late check out and got on the road by 11:00.
\nIf you want to know the best places to eat when you’re traveling, you need to ask where the locals go. When I’m in the south, I’m hunting for Southern delicacies like really good soul food and the very best barbecue. My great find this time was a little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint located at the end of the BP Station next to the Raceway station off exit 87 of I-95. Oh…em…geeeee! Delicious!
\nIt rained quite a bit through Georgia and cleared up by the time I got into Florida. It was still twilight when I pulled into the condo here at Daytona Beach so I could still see the waves. And of course, I could smell the salty sea breeze and hear the waves on the beach. I can see the ocean from the patio doors off the master suite so I can’t wait for coffee this morning! I’m literally a hundred steps from the ocean!!! I am so blessed that a dear friend is sharing this condo with me. I couldn’t do this without that kindness. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And…Thank you Jesus for travel mercies!!! ❤️
\n“The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ””\nExodus 16:11-12 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-05-22T01:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/22/the-smokin-pig.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/17/my-resting-place.html", "title": "My Resting Place", "content_html": "
![\"Peony\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a9dd718c6.jpg\")
\nLast week there were two mornings where the temperature hovered just a tad above freezing. I was so happy that my flowers and the cherry trees didn’t get nipped by Old Jack Frost. And just like that, the temps soared up to the 80’s yesterday. When it gets like that, it’s too hot to sit on the front porch after the sun crosses the house and starts its decent over the far ridge. It doesn’t go behind that ridge till just before 7:00, but after that…the porch is my domain again.
\nI struggled a little yesterday. Loss encroached into the periphery of my life over the weekend and even though it didn’t affect my inner circle, sometimes other people’s loss stirs my own feelings. I so seldom have a bad day anymore. Really. I can certainly tell when I wake up, which way the winds will blow, and yesterday was a little stormy. Not bad. Not nearly like I’ve had in the past. My grief has always gone out through the pit of my stomach and I have learned to just let it pass. I’ve learned to listen to my body and give myself permission to have a mattress-surfing day. I had my “Emergency Down-Day Kit” at the ready. I rode the wave back into shore and as the house cooled, so did I.
\nRiding that wave and finding my resting place reminded me of those long, dark early nights of grief when I would have what I referred to as…bad nights. There were nights when the only way I made it through was to visualize sitting at the feet of Jesus, resting my head on his knee, and letting him stroke my hair the way my mother did when I was a child. I knew that I was God’s child, and that my resting place was in that place in my heart where Christ lives. There was a woman who came to sing at the Revival last week. She sang a song she wrote about finding her resting place in Jesus. It is comforting to me when I learn I am not alone in this journey…that there are others who have struggled, who struggle still, and that I’m really ok.
\nMy grief is different now. It’s fleeting. It’s temperate. It’s diffuse. It’s not even filled with Mr. Virgo like it was. It’s more like a cloud of sadness that settles for a little bit then lifts and moves on. If I let myself delve too deep, I could stir up too many things and I’ve learned that doesn’t serve me well. I’ve also learned it doesn’t hurt me to indulge myself in this bit of reverie. It’s a giant emotional yardstick that illustrates how far I’ve come since March 12, 2013. It will always be there. I don’t know what stirred it this time…probably the loss I’ve seen in others lately. Today is a new day…I have tools…I have hope…I have love…I have God. What more could I need? ❤️
\n““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””\nMatthew 11:28-30 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-17T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/17/my-resting-place.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/13/caught-in-a-trap.html", "title": "Caught in a Trap", "content_html": "![\"Wasp](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/462fda2e01.jpg\")
\nThis has turned out to be a really intense and power-filled week for me. I have been attending an old-time Gospel, Spirit-filled Revival this week at the little white church on the hill and I’m telling you what…it’s been both exhilarating and exhausting. I don’t even feel like myself. I’m sure you’ve noticed my fired-up posts this week. I don’t usually go all preachy like that, but I’ve been just feeling so inspired all week and I’ve learned to listen. With that in mind, today’s post is toned down a bit but still faith-based, as all my essays are. I noticed my numbers dropped off a little after yesterday’s post. I know…not everyone wants to have religion with their coffee. I get that. There will be plenty of travel stories and farm stories and memories to share down the road. This is Revival week, and since I write about what I’m experiencing every day, this is what you get this week.
\nI went out for my morning walkabout yesterday. Out of nowhere, Boy Cat made a beeline for me and started rubbing all over my legs. He has never, ever done that (see the video from yesterday) and he tagged along with me for most of my walk. I took a bunch of pictures of all the wildflowers that are currently blooming. I walked down the road to visit a neighbor. As I was strolling along, I noticed this wasp trap hanging in a tree. If you look inside the trap, there…hanging at the top…is a wasp on a nest. Inside the trap. It reminded me of something young Pastor Matt preached about this week. God v. Satan, Light v. Dark, Good v. Evil…whatever you call it, light banishes darkness, not the other way around. I know in my journey, I ran as far away from a relationship with Jesus as I possibly could. For some reason, God was ok…but Jesus scared me. Probably because of that hellfire and brimstone preacher of my youth. I mean, I felt Jesus knocking at the door of my heart…politely waiting to be invited in. But, I would get so anxious and worked up about it, I could only go in the other direction to avoid the whole thing. Little did I know at the time, surrender would have been the ticket to freedom from all that.
\nAs my journey took me further and further away from God, I became more and more blind, more and more deceived by the darkness. Once I got so far out to sea and turned around to look for my saving Grace, I realized how far from shore I really was. I was in a trap of my own making…believing the lies, living my life, building my nest there…much like this unsuspecting wasp is. Living in that trap wasn’t all that bad on the surface. I had a nice house. I had a new car every couple of years. I had an essentially unmonitored bank account. On the surface, I had everything. But on the inside, I was a barren wasteland. I was living in the Sahara Desert with no water…no food…no spiritual sustenance. The Darkness can lure you in with comforts then it closes the door and locks it and you can never get out. I am blessed to have found my way back before It was too late.
\nThe path I’m walking hasn’t been one I’d necessarily have chosen for myself. I never wanted to be a widow. I gave up a lot to get to where I am. Aside from Mr. Virgo’s death, I wouldn’t change a thing because I’m in a good space right now. I’m not living in a trap anymore. I have shed the chains that bound me. And I’m living free…standing on the promises of God.
\nI missed Revival last night and will again tonight because of a prior commitment. I’ll go back Sunday night for the grand finale, though. I’m going to my church with a friend tonight to avoid the Sunday crowds and then out for dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day early. It’s still cool and cloudy and raining here. May is like that. I hope you have a grand start to your weekend, dear ones! ❤️
\n“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”\nPsalm 145:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-13T01:55:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/13/caught-in-a-trap.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/12/stepping-out-in-faith.html", "title": "Stepping Out in Faith", "content_html": "![\"Laying](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/97b2ee7915.jpg\")
\nThis is a clip from Night 3 of the Revival I have been attending. I thought I would share it with you in case you are interested. Pastor Matt preaches in much the same style as the circuit preacher who, quite literally, scared the pee out of me when I was seven years old, sitting in this very church. My 64-year-old eyes can see past the style and dogmatic differences now to see the same love behind the delivery. That circuit preacher of old sent me fleeing in the opposite direction of the church and I spent the better part of my adulthood feeling like something huge was missing in my life. It wasn’t until my mom died that I began to explore a relationship with God like I had never known. More specifically, I had always loved God. It was this Jesus guy that I was afraid of. I was led on a spiritual quest with so many supernatural twists and turns that I finally had no other alternative left but to believe. Interestingly, that was what my grandma told me when I asked her, after the scary preacher incident, “How do you KNOW Jesus walked on water?” At the time, her answer, “You just have to believe” made absolutely no sense to me. Eventually, it did. I almost died before I got there. Thank God, I did not.
\nI began this walk of faith when my mom died in 2004. I stood at her casket and wondered where she went. Where did Grandma and Pop-Pop and Uncle Sonny go? The thoughts of never seeing them again was too much to bear so I went on a spiritual journey. I asked God to bring me the people to pray for me. I asked him to bring me the materials I needed to read. I read the New Testament for the first time in my life. I walked into the local Christian bookstore looking all the world like the Unibomber in my hoodie and sunglasses, trying not to be conspicuous as one of the Jewish pillars in our small mountain town. I grabbed the first book I found, paid for it, and hurried back to my car. It was Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. You can’t get much more fundamental than that. I started reading.
\nShortly after Mom’s funeral, I returned to Colorado. My brother wanted to come live near me. He has cerebral palsy and there is a wonderful program in the small town where I lived. They assist and support people with developmental disabilities to live as independent a life as possible. I went to them to sign my brother up. Imagine my dismay when they told me there was a ten year waiting list for residential services. I told God if it was his will that I care for my brother, I certainly would. But here was this amazing program that could give him a life. I asked him to open doors and pave the way for my brother to be accepted into this life-giving program. Three days later…THREE DAYS…I got a call from the people in Colorado. They had received emergency funding for my brother, there was a rare opening, and they had called everyone on the waiting list. No one could move in by the end of the month. If I could have him there, the spot was his. I got off the phone, looked up, and said, “Ok. NOW you’ve got my attention!” My quest was cranked up several notches.
\nA Purpose Driven Life is a 40-day read. Mom had promised my brother a trip to Florida so we headed to Colorado via Disney World. On about Day 21 of my reading, we were near Jacksonville in a hotel. I opened the curtains that morning and saw the great expanse of ocean and the long, sandy beach. It suddenly struck me…I truly was nothing more than one of those grains of sand in the grand scheme of things. I felt something come over me, and I was suddenly so tired. Tired of flying a kite but hanging onto the tail for dear life. Tired of always searching for something to fill that hole in my heart. Tired of aching for something I did not know and could not find. So…I gave in. I gave up control…or the idea of having had it in the first place. I surrendered and asked Jesus into my life. If you have been raised in faith, you may never have felt what happens in a moment like that. I literally felt every cell in my body be made new. It was the most remarkable experience of my life. When you make a bold step into the Light, the darkness wakes up and takes notice and starts trying to chase you down. It whispers darkness in your ear and tries to steal your joy. Blow after blow, I suffered one thing after another, till I learned my power over the situation. The key to claiming your power is stepping out in faith. And that’s what I’m doing here.
\nOn the night this video clip was filmed, I was anointed by Pastor Matt and he prayed over me. This blog has become my ministry…my way of walking the talk. He prayed that the doors be opened, the path be made straight and smooth, and that God would continue to bring me the words to say and the people who need to hear them. If I have gained anything from this Revival, it is to be BOLD. So I am stepping out in faith. I have always feared that to do so would drive you all away. I have recently realized, I have little to no control over the number of people who read my writing. God delivered a literary agent a year and a half ago. She is excited about my writing, about my story, and about the work I do here. But in the black and white world of publishing, numbers mean everything. If you do not have a large social media platform, you do not get noticed and you are likely never going to sell your book. I truly believe this is what I am supposed to be doing. I truly believe this is what I was placed here on earth to do…to write, to share, to speak. To support those who suffer grief, pain, and loss. To bring hope into the world. In my boldness, I am claiming that even as you are reading these words, the Holy Spirit is moving amongst you all. That somewhere, someone is going to read this and say, “We need more of this. We want more of your writing.” I believe it and I have the audacity to trust it as truth.
\nWhen I was called two and a half years ago to place a Scripture at the bottom of each post, I promised you I would never get preachy. I’ll never tell you my way is better than your way. I’ll never tell you you’ll go to hell if you don’t do what I’m doing. My ministry is to spread love and light and peace and hope and joy into the world. Lord knows, we need as much of that as we can get. If I have ever touched your heart…if you have ever felt anything stir in you…if you have ever thought of someone specific when you read my posts…if you have ever felt lifted by my words, please share them on any social media platforms you may have access to. Someone out there knows someone who knows someone who can help me boost these numbers. I am available to speak at conferences, meetings, churches, civic groups…anywhere that might need an uplifting word. I can write guest posts on other blogs. I can write articles for magazines. I can write columns in newspapers and newsletters. I write. I tell stories. This is what I have to give the world. I know it will come in God’s time…not mine.
\nAnd…that, my friends, is about as preachy as I will ever get with you all. I am so grateful you are here. I am so grateful I have a God that loves me. I thank him for all he has done for me and I praise him. This has been an interesting and surprising week for me. I appreciate your indulgence as I share the experience. ❤️
\n“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”\nPsalms 51:10-12 NKJV
\nhttps://www.facebook.com/PastorMatt777/videos/774277599449864/
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-12T01:55:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/12/stepping-out-in-faith.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/11/weeding-my-garden.html", "title": "Weeding My Garden", "content_html": "![\"Two](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2291f4ab9d.jpg\")
\nWell, I went to Revival again last night. I do not believe I have ever in my life felt the energy in that little church that I have felt this week. I’m talking fire. Whew! You do come away with a spring in your step after a big dose of the toe-tappin’ spirit. I tried to imagine my Grandma and Pop-Pop, my mom, Aunt Idy, Uncle Red, Aunt Myrt…sitting in their seats, listening. They were all so…reserved. Let me tell you…these beautiful people were anything but reserved.
\nPastor Matthew opens with song and prayer, then invites anyone who would like to speak to please do so. Last night, a lovely couple were there and the gentleman rose to say something. He’s a hobby farmer. He raises cattle so he can see them, not eat them. He names them. His first cow he called “Blessings”. Two more came along and he named them “Shirley Goodness” and “Mercy”. There are more…all named with Biblical phrases. And, when he goes out to call in his cows, neighbors from far and wide hear him calling…“Surely Goodness and Mercy, Blessings” and so forth. It is his form of testimony within earshot of his neighbors.
\nThe man’s wife then stood to talk about her land. She helps her husband outside as she can. There is some Floribunda growing out in the pasture. It’s a kind of wild rose…its brambles used as a hedge row instead of fencing. It seemed like a good idea to our forefathers to plant such a thing, but they didn’t realize it would soon take over. And, it’s not good for anything…the cows can’t eat it. Something so seemingly innocent ended up needing to be rooted out. The wise woman with her gentle demeanor and her long silver hair reminded us that there are things we let into our lives…things that didn’t seem like such a bad idea till they turned into a pasture full of briars. Then you have to start plucking it out and getting rid of it. Once bad things get a foothold, it isn’t long till you have a mess in your life.
\nI distinctly remember a particular day in my life when I made an unsavory life choice. That still small voice told me, “Don’t do this. You do this and nothing will ever be the same.” Oh, we’re a stubborn people, aren’t we? “You can handle it.” “It’s just this once.” “Nobody will know.” Lies. Lies whispered into our lives. Light and Dark. Up and Down. Good and Evil. It’s a balancing act. It’s a constant battle. I fall down sometimes. I wimp out because it’s not always easy. If there’s anything I’ve learned this week in the most unlikely of places for me to be, it’s this…I have far more strength and power than I ever dreamed of. We all have access to that power. It’s a gift. For me, that gift is the Holy Spirit and I’m grateful to have had this experience this week. It’s been empowering. ❤️
\n“Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul.”\nPsalms 66:16 NKJV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-11T01:55:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/11/weeding-my-garden.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/08/old-time-religion.html", "title": "Old Time Religion", "content_html": "![\"Old-fashioned](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/95e585ffe3.jpg\")
\nSome of my earliest memories surround the little white church on the hill a couple miles from the farm. We only had a handful of people come every Sunday. We had a circuit preacher who came every six weeks or so. You dressed for church back then. And you dressed extra special on preaching Sunday. We got a stick of Beeman’s gum, or maybe Juicy Fruit, to keep our little mouths fresh…and busy. Grandma tied a shiny dime in the corner of a hanky and gave it to us for the collection plate. We were threatened within an inch of our lives to be good. You never, ever wanted to cross Grandma.
\nWe were never made to go to a Revival. Maybe Grandma knew that was too much to ask from a little girl as fidgety as me, I don’t know. But that was one experience I never had. Since the hellfire and brimstone style of Preacher Simon scared me away from church at the ripe old age of seven, it was pretty much a moot point. I remember feeling intrigued by those tent revivals I saw popping up in rural areas, though. The big tents had no sides and bare light bulbs were strung above rows of white folding chairs. Earnest people crowded into standing-room-only tents and churches to do…something. Sing? Shout? Handle snakes and drink poison? What did I know? I heard stories. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. Till last night. I’m using the word “want” loosely. I was certainly curious.
\nI got the call yesterday from my cousin/friend asking me to come to the Revival with the added caveat that Johnnie Staats was playing. I’d walk ten miles to see Johnny Staats play so since I had no other plans and I can always use a good dose of Jesus, I agreed to go. I arrived at 6:30 and visited with some old familiar faces till the music started at 7:00. Johnny didn’t disappoint and it’s true…good Gospel music brings on the familiar goosebumps I attribute to faith experiences. The young pastor and the lead singer encouraged anyone who wanted to say something to speak up. After “Go Rest High on That Mountain”, I could not hold back the tears. I could literally feel the spirits of my ancestry joining in and rose to say so. I spoke of being born into that little church sixty-four years ago, how my Grandpa and his brother, Red, were the lay ministers when it wasn’t preaching Sunday, how my Uncle Bob rang the church bell without fail. Mine were not the only tears as others remembered those who have gone on before.
\nFinally, the young pastor got down to delivering a right sprightly sermon on the many names of God that was really quite interesting. It was fascinating to see the same jumping up and down, yelling style of that pastor of old through sixty-four year old eyes instead of that frightened little girl who peed her pants out of fear. I could look past some of the dogma differences in our particular denominations to enjoy the fellowship of kith and kin. At the end of three hours…yes, three hours…the altar call came. I’m a Christian. I have no problem with a good alter call. But I knew before the first notes of the song began that I was going to be called forward by the pastor. And that’s when things got really interesting.
\nI have never, ever been anointed. The pastor looked at me and smiled and said, “You knew you were coming up here the minute you walked in this door didn’t you? Girl, you got God all over you!” I looked in his kind eyes and felt my shoulders relax. I smiled wanly and nodded. The pastor took out a vial of oil and anointed the sign of the cross on my forehead. He got serious and said, “You’ve gone through some pretty rough stuff…hard stuff…stuff that you didn’t think you would live through, haven’t you? As a matter of fact, you almost died, didn’t you?” I swallowed hard and nodded again. “And you’re going through something really hard now…something that has a weight on you and your smile doesn’t always meet your eyes. You have a mission and sometimes you’re not feeling worthy. Well, let me tell you…you are! You are going to walk out of here renewed and refreshed with a smile the likes of which you haven’t felt for a long, long time. Are you ready to receive that?” At this point I was smiling through my tears with my hands raised and a dozen or more people were standing around me with their hands on me…all praying fervent prayers individually as the pastor grasped my head in both his hands and beseeched God to shower blessings on me and the ministry I have been placed here to do and that I be anointed from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I am not lying…it was an exhilarating experience and I indeed felt refreshed and renewed in spirit. I felt twenty pounds lighter.
\nI can see how people can be whipped to a frenzy in churches of that style. Enough to handle snakes and drink strychnine? Perhaps. I am not passing judgement in any way. What I felt was love and light. The world needs more love and light. This isn’t my style…I love the contemporary church I attend. But, last night let me see my grandparents’ church through a new lens and let me release some of the bad memories I have always associated with it. Healing is a beautiful thing. ❤️
\n“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”\nPsalms 85:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-08T01:55:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/08/old-time-religion.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/06/mistakes-or-lessons-learned.html", "title": "Mistakes? Or, Lessons Learned?", "content_html": "![\"Faucet\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d6970d7667.jpg\")
\nFarm life. For this mostly city girl, there’s been quite a lot of learning going on the last nine months. I’ve learned to recognize the call of several different birds by sound. I’ve learned to pick up the cat dishes at dusk to keep the strays and other nocturnal critters off the back porch at night. I’ve learned who to call for pest extermination. Who NOT to call for handyman services. I’ve learned how to turn off the gas to the house, reset the regulator, and relight everything. I’ve learned how to mix the gas and oil for a two-stroke engine and how to change the reels on a gas trimmer. I’ve learned about numerous bugs, snakes, and varmints and how to keep them at bay. I can identify quite a number of trees, plants, and flowers. I’m feeling pretty accomplished over here.
\nThis house had a sweet water well dug before I was born. That all changed when they capped three wells up the holler behind the barn in the late ’50s. Somehow the aquifer was fractured and the water has been briny ever since. In the early ’60s, a cistern was built with an elaborate filtration system to catch the rainwater off the roof of the cellar house and that was the source of drinking water here on the farm. That is, up until my return last August. I discovered the water flow from the cistern was reduced to barely a trickle. My aunt had been boiling it and drinking it anyway, just as it’s been done for years. I have no idea when the filter was cleaned nor have I any idea when some bleach was poured into the reservoir. When I got here, there was cistern water in the fridge that was actually moldy so that was the last of that. I bought bottled water until I gathered about ten gallon jugs and now I fill up at a friend’s house when I’m in town. You learn to adjust when you live alone.
\nOne thing I was always told was to protect our well with everything I had. While we don’t drink from it, we do bathe, wash clothes, and do dishes with it. It is vitally important. The other day, I was doing some deep cleaning. The water here has a lot of iron in it so the tub and toilet turn red after a while. There is a powdered product called iron out that I use in the tub and toilet to remove the rust stains every six months or so. It was time. I turned on the hot water in the tub, put in the plug, and walked away to answer the phone. I promptly forgot the water was running. About 45 minutes later I went into the bathroom and was facing a tub full of black water. Air was coming out of the faucet with spurts of equally black water. OMGosh! My heart sank. I ran out to the cellar house and, thankfully, the pump was still running and not seized or burned up. I pulled the plug from the wall to give the pump a rest. I went to the porch and sat down to collect my thoughts.
\nWhat had just happened? I ran the well dry, that’s what happened. For the first time that I knew of, the hot water tank emptied and the water dipped below the foot valve down in the well. So, what do you do when something happens that has never happened before? Why, you Google it, of course! Between Google and YouTube, I’m becoming quite a farm girl! I was somewhat reassured by what I read online. As long as I hadn’t burned up the pump, and we aren’t in a drought (it was raining buckets when I wrote this last night), the cavity where the foot valve sits deep in the well should refill. How long that takes depends on the well’s production rate.
\nThankfully, right about then I heard the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway and a much more knowledgeable friend pulled up. I told him what I had done. He assured me I did everything right (thank you, Google) and we decided to give it a couple hours to refill and see where we were. He wasn’t sure if we might have to prime the well. Turns out, we did not. We plugged in the pump, it whirred to life, and within a very short time, I could hear the timbre of the sound change indicating it was indeed pumping water. Once the dark water that represented the sediment in the bottom of the hot water heater and some air came through the pipes, the system was good to go and I breathed an audible sigh of relief.
\nAnother crisis averted. Another lesson learned. Don’t walk away with the water running or the tea kettle on (ok, I bought a whistling one so that would never happen!) Growing old is not for sissies. Turns out, neither is farm life! Even with mistakes and do overs, I feel pretty good about all I’ve learned while living here. ❤️
\n“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”\nJohn 14:14 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-06T01:55:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/06/mistakes-or-lessons-learned.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/05/at-last.html", "title": "At Last...", "content_html": "![\"Rhododendron](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/325870958f.jpg\")
\nI was sitting out on the front porch yesterday…drinking coffee, solving the crossword, checking in with friends, listening to the Norah Jones channel on Pandora, watching the spring showers blow through in waves. It’s been a crazy week with trips to town for one thing and another every day since I got back from my last trip. Yeah, I know…it’s rough. But, I was really relishing a few hours of peace and quiet before a friend arrived in the afternoon for a visit. It felt good to just BE for a little bit. Those moments always turn something on in my heart…like fine-tuning the dial on a radio to get the station perfectly clear.
\nI was lost in reverie when Etta James came on with her sultry, smooth voice…“At Last”. Oh…there was a time when the mere thought of that song made me burst into tears. That was the song Mr. Virgo and I danced to at our wedding. The one…and only…time he ever danced with me. I can still remember the way my hand rested in his, the sparkle in his eyes, the early spring sunshine slanting through the panes of glass in the sun room of the restaurant where we were married. I remember the way the smooth, black and white tiles felt beneath my feet as he gently guided me in a four foot square…not standing still but not really dancing either. Just moving and sharing a special moment.
\nI was so excited to marry that man. My second divorce had left me yearning for a loving connection, as if changing my name would be another chapter further into the story of my life…further away from the pain and heartbreak that had come before. Our relationship was sweet and trusting, a mutual love and respect that soothed my broken heart and made me whole again. Three weeks shy of six years later, my heart shattered again when he died right in front of me.
\nYes, there was a time when this memory would have caught me off guard and I would have been reduced to a puddle of messiness and pain. And, I’m sure there will be a time in the future when it triggers something that will open that wound again. Not yesterday. Yesterday, I smiled and remembered the way his suit coat felt when I laid my hand on his chest as we danced, his strength and confidence a source of comfort to me. I could almost smell his Halston cologne. I wish I could remember what we said to each other in that moment but it is lost to me. I wish he had liked to dance. I love being held in a tall man’s arms.
\nI was brought back…to the porch, to myself, to this beautiful life I am living…by the stunning sweep of a Pileated Woodpecker landing on the dead tree stump in the front yard where I have the rain gauge. At last…I have come home to myself and I’m anchored in this moment without drifting back into the stormy abyss of grief like a sailor being washed from the deck in a restless sea. At last. ❤️
\n“You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life. You will make me truly great and take my sorrow away.”\nPsalms 71:20-21 CEVUS06
\n", "date_published": "2017-05-05T01:55:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/05/at-last.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/05/02/slow-and-steady.html", "title": "Slow and Steady", "content_html": "![\"Turtle](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5a179517dc.jpg\")
\nWhat happens when you hit the wall? When grief raises its ugly head and bites you in the butt? When you “wear the same jammies four days straight” and can’t get out of yourself like a friend of mine did recently? It happens. When you think you’re done with grief, that b**** will grab you by the short hairs and lay you low…just like that. So, what do you do?
\nHaving an accountability partner helps. If you have that trusted friend, let him or her know if they don’t hear from you in “x” number of days, send in the troops. I knew my friend had “gone dark” and I was about to go roust her up and force feed her when she did it on her own.
\nI had a hard and fast rule…I simply would not allow myself more than two consecutive days of “mattress surfing”. If I had to crawl to the kitchen for coffee and do nothing but pull on sweats and run a brush through my hair, at least I had moved from the bed to the couch. Every little piece of progress adjusts your thinking and that adjusts your reality. I know, I know…much easier said than done in the throes of grief. Just do your best.
\nOn the days that you are feeling good and upbeat, don’t let yourself forget what the dark feels like. Make yourself some care packages in preparation for those down days. Get a little gift bag or pretty tote. Fill it with a box of tissues, some good chocolate, a coloring book and crayons, a favorite magazine or two with lots of colorful, glossy pictures, a fresh pair of jammies and clean socks, a new toothbrush and a different flavor toothpaste, a little bottle of perfume, maybe a little makeup, a nice new tea and a new mug. You can get these things at the dollar store…they don’t have to be fancy…just readily available. If you do manage to get up, go straight to your kitchen sink and scrub it…whether you want to or not. There’s something about a shiny, clean sink that sets the tone. And, try making your bed if you manage to get up. It’s less inviting to jump back in when the bed is dressed and so are you.
\nThere are days when it comes back as fresh and new as it was, this grief we have in common. But remember, when you slip…when you pull back in your shell… you aren’t going back quite as far as you were. Not back to the beginning. Hang in there. Stay vertical as much as you can. And treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a dear friend. ❤️
\n“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…”\n3 John 1:2 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-05-02T01:55:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/05/02/slow-and-steady.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/30/home-sweet-home.html", "title": "Home Sweet Home", "content_html": "
![\"Painted](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cec6ae3a97.jpg\")
\nThe trip home was far less eventful than the trip last weekend. Thank God, there were no accidents along the way. I stopped for one last incredible latte at Sweet T’s in Duck and left behind the painted rock that I had found in Wytheville on the way down. I hope someone finds it and hides it somewhere else. I loved the sentiment on many levels…“Believe”.
\nEven though the trip was uneventful, it was long and exhausting. Eleven hours with three or four stops along the way to stretch my legs. I saw things I’d never seen before. I drove through the tunnel under the Chesapeake Bay. That was pretty neat. A tad disconcerting to think of all that water above me, I have to admit. I saw the big aircraft carriers in Newport News. I loved all the bridges going across the expanses of water in the south. It’s so open and free. This week is “Bike Week” on the Outer Banks. I’ll bet I passed, at the very least, a thousand motorcycles on their way down to the beach and I counted my lucky stars they weren’t there during my quiet getaway.
\nAs I drove home yesterday, I was particularly struck by the beauty of Western Virginia and Eastern West Virginia. The hills are solid and green, green, green. That brilliant spring green that hurts the eyes. The redbud and dogwood were all but gone save for the highest hills. There’s still some in my little holler. And, I was greeted by blooms on the rhododendron!!! I can’t wait to see it in the light of day. There was a lot of rain while I was gone and the lawn needs to be mowed soon.
\nTh truck was emptied and the items in the cooler were stowed away by 10:00 last night. Kitties had been fed and came to say hello. And, another adventure is in the books! I am grateful for the opportunity to go to the beach. I am equally grateful to be safely ensconced in my humble surroundings here on the farm. I find peace and joy wherever I go. ❤️
\n“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”\nPsalms 118:24 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-30T01:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/30/home-sweet-home.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/29/life-is-a-beautiful-thing.html", "title": "Life is a Beautiful Thing", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fa9004ccc6.jpg\")
\nLife is about choices. Every day we are faced with the choice to rise up and grab life by the tail and wring every ounce of, what…joy, love, happiness, laughter, beauty, energy, excitement, sweetness? All that and more await us every day. Even if you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, sadness, fear, loss….there is room for choices in your life.
\nTwo weeks after Mr. Virgo died, I had a choice to make. I could die, metaphorically. Or I could live…really live. With joy and abundance. It was not easy. Especially early on. But I made every day count. I looked for joyful things to put in front of me to make life bearable. I surprised myself with joy. And, the more times I chose joy, the lighter my load became. It wasn’t overnight by any stretch of the imagination. But bit by bit, every positive choice helped bring me up from the abyss into the light.
\nTravel has been one of the joys that has helped me the most in my grief. Whether alone or with a friend or group of friends, seeing new places, challenging myself in different situations, and finding new parts of myself has been an amazing journey of growth and self-discovery. This trip has been no exception. I am very grateful I got to tag along with a friend in a gifted week at a timeshare. It was a lot of fun as well as relaxing.
\nChoices. Choose life. Choose joy. Choose laughter. Choose gratitude. I know. It’s not easy. Even in my darkest days of grief, I could surprise myself with joy…if even for just a moment. Moments build and time changes things. Whoever said time heals all wounds lied. It doesn’t. But you can build strong scars that show how hard you loved..how hard you fought. Just keep making positive choices. ❤️
\n“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”\nPsalm 16:11 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-04-29T01:55:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/29/life-is-a-beautiful-thing.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","God","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/22/rock-on.html", "title": "Rock On!", "content_html": "
![\"Painted](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1e85f28cd4.jpg\")
\nOh. Em. Geeeee. What a day! I finished packing and hit the road with a full cup of coffee by 10:00. I got to mile marker 82 in I-77 when traffic came to a dead stop. I mean like, get out of your car and meet your neighbors stop. One of the most important things I recommend for travel is a smartphone with access to the internet. While my GPS neglected to tell me there was traffic congestion on my route, Siri informed me there had been a truck fire and emergency crews were working to put it out. Three hours later , I drove past this charred hulk of a semi, a tanker truck still hosing down its contents strewn all over. I couldn’t tell for sure but it was loose bags of something orange.\nI stopped in Wytheville, Virginia for gas and found this painted rock. It’s all the rage right now…paint rocks and leave them places. When you find one, you take a picture of it and say where you find it, then you hide it again. I know a lot of people who do this and it’s fun. I’ll take it to the beach and leave it there.
\nI pressed on past Mount Airy where I had initially planned to stop but felt I needed to make up for lost time. I thought I could get a room near Winston-Salem but you couldn’t find a room within 100 miles of there due to a furniture show. North Carolina is big in the furniture manufacturing biz. Therefore, I ended up driving till 1:00am and found one of the last two rooms in North Carolina…if not the entire country! The wonderful lady at the front desk gave me a great deal for a large, comfy king-sized room and check out isn’t till noon….yessss!
\nThe floaters in my eye bugged the heck out of me till it got dark. I’m told my brain will get used to the floaters and I won’t notice them. That can come now, please. With that, I’m closing and hitting the hay. Tomorrow (today!) is another day! ❤️
\n“You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because GOD will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.”\nProverbs 3:23-25 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-22T01:55:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/22/rock-on.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/19/lord-take-me-home-in.html", "title": "Lord, Take Me Home in the Springtime", "content_html": "![\"Cherry](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c8119d3332.jpg\")
\nI hated burying my mom on the coldest day of the year. It was late January and while the sky was blue, there was a bitter wind blowing on that hilltop. My Aunt Rosie and I were the only ones at the cemetery. It was just too cold for any kind of formal gathering. I could not let them put her in the ground alone though. So, I stood with a borrowed coat wrapped tight beneath my chin, shivering in the thin, January light.
\nIn contrast, Mr. Virgo died in the middle of March, which is a lot different in Colorado than it is here in West Virginia. Still, the day we laid him to rest, the sun was shining and it was warm enough for a light jacket. It’s funny the way your brain works when your beloved dies. I distinctly remember thinking if he had to die, at least he died in the spring when the earth was coming back to life. I didn’t have to lay him in the frozen ground. And I didn’t have to go into my grief and compound it with seasonal affective disorder. These are the things I think about while I’m driving.
\nA couple of nights ago, I slept out back in TOW-Wanda. While it was wonderful to be in the camper, it stormed all night long and the only thing I could think of was that huge, old cherry tree just outside the camper. Just like the message about the rockslide a couple weeks ago, I kept getting this feeling like I had to get TOW-Wanda out of there. I need to get this tree taken out before it falls on anything…or anyone…and they can’t get any equipment back up in there with my camper parked in the driveway. I have friends who have offered to let me park TOW-Wanda at their place, but I don’t want to impose, or ruin their grass, or disturb them with coming and going as I want to camp this spring and early summer. I found a place where I can store her securely and anytime I want to take her out to camp, they’ll pull her out for me and all I have to do is hook her up and go. Then, I drop her off, and they take her around back to park her. All for $35 a month. Perfect!
\nI decided I needed to get this done yesterday as we are supposed to get severe storms the next few days and I’m running out of time before I leave for the beach. Getting this huge trailer in and out of this long, narrow driveway is tricky. One of the biggest obstacles is the electric lines going up to the top of the cellar house. They hang low over the driveway. In the past, I’ve had someone hold them up with a broom while I backed under them. I didn’t have any helper yesterday and being the EVER resourceful woman that I am, I had to figure out how to do it myself. I took a long 1x2 that I found in the cellar, taped a walking stick to it, then taped the broom handle to that and…voila! It worked like a charm! The electric line nestled in the bristles of the broom and stayed right where I put it.
\nNow, backing up out of the driveway was interesting. I got down to the road but I was worried about hitting the pole on the other side of the driveway. It’s a pretty busy road for being so far out in the country and the only thing I could do was slowly back out onto the blacktop. I was almost all the way out when a guy in a pickup stopped and guided me those last few feet. Easy peasy! The new truck towed fine…just doesn’t have the torque like the old one had, which I expected.
\nI needed to get back to mow. As I drove through the hills, I rolled down the windows and the smell of the honeysuckle, lilac, dogwood, redbud, apple, peach, apricot, pear, and crabapple trees was so incredibly sweet. It was then that I sent up my plea to God. “When it is my time to go, please take me in the springtime so my last day will be filled with beauty such as this perfect West Virginia day.” That is all I ask. ❤️
\n“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."”\nJames 4:14-15 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-19T01:55:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/19/lord-take-me-home-in.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","West Virginia","The Farm","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/17/rain-on-a-camper-roofaaaaah.html", "title": "Rain on a Camper Roof...aaaaah!!!", "content_html": "![\"Blue](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5ac62aea03.jpg\")
\nI had company for supper yesterday which was lovely! A simple Easter meal of roasted chicken, fresh green beans cooked with bacon, mashed potatoes and gravy. It was delightful. After my company left, I looked up at the darkening sky threatening rain. My dishes were done, my leftovers put away, and nothing left to do but write. Now, I could write like I have for the last six months…OR, I could go camp out in TOW-Wanda! Guess which one I chose?
\nI haven’t slept in the camper since October. It has the BEST bed…a six inch memory foam mattress I bought when I decided to get serious and camp full time. I really miss this bed! I grabbed my NA beer, a small bag of chocolate covered peanuts (hey, it was Easter!) and my phone, iPad, and a flashlight. TOW-Wanda had just had a good cleaning last week for company so she was all set! Fresh sheets, warm blankets, windows flung open for the breeze…just waiting for the rain.
\nI’m heading into travel season and can’t wait! I leave next weekend for the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I’ve never been there so I’m really looking forward to it. I really lucked out and got a time share from a friend that wasn’t using it. I’ll let you know about the place after I check out. My favorite thing I’ve read about it so far is it has a Jaccuzi tub AND is just steps from the beach! Works for me!
\nI’ll spend the last half of May and early June in Daytona Beach. I no sooner get home till I head to Colorado for the summer. I’ll be back in West Virginia in early September. I’m hostessing a Sisters on the Fly trip the weekend after Labor Day. I can hardly wait to show off my home state to the Sisters!!! It’s going to feel good to have some quiet down time this week as I prepare for the upcoming travel. I hope you all had a blessed Easter! ❤️
\n“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”\n2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-17T01:55:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/17/rain-on-a-camper-roofaaaaah.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/16/saying-goodbye-to-sunshine.html", "title": "Saying Goodbye to Sunshine", "content_html": "![\"Sunrise\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/981e5e2760.jpg\")
\nMy friend Jamie is doing some really hard stuff this weekend. Her dear friend Angie is dying. Actively dying. Cancer is such a brutal disease. It robs everyone of time, health, dignity. There is nothing good about cancer. Yet, in this midst of dying, there can be moments of grace. Angie has a young daughter she won’t see graduate or marry or have babies. In some of her last lucid moments, she was able to dictate three letters to be given to her daughter on just those occasions. What a gift that will be for this young woman to have her mom reach out to her from beyond, just when she needs her most.
\nI think we all wish we had hidden letters from our moms. Letters that tell us how loved we are…how proud we made her…how she wishes she could be there but she’s watching from above. I can’t imagine losing my mom at seventeen. I know Angie’s friends will step up and be there for the important events. They’ll be sounding boards and support systems and surrogates. It’s going to be a rough go for everyone.
\nThe only time I ever sat at someone’s bedside while they were dying was in support of a friend. Her grandmother was unresponsive in the nursing home. Being Jewish, my ex-husband and I were called to the bedside to recite the sh’ma (also called the shema)…the prayer sung over and over for the dying. We stayed till nearly dawn when we needed to get back home for the baby. An hour or so later, our friend called. When we saw the caller ID, we expected to hear her grandmother had died. Instead, we were greeted with laughter when we answered. It seems our friend was calling relatives to report the current status when the phone slipped off the night stand and fell crashing to the floor. Grandma sat bolt upright in bed and yelled, “$&@?@ €#£|$@….what does a person have to do around here to get a decent night’s sleep???” The dying often rally before the end. Angie did…after a night of everyone sitting around her bed, singing songs and praying…she woke up Friday morning singing “I’m Too Sexy For My Shirt”…much to everyone’s delight. At this writing, she is unresponsive again and it is just a matter of time. She…the owner of the megawatt smile. She…the fellow Gemini who met me once and became my lifelong friend. She…who will leave a giant hole in the hearts of all who knew her. Angie…who would love that I told you a funny story rather than cry about her dying. We honor those who touch our hearts.
\nSee you on the other side, Sunshine. ❤️
\n“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”\n2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-16T01:55:55-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/16/saying-goodbye-to-sunshine.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/14/happy-easter.html", "title": "Happy Easter", "content_html": "![\"Violets\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/109e7e4ad3.jpg\")
\nI could never understand why today would be called “Good Friday” and not “Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Friday”. After all, today is the day Jesus died on the cross. The images Hollywood has created are mild compared to what really happened that day on that hilltop. There are places in Europe that call this “Sorrowful Friday”. That is appropriate. And some people think the English “Good” evolved from “God’s Friday”. Whatever the origins, it wasn’t until the last few years when my faith was challenged and ultimately deepened that I understood why the death of Jesus was good. It fulfilled prophecy. It saved souls.
\nPassover is observed this week, as well. Before I became a Christian in 2004, I had lived a Jewish life for 27 years. I love the Passover Seder. The traditional foods, the story of the Passover. I can still hear my late father-in-law as he breezed through the Haggadah every year, picking and choosing what he would read, what he could leave out. Those were wonderful memories and we all miss him. The first Seder had to have been bittersweet to my kids and grandkids observing without their Pop.
\nI am going to take a three day break in observance of the holidays. I wish you the very best holiday, whichever you observe. And if you don’t observe, I wish you love and light. I’ll be back Monday! ❤️
\n“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”\n1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-14T01:55:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/14/happy-easter.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","God","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/13/what-a-trip.html", "title": "What a Trip", "content_html": "![\"Cement](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d783a7b03a.jpg\")
\nHigh anxiety. Even with four years under my belt. Even with good grief counseling and EMDR treatments. Even with plenty of prayers, introspection, and traveling 55,000 miles. One medical emergency sends me into a tizzy. I worked in medicine for years. I x-rayed accident victims long before they got cleaned up. I’ve had babies and surgeries and countless trips to the ER. Doesn’t make one iota of difference. I don’t handle emergencies well since Mr. Virgo died. I have a tendency to melt down and throw up and then I berate myself for being weak. Even though I know I shouldn’t. It’s not my fault my brain works differently now. It just does. Grief has altered the way my brain functions, physically as well as emotionally.
\nThis week I took my friend V on a tour of my hometown, searching for the perfect things to do during the Sisters on the Fly event that we’re planning in September. We were driving up this street and saw…a giraffe, in someone’s front yard. We looked at each other and V laughed. “Ok, we don’t have time for this but go around the block, will you? I need a picture of that!” Dutifully, I pulled back around for this fun photo op. V jumped out of the truck and crossed the street behind me and I took the opportunity to check my messages and e-mails.
\nSeveral minutes passed and I began to wonder what was taking her so long. Suddenly, I heard the “whoop, whoop” of an ambulance right behind me. I jumped out of the truck to see what was going on. There was V, laying in the street with a man bending over her, his car parked nearby with the door still open. OMGosh! The first thing that went through my mind was he had hit her and knocked her down. Fortunately the ambulance was at the stop light a block away and saw what had actually happened. It turns out V had stepped in a pothole, turned her ankle, and went down in a flash, hitting her head on the curb. When I got over to her, she was surrounded by people and was obviously both disoriented and anxious about all these unfamiliar faces so near.
\nI immediately went into panic mode. My fight or flight response wanted me to run to the next state, which is actually pretty doable considering we’re on the OH/WV border. Equally strong was my desire to help my friend. After an evaluation of her injuries, it was determined she should go to the ER and get checked out. I followed the ambulance and called a friend on the way to talk me down. I got V her purse, watched them wheel her back through the double doors and promptly threw up. I simultaneously felt better and horrible. How can I help those I love when I can’t handle emergencies?
\nAnxiety sucks. It’s invisible. The person you are freaking out on has no idea what is going on in your body. They just know you aren’t showing up for them. It’s irrational, but you are convinced you are going to die. You have this terrible fear of throwing up or making a scene and that makes it worse. Your palms sweat. Your heart pounds. Your skin crawls and gets alternately hot and cold. You feel breathless and faint and desperately nauseous. It’s horrible. It makes me feel weak, even though I know deep down I am a strong woman. The only thing I can do is use some Rescue Remedy spray under my tongue, concentrate on my breathing, and pray. It helps when I have an understanding friend that I can call and just listening to a calm voice soothes me. I’ve had EMDR treatments, and…believe it or not…this has infinitely improved. It’s an odd thing, though. It doesn’t happen every time. I can be in similar circumstances and one time I’m fine…another, I’m a mess. I think that’s one of the most frustrating parts.
\nI always tell you, plain and simple, what life is like for me after losing my husband. Grief is unpredictable, messy, and such an enigma it can really mess with your mind. Everyone who experiences grief has a different story. I tell mine in an effort to embolden you to tell yours. To talk about what you’re going through. A week, a month, a year or five years. Talk about it. Tell your stories. A burden shared is halved. ❤️
\n“Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.””\nJoshua 10:25 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-04-13T01:55:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/13/what-a-trip.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/10/the-easter-parade.html", "title": "The Easter Parade", "content_html": "
![\"Tractor](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/996c4a41bf.jpg\")
\nThis is what an Easter Parade looks like out in the country. Normally, I would be in town at church on any given Sunday. But yesterday I just didn’t feel good…wicked headache. I have company coming today and had lots to do, so I stayed home. A friend brought me some ginger ale and medicine for my tummy and I just fiddled around the yard and the house all day. It felt good to just lay low. I even missed a concert last night that I had been looking forward to. But sometimes self care wins.
\nAs I was pulling the overgrown grape vine out of the spirea bush out front, I heard a tractor coming up the road. I could see there was a wagon and horses and lots of people so I went back up to the house for my phone. I couldn’t miss an opportunity like this!
\nThe gentleman on the tractor there is a relative of mine…second cousin twice removed or some such thing. These are good country folk. Hard working, God fearing, fun loving people. They gathered after church and came up the road in a community outreach to invite people to the Revival in May. They stopped for a visit and gave me a potted petunia. It warmed my heart.
\nI’ve changed a lot since I’ve moved back to West Virginia. I grew up here so I’m no stranger to the simple life. But I lived in Colorado for 40 years…well over half of that as a doctor’s wife. I got used to a different lifestyle. I drove a Mercedes. I wore a fur. I had a big house and didn’t have to work. I was a spoiled princess. After Mr. Virgo died, I didn’t want that anymore. I didn’t want the big house and all the stuff. I got rid of just about all of it. And bought a truck. And a camper. And drove and drove and drove in search of the real me. God knew I needed to “come home to WV”. When the opportunity to farm-sit came by, I didn’t miss a beat and gladly jumped at the chance to live in my Grandma’s house.
\nI’ve come to appreciate simplicity. Country folk are good folk. I knew something had changed in me when my fur coat made me uncomfortable. It wasn’t me anymore. I feel more real than I have in most of my adult life. I’m so much softer and genuine. And happy. I couldn’t understand the allure of West Virginia before. I used to get so angry with my mother when I’d try to get her to come to Colorado to live. She insisted she live here. Now I get it. There will probably come a time when I’ll move back to Colorado to be near my kids. But not just yet. There is much more growing…much more healing…much more love to be shared here first. For now, I am home. ❤️
\n“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats.”\nProverbs 13:7-8 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-10T01:55:25-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/10/the-easter-parade.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/08/the-art-of-aging.html", "title": "The Art of Aging", "content_html": "![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/125f19e29a.jpg\")
\nTo quote Anne Lamott… “Age has given me what I’ve been looking for all my life - it gave me me.” In a few short weeks I’ll be 64. Sixty-four trips around the sun. Sixty-four birthday cakes. Sixty-four years of blood, sweat, and tears. Three weddings…four if you count the renewal of vows in the second marriage. It didn’t help…it still fell apart. Two beautiful children. Two grandchildren. Births. Deaths. New loves. New heartbreaks. More new loves. I don’t know…eight or ten “careers”? I’m a Gemini…sue me!
\nI’ve come to believe that aging is an art form. Look at this beautiful woman. There is mirth, secrets, love, resignation, wisdom in every crease of her face. Her eyes are windows to her soul. She is not perfect. But she is real. She embodies the crone. The dictionary defines crone as a “withered, witch-like old woman”. There is a movement now of honoring women over a certain age as fountains of wisdom, information, and grace. Finally, we are beginning to relish living in our own skin with our wrinkles, silver hair, age spots, cellulite, and comfortable tummies. We have found ourselves. Sometimes it’s through great acts of bravery…like, getting a divorce or becoming a widow and managing our worlds in spite of the pain. Sometimes it’s through the loss of children. Sometimes it’s when we find ourselves abandoned or abused. We find ourselves through age.
\nAging isn’t necessarily pretty. Disease can rob us of our health during what should be our golden years. Sometimes disease robs us of that one true love and our worlds will never be the same. I have a dear friend who lost her husband to cancer. Now, her BFF is dying and while she holds her friend, she has panic attacks and flashbacks of her husband’s decline. This is a brave woman to still be able to be there for her friend. I love her for that. She is a crone…through and through. Her wisdom and love are helping her friend in her transition. She is painting a masterpiece with her heart that would rival any by Monet, Renoir, daVinci.
\nAging ain’t for sissies, according to Bette Davis. We are crones. We are wise when we don’t feel wise. Strong when we don’t feel strong. I embrace my inner crone. The outer one is beginning to look more and more like her. My crone-self doesn’t have time for drama. No time for BS. No time for fake people. I’m ready to take on the mantle of crone and be darned proud wearing it. ❤️
\n“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”\nProverbs 31:26 ESV
\nPhoto Credit: “Old Woman” by Jessica Powers (via Pinterest)
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-08T01:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/08/the-art-of-aging.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Wisdom","Aging"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/07/anniversaries-and-stuff.html", "title": "Anniversaries and Stuff", "content_html": "![\"Daffodils\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/35f44fb2cd.jpg\")
\nAs is typical in the spring, yesterday was vastly different than the day before. Wednesday was a brilliant, sunny, warm spring day. After mowing the lawn, I sat in the sunshine on the porch and it got downright hot out there…80 degrees! Yesterday? Not so much. As the south braced for another day of severe weather, we received the aftereffects of the storm front as it came through. It was wet, grey and cold. The thermometer on the front porch hovered at 40° all afternoon and I was chilled through and through.
\nI hit the taxes hard yesterday, determined I was going to struggle through them and finish so I wouldn’t have that hanging over my head all weekend. Thank goodness for TurboTax. It’s almost foolproof because there’s no way I can make heads or tails of the old way of doing them. Grief brain has changed the way my brain functions. That, and age. I just don’t have the patience. As it was, it took me a week and a half to get everything done. I swear every year I’ll be more organized but there I was again…searching through my newly updated and balanced check register, recording all my deductions.
\nI always sit in my rocking chair in front of the dining room window when I write my blog post. As I sat gazing out at the ever greening countryside, listening to the steady hiss of a gentle rain on the tin roof, I sipped my afternoon tea and contemplated how different my life is now. Ten years ago today, I married Mr. Virgo. Ten years. A decade has gone by in the blink of an eye. Well, no…not really. It seems absolutely forever ago since that day, yet I remember it so well. We had been having daily snow storms leading up to the wedding and it was planned for outdoors. I was thrilled when it turned into a lovely, warm spring day.
\nIt’s supposed to be very cold here today…weather that doesn’t match my psyche these days. I’m in a good space. I have much to look forward to. I have people to love and to love me back. I have purpose and peace. I could sit here and feel sorry for myself. I could let my mind wander down a rabbit hole. But that does me no good. Today I take my truck in to get it worked on. Today I have things to do. Today I have a beautiful life and my cup is full. I’ll still think of that handsome man from time to time on this momentous day. But I’ll do it with a smile. ❤️
\n“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”\n1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-07T01:55:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/07/anniversaries-and-stuff.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/04/people-are-people.html", "title": "People are People", "content_html": "![\"Ethnically](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/60f24f79c4.jpg\")
\nWhen I was growing up, I found some photos in my grandma’s buffet. I didn’t understand what they were so I stuck them in my pocket and set off to find her. I needed an explanation. The pictures were of two water fountains with a sign over them. One said “White”. The other said “Colored”. I didn’t get it. There was no difference that I could see. When I found my grandma, I showed her the picture and asked her what was the difference between the two water fountains. Grandma took the picture and saw what it was. Her shoulders slumped and she looked at me with a sadness around her eyes. She sat down in the rocker and pulled me into her lap.
\n“That was taken in Cleveland when your aunt was teaching there. This is a sad thing in the world. There are places where they keep people separate because of the color of their skin. They won’t let them eat together or drink from the same water fountain or even use the same bathroom. But I want you to know something right here and right now. That is not right! People are people. It doesn’t matter where they’re from, what they believe, or what color they are. The good Lord made all of them. So, don’t you ever let me see you treat anyone badly. Do you understand me?”
\nI may not have understood the complexities of discrimination in the late ’50s, but I certainly understood my grandma and her brand of unconditional love. I grew up colorblind. I was raised with the admonition that judgement is totally reserved for God. I wasn’t perfect. Of course I judged. We all do from time to time. But I’ve always tried my best to emulate my grandma.
\nOur society is very much “us vs. them”. We categorize, compartmentalize, sort and label people. By their appearance, politics, beliefs, sexuality, and perceived “place” in the hierarchy of society. I don’t watch TV at all, so it becomes much more obvious to me. I believe television, movies, electronic games, and social media desensitizes and normalizes behaviors we normally would not abide with. It’s harder to see the similarities between us when the rhetoric is loud. I honestly try to see both sides of every story. It vexes me these days, but I do try.
\nI stumbled upon this Danish TV commercial and loved how it looks at us as human. With vast differences and often surprising similarities. I don’t know what the answers are. But I do know I try to love everyone with a Christlike heart. It’s the best I can do, I’m afraid. ❤️
\n\n“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”\nLeviticus 19:34 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-04T01:55:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/04/people-are-people.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/03/no-such-thing-as-a.html", "title": "No Such Thing as a Hollywood Ending", "content_html": "![\"Take](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1323a15103.jpg\")
\nGrief isn’t pretty. It isn’t predictable. It doesn’t run on a timeline. You don’t get from point A to point B and you’re done. No. It’s messy and painful. It’s slippery and tenacious. It’s sometimes funny. It’s most of the time tragic. It’s often agonizing and seems to go on forever. Occasionally it’s tender and gives you great insights. But it will never have a Hollywood ending where you take a bow and it’s over. It’s never, ever over.
\nThe idea that there won’t be movie credits rolling one day needn’t be depressing, though. Just because the movie never ends doesn’t mean there aren’t good parts. If you are fairly new to grief, please know there is hope for a meaningful life again. Everyone is different and everyone experiences grief differently, but you can find joy. You can find peace. You can even find love. It take conscious effort. It takes hard work. It takes time. It takes faith. It CAN happen. And, unfortunately…sometimes it doesn’t happen. I don’t know why. There isn’t a rule book. God didn’t leave a step by step formula to relieve grief once and for all. He gave us the capacity for great love. Along with that, he gave us the capacity for great grief. He wants us to turn to Him…in love AND in grief. He is our Comforter.
\nI place my hope in the “it can happen” column. I place my trust in the “God is Good” column. The rest of me, I place in my dancing shoes and tippity-tap my way down the sidewalks of life. There are bright days ahead. Here. Heaven. Doesn’t matter. They’re out there and I’m going after them with gusto! ❤️
\n“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah”\nPsalms 3:3-4 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-03T01:55:54-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/03/no-such-thing-as-a.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/04/01/happy-happy-happy.html", "title": "Happy! Happy! Happy!", "content_html": "![\"Snoopy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6101fca3f7.jpg\")
\nFour days. Four full days. That’s what it took to get that old laptop of mine to do what I wanted to do. Last year it only too two days. Of course, I didn’t actually DELETE my account last year. When I went to bed Thursday night, I said a prayer. “God…I’m going to get some much needed sleep here. Can you work in my head and help me figure this out?” I got up yesterday morning and made coffee then sat down in front of that dreaded instrument and said, “OK. Today it’s you or me!!!” Suddenly a screen popped up and said, “Your antivirus protection is out of date!” In small print it listed the things this could cause including…making your computer run slow. Seriously? Seriously?!?!
\nI lacked confidence in the last virus protection I used so I purchased and downloaded Avast. It always worked really well for me. When I ran my first scan, there was a bunch of stuff on there that was wreaking havoc. This program is cool because it just fixes everything at the touch of a button. Once I ran two scans and cleaned till there wasn’t anything else to fix, I booted up Quicken and…OMGosh! It was fixed!!! The computer runs like a new one again! I got everything downloaded, entered, and backed up on two locations. Now I can work on my taxes next week. Thank you for the pop up, God! It worked!
\nEven in the littlest things…the everyday frustrations…you can plea to God for help. My stepmother used to say “Thank you, Lord” every time she found a parking space. There are dark forces in the work that want to regain balance when we tip too far to the light. Last weekend, my light was shining like the Northern Star. Monday morning I got attacked with all this computer stuff. I actually stood up on the second day and said out loud, “Greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world so you just get on out of here! I’ll show you!” I love a sweet Victory and a happy ending! ❤️
\n“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”\n1 John 4:4 ESV
\nPS…Guess what yesterday was? National Backup Day?
\n", "date_published": "2017-04-01T01:55:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/04/01/happy-happy-happy.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/31/feel-the-rain.html", "title": "Feel the Rain", "content_html": "![\"Rain](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6e9ea5aa86.jpg\")
\nAs I sit here writing this, Norah Jones softly crooning in the background, coffee by my side, I can hear the rumble of thunder in the distance. Another band of storms are about to pass through…the third today. A pair of mourning doves are foraging around beneath the feeders, unfazed by the approaching rain. Finches cling to the thistle socks hanging on shepherd’s hooks and the bright red flash of a cardinal swooping in catches my eye and makes me smile. They say cardinals are an indicator that angels are near. If that is true, the angels visit often because the cardinals are always here.
\nThe sun breaks through the clouds between showers, warming the earth with its golden rays to a downright acceptable 70°. This makes my heart happy. There’s a load of sheets in the wash. Maybe I’ll hang them on the porch to gather the freshness of this glorious spring day to be relished as I gather them about me when I sleep tonight. There are ways of preserving sunshine…fresh linens is one of them.
\nI heard from a dear friend yesterday. There is a health concern and I sat in my rocker by the window…praying and contemplating how many are facing illness and injury in their lives right now. I was acutely aware of things like that in the immediacy of acute grief. My own experience made me sensitive and I felt everyone’s pain…deeply. I won’t say that feeling ever went away entirely, but life has a way of diverting your attention. You can’t live the rest of your life on the edge of your seat…Damocles’s Sword hanging above you. Somehow I became a little tougher, a little harder of a shell around my heart for self-preservation. My car accident in February broke through that little fence I built around my head…literally and figuratively.
\nIt seems in the last month there has been more and more loss, more and more bad news, more and more worry. Ahhh, but this is the nature of life, is it not? Things go along quite smoothly and we forget what the rough stuff feels like. Not entirely, of course. Never entirely. After all…there are scars when you walk through fire. I will stand by my friend and walk along on this path of uncertainty and do my best to provide reassurance and support. That is what friends do. Some have credited Roger Miller as saying “Some people feel the rain; others just get wet.” If I’m going to live this life…really live it…I want to FEEL the rain. It is the only way I know I’m truly alive. ❤️
\n“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”\nJames 5:15 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-31T01:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/31/feel-the-rain.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/29/from-out-of-the-blue.html", "title": "From Out of the Blue", "content_html": "![\"Sister](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51fe442525.jpg\")
\nI had a list a mile long of things to do yesterday. It was my errand day…chiropractor, breakfast with a friend, a two hour pamper-me session at the spa, a two mile walk with a salad at the end, again with a friend. In there somewhere I stocked up on cat and bird food at Rural King. Oh, and I bought a gallon of milk on the way home. Hey, I didn’t say it was going to be a stressful day!
\nOn the way into town, my mind wandered as it always does when I drive. I do my best thinking while driving. I was thinking about the computer issues I had Monday and then I thought of backing up files which took me to my iPhone and how I still have pictures on there to clear out. That thought took me to all those photos that used to be on my phone and somehow they disappeared into the Cloud. One such photo was Mr. Virgo in his casket.
\nBam!
\nDamn. I hadn’t thought of that photo in a long time. I haven’t seen it since it mysteriously vanished off my phone maybe two and a half years ago. But I know that photo. I can see it in my mind’s eye. My handsome man, lying still, in repose…his profile strong and familiar, his glasses missing somewhere in the chaos of CPR. I don’t let my mind go there very often. It doesn’t serve me well. At one time it did. There was a time when the only way I could get the tears out was to look at that picture. It was very handy for facilitating my grief. I don’t need that anymore. Still, there it was…like I was actually seeing it. Almost at the same instant, I came around a curve and I could almost hear him say, “Be careful of the rocks.” I felt it rather than heard it. It was weird. There were no rocks and before long, I let the image drift away and went on to other musings.
\nI picked up the mail and noticed a paper from the insurance company regarding a payment for my ER visit after the wreck. There was a diagnosis I had never seen before. Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. It meant there was plaque in an artery somewhere and it was picked up on one of the scans. The last time I saw that was Mr. Virgo’s chest x-ray back in 2008 when he wrecked the ATV. The doctor made it a point to tell us there was lots of calcification. He didn’t mention it could kill him via a heart attack or stroke. Which it did five years later. When I saw the diagnosis, I went straight to the hospital and got my records from the ER visit. I breathed a sigh of relief when I read “very slight calcification in the ascending aorta.” There are varying degrees of calcification. Very slight is not unusual for someone my age with a history of high cholesterol, which I keep well controlled. Good…I let that one go.
\nIn my mail was a little brown envelope with a name and return address I did not recognize. When I opened it, here was this sweet little necklace from a fellow Sister on the Fly. No reason. No event. Just, “Hi! I was thinking about you today. Hope you have a great day!” That is why I love this organization. There’s a lot of love between Sisters, whether you know them or not. Made my day!
\nThe massage was divine and exactly what I needed after the stressful day I had with the computer on Monday. A good brisk walk around the park and a salad down by the river with stimulating conversation was a great way to end the day. As I headed back home, it was just getting dark. I was nearing the spot where I felt the warning about the rocks when an oncoming car flashed his lights. I came around the curve and there, in the middle of the road…was a rockslide! The hair stood up on the back of my neck. And I thanked God and Mr. Virgo and my Guardian Angels for looking out for me.
\nA warning, a diagnosis, a gift, a miracle. You do not know what your day will bring you. Open your mind and your heart and listen. We don’t listen enough. We go about our busy lives with our heads down and our noses to the grindstone. Stop and listen. Pay attention. And try obeying, even if it seems silly. You never know what is going to come at you…from out of the blue. ❤️
\n“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”\n1 Peter 5:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-29T01:55:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/29/from-out-of-the-blue.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/27/missing-pieces.html", "title": "Missing Pieces", "content_html": "![\"Rock](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2d2828f8d0.jpg\")
\nI used to love to do jigsaw puzzles. I had a table set up where I could spread out and enjoy solving it, piece by tiny piece. And each piece gave me more of the big picture. Life after the loss of your loved one is like a 1,000 piece puzzle with a ton of pieces missing. And sometimes they’re the critical ones…the ones that helped you identify what it is you’re shooting for.
\nWhen I lost Mr. Virgo, I did well to find the pieces with the straight edges. I couldn’t tell which end was up…or the top from the bottom. I picked up piece after piece and put them down. They were meaningless. My life was meaningless. But finally, I found a random piece that matched another random piece. I’d get a few pieces together and get stuck. So, I’d have to set them down and try a different pattern or color for a while.
\nI’ve been diligently placing pieces in this puzzle for nearly three years now. Sometimes I’ve thrown a handful on the floor, only to go pick them up and pray I didn’t lose any pieces. Sometimes I’ve had to stand up and walk away for awhile. But I always come back. I like the colors. The picture that’s developing is beginning to look familiar. I’ve been here before. And…the closer I get to solving the puzzle, the more glaringly obvious the missing pieces become.
\nOne missing piece…besides losing Mr. Virgo himself…one HUGE missing piece is hugs. Gosh, I miss hugs. Oh, don’t get me wrong…I hug, a LOT! I hug everybody. But, there are hugs. Then there are ……HUGS. A hug has to last at least 20 seconds to release the feel-good hormones. I’m afraid most of my friends would feel awkward after two or three seconds. I’m a pretty darned self sufficient girl, but I can’t provide my own hugs!
\nHow about you? What parts of your puzzle, besides your loved one, are you missing most? ❤️
\n“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,” Psalm 10:17 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-27T01:55:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/27/missing-pieces.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/26/hiking-the-farm.html", "title": "Hiking the Farm", "content_html": "\n
![\"Farm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1205dbec1f.jpg\")
Processed with Snapseed.
Yesterday was glorious! Seventy-some degrees, intermittent clouds, gently breeze. I got my exercise by hiking up the hill to the back property line of the farm. There are seventy-four acres here to explore. It was gorgeous. I went to the old home place. The only thing left is the ruins of the old cellar house. I found a couple of old bottles and picked off some pieces of barn wood. It’s so fragile, you could almost crumble it in your hands. There were scraps of old leather boots and a chunk of glazed pottery from an old crock. The frogs were calling and the puddles were filled with tadpoles. As I came down the ridge below, I heard a racket back up at the strawberry barn and there were four or five huge buzzards coming in to roost for the night on the tin roof. On down the hill, I heard the call of the barred own I hear by the house occasionally. I made note of where the black raspberry patch is.
\nThe yard was filled with dead limbs from the tree by the road so it took some time to get those hauled over to the brush pile. The peonies are up about a foot. The daffodils are in full bloom. There is a huge shrub in all the tangle by the creek that has exploded with deep coral pink blossoms. The rhododendron and boxwood by the drive are very healthy looking. Once the work and hike were done, I cooked up a huge batch of salmon cakes and steamed broccoli. After supper, I boxed up the leftovers and delivered them around to neighbors…something I’ve been wanting to do since I got here in August.
\nYesterday was one of those days that makes you feel like you just got let out of jail. It was beautiful and liberating and I could finally breathe!
\nAhhhh…the freedom of spring! ❤️
\n“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”\nHebrews 13:16 NIV
\n#share, #blessed, #abundance
", "date_published": "2017-03-26T01:55:07-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/26/hiking-the-farm.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy","God","Uncategorized"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/23/almost-heaven.html", "title": "Almost Heaven", "content_html": "![\"Red](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/47bf9f623b.jpg\")
\nThis picture was taken when we were “knee deep in June”, as Grandma called it. That perfect time of the year where it’s not too hot yet and the trees are all leafed out. Right now, there is just a hint of green here and there but today was the last of the really cold days, I think. The weather is supposed to really warm up in the coming days. I can’t wait to see the dogwood and redbud in bloom! Those are my favorites.
\nRight now there is a mattress and box springs on the front porch. I got the new one and before I good drag the old one out to the road, I had my wreck and haven’t been able to lift anything that heavy. I did take a truckload of trash to the dump yesterday but I didn’t have any rope to tie down anything that big. So, here I sit looking all the world like the Clampett’s! Hopefully I can get that out to the road next week and the trash man can take it.
\nI love this old farmhouse. You can feel the love in every room. During the Depression, my Grandma lived in a place where she had a tiny little stove on the landing of a staircase. This was Shangri-La to her. The only sounds come from the creek, the wall clock, and my new wind chime that resonates with deep, meditative tones….the occasional car or truck going by.
\nI’m getting my first stay-over company in a couple of weeks so I’m really excited about that. I love sharing the place and the stories. I remember when I came home for a visit one summer and my uncle had painted the house red. I was so upset. He had messed with my memories. Now I love the red. It has weathered to a great patina.
\nI remember when they built the basement, jacked the house up, and rolled it on pipes down onto the new foundation. It used to sit another forty feet or so back. That was when they had an oil well derrick in the backyard and no indoor plumbing. It was a big day when they finished the bathroom, I can tell you.
\nEnjoy this spring day, dear ones! ❤️
\n“Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard.”\nGenesis 9:20 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-23T01:55:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/23/almost-heaven.html", "tags": ["Hope","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/21/dear-future-me.html", "title": "Dear Future Me...", "content_html": "![\"Letters](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/274fe53398.jpg\")
\nHey…it’s your “Past Me” here. Just popping in to say hello and remind you of a few things. I know, you didn’t expect to hear from me. Funny how that works, huh? Honey, go get yourself a cup of coffee, sit down, and put your feet up…we need to talk.
\nYour “Past Me” wrote this when you were 63…going on 64. (Do we still do that? Count the years? I think we always will ‘cause we’ve always loved our age. Well, except for 26. And 46. Remember those? Oy! But, I digress. Sorry.) Sixty-three was a good age. You were pretty healthy except for that car accident. That kinda scared you a little, didn’t it? Well, it needed to! It made you back off that lead-foot a little bit. Made you a little more cautious. That’s ok. Your “new-to-you” truck has got a whole bunch more miles on it now, I’m sure. Thank you for taking such good care of it. And of yourself!
\nSixty-three marked four years as a widow. Back then, it seemed like forever since you’d seen him. It seems even longer now that you’re older. But, in some ways, it was just yesterday. You know how it is. I’m sure you’ve figured out by now how to keep from falling into that hole in your heart. You’ve done a great job with that.
\nNow that you’ve had a few more years to “ripen”, I want to remind you of some things you thought about in 2017.
\nYou worried about money. You wondered if you had planned right. I hope you’re finding that you did. And if you aren’t sure, I hope you are tightening your belt. There’s so many things you can do without. Like those Starbuck’s lattes. Brew your own coffee, for Pete’s sake!
\nYou wondered if you were going to fall in love again. If it was even possible to love someone like you loved Mr. Virgo. You were a little scared to even consider it because, you know…what if he d-i-e-s and you have to go through that again? I’m here to tell you, if you got the chance to fall in love again and share that kind of joy again and have wild passionate sex and be free and happy again…even if it was just for one damn day…I sure hope you jumped at the chance with both feet! You KNOW life is too short. Mr. Virgo taught you that lesson. So, if it happens…don’t be afraid! Go for it with everything you’ve got!
\nYou were so grateful to live on Grandma’s farm. I hope you got to enjoy that for as long as you wanted…or as long as you could. I hope you listened to every creaking floorboard and every birdsong that echoed up the holler. I hope you memorized the sound of the creek as it rushed by the window. I hope you laid in the grass in the backyard and stared up at the Milky Way every time you had the opportunity. It was a special place…a special time.
\nYou were so proud of the kids and grandkids and the rest of the family. I hope you went to see them often and made it a point to call frequently, just to say hi and tell them how important they are to you. I hope you took the time and wrote some letters. Don’t forget how important Mom’s and Grandma’s letters were. Leave some for them.
\nYou were so in love with God. I pray you have kept that connection and deepened your love…and need…for Him. I hope you have been going to church regularly. I know you’re going to need that because I know you have lost people who were important to you…people who are still here as I write this. You may question a lot of things, but I hope you have never questioned God’s love for you.
\nYou sometimes suffered “writer’s block”. I hope you are still writing. I hope you’ve finished that book (and maybe half a dozen more) and they’ve made the big one into a movie and you’ve become as successful as you always dreamed. I hope you’ve helped people with every step of your journey. That was always the point of your success…not fame. I just know you still take delight in sharing God’s love with others. Keep it up, dear one!
\nWell, that’s about it. I’ll check in with you again in a couple of years…just to remind you of where you were and to cheer you on. Keep camping. Keep up with your girlfriends. And, don’t worry about anything…God’s got this. He always has!
\nLove,
\nYour “Past Me” ❤️
\n“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”\nJeremiah 29:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-21T01:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/21/dear-future-me.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/20/sticks-and-stones.html", "title": "Sticks and Stones", "content_html": "![\"Couple](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d7ef9864b1.jpg\")
\nExpanding on yesterday’s eloquent sermon. I was raised with that tired old adage…“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Have you ever heard a more outrageous lie? Why on earth would we teach children that words can’t hurt them? To “toughen them up”? How tough can you get when your dad says you look like a hooker? How strong can you get when your coach calls you a sissy boy? How far can you go when your teacher calls you stupid or someone tells you that you won’t amount to anything. Words crush the spirit. CRUSH…as in totally.
\nOne of the most hideous effects of being verbally abused is becoming a verbal abuser yourself. In the deepest throes of my depression when I was on so many medications I couldn’t make sense of the world around me, I said the most horrid thing to my youngest child at the dinner table. I still remember every word that came out of my mouth. And I clearly remember the slump of her little shoulders as she crumpled under the “blows” of my words. Try as I might, I could never fix that. I could never take it back. I have begged for forgiveness. She has graciously forgiven me. But, nothing is ever quite the same after something like that.
\nThe average human has between 50,000 and 75,000 thoughts per day. Per DAY! How many of those thoughts are lies whispered into your life? How many of those lies do you take to heart? It’s easy to see how you can believe the things people who are supposed to love you say to you, even when they are wrong, hurtful, and outright abusive. And what about all those other lies you tell yourself? “I’m not good enough.” “I’m ugly.” “I’ll never get away from my addictions.” These are all lies whispered into your life by the dark energies of evil. The image of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other is very real. Turn your thoughts back to the Light and stop believing the lies. If you are in a relationship that is in any way abusive, get help. Get out. You are a child of God and you are loved. ❤️
\n“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”\nProverbs 12:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-20T01:55:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/20/sticks-and-stones.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/19/the-legacy.html", "title": "The Legacy", "content_html": "![\"Meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8bc10aead4.jpg\")
\nIt’s funny. When you are in a car accident, they tell you, “Go home and rest.” If any of you have been in a significant wreck, you know how difficult it is to actually do. There’s a million errands, doctor’s visits, insurance appointments, rental car, and then the shopping for a replacement vehicle. The last thing that gets done is rest and that’s when everything else is taken care of.
\nI’ve finally had the chance to turn down the dial and relax at the end of this last week. Laundry, read a magazine, listen to the Norah Jones channel on Pandora, nap, and catch up with friends and family on the phone. I even watched a movie…Silver Linings Playbook. I made a wonderful quiche and shared half with my neighbors.
\nAs I sat last night in the living room of this sweet little farmhouse, listening to the rain on the tin roof, I could hear the low, Zen tones of the new wind chime I put on the front porch. It reminds me of the background music you hear in a spa when you get a massage. My heart was suddenly full and I felt such peace it made tears sting the back of my eyes.
\nI’ve been thinking a lot lately about my legacy. The one I’ve been given…the one I will leave. Having the opportunity to live within the home of my heart on the family farm has brought me a deep sense of peace. It has healed a place in my heart. I remember the day I walked back into this house with my grandma when she had to leave Pop-Pop at the hospital for the very last time. I remember her great love and her profound heartbreak. And I witnessed her strength. Her faith. And how she made peace with her loss. Something turned over in my own heart last night. It felt like opening my hand and letting a small bird fly away. A healing occurred in just that moment. That’s the nature of grief. Waves of grief are often met with periods of profound healing and insight. It was a beautiful thing.
\nThe legacy I was given was love and compassion. Living here during this time of healing is a gift from others who received that same love and compassion. My legacy is in my words…in my actions…in my heart that I readily share with others. I hope my grandchildren and their grandchildren and theirs after that will someday read what I have written and get to know my heart…get to know who I was long, long after I’m gone.
\nMovies do this to me. Music does this. Rain on a tin roof does it. My heart melts and fills with love. And my life is full and rich and warm. I just wanted to share a little of it with you today and wish you love. ❤️
\n“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”\nPsalm 78:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-19T01:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/19/the-legacy.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/17/death-by-design-podcast.html", "title": "Death by Design - Podcast", "content_html": "![\"Kimberly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f2152b172d.jpg\")
\nA few months ago, I was approached by Kimberly Paul for an interview on her new podcast show…Death by Design. Have you ever come across someone that you just KNOW? Our interview was via Skype and as soon as I saw her live on the screen I’m like…“I know you!” In the time since the interview, we’ve become fast friends and she is planning to come see me when I travel to the Outer Banks next month.
\nKimberly has her own personal experience with grief when she lost the love of her life. She also has worked nearly two decades in hospice and has a very clear picture of what dying well in America really looks like. We strive to live well. Shouldn’t we strive to die well, too? Kimberly asks the tough questions about death and dying but she asks them with grace and tenderness. I am so honored she chose to feature me in this week’s episode of Death by Design. And, I’m happy to have another strong woman for a friend.
\ncontent.blubrry.com/deathbyde…
\nHave a listen and share the love. ❤️
\n“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”\nProverbs 3:13-18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-17T01:55:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/17/death-by-design-podcast.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/16/reach-out.html", "title": "Reach Out", "content_html": "![\"Hands](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f2091b9d16.jpg\")
\nI’ve had a smart phone since…well, since phones became smart. I love my phone…and my iPad, and my iWatch, and my Echo, and my laptop, and…you get the picture. I’m a techno-geek. My phone is quite literally my brain. I need to write down people’s phone numbers one of these days because I don’t even know my own children’s numbers off the top of my head. I haven’t had to memorize a phone number or address in too many years to count. It all started with the Palm Pilot and then a Blackberry. Android put some color in my life but Apple is where I live nowadays.
\nI was struck yesterday by how much my iPhone has helped me since losing Mr. Virgo. From helping me cope with the brain fog of grief to holding precious photos at my fingertips, this thing has been invaluable. I make lists of important things that need my attention. I keep track of passwords, finances, the daily news, and weather. I can leave notes on Mr. Virgo’s Facebook page on important dates and see when people stop in to leave a kind word about him. The contact list and Google are irreplaceable. But the calendar? The calendar is my brain.
\nLast month, I learned that one of my friends lost her daughter to cancer. I immediately set an alarm on my calendar to remind me to touch base with her on the one month Angelversary which was yesterday. I made a meme in one of my apps a while back that simply says, “I prayed for you today.” When the reminder showed up on my phone, I said a prayer for comfort and strength for my friend and sent her the meme. A few minutes later she replied that it had meant so much to her that I remembered. I can’t remember anything like I used to, let alone dates, so I quickly admitted I was prompted by my phone. But, it meant a lot to her and showed me yet another way I can be supportive of those on this grief journey alongside me. From now on, I will put a note in my calendar to remind me to pray for my friends and family who have lost someone. It only takes a moment to save a date, say a prayer and send a text and it can make a huge difference in someone’s day…especially after some time has passed and folks have gotten back to their lives.
\nOne of my daughter’s high school friends was still sending me messages after a year had passed. Just to let me know she was thinking of me and how much she loved me. These are the gifts we can give each other. I can guarantee you, 100% of us will experience the death of a loved one who is close to us. If it hasn’t happened yet, it will. Be that person who reaches out. You may never know what a difference you have made in someone’s life. You will never regret that. ❤️
\n“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”\n1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-16T01:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/16/reach-out.html", "tags": ["Grief","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/15/peace-quiet.html", "title": "Peace \u0026 Quiet", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/27409a8758.jpg\")
\nI live a pretty peaceful and quiet life out here on the farm. The biggest excitement comes in the evening when I chase the possums and raccoons out of the cat’s dish. It’s gotten cold again just to remind us it’s still winter, no matter how mild it has been. Thankfully, we didn’t get the snow that was forecasted. Just really cold weather and some flurries.
\nNow that I have that shiny, white truck out in my driveway, my thoughts are turning to camping. Peace and quiet when you’re camping is so much better than the peace and quiet of home…no matter how wonderful home is. I’m already planning my trips over the next year. I want to spend a good deal of time in Florida next winter and you have to make your reservations eleven months in advance. You can only stay two weeks at a time in state parks so that has you booking reservations every two weeks in March and April. You have to stay organized and know where you’re going and when.
\nIn the meantime, you research the areas and choose where you want to go and make plans. I’m hoping to travel a lot this year. The Outer Banks, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, and all points in between. Whether it’s with Sisters on the Fly, Girl Campers, friends or family…I’m looking forward to another year of adventure! ❤️
\n“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”\nPsalm 20:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-15T01:55:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/15/peace-quiet.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/14/the-evidence-of-things-unseen.html", "title": "The Evidence of Things Unseen", "content_html": "![\"Two](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d3a5c6aba7.jpg\")
\nI have a guy friend that has had his eye out for a good deal on a truck for me. Not that I can’t find my own good deal, but I took off for a much needed break this weekend and looking for a truck wasn’t high on my list of priorities for a couple of days. Still, time is marching on here and I need to get the rental car turned in.
\nWhen I returned from the mountains on Sunday, I received texts with pictures and a description of two trucks that fit my wish list pretty well. I particularly liked one of them and called first thing yesterday to see if it was still there and it was. Remember my Prayer for Provision? I asked for a newer truck. This one was two years newer. I asked for much lower mileage. This one had one third the miles of my old truck. I asked for new tires. This one just had new tires put on by the dealer. I asked for a one owner car. This was a lease return with one owner. I really wanted a back up camera. This one had one. I also wanted a Super Crew Cab because sometimes I like to just sleep on the floor of the back seat when I’m camping without the trailer and the Super Crew gives you a lot more room back there. I wanted Bluetooth. Done. It had to have the tow package. This one had it. It drove like a dream. Not a scratch on it. Clean as a whistle.
\nWe sat down and talked price. Through careful negotiations, I only had to loan myself $1000 through a low interest charge card which I’ll pay off in three months. I would say this is proof of prayers answered. But wait till you hear the rest of the story.
\nWhen my friend picked me up yesterday for the drive to Clarksburg, I was getting in when he said, “Hey…look in the pocket of the door there. I came out of the store awhile ago and that CD was laying beside the passenger door. There was no one around, so I picked it up.” I reached in and pulled out the CD. Thorogood. George Thorogood. I remembered the name but I’ve never been good at remembering which songs a certain artist did. I turned the CD over and my jaw dropped. “Bad to the Bone”. I started laughing and clapping my hands. My friend glanced over, not quite sure how to take this sudden display so I had to explain. When Mr. Virgo had a restaurant in Pagosa Springs, he was well known for miles around to have the best prime rib. His commercial on the local radio station opened with “Bad to the Bone”! Of COURSE that is the CD that was dropped in front of the door I would enter shortly. How could it NOT be?
\nIn addition, my salesperson turned out to be from my hometown and her aunt is one of my high school classmates. Synchronicity. Prayers answered. Signs dropped. Buying the truck was easy, effortless, and it is exactly what I needed. Meet “Norma Rae”, my new chariot! Thank you, God. Your provision is more than I could ever hope for and I am so grateful. ❤️
\n“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”\nHebrews 11:1 KJV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-14T01:55:45-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/14/the-evidence-of-things-unseen.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/13/how-the-girls-help-with.html", "title": "How the Girls Help With My Grief", "content_html": "![\"West](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cbeae24979.jpg\")
\nI belong to a couple of camping groups that I’m active with. Sisters on the Fly came first. Lying in my bed four years ago, I clutched my iPad to my chest and searched through my photo albums for every picture of Mr. Virgo. I was bereft. My heart was shattered and I wasn’t sure I could survive such a loss. Instinct…sixth sense…Holy Spirit…I was led to seek out other women to walk with me on my path.
\nI found a letter to the Reverend Billy Graham the other night. In it, a widow of just a few months explains how her husband died unexpectedly in his sleep and she didn’t get a proper goodbye. She asked Rev. Graham to help her. I was heartened when I read his response. He told the new widow to put her faith in God and find other widows she could help. In the helping, she would find help herself. That is exactly what Marshmallow Ranch has done for me. And Sisters on the Fly was the springboard that got me started.
\nA couple of years ago, I went to the Country Living Fair in Nashville with the Sisters. It was there I met Janine Pettit. Janine was a breath of fresh air and sunshine in her signature red plaid. She was working the show with goRVing.com and spoke with knowledge and eloquence about all things camper related. Janine is a huge promoter of women getting out there and “Going Places…Doing Things”. I was drawn to her immediately. I’ve been a guest several times on her Girl Camper podcast. She’s developed quite a following as she encourages women to take the plunge and join any of the girl-camping groups.
\nThis past weekend, I joined Janine and eighteen or so Girl Campers for a crafting weekend in a cabin at Blackwater Falls State Park. I took my friend Deneene with me because soon she will be observing the second Angelversary of her husband’s passing. We met Cindy there. Cindy’s husband died one year ago today. Damn. Women supporting women through the good times and the bad times while reaching beyond our boundaries…that’s why I joined these groups. The comfort and support I give is returned to me 100-fold. I love my camping sisters. As I observed the passing of the fourth Angelversary, I was reminded how incredibly blessed I am. To have God and to have love.
\nAnd now….the fifth year begins. ❤️
\n“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”\nProverbs 3:5-6 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-13T01:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/13/how-the-girls-help-with.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Camping","West Virginia","goRVing","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/12/four-years-gone.html", "title": "Four Years Gone", "content_html": "![\"Walking](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9d41fc93b6.jpg\")
\nFour years. What can happen in four years? A whole presidency. College. A baby becomes a pre-schooler in four years. Four years can make a huge difference in the life of a recovering addict. It can be an eternity for a hostage. It may be restitution for a convict. It represents hope for a cancer survivor.
\nFour years. It is forever for a widow. Or maybe it’s an hour. Same thing. Four years of roller coaster emotions wears on a person. Four years of bracing for the next wave, no matter how subconsciously you’re doing it. It’s always there. The potential of grief. Because, we’ve seen it. We’ve felt it. We are soldiers in a war that was not our choosing. However…we know our ground. Understanding the terrain of grief gives us better footing. We know what’s coming when we feel the next wave rise against us.
\nYet…four years has made me compassionate. Four years has gifted me time and distance from the raw, sharp edges of grief that threatened to cut my heart from my chest. The gaping wound is closed. Tiny angels have been working over the scar in my heart these past four years. Their Leader points out the leaky spots and the weak places and they hop to work with their silver threads and golden needles, stitching my soul back together with faith and love, time and patience, courage and strength. There is a scar. Unless you know me well, you might not notice. I see it when I record a video for my grandchildren. Or, when I look into the mirror and let down the shield that covers my eyes. That’s when I “check in” to see how I’m REALLY doing. And I’m doing fine.
\nFour years gone. Four years. A lifetime…a moment. Pragmatism keeps me focused on the future. There is a light on my horizon…a light of this world. Someday, I’ll walk into that light of yours, but for now…I think I’ll check out what’s in this one. This life I’ve been given. When you left, the emptiness was immeasurable. That hole is filling in…with joy, promise, love, healing, light. But, mostly, its filling with hope. Thank you for the reminders that you were here, that you loved and cherished me. I will always carry you safely tucked in my heart, Mr. Virgo. There’s room enough. ❤️
\n“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”\nPsalms 55:22 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-12T01:55:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/12/four-years-gone.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/10/a-prayer-for-provision.html", "title": "A Prayer for Provision", "content_html": "![\"F-150](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/265de1104e.jpg\")
\nOk, today’s post isn’t really preachy but there’s a whole lotta “faithy” in it so if that’s not your thing, y’all can move on and come back tomorrow. But, you may want to see how this “Faith in Provision” pans out.
\nI found out this week, my truck is totaled. Poor Freida. She served me well…she took me places and towed my house on wheels for 55,000+ miles, gave me very little trouble, and saved my life when we were in a crash two weeks ago. And now, I need a replacement vehicle. Ahhh….wouldn’t a nice, shiny new truck be a lovely thing to own? That new car smell, all the bells and whistles, all the potential trips? Yes, that would be wonderful…but, I’m done buying new cars. The depreciation as you drive it off the lot equals my whole year’s income. Literally. Nope, unless I win the Powerball, I’m done with new cars. I prefer a good, quality, moderate mileage, clean, well-maintained vehicle with one owner.
\nI walk my faith. I trust God for provision. He provides for my needs. Maybe not my wants, but most definitely my needs. I’m not asking for a Mercedes. I’ve had one. Believe me, it’s a car. A nice car…but, just a car nonetheless. I need a tow vehicle. So, here’s my prayer.
\n“Heavenly Father,
\nThank You for loving me and taking care of me. Thank You for Your protection during the accident so that no one was seriously injured. Thank you for providing my every need just as you do for the sparrows in the fields. I am grateful beyond words.
\nAs You know, I lost my truck in the wreck. I need a replacement vehicle. I need it to be newer than my other one, with far less mileage. I need it to have new tires so I won’t have to go buy some anytime soon. And…here’s the big one. I need the vehicle, tax, and license to be less than or equal to the insurance check.
\nI know I’m asking a lot, but I need to feel safe on the road. I need to be able to pull my “home” anywhere. I need it to be reliable and energy efficient. I’m leaving this up to You. Guide me to, and through, the sale that will provide this vehicle. Show me where there are opportunities to share Your grace and light in the world. Lord, please open Your heart and shower this blessing upon me, Your humble servant.
\nAmen”
\nAsk. Seek. Knock. These are action words. I can’t just ask for what I need. I have to offer to serve and be willing to do so when asked. And, I have to knock on the door of God’s heart and ask Him to open it to me. This is my Prayer for Provision that I use when I have a specific need. And now I let it go and let God do the work. And watch what happens. If I get a vehicle…blessings abound. If I don’t, it just hasn’t come yet. Either way…God is good, all the time. This isn’t a test. It is trust. ❤️
\n“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”\nPhilippians 4:19-20 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-10T02:55:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/10/a-prayer-for-provision.html", "tags": ["Prayer","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/08/perception.html", "title": "Perception", "content_html": "![\"Forsythia...painterly](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2be5c1c6ed.jpg\")
\nWhen I was sixteen, my world changed like every other teenager with a new driver’s license. It wasn’t just my freedom and ability to come and go more easily, but also my perception of the natural world around me. Driving piqued my senses and made me much more aware of my surroundings, and being artistic, that included the way I saw my world.
\nI remember one mid-summer day, I was heading out of the house and into my mom’s 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 to meet up with my friends. As I turned to close and lock the door behind me, I was suddenly captivated with the way the sun caught on the huge forsythia bush by the back door. While the brilliant yellow of the spring blossoms was long gone, the verdant green foliage was so intense, it almost hurt my eyes. I stood in wonder and let that moment wash over me like watercolors on fresh, velvety paper. I can still, at 63, close my eyes and see that scene in my mind.
\nI awoke yesterday as the sun broke briefly through the rain clouds of the past few days. My eyes instinctively moved to the ridge of the hill across the road as I watched the morning sunlight work its way down through the woods. That’s when I caught sight of something that took my breath away. Overnight, as if by magic, the large, bare, nondescript shrub on the creek bank outside the bedroom window had exploded in a riot of soft pink blossoms. I sat bolt upright and stared out the window as I marveled at this sudden appearance of spring right under my nose. I smiled and my heart exploded with joy. I cannot recall noticing this bush in all the springs I have visited the farm, but the gift of the moment was not lost on me. I thought of my grandma and all the many mornings she woke up in this bed and saw that first blush of spring out her window. She always said there was nowhere else in the world that she would ever want to live and I can surely understand now what she meant.
\nAwareness. Mindfulness. Deep appreciation. Gratitude. I live and breathe these on a daily basis here on the farm in the home of my heart. Who knows how long I will be blessed with the opportunity to live in this little slice of heaven…but, while I can, I will cherish every moment I am given here. ❤️
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-08T02:55:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/08/perception.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/05/time-warp.html", "title": "Time Warp", "content_html": "![\"Melting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e2af1ad5cf.jpg\")
\nI was sitting in my favorite rocker by the front window last night, thinking about what to write about for this morning’s post. A friend’s name popped in my head and I looked back in my “messages” only to discover it has been five weeks since we last chatted. I wrote her a lengthy note to see how she was doing and filled her in on what’s been happening here. Between traveling for two weeks, my friend’s funeral in Cincinnati, and my wreck…time has warped on me. It’s like the clock face in this picture…a Dali-esque trip down Alice’s rabbit hole. Still…things must get done around here.
\nI drove over to the closest Ace Home Center yesterday. I’m driving like a 90-year-old, by the way. Every car I pass, my mind does a quick mental calculation of approximate g-force my chest would receive if, God forbid, there should be another airbag incident. I’m hoping that improves with time. Time in a real sense, not this twisty perception that 1/29 was a couple of days ago. I went to Ace for a new ventless gas wall heater for the bathroom. The one in there is at least 50 years old…maybe more. It keeps letting off a loud pop every now and then and it is causing concern in the night. I don’t need any more concern in the night than I already have so the quickest way around that is a new stove. Fortunately, I have guy friends who know about these pesky little things like plumbing gas lines and can fix it for me. I can do many, many fixit projects but I do not mess with gas…period.
\nMy big project next week is to go through the things I took out of my truck after the accident. For simplicity’s sake, I threw the stuff in black plastic garbage bags and stuck them in the cellar house. They can’t stay in there long or they’ll be ruined with mildew so out they’ll come…one bag at a time to be sorted and either cleaned and put away or tossed. At least the weather is supposed to be warmer so it won’t seem like such a chore.
\nI’d much rather be hooking up TOW-Wanda and going for an adventure but that has to wait for wheels to tow her with. That’s still up in the air. Oh…patience has never been one of my virtues! ❤️
\n“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”\nRomans 5:3-4 ESV
\nPhoto credit: Mommy Upgrade
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-05T02:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/05/time-warp.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/04/here-comes-the-sun.html", "title": "Here Comes the Sun", "content_html": "![\"Bird](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08101607c9.jpg\")
\nSpring is showing up here on the farm. The dense underbrush is leafing out in a bright spring green…even though you have to look hard for it. The grass is looking more like a lawn and less like a mud bog. New bird calls are apparent every week. There was a skiff of snow on this morning, and we’ll still have quite a bit of cold weather, but the unmistakable signs of spring are doing their job and brightening my mood.
\nSleeping in my own bed is just what the doctor ordered. You know how it is when you’re away from home…your bed feels like heaven when you get back. When I first came to the farm, the mattress was so awful. I didn’t know how long I was going to be living here so I bought a memory foam topper instead of a whole mattress/box spring set. Now that I know I’m here a while, I took the plunge a few weeks ago and bought a set on sale. At first I thought it was too hard so I put the topper on it. That was overkill and it hurts my back since the accident. So, off it came and now it’s just right.
\nThe soft sound of the clock ticking in the other room, the gentle trickle of the creek outside the bedroom window, the owl hooting in a tree nearby all tell me I am home. These familiar surroundings reach back from my childhood and receive me in their loving embrace. I am comforted by my past…covering my present, slightly banged up, body and spirit like an old quilt softened by many loving hands.
\nIn a little over a week, I’ll face the 4th Angelversary of Mr. Virgo’s death. The car accident last week certainly wasn’t on my agenda and couldn’t have come at a worse time. A friend sat with me in the ER that night and we wondered about the “why” of it all. God didn’t make this happen. But, He’ll use it to His glory. It has slowed me down. It has made me stop, yet again, and count my many blessings. It has made me more prayerful. And now, the sun is shining. Oh, be joyful and bring me some Spring! ❤️
\n“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.””\nHosea 6:3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-04T02:55:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/04/here-comes-the-sun.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/03/here-they-come-again.html", "title": "Here They Come Again", "content_html": "![\"Waves\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/925098cb15.jpg\")
\nWaves. Grief comes in waves. I’ve been on top of the world the last few months. Feeling good. Feeling strong. Feeling happy. Then…BANG! That car pulled out in front of me. There was no room to stop. The crunch of metal, glass breaking, squealing tires, and the explosion of the airbag keeps haunting me. I see it over and over. I can’t make the results change, no matter how hard I try.
\nI have pain. I hate pain meds. If I take them more than three or four days, they make me depressed. I hate depression more than pain and definitely more than pain meds. So, I try other avenues…ice, acetaminophen, gentle stretching, meditation, and chiropractic medicine. Since I took the pain meds for a few days, the waves of grief and sadness washed over me yesterday. I know in a couple of days, I’ll feel much better. Until then, I ride it out. I’m tough as nails anymore. And…I’m as fragile as fine crystal. Grief leaves layers of vulnerability you never knew you could feel. Strong, weak, strong, weak…we peel through each one till we get to a thicker strong place. That’s when we get some relief for a while. But, all it takes is a little trauma, a little squeal of rubber, a little airbag to send you reeling for a bit.
\nI have a wonderful support system in place. My friends and family are right there when I need them. I’ll feel much better soon. Knowing that keeps me going. ❤️
\n“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”\nRomans 8:26-27 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-03-03T02:55:19-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/03/here-they-come-again.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/02/in-like-a-lion.html", "title": "In Like a Lion...", "content_html": "
![\"In](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7055771230.jpg\")
After picking up the car and making a quick stop for groceries, I headed out to the farm. I haven’t been here for more than a few minutes since I left a week ago and was in the accident. I have the best neighbors who stop in to check on the cats and feed them, pick up the mail, and generally make their presence known. Driving home yesterday, there were a few places where the road was down to one lane as they cleared trees downed by the storm and unplugged culverts. When I got out near the farm, the river was only a few feet from crossing the highway. I’ve never seen it so high my entire life. It was pretty impressive. The creek by the house on the farm is flowing smoothly now so the debris has washed out of the culvert by the road.
\nSpring is bringing out the animals on the farm. There are a lot more raccoons and possums as well as skunks. The ground is riddled with mole tunnels. The bird population has increased as they begin to migrate north. There are flowering trees poking out here and there as the daffodils and other bulbs are beginning to poke their pretty little heads up. The world is coming back to life. This is the perfect time to kick back and relax. There’s nothing more I can do as far as errands for the truck and insurance. A trip every other day to the chiropractor is helping immensely.
\nMarch came in like a lion. Let’s hope it goes out like a lamb!!! ❤️
\n“I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.””\nPsalm 55:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-02T02:55:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/02/in-like-a-lion.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/03/01/wishy-washy-weather.html", "title": "Wishy Washy Weather", "content_html": "![\"Seasons\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/48cdb5b9e4.jpg\")
\nThis is that time of year when Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind what season it is. Frosty mornings give way to 70, even 80 degree days which in turn produce heavy thunderstorms and rain. Then, in the blink of an eye, the ground is white in the morning with little yellow daffodils bowing their heads in the morning chill. The fruit trees are blooming already here in the Mid-Ohio Valley…truly a sight to behold when you have suffered through yet another winter.
\nOne of my favorite things in the world is a great thunderstorm. I love how the thunder rolls on the river and rocks back and forth in the valleys. The rain pounding in waves on the roof…especially when I get the opportunity to sleep in TOW-Wanda. This will come soon. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy how the thunder shakes the walls where I’m staying.
\nI’m still in town with friends. I have a second chiropractor appointment today. The first one did wonders releasing much of the tightness and allowing my body’s energy to start doing its job in healing. It even lightened my mood. No massage just yet. I’m thinking that’s going to feel pretty good when I can get that going. I went yesterday to pick up my car. I was late getting there and they had rented it out! I’ll try again today. I wasn’t a happy camper over that. I told him I’d be back today at 10 and I didn’t care if the only car they had left was a Sherman tank, they were giving it to me for the intermediate price. Well, ok…I might have said it a little nicer than that. I did explain I have a concussion and can’t be held completely accountable for my mood. ?
\nOnce I get my rental car, I’m going home. Then I can really get some rest. My errands are just about done surrounding insurance things. Now it’s medical follow-ups and rest…ice and more rest. Piece of cake. In the meantime…let it rain! ❤️
\n“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”\n1 Peter 1:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-03-01T02:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/03/01/wishy-washy-weather.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/28/snap-crackle-pop.html", "title": "Snap! Crackle! Pop!", "content_html": "![\"Spine\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0aa1676702.jpg\")
\nWhen I was a tiny tot, my mother had one of those tables on wheels with the seat in the middle that served as my high chair. One afternoon as she cooked dinner, she did not notice I had stood up in it. She turned around and saw me right about the time my brother ran up from behind and shoved the table full force. Mom says the back of my head hit my tailbone and I was out like a light. She did not know how to drive yet so she grabbed me, my brother, and her bag and ran for the city bus. Carrying me over her arm, she gently massaged me till I came to and then ran into the chiropractor’s office. He placed me face down on the table and pinched his fingers up my back till everything popped back into place. She says I took a deep gasp of air, scrunched up my face, and screamed bloody murder and Dr. Zipthorp smiled with pride.
\nThat was my first experience with chiropractic medicine. I’ve been a proponent ever since. I could hardly wait to get in with someone after the accident but had to wait till yesterday. I don’t have a chiropractor here so I took the recommendation of my State Farm agent. After filling out what felt like the first volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica, this wonderfully happy not quite middle aged woman with blonde hair and a really cool boxer dog hopped into the room. She had already looked over my reports and films and had a plan of action in place. She was extremely gentle and non-aggressive as she very gently started manipulating me back into place. She sprayed an icy hot spray on my back and neck and instructed me to ice twice daily, drink lots of fluids, take vitamin C, avoid lifting anything heavy or do anything strenuous, and return Wednesday for the next treatment.
\nNow I rest. I pick up my rental car today and I rest. Easier said than done, right? It doesn’t take a lot of work to write! ?
\n““ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”\nJeremiah 33:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-28T02:55:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/28/snap-crackle-pop.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/26/carrying-my-mat.html", "title": "Carrying my Mat", "content_html": "![\"Green](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9376b75a5e.jpg\")
\nForgive me, my friends…today we’re going to church. If that’s not your thing, that’s cool…just come on back tomorrow. Today we’re preachin'.
\nMy church is growing so fast, we’ve had to add a third worship experience and I decided to attend Saturday night’s service this week. Pastors Justin and Heather Enoch are young, vibrant pastors who bring the gospel to life for me. The praise team is absolutely amazing and uplifting. I love contemporary Christian music. I always leave there absolutely on fire.
\nLast night’s message was based on John 5:1-17. Jesus has gone to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals and stops at the pool known as Bethesda, by the Sheep Gate. God sent angels to this pool regularly to “trouble the water” , make it bubble up, giving it the power to heal. There were five platforms surrounding the pool and the crippled, maimed, and infirm would gather there. When the waters were “troubled”, they would quickly get into the water for their healing.
\nThere was one particular man who’s infirmity had him lying on his mat for 38 years on one of the platforms. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned how long he had been by the pool, he asked, “Don’t you want to be well?” The man replied that indeed he did but, every time the water was troubled, someone jumped in over him and he couldn’t get his healing. He had no one to take him to the pool. Jesus told the man to stand up, roll up his mat, and walk. And the man did. The scripture goes on to talk about the controversy of carrying your mat (i.e. “working” on the sabbath.) But, I want to focus on the mat for a minute.
\nJesus didn’t ask the man to merely stand up and walk. He asked him to pick up his mat and take it with him. The mat represented everything that man had been through for 38 years. He slept and ate on that mat. He may have even soiled it when he had no way of carrying himself to a facility. It represented every illness, every thought, every bad thing. If he was healed and he went out walking without the mat, people might have thought he looked somewhat familiar but may not know where they’d seen him before. With the mat, it gave others the opportunity to recognize him and place him at the pool as that man they had seen for all those years. It gave the man the opportunity to share the story of his miraculous healing and of the Man who healed him.
\nMy stories are my mat. I tell you where I’ve been. I share openly parts of myself that most guard tightly. I speak frankly about drugs and alcohol, depression and anxiety, PTSD, divorce, death and grief. These are parts of my life I share merely so you can know Who carried me through all of them. Without God in my life…as the focus and singular most important part of my life, I surely would not be sitting here writing this to you good people.
\nTwo years ago, God told me to tell you where I find my peace. In this day and age, if you tell someone you “hear the voice of God”, you are likely to be given a psychiatric diagnosis. I am here to tell you, I have…most assuredly…heard the voice of God. And, while there was a time when you might have questioned my sanity, I am as sober as a judge and in my right mind. My journey through grief in the last four years has brought me into an intimate relationship with God and I love that I walk my path with Him.
\nWhen life has knocked you down, don’t be afraid to ask for a hand up. And, carry your mat for all to see so they might know Who made you well. ❤️
\n“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.
\nOne who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ””\nJohn 5:1-3, 5-11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-26T02:55:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/26/carrying-my-mat.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/25/frieda-gots-an-owwie.html", "title": "Frieda Gots an Owwie!", "content_html": "![\"Banged](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7d93ce900c.jpg\")
\nIf you look at her, she doesn’t look so bad but she is pretty sad. I am sore and tired. Getting bruises here and there including a little darkening around the eyes. My chest is what hurts the most from the airbag and seat belt.
\nToday we are having an Irish Coffee Wake in memory of Anna, our friend who passed away a couple weeks ago. We shall raise a toast for a brave and athletic woman. I’m staying in town a couple more days. I can get my rental car then. By that time, I’m sure I’ll be well on the mend. Hope you have a beautiful day today! ❤️
\n“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”\nRomans 8:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-25T02:55:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/25/frieda-gots-an-owwie.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/23/writing-my-life.html", "title": "Writing my Life", "content_html": "![\"Your](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5e0a5cce4c.jpg\")
\nI’ve always been a storyteller. I was the kid who sat at the table and listened to all the family stories. I was fascinated by what had happened before I was born because I had an innate sense it had somehow made me…me. I’ve told you all before, my mom always said I had the “gift of gab”. I always thought that meant I was doing something wrong. I was too loud, too talkative, too…much. Now I see it as my gift.
\nGod gives us all gifts. Sometimes we envy others their special gifts. How many times have you wished you could dance or play the piano or sing beautifully but you have two left feet with short fingers and can’t carry a tune in a washtub? I used to. I didn’t believe I had anything to offer the world. I couldn’t figure out, other than my beautiful daughters, what I was put here to do. I’ve tried my hand at writing at various points in my life, but it was never the right time. I did co-author a book on Gestational Diabetes for the National Institutes of health back in the “80s, but that wasn’t all that creative. I just wrote about my job as a Diabetes Educator.
\nJust like playing the piano, your craft improves the more you do it. I’ve been writing a journal for much of the past 17 years. At first, it was really boring. I’d write down what I did that day or what I fixed for supper. Eventually, I loosened up and started exploring my inner self. I started reaching into the past and telling stories. I started digging, like an emotional archaeologist, and picked out those sore places in my heart and soul. I began to write poetry and short stories. I wrote a children’s book using creative visualization.
\nJournaling helped me get through the darkest time of my life when I was clinically depressed. It helped me figure out how to navigate a sticky divorce. It documented the great love that grew with Mr. Virgo. And, it helped me share with you here what that loss has been like for me. There is power in words. There is healing…not only in the writing itself, but in the sharing. When you suffer a profound experience in your life, like the death of your beloved, finding out there are others out there going through the same thing is incredibly validating. Knowing what you’re going through is normal (or a variation thereof) is quite liberating.
\nI encourage everyone to keep a journal. It may not win a Pulitzer. It may not ever see the light of day. But it can be incredibly therapeutic. Write down your thoughts. Start a blog. Write poetry. My computer is my canvas…my keyboard the brush…my thoughts the paint. What I write may not be art, but it is the key that unlocked MY prison. Go to a bookstore and pick out a beautiful journal. Get one that speaks to you. Buy a couple of really great pens. Pour your heart out on those pages. It’s good therapy and it’s pretty cheap! ❤️
\n“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”\nHebrews 13:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-23T02:55:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/23/writing-my-life.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/22/when-youre-gone.html", "title": "When You're Gone", "content_html": "![\"Painting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/79fa54d940.jpg\")
\nI’ve been playing catch up ever since I got back from my trip to Florida. I finally got the laundry done on Monday. I was in town most of yesterday running errands, getting my hair cut, meeting a friend for dinner. I went to the tractor store and bought a live trap to try to catch this feral kitty to get her fixed. Back in time to feed three hungry cats and take the trash out before I settled in to write and catch up with friends.
\nAs I was driving home from town, I had the music blasting as usual. Upbeat, fun road music drifted through the truck and out the open sun roof as I be-bopped out the two-lane blacktop to the farm. Then…Joey + Rory started singing “When I’m Gone”. If you haven’t heard it, do. It’s a sad country song but it ends with hope, much like I strive to do here on my blog.
\nAs I listened to the lyrics, I kept hitting replay so I could pay close attention. In the second verse, the lyrics say “you’ll lay down in our big bed, dread the dark and dread the dawn”. I remember that feeling so well. I don’t feel that anymore. Well, very rarely. But I remember what it felt like to dread nightfall. I never really dreaded the dawn because I always did better in the light of day. It was the nights that killed me.
\nI started feeling the dread creep in as the light changed and the day drifted towards early evening. I knew what I was facing…long, sleepless hours…aching deep in my chest…longing for comfort…pining for the comforter. I started getting better when I brought God back into the equation. That is when I started to feel less alone, less acute pain, less abandoned. Less angry. Less devastated. Just a little less, bit by bit. Then, like the lyrics of the song, there came a day when I surprised myself with a smile when I remembered something Mr. Virgo had said. At first, I felt guilty for feeling happy. Like I might be betraying him in some way if I didn’t hold this vigil continually.
\nI think these feeling have stirred as I consider the merits of another relationship. It has to do with the word “widow”. Questions arise in my grief-soaked brain. Questions like…“If you enter a new relationship and fall in love, are you still a widow?” The answer to that is a resounding yes. Once a pickle, always a pickle. You don’t get to go back to being a fresh cucumber. Once a widow, always a widow. This is where you get to define what the word “widow” really means to you. What it looks like when it wears a new set of clothes with each passing season. Sackcloth and ashes gradually get replaced by brighter and more vibrant colors till you re-enter the land of the living. At least, that is what it has felt like to me. Each passing month has eventually become a year. And each year brings me further away from the raw pain of the acute grief and leaves me with an undercurrent….much like a deep, underground river that courses beneath a mountain, only to resurface and pour out like a freshwater spring. Time is the filter that removes some of the stain of pain. There will always be a trace, like the minerals the underground river picks up from the stone it percolates through. But, thank God the dread seems to have been filtered out as well. ❤️
\n“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.””\nDeuteronomy 31:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-22T02:55:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/22/when-youre-gone.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/20/spring-is-in-the-air.html", "title": "Spring is in the Air", "content_html": "![\"There](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e310dc37b5.jpg\")
\nSpring is just around the corner. Warm days are ahead. The sunshine is warming the earth and rain is bringing things back to life. I’m always amazed how early the grass greens up here in West Virginia. The green leaves of the spring flowers are up several inches so it won’t be long till splashes of color will dot the landscape. As a matter of fact, there are snowdrops already blooming down along the creek.
\nWith the recent passing of Valentine’s Day and the advent of Spring soon upon us, love is all around us. New lambs and calves are making their appearance. Leaves are already popping out on the honeysuckle vines that grace the roadside where I walk down the lane. As we venture outside, I’ve noticed lovers holding hands as they stroll through the park, along the river, in the mall. I remember in the first couple of years after losing Mr. Virgo, I hated seeing people in love. I wanted to smack them.
\nThe third year I decided I would never love again. A couple of disastrous dating experiences sent me running back to the relative safety of reading and writing alone every night. Now I’m approaching the fourth Angelversary and I’m thinking this isn’t the way I want to spend the rest of my life. I’d like some company. I’d like a friend to do fun things with. I’d like someone to share the excitement of travel. Someone to talk to. Someone to have my back and I his.
\nI’m feeling ready for a partner. And…I like my alone time. I like not having to answer to anyone. I like doing my own thing, making my own decisions, going where the wind takes me. Incorporating someone into your life when you’ve been alone for a few years takes some compromise and some getting used to. But, hey…what if you found someone that loves all the things you love like travel, cooking, movies, dancing, dining out AND he likes HIS alone time, too? What if you got to draw up the blueprints of a new relationship and it was exactly the way you wanted it AND it worked for him, too? Yeah…a pipe dream, to be sure. But it’s something to think about. And pray about.
\nI’m telling you this…I’m done with the online dating thing. I promised God I wouldn’t go out and try to find a guy because I think my picker is broken. I told him if He wants me to have someone in my life, He’s (quite literally) going to have to send him to my door with a sign around his neck saying “God sent me!”. If it happens, fine. If it doesn’t happen, fine. But I’m open to the possibility and that’s a huge step.
\nWhat about you all? Are any of you starting to think you might want to try another relationship? It’s ok if you aren’t. There are as many ways to do things as there are people. Many women would never think of being with someone else. And, it’s ok if you are. Personal fulfillment is a highly individualized thing. Feel free to share if you like. Spring is in the air! ❤️
\n“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”\n1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-20T02:55:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/20/spring-is-in-the-air.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/19/a-good-nights-sleep.html", "title": "A Good Night's Sleep", "content_html": "![\"Banana](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/942d08f08c.jpg\")
\nI’ve slept in a number of hotels in the last month. I only had one less-than-perfect stay and that was in St. Augustine, Florida. I can’t even tell you the name of that hotel. Mr. Virgo spoiled me with hotels and restaurants since that was his career. He taught me what to look for, how you give feedback in a way that ensures a problem is fixed, when and how to send food back, and how to ask for a better rate. Consequently, I can be pretty critical of hotels and restaurants so when one goes above and beyond, I like to give kudos.
\nI rarely make reservations ahead of time when I travel, which would have made Mr. Virgo crazy. He had to know where we were going, when we would get there, and what restaurants were in the immediate vicinity. I find the walk in rate is generally lower than what you find on the internet. Sometimes you can get better rates on the discount travel sites like Travelocity or Hotels.com.
\nMy friend Deneene and I drove to Cincinnati on Wednesday. I was riding shotgun so we navigated to the funeral home first so we would know where it was then backtracked to find a hotel. I will not stay in a motel with the door opening to the outdoors. I’ve stayed at too many where street people pound on your door at 3:00am. It’s safer to be in a hotel with indoor hallways and resulting security cameras when you’re traveling alone or don’t have a man with you. At least, that’s my feeling so that’s what I do.
\nWhen we got to an area with multiple chain hotels, I did a search and found a number of affordable rooms, but I was drawn to this particular one…Hampton Inn Cincinnati - King’s Island. The price was $109. I told you before when I was traveling in Florida that I ask the front desk if they can meet the discount price on my app. Well, again, I felt this nudge when I went in and didn’t say anything. Just “Do you have a room for two with two Queen beds?” The desk clerk quoted me $89.99…already much lower than the Internet price. Then I asked if they had an AARP rate and they went down to $80.29! And, let me tell you…it was well worth every penny. The bed was comfortable and the linens divine. And I have to say, breakfast was great but I was especially taken by the personal messages written on every banana in the fruit basket. It’s little touches like that which gives a hotel stay that something extra and makes you feel pampered and special.
\nStaying in hotels with nice, new mattresses and box springs really brought home how abysmal the mattress was that I’ve been sleeping on at the farm. I swear it’s at least 30-40 years old…maybe more. I noticed when I got home that one of the area K-Marts was closing and they had Serta mattresses and box springs 40% off so I bought a set. It seems the box springs is about 3/4" smaller than the old one so when I sat down on it, it went right down through the frame and hit the floor with a thud. Today I measured and went to Lowe’s for boards to use as slats in the bed frame. In case you don’t know this, you can give your measurements to the staff in the lumber department at Lowe’s and they will cut it for you. Pretty handy if you don’t have power tools! Now I have my comfy new bed at home and I feel like the vacation is ongoing and with the temp in the high 60’s yesterday, and a long walkabout, it still is! ❤️
\n“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”\nProverbs 3:24 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-19T02:55:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/19/a-good-nights-sleep.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/17/looking-back.html", "title": "Looking Back", "content_html": "![\"Rear](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/237cd33b45.jpg\")
\nAfter a long day driving to Cincinnati, standing in a receiving line for nearly two hours, and sitting through a gut wrenching funeral, my traveling companion and I were exhausted. We got up yesterday morning and had a wonderful hotel breakfast. (I know…it sounds like an oxymoron. Try Hampton Inn Cincinnati/King’s Island) We stopped at the front desk, asked for a late checkout for 12:30 and went back upstairs and slept for two more hours. The beds were fabulous, the linens luxurious, and the room was quiet and well appointed with a fridge, microwave, and coffeepot. All for $80 with an AARP discount. I have found some great deals this month.
\nDeneene and I met Jamie for lunch at the Rusty Bucket. Really, really clean, great food, attentive staff…even Mr. Virgo would have given it his stamp of approval. Deneene and Jamie are both “Ranchers” and widows. Coincidentally, they were both introduced to me by high school classmates of mine. I first met Jamie two years ago when I did a “salon” with our mutual friend, Marion, who is an artist. Over lunch, we all talked about how far we’ve come in our journeys through widowhood. I loved listening to Deneene and Jamie discussing things they had learned by reading this blog. They spoke of the box where I placed my memories of Mr. Virgo…keeping him within reach where I can bring him out when I need to visit or work through something but not holding him right in front of my eyes all the time. Listening to them filled me with pride…pride in these strong women who have found a way to make something beautiful with their lives after suffering something so unbearable.
\nOn the way home, I listened to Deneene’s stories as I watched the flat Ohio landscape slip by. My eyes wandered to the side mirror and it occurred to me these three brave widows made good use of the sand left in their hourglasses yesterday. We didn’t look back to lament where we’ve been. We all know that sucked. No…we looked back and celebrated how far we have come. Life comes back to us as we come back to life. ❤️
\n“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”\nJeremiah 29:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-17T02:55:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/17/looking-back.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/16/the-sands-of-time.html", "title": "The Sands of Time", "content_html": "![\"Sands](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1a18939521.jpg\")
\nI came to Cincinnati yesterday for my friend Anna’s funeral. Most of you read that Anna died seventeen days after her husband. Both from natural causes. Anna and Lance would have been extremely proud of their girls yesterday. They were gracious and greeted hundreds of people before sitting through the 90 minute service. The hardest thing for me was watching her little granddaughters crying through the service. They were so beautiful and so brave. The eldest stood up and read a story about her Mimi. It was heartbreaking yet such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.
\nThe pastor who led the service placed an hourglass on a stool next to the podium and said, “This is your life.” Everything we do, say, experience slips through the same as each grain of sand. We can’t turn it back. And we don’t know when our last grain will slip through and we pass from this world to the next. There comes a time when you sense there’s more sand in the bottom than there is in the top. What do you want to do with the grains you have left?
\nOne of Anna’s daughters posted a tribute to her mother on Facebook. She said, “It is not the legacy you leave FOR someone. It’s the legacy you leave IN someone that matters most.” That’s a beautiful sentiment.
\nI’m here with a friend and we’re meeting a fellow Cincinnati “Rancher” for lunch today. We’re making the best of the sand we have left. ❤️
\n“They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.”\nPsalm 144:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-16T02:55:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/16/the-sands-of-time.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/13/back-home-again.html", "title": "BACK HOME AGAIN", "content_html": "![\"Luggage,](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/358a566415.jpg\")
\nI’m home, safe and sound. I can’t say I’m particularly excited about it. As a matter of fact, I’ve pretty much made up my mind to spend much of next winter in the south. I have never achieved re-entry gracefully after vacations. This is no exception. The pile of luggage, laundry, pamphlets, cooler, shoes, backpacks, and souvenirs will have to be dealt with during the week.
\nThere’s always an emotional slump for me when I try to come down from the high that travel gives me. I love the excitement of being on the road. That being said, I am really grateful I got home without mishap. And, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel. I got in late last night and added another 2,500+ miles to my travel total. I’m pretty tired.
\nI’m going to share a memory from this time last year. Valentine’s Day is coming up and this is timely. I’ll be back tomorrow. ❤️
\n\n“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”\nProverbs 3:23-24 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-13T02:55:52-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/13/back-home-again.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/12/a-country-mile.html", "title": "A Country Mile", "content_html": "![\"hat](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8b65090603.jpg\")
\nI had one of the best days ever yesterday. It was absolutely the perfect culmination of my vacation. I’ve been in Bristol visiting my cousin and his wife. I love them so much. I was in 1st grade when Tommy went in the Navy. He came back on leave once in his Navy whites and I fell in love. I was ten. I’ve always been close to Tommy and Suzy so visiting them is a treat I treasure.
\nYesterday we took the buggy and rode all around the dam and the river road. We went to the market and bought local apples and sourwood honey. We came back for lunch then drove into town. We went to Bristol Motor Speedway and actually walked inside. That was pretty cool. While I’ve never understood the allure of NASCAR, I’m open to the experience. We came back home and I took a nap before dinner. Then, our dinner guests arrived.
\nI met Mark and Barb here a year and a half ago. I had attended church with my cousins and a large contingent got together for lunch after. There must have been thirty of us spread out over three tables. I remember marvelling over these beautifully poised southern women mothering their children. Teaching them to be social…gently correcting and guiding them through the interactions that are required of polite young people. It was charming and refreshing.
\nMark sat at my left that day and we instantly bonded over stories of fly fishing on the Frying Pan River. Both Mark and his wife are doctors so we had lots in common. Last night the discussion varied from education to book recommendations…food and wine to colleges…football to travel. Genealogy to neuroplasticity. There was much love and laughter and very stimulating conversation. It was icing on the vacation cake.
\nToday is a travel day. I’m heading home to the farm. As much as I would love to go back to Florida this very minute, the party has to be over sometime. So, I’m on the road again.\n❤️?❤️
\n“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”\nEphesians 4:29 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-12T02:55:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/12/a-country-mile.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/11/intimacy.html", "title": "Intimacy", "content_html": "![\"Cottage\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bd9d83f491.jpg\")
\nIntimacy: a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.
\nI arrived at my cousin’s house in Bristol, TN a couple of hours before dinner.
\nI stayed in the Ramada Inn in Statesville, North Carolina last night. I tried the old “Can you meet this price on the Internet?” routine to no avail. The front desk clerk said, “Buy it on the internet, then.” So, I sat in the car in front of the hotel, purchased the room for $63 and went back in to check in. Just off the interstate, recently remodelled, and a hot buffet breakfast that was quite good. What’s not to love?
\nI am thrilled to report your prayers are doing the job! My cousin’s mesothelioma is “stable to improved” on the new experimental drug they’re using. He looks great, has more energy, and is happy and optimistic. It does my heart good to see him.
\nI’m happy here. These people surrounding me share my background, my blood, my history. There is a different level of intimacy in a circle of people you have been a part of your entire life. There is comfort in the knowing and loving. That’s one of the biggest parts of a relationship that I have missed. That shared sense of community you get when you’re part of a family. I have that…just not every day.
\nLosing my classmate Anna drives home how tenuous our time here really is. As I read her obituary last night, it reminded me…she and I shared a birthday. Same day, same hospital. Maybe our mothers relaxed back on their pillows and chatted about the wonders of childbirth. Maybe we had incubators that lay side by side in the nursery. Anna and I shared a special bond through a day on the calendar. I have missed that intimacy of close, personal relationships. I’m ready for more of that. ?❤️?
\n“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”\nEphesians 4:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-11T02:55:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/11/intimacy.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/09/historic-downtown-savannah.html", "title": "Historic Downtown Savannah", "content_html": "![\"The](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2fa9d22210.jpg\")
\nI’m not even going to bother telling you about the place I stayed at St. Augustine Beach. It was a tired, run-down beachfront hotel that was pretty heavily damaged on the oceanfront side during the last hurricane. It WAS fairly inexpensive for beachfront. And I COULD see the ocean from the balcony. It was quiet and clean. They did have to come put a new AC/Heater unit in because mine didn’t work. It had a mini fridge and microwave, which was nice. It was $77/night. Not bad, but I wouldn’t stay there again.
\nSavannah, however, is an entirely different story. Thirteen years ago, when my mother died, I brought my older brother to Florida for the vacation our mom had promised him. We drove through Savannah and I was charmed. I can’t remember where we stayed back then, but when we drove to the River Walk, we came through an enchanting neighborhood with square parks every other intersection, gorgeous trees with their crooked arms draped gracefully with Spanish Moss, and delightful Victorian homes. I swore if I ever came back, I would stay in the Historic District.
\nAs I prepared to leave St. Augustine yesterday morning, I talked myself out of a B&B or one of the trendy historic hotels in the old district because I spent my bigger budget on beach accommodations. But I thought I’d just take a peek on the Hotel.com app to see if there was something affordable. Lo and behold, I found a room at $77 and snatched it up. When I received the confirmation, it was via text on the cell phone. And…it was a room in a Victorian house right in that beautiful neighborhood I was looking at! Not only that, my hosts said I had my pick of rooms and I had the whole house to myself!
\nOh. Em. Geeeee! This place is amazing. It’s a four story home but the top floor is locked for storage. There are two bedrooms on each floor and a three bedroom apartment at the garden level. Tall ceilings, soft grey walls, crisp white trim, fireplaces everywhere, gorgeous wide plank hardwood floors. Breakfast was in the fridge when I got here. Off street parking was free. All for the unbelievably low price of $77 per night! Score!!! It’s called The DuLinn on York.
\nWhat a great way to wrap up my road trip, pretty much. I will probably have one more night in a hotel before I get to my cousin’s in Bristol, Tennessee on Friday. Unless I drive all the way in tomorrow. I’m by no means ready to go back to the snowy/rainy cold of late winter in West Virginia, but this trip broke the season up and the sunshine was just what the doctor ordered. And, spring comes early on the farm. I’m looking forward to the dogwood and redbud blooming late next month. Spring is my favorite season…it holds such promise. ❤️
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-09T02:55:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/09/historic-downtown-savannah.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/07/flagler-beach.html", "title": "Flagler Beach", "content_html": "![\"Flagler](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/893a2d5266.jpg\")
\nI last stood on this beach in January 2001. It’s funny how sights, sounds, and smells can take you right back to a pivotal moment in your life, isn’t it? That January marked one year since I overdosed on two bottles of pills that very easily could have killed me. We’ve visited this before here in my blog. It was a very dark time for me. The new millennium dawned with the implosion of a twenty-year marriage and was the zenith of a seven-year bout of severe clinical depression. Now it doesn’t even feel like it was my life, really.
\nI stepped onto this beach yesterday and instantly remembered the morning I came here sixteen years ago. It was cold and a dense pea-soup fog had settled over Flagler Beach with no real promise of sun to burn it off. Foghorns called from the surf I could not see. I remember sitting down in the damp sand, absentmindedly sifting the uniquely colored red grains through my fingers. I sat there for the longest time, thinking over how far I had come in that past year. I had no idea how far I had yet to go before I could safely say it was over.
\nGrief comes in different packages. That particular year, I was still grieving the loss of my maternal grandmother the year before. Add to that the loss of my marriage, the tearing apart of my family unit, the overdose itself, and the resulting year of gruelling therapy and I was pretty battle-weary. I sat on the sand and cried, breathing in big gulps of salty sea air. I hadn’t grown to the point back then where I was sure I’d be ok or that, God forbid, I was better off without him. No…that realization came much later.
\nYesterday, the sun was shining in a nearly cloudless sky. It was warm and inviting. I could see far out to the horizon where I spotted a white boat bobbing in the surf. I walked a long way up the beach, feeling the soft sand give way under my feet. I came upon a state park (Gamble Rogers) and picked up a brochure for camping next year when I bring TOW-Wanda down. I smiled as I folded the brochure and tucked it in my pocket. If you would have told me sixteen years ago what I’d be doing in 2017, I would never in a million years have believed it. This beach is like the doorway of your kitchen where you mark how much your children have grown…only for me it marks my emotional growth. I’ve lived a hundred lifetimes since the first time I stepped into the fog on Flagler Beach. I’ve lost and found love and lost again…several times since then. Walking through my current grief journey puts the pain I felt on that cold January day into perspective. There are all kinds of grief, but grief is grief and it all needs to be worked through in its own time. It’s just nice to have a measuring stick to see how you’re doing once in a while. ❤️
\n“…I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you…”\n2 Kings 20:5 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-07T02:55:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/07/flagler-beach.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/06/sigh.html", "title": "Sigh", "content_html": "![\"Sunset](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/945bc2363d.jpg\")
\nI hate leaving. What a beautiful week it’s been. Beauty and fun at every turn. I was hoping for a gorgeous sunset for the last night and, while it wasn’t colorful, Florida did not disappoint. If money was no object and I could have anything I wished, I would live on the farm in West Virginia in the spring and fall, Colorado in summer and at Christmas, and Florida the rest of the time. But, until I WIN the Powerball, I’ll settle for getting here for even a little bit of a break in January or February. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
\nI had the opportunity to see my dear friend, Lionel, yesterday. I haven’t seen him since my mother died thirteen years ago. My mom had promised my brother a trip to Florida that spring but she died before they could go. I stepped in and brought my brother down to Disney World. Gary has cerebral palsy and had never done anything like that. Lionel drove over from Tampa to spend the day with Gary and I. It was so wonderful to see him and his beautiful family (I got to see all three of his kids!) and spend a few hours catching up over some pretty decent Mexican food yesterday.
\nI got back to Clearwater in time for this one last sunset. I noticed a large group of people down the beach and walked into the middle of a big Super Bowl party…just in time to catch the National Anthem. My heart swelled with hope and pride when I turned to the woman beside me and the man on the other side…standing, hats off, hands on their hearts…singing, some crying with the emotion of the moment. I cheered along with the crowd when they panned to show the soldiers watching from overseas. It was beautiful to share this moment with complete strangers and feel that human relationship. There is hope for a better tomorrow. There is always hope.
\nI leave today for St. Augustine. I’ll stay there a couple of nights and I’ll have to get up early to catch the sunrise. Keep following along…we’ve still got a week of fun ahead of us! Let’s go! ❤️
\n“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.”\nPsalms 65:8 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-06T02:55:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/06/sigh.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/04/time-is-short.html", "title": "Time is Short", "content_html": "![\"Words](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b841e695ad.jpg\")
\nI was walking on the beach the other evening and stumbled upon these words in the sand. “Time is Short”. Tears instantly stung the backs of my eyes when I thought of who wrote such wisdom where surely the tide would soon erase all evidence of their presence here. I found a chair nearby and watched as the sun slowly settled into the sea and thought of Mr. Virgo and how short our time together was. In the grand scheme of things, he was gone in a heart beat at 62.
\nTime really IS short in retrospect. When you are busy doing life stuff, it seems to stretch out forever in front of you…much like when we were kids at the start of summer vacation. Here I am, two more nights on the beach and I have to start wending my way home. Time IS short.
\nSo, is it possible to slow down time? If we savor each moment, and really LIVE in it, it may not actually slow the passage of time, but we can expand our lives and experiences. That’s easy to do when you’re sitting on the beach in Florida. It’s more difficult when you’re working your butt off and your good friend dies and you hit a deer with the car that only had five payments left like a friend of mine. That kind of stuff brings time to a brutal, grueling grind. She’s got a great attitude, though. It’s just another thing to go through and there will be better days ahead.
\nTime is short. Anyone who has experienced loss is well aware of this. I am grateful to have some time and distance between losing Mr. Virgo and sitting on this beach watching another gorgeous Florida sunset. Yet, these words made me feel. ❤️
\n“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”\n2 Peter 3:8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-02-04T02:55:20-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/04/time-is-short.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/02/02/the-perfect-day.html", "title": "The Perfect Day", "content_html": "![\"Palm](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/490715d3de.jpg\")
\nWhat an incredible day yesterday was! The temperature got up to 72. I walked nearly four miles on the beach, went back to my hotel and played in the pool and played in the sun. Then went for a long drive all the way down the peninsula to Pass-A-Grille Beach. Turned around and stopped at the shops at John’s Pass near Madeira Beach. Watched yet another beautiful Florida sunset and ended the night by taking myself out for dinner at The Conch Republic. Yummy seafood there and a fun ambiance! Got back to my hotel and was whupped so I’m sharing a post I wrote a couple years ago that someone else shared yesterday. It’s fairly timely.
\nFlorida sunshine is being good to me! ❤️
\n“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”\nGalatians 6:9 NIV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-02-02T02:55:13-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/02/02/the-perfect-day.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/28/happily-ever-afterinterrupted.html", "title": "HAPPILY EVER AFTER...INTERRUPTED", "content_html": "![\"Groom's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/065d7c9115.jpg\")
\nI used to think how horrific it was…how incredibly sad it was that Mr. Virgo died just three weeks shy of our 6th wedding anniversary. I mean…essentially, we were still newlyweds. We didn’t get to have those big anniversaries…10th, 20th. I was 53 when we married. Mr. Virgo Was 55 and smoked. The chances of us having a 30th wedding anniversary was slim to none. But I thought we’d have more time. We all think we’ll have more time.
\nI heard something over the weekend what broke my heart. A high school friend up and moved away last fall after building her dream house. Nothing much was said, just that she wanted to live near her son. Then, quite suddenly, with no fanfare, we got to see a beautiful wedding picture of her and the man of her dreams…her long time best friend who had been there for her and her family through thick and thin. It was a holiday wedding and my friend was wearing a gorgeous long white wedding dress. She is a tiny wisp of a thing and she looked so darling holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Her new husband, in his black suit and his jaunty red bow tie looked like a man with a kind, sweet face…obviously smitten with his “girl”. I was thrilled for my friend. She’s been alone a long time so it was heart warming to see her so happy.
\nThen, as I was scrolling through my Facebook feed the other day, I saw her post about the wedding and how they met and how long they’ve known each other. They started out as friends for a very long time before their love blossomed. And…she was so sad to report that they lost her handsome new husband the night before to cancer. I was shocked. I am so sad for her. Not only did she finally marry her very best friend, he up and died on her. It was three weeks. Three weeks. I am not privy to the details, but one would have to assume they knew he had cancer going in and wanted to be married. I can understand that. Another friend of mine had found the love of his life but he really didn’t want to get married again. Then she became terminally ill and he asked what he could do for her…name it, he’d do anything. She want to die with his name. So, he married her and she died a couple days later.
\nThat is love, right there. That is super-human love and strength to go into the wedding, into the marriage, unsure how long it would be…knowing what they were facing. I admire their courage and their devotion to each other. The depth of their love. Heck, I admire anyone who loves enough to share their lives with each other…no matter what their health is. Because this whole thing is a crap shoot. Either one of you could be gone tomorrow. When I contemplate having another relationship, I wonder if I am strong enough to do it again. To give everything and then lose it all. And, while I certainly wouldn’t want to go through this again, I would with the right person. With the right true love. Because, I am a people person. I am a team player. I do better in even numbers. And I’m a total gush-ball romantic. Maybe one of these days, I’ll find another Mr. Wonderful. As sad as I am for my friend, I am so happy she got to be Mrs…even if it was just for three very short weeks. Prayers to you, dear one…my heart is with you in your loss. ❤️
\n“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”\nPhilippians 4:13 KJV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-28T02:55:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/28/happily-ever-afterinterrupted.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Strong Women","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/27/the-door.html", "title": "THE DOOR", "content_html": "![\"Window](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/19761ab7bd.jpg\")
\nThere is nothing beautiful about becoming a widow. It’s scary and sad and extraordinarily painful. For the longest time, I was certain there would never be joy again, even as I traveled in TOW-Wanda. I sat in a chair looking at a closed door. On the other side of that door was the rest of my life. Christina Rasmussen calls this the Waiting Room. We touched on that last week. I sat there for the longest time…in fear. I wasn’t afraid to move forward because I was alone. I wasn’t. God led my every breath and directed my every step as I navigated this grief journey. As a matter of fact, I can look back and see where every stumble was because I took my focus off of Him and tried to drive the bus on my own. I have long since decided I’m much better off when I ride shotgun with Jesus at the wheel. But, I was still afraid of moving forward.
\nFear of the unknown had me stuck. Fear of losing what little tangible evidence of the great love we had kept me from opening my heart to even the possibilities of loving again. I couldn’t bear the thought of loving…only to lose everything all over again. So, I sat…and waited, and waited, and waited. I’m not talking about my physical presence. That I was taking all over God’s green earth…to search for solace and peace and release from this hell I’d been thrust into. No, my physical being was doing quite well…seeing places I’d never seen, doing things I’d never done. All the while, my heart and mind sat, carefully eyeing that door.
\nOne day I was standing in the headwaters of the Frying Pan River. I had been fishing from the bank. It was a beautiful, hot, late-summer day. The current was gentle where I was. Suddenly, I felt restless…bored…frustrated. I realized I was tired of sitting there…waiting. I laid my rod and reel down, slipped out of my shoes and socks, rolled up my jeans and stepped into the icy water. The jolt from the cold made me gasp for air and I squealed as I stepped from stone to slippery stone. I walked to the middle and stood looking upstream. The door wasn’t there. That is the past from whence I came. It was done…no changing that. I turned downstream and envisioned the door. That was where I needed to go, fear or no fear. I closed my eyes and listened to the river riffling over the stones at my feet. I felt the water caress my knees as it coursed past me, making its way down out of the Rockies and into the sea. I reached out in my mind and touched the door. The smooth wood felt like satin under my fingertips. I slid my hand down and grasped the door knob and turned. With great trepidation, I pushed ever so lightly as the door slowly swung open wide. My heart was pounding because I knew once I opened that door, there was no turning back. I took a deep breath and stepped through.
\nNothing big happened. No cymbals crashing or trumpet call. Still, I had this sense of change come over me, like a cocoon opening and I stood trembling…waiting for my wings to fill out and dry. As I stood there, I became acutely aware of a bird calling in the tree above me. A camp robber was scolding me for intruding into its space. I turned my face up to the sun and let it warm me. The scent of the pines was so thick you could cut it with a knife. My heartbeat slowed down and I was free. Free to move forward at my own pace. Free to feel the sun and the wind and the water. Free to embrace this new life one choice at a time. Has it been easy? Decidedly not. Has it been scary? Certainly, at times. But has it been worth opening that door and stepping through? Oh, my gosh…yes, yes, yes. A resounding yes! There is healing in letting go. There is liberation in letting my heart open to even feel the possibilities of loving another. There is hope.
\nWhen I was sitting staring at that door, I had no idea what was waiting on the other side. I just took a leap of faith because it was just too painful for me to stay where I was. I needed to have hope. I needed to believe it would get better. And it has…thank God. ❤️
\n“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”\nPsalm 30:2 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-27T02:55:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/27/the-door.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/25/outside-is-free.html", "title": "OUTSIDE IS FREE", "content_html": "![\"Meme.](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4e31e8d485.jpg\")
\nAs I plug along and copy the content from my blog here on Facebook and move it to my new website, I try to work from both ends of the spectrum. I work on new stuff for a while, then I work on the older, early writings. I have to do it this way as the early stuff is so painful…most of the time. Right now, I’m in the midst of the first spring/summer after losing Mr. Virgo. I have purchased Little TOW-Wanda and I’ve been out on The Grand Adventure for quite some time. I am enjoying looking back at the pictures of all the beautiful places I visited. So much of that year is a blur to me. The brain fog of grief had me pretty firmly in its grip for the first year and seeing these photos, and reading the meager writing I was able to produce fills in some blanks and makes me long for getting out on the open road again…wind in my hair, tiara twinkling in the sunlight.
\nAs most of the nation struggles with snow and cold, we are still deluged with this incessant rain. Grey skies are gonna clear up…put on a happy face! Meh. I’m not feeling it. I have been plunked down in front of this computer for days and it is slow going. But every day is progress and I will reward myself with an outing to town today or tomorrow.
\nYesterday was the Angelversary of my mother’s death. I posted it on my personal page and received an outpouring of love from friends and family. I love that people remember her and tell stories about her. I love that they speak her name. One of the things I hear the most from my readers who are grieving is they wish people would say his name. Talk about him, tell stories, remember. It normalizes grief. It acknowledges the fact that this wonderful person lived and we got to live with them. It keeps their memory alive. I appreciate that. I love it when someone tells me a funny mom story or Mr. Virgo story. My mom…I loved to make her laugh. And I had a talent for it. She lived a hard life and I took it upon myself to entertain her, boost her spirits, and make her laugh till she cried. Oh, I aggravated the heck out of her sometimes, too. That’s the nature of the mother-daughter relationship, is it not? But, her laughter was like sunshine to me and I would do whatever I could to bask in that glow.
\nI called her every Sunday night. Without fail. And I tried to visit her in West Virginia at least once a year. She came to Colorado a few times. I once lived in a very tiny house. Hubby #2 was in medical school and was on a rotation of work one night, sleep one night, study one night…on and on and on for nearly three years. For some reason…I didn’t see my mom during that time. There wasn’t room for visitors at my house and no money for a hotel or for a plane ticket home. So, I just didn’t see her. I made excuses. I put her off. I hate that I did that. I’ll never forget when I did finally make it home for a visit, her hair had gone completely white! I was convinced it was all my fault. Silly, that…but still. I can’t imagine not seeing my girls for nearly three years. It had to have been difficult for her. I tried to make up for it in her last years. I think I probably did. She was a very forgiving soul when it came to me. Not that I deserved it. But a mother’s love, you know.
\nI’m going on an adventure in a few days. Are you ready to travel with me? Get your sunscreen and your flip-flops out…there’s sand, sun, and surf coming your way soon! Wahoo!!! ❤️
\n“"‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”\nDeuteronomy 5:16 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-25T02:55:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/25/outside-is-free.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/24/a-prayer-for-anna.html", "title": "A PRAYER FOR ANNA", "content_html": "![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c1cf6f4de6.jpg\")
\nI hadn’t seen Anna since high school. She had never been to a reunion and frankly, she was nervous. What if no one remembered her? What if she didn’t remember anyone else? What if the dress she picked out is too dressy? What if it’s not dressy enough? Or too hot/cold/itchy….you get the idea. Anna was scared. I don’t blame her. I’ve been there…we all have. She changed her clothes three times the first night. Finally I said…“Please…sit. You’re beautiful. Relax.” She gave me a smile and seemed to settle back and get into the groove of the evening.
\nI didn’t really know Anna. Oh, we had a couple of classes together. But, she was athletic and popular. We didn’t run in the same circles. But we became Facebook friends a few years ago so I felt like I knew her. We sure had fun at the class reunion though. We laughed and had our pictures taken together like we’d been best buds since first grade. That’s the nature of reunions. At least it is in my class. We all just seem to love each other. We’re family.
\nAnna did what we all do at reunions. She told us about her kids and her grandkids. She had this HUGE mama-honkin’ ring on and I (being the grand poobah of sparkly things) asked her about it. She told me she got it for her 40th anniversary. I found out over the weekend that they almost made it to the 42nd. Anna lost her husband Sunday to a sudden heart attack. It breaks my heart for her. I know where she is. I know what’s happening to her. I know she’s going to remember all the times she talked about her husband and will remember any slight. She’s going to recall every conversation where she might not have been as patient as she could have. She’ll remember every argument and wish she could take it back. She will worry. “Did she tell him she loved him the last time they talked?”
\nEventually, she will strain to remember the exact timbre of his voice. Did he call her Baby Doll or Doll Baby? She won’t be quite sure what he gave her for Christmas a couple years ago. She’ll panic. She’ll worry more. “Am I forgetting him?” The time between these two extremes is highly variable and depends on the individual.
\nI wish I could take it all away, this pain we feel when we lose the one who brings light into our hearts and stars into our eyes. But I cannot…it is the price of loving so hard. The deeper the love…the deeper the grief. So, instead…I will share these thoughts for Anna…and for all who have recently suffered a fresh loss.
\nMay you find some peace in the coming days.\nMay you remember only the beauty of your true, long lasting love.\nMay you see your loved one in the faces of your beautiful family.\nMay you feel his presence on the wind and in the raindrops.\nMay God ease your heart enough to give you some rest.\nMay you find the strength to do all that you need to do in the coming days.\nMay you find the courage to face all the things that will come your way in the coming weeks and months.\nMay you be brave enough to reach out to those who hold a hand out to you in your time of loss.\nAnd, when it is your time, may you reach back and mentor another woman through her loss. Because, in that, you will find purpose in your pain. ❤️
\n“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”\nPsalms 147:3 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-24T02:55:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/24/a-prayer-for-anna.html", "tags": ["Grief","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/23/monday-morning-motivation.html", "title": "MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATION", "content_html": "![\"Sunrise](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b0791d9709.jpg\")
\nI’ve been reading posts lately about feeling stuck. I remember in my own grief journey, especially the first year or two, there were so many times I felt complete frozen. It was hard to get up and get out of bed, let alone do anything meaningful. There were long stretches where I wondered if I would actually make it. I was filled with despair. It’s always worse in winter. As I am sitting here, the rain is pounding on the tin roof of this farmhouse. At least it isn’t snow. Long dark nights and short grey days have a way of making even the sunniest disposition go sour.
\nI got an Amazon Echo for Christmas. I love it because I can “talk” to Alexa and she “answers” me back. Yesterday, I asked her what the 7-day forecast was and she kept looking for adjectives. Finally she said Friday was going to be “dreary”. It’s pretty bad when your computerized companion describes the coming day as dreary. That does it! I’m heading for some sun, sand, and surf…soon. Like…really soon!
\nHow do you start moving when things get stagnant and you get stuck? It’s OK to mattress surf for a day. I always drew the line and refused to allow myself two days of that. I went through a severe clinical depression in the ’90s…I’m not going there again. But, what do you do? How do you get motivated to get up and move. I had one goal every day. I figured if I did just one positive thing every day it meant I was moving forward, no matter how tiny the baby steps were. My goal every day was to clean my kitchen sink. I know. Not much of a goal, is it? Here’s what happened, though. I scrubbed that kitchen sink till it shined. And once the sink was shiny, my heart lifted a little. Then, a cup of tea sounded nice. Then, there was a magazine on the table that had pretty pictures of spring decorating and flowers. I always kept sunny magazines laying around the house and in my car. Those magazines helped me tremendously as I could escape into their glossy pages for a little bit when things felt overwhelming. You don’t have to read a lot…just flip through and escape.
\nSometimes my days were spent getting through every hour…a minute at a time. But every hour put me another hour ahead, another hour forward. You don’t have to make BIG progress every day. Just make SOME progress every day. Little tiny baby steps are still steps. Some days will feel like you took two steps forward and three steps back. As a matter of fact…you’ll have a lot of those days. Just remember…you took those TWO STEPS. That’s something. That’s forward movement. Don’t discount that, dear ones. Stand up and move. Make the choice to live…REALLY live. You can do this. You’re still here. Let me repeat that. You…are…still…here! Good for you! ❤️
\n“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”\nPhilippians 3:14 ESV
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-01-23T02:55:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/23/monday-morning-motivation.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/20/rise-up.html", "title": "RISE UP!", "content_html": "
![\"Meme.](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/bf04d631f9.jpg\")
\nI try not to touch the third rail. Politics is a touchy subject in polite society and can create a firestorm, as I’m sure you have all witnessed in your Facebook feed this last year. A simple statement, an expressed opinion…even an innocent “share” can bring on a backlash the likes of which you may never have witnessed before. Much of that is because it’s easier to hide behind a keyboard and say things that more than likely would never be said with direct eye contact.
\nI’m not going to take sides. I’m not going to pass judgement. I’m not asking who you supported in the election nor am I going to share who I voted for. But I WILL share who I support and that’s us…We the People. No matter which side of the fence you are on…no matter your beliefs…no matter your color, identity, faith, ancestry….I’m pulling for you to live a safe, fulfilling, happy life. Whether you are happy or sad today, there is a changing of the guard and we have a civic duty to be watchful of our leaders and our representatives. We have to express our opinions. It is our right.
\nI don’t know about you, but I was pretty self-involved the last four years. Mr. Virgo died less than two months after the last inauguration and I largely let others do my caring for me in that department. If I’m brutally honest, I have always shied away from politics because I’m not a fan of conflict. But…I’m awake now. I’m watching. It would be easier…much more comfortable…to stick my head in the sand. There are others who cannot speak for themselves. The Bible tells us to stand up for them.
\nA young man was invited to speak at Ebenezer Church in Atlanta this week. At the tender age of 15, this young man spoke eloquently about protecting the least of us. Royce Mann recited his poem “Rise Up” and was met with resounding applause. We can’t afford to be complacent. We cannot stick our head in the sand and hope others will do the work for us. It’s time…it’s past time…to rise up and speak up. For yourselves. For those whose voices are not heard. For those who have no voice. ❤️
\n\n“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”\nProverbs 31:8-9 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-20T02:55:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/20/rise-up.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/20/prayer-requests.html", "title": "PRAYER REQUESTS", "content_html": "![\"Woman's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/805eaf7ad2.jpg\")
\nI know of a few families who need lifted up in prayer tonight. There are health issues and family issues involved that are unspoken with some of them. Also, I would like to ask for prayers for our country as we head into a new arena tomorrow. Whether you were for them or against them, I offer prayers for both the Obamas as they leave this office and the Trumps as they come in. God loves each of his children the same, no matter what our personal opinions are.
\nIf you have any special prayer requests this evening, please feel free to add them here. This is the time to lift each other up.
\n“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16 ESV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-19T19:34:58-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/20/prayer-requests.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/18/when-the-new-normalisnt.html", "title": "WHEN THE \"NEW NORMAL\"...ISN'T", "content_html": "![](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0391363a78.jpg\")
\nI don’t know about you, but the first time someone referred to me as a “widow”, it truly ticked me off. I was outraged to be referred to as anything but who I knew myself to be…or, who I thought myself to be. A wife. Now, here was someone pushing me into a demographic I had no desire to be counted in. I hated it. I resisted it. And…finally, eventually…I accepted it. But on MY terms…not theirs. The term ‘widow" conjured up images of “sad”, “old”, “crazy”. And, while I did identify with those feelings, they weren’t WHO I was…who I wanted to be. As I am wont to do, I wanted to push the agenda and “get back to normal” as soon as possible. Little did I know at the time, there is no such thing…not after the devastating loss of someone you love more than your breath. And there’s certainly no hurrying it along.
\nI had to start embracing change, no matter how much I resisted. Everywhere I turned, change glared at me. There was no one on the other side of my bed. The other sink stayed clean. The toilet seat was always down. There were half the dishes, half the laundry, and way less than half the income. I had entered into the Twilight Zone of the “New Normal”…and I didn’t like it, not one little bit. I tried reading books about grief but I couldn’t relate to them…I couldn’t concentrate on them…I didn’t want to have anything to do with them because it meant I had to admit Mr. Virgo was gone and I wasn’t prepared to do that at the time.
\nIn the wee, dark hours of the fourth night without him…when I felt the most alone even though my daughter was in the bed beside me…it hit me. I was quite literally standing on the edge of a precipice. I did not want to breathe anymore. I did not want to feel anymore. And I certainly did not want to go to my husband’s funeral the next day. I cried out to God in my heart and begged Him to take me, too. “Please!” I begged. “Please bring me home so I can be with him!” God whispered into my heart. “No, my child…it is not your time.” I knew in that moment I was going to have to put something in front of me. Something to look forward to. Something that had the potential of bringing me joy. It was either that or I was done. And…I wasn’t done.
\nFor those of you who are relatively new here and may not know…a couple of weeks after the funeral, I bought a little camper and planned my escape. I needed space…to breathe, to cry, to scream, to mourn. As soon as the snow melted, I took off for a three month journey into the wilderness and backroads of Colorado…alone. It was there that I began to embrace the “New Normal”. “Normal” it is not. “Normal” is when things are the way they’ve always been. We want it all back. Just the other day, I was walking through a furniture store with a friend looking for…something. A comfortable chair, perhaps? A sofa for the farmhouse? I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. I rejected everything.
\nMy friend said, “Well, what IS it you want?” How could I describe it? I wanted all my old furniture back…the stuff I sold and gave away when I sold my house. For a moment, I wanted it all back more than I ever wanted anything in the world. I have made peace with the finality of death. I don’t wish Mr. Virgo back anymore because A) I would never want him to come back into this fallen world after experiencing the glory of heaven and B) it isn’t healthy for me to think that way. But the house, the furniture, the things I got rid of? The things we shared? The things that remind me of him? Yeah…sometimes, not often, but sometimes I wish them back. This new normal…isn’t.
\n“I want my old furniture.”, I said.
\nMy friend said, “I can’t help you with that.”
\nAnd that’s the truth. No one can help you with that. You either create a “New Normal” or you stay forever in what Christine Rasmussen refers to as “the waiting room”…the place you sit in till you decide to get up and make a life for yourself. There’s no timetable to go by…no expiration date on grief. This “New Normal” isn’t what we wanted, but it’s what we’ve got. I can either live it…or not. I can either create it…or not. I can be joyful in it…or not. I can embrace change…or not. My choice. ❤️
\n“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”\nIsaiah 43:19 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-18T03:00:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/18/when-the-new-normalisnt.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/17/see-the-stars.html", "title": "SEE THE STARS", "content_html": "![\"Only](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/404ac721c5.jpg\")
\nI stumbled around for the longest time in the darkness of grief. I told people it was like trying to defuse a bomb blindfolded. One wrong move and I would just disappear…evaporate into a billion little pieces. I used to feel like I was, quite literally, one crisis away from losing it altogether. If one more bad thing happened, if I had to deal with one more medical emergency, if I had to white-knuckle my way through one more disaster…I just knew I didn’t have it in me. The thing is…I look back over the last nearly four years since Mr. Virgo’s death and I realize I survived every single thing that was thrown at me…exactly 100% of the time. There are still moments when I feel myself hanging on…but now it’s by the heavy chains of a sea freighter’s anchor…not by a thin, ever weakening thread.
\nTime has done a great deal to show me I am much stronger than I thought. God has never, ever let me down and I trust He will always either provide a safe place to land or teach me to fly. In the light of day, every single star in the half of the universe we face is there. We just can’t see them because of the sun. When things are going well and you are feeling strong and healthy, all the threads leading to your support system are there…but you don’t notice them because there is so much light in your life. It’s when things get dark…when there isn’t even a moon…that’s when you need to look for the stars. You need to look for those tiny beacons of light…those loved ones, those helpers, those angels, and for the Strength of the One who is greater than yourself. As Dr. Martin Luther King said…“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
\nAs I was leaving church Sunday morning, I felt a tap on my shoulder and jumped. One of the ladies I’m getting to know came up and welcomed me back after my long trip to Colorado. We exchanged greetings then she told me how much she enjoys reading Marshmallow Ranch every day…that it is so uplifting. She went on to say that even though she has not lost a husband, there are all kinds of grief and my posts have helped her. I have been moving the early posts of my blog from Facebook to the new website this week. That means I dive back down into the darkest, most paralyzing time of my life. And it wears on me. I have dreams again of CPR and ambulances and caskets. I was feeling really tired Sunday morning after another night of fitful sleep. But when my church friend put her arm around my shoulder and told me how much my writing helps her, and others, it lifted me up. It made me feel centered and stronger and more forward focused. And I told her so and thanked her for telling me.
\nWe should lift each other up at every opportunity. When I write my posts, I do not know what is going on in your lives. I don’t know what you need to hear. But I always pray over my keyboard and ask God to bring me the words He wants me to say and the people who need to hear it. Then I seek ways I can be of service to Him. I knock on the door of his heart and ask him to shower me with these blessings that I beseech of Him. And finally, I ask him to walk with His hand over all of YOU, to guard YOU, to bring peace, healing, and abundance into your lives. I was so grateful to be lifted up on Sunday. It set the tone for the week ahead.
\nWhen it is dark…may you see the stars. ❤️
\n“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….”\n1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-17T02:55:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/17/see-the-stars.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/16/breathe-life.html", "title": "BREATHE LIFE", "content_html": "![\"One](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/20b339a19b.jpg\")
\nI loved our message in church yesterday. Pastor Justin spoke about Jesus completing a huge healing marathon when the Pharisees headed to see him. They wanted to know why his Disciples had unclean hands. You see, the Pharisees did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, so they still did a ritual hand washing ceremony before their meal…not for hygienic reasons, but to “wash away their sins and transgressions.” Jesus explained to them that it wasn’t what was on their hands but what was in their hearts.
\nYou’ve heard the expression “Garbage in, garbage out.”? It is a reference to computing…if you do not put the correct URL in the search bar, you are not led to where you intended to go. The same thing happens with our hearts. What we feed our heart comes out our mouth and hands in words and actions. If we feed our hearts violence and hatred then that is what we live…that is what we speak…that is what we do. One of the most difficult things many of us will face this week will be the realization that God loves all of us equally…no matter who we are or what we’ve done. No matter what side of the aisle we sit on politically, God is impartial when it comes to his children. Something I am reminding myself of daily.
\nI read a beautiful story on Facebook the other day. A woman was celebrating her daughter as she prepared for her first day in middle school the following morning. They bought the uniforms and supplies and a new backpack. Then she sat her daughter down at the table and gave her a plate and a tube of toothpaste. She asked her daughter to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tub and onto the plate…which she did. Then, when she was finished, the mother asked her daughter to put all the toothpaste back into the tube. The daughter protested and said she couldn’t do that…it would never go back and it would never be the same. The wise mother explained that she was about to head into a new phase of her life and would be presented with many opportunities to breathe life or death into the world with her words. She wanted her daughter to be conscious of the irreparable damage her words can cause and to always choose to breath life.
\nWhat a beautiful analogy. This is why I don’t watch television. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination. But, what is offered on television as “entertainment” these days is largely unappealing to me. And I do not need to see the accident victims’ lifeless bodies in order to have empathy for the loss so I don’t watch the news either. I read so therefore I filter the images I put in my mind and my heart. I prefer to keep the “garbage in” to a minimum so the “garbage out” is (hopefully) minimized as well. I prefer to keep my heart as clean as I can so that my hands do good works…so that my mouth breathes life into the world. And, this world needs all the life it can get breathed into it.
\nBe the change. ❤️
\n““Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.””\nMatthew 15:17-20 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-16T02:55:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/16/breathe-life.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/15/rainy-days.html", "title": "RAINY DAYS", "content_html": "![\"Rainy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0c98aa7db4.jpg\")
\nI am always amazed at the amount of water shed from the sky here in West Virginia. After living forty years in the semi arid climate of Colorado, this is a shock to the system. Oh, the humidity is great for my skin. And I have stick-straight hair so humidity is the only thing that gives it a little body. But, man….dark, gray, rainy days can really wear on a person after a while.
\nThe creek has been running awfully high this week from all the rain. The ground is saturated. There’s a dead tree out by the road alongside the creek and it has shed some branches that have partially blocked the culvert. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that till now and it isn’t safe to get down in there to clear it out so it will have to wait. I have a rain gauge out front. I haven’t emptied it since before I left for Colorado so it’s been at least five weeks. It is full to the top…twelve inches! I have no idea how long it has been full so who knows how much rain we’ve received? I walked the creek from the road to up behind the barn just before dark and I don’t think it’s going to flow over. And if it does, it will go over the road before it comes in the house. At least we didn’t get the ice storm they predicted.
\nI’ve been glued to my laptop all week migrating content from FB to the new website. It’s slow going because I’m also backing everything up in a Word document. Rainy days aren’t so bad when you’ve got a nice cup of tea and some soft classical music in the background. I seldom curl up with a good book anymore, though. Ever since I started writing after Mr. Virgo died, I try not to read other people’s work. I find it taints my thinking and I don’t want to run the risk of inadvertently plagiarizing someone. Writing soothes me…it sharpens my mind and keeps me focused. It has done wonders toward healing my heart and spirit. I am very protective of my writing time. You can ask anyone with whom I have stayed in the last four years…I retire early even when I am a guest so that I may write. It’s therapy, hobby, recreation, and mental exercise. It’s as much a part of my day as breathing now. Early on, I would sometimes schedule a week’s worth of posts ahead of time when I traveled in case I was out of cell or wifi range. Eventually, I found myself writing anyway so I just write. It’s what I do. It’s what I love. ❤️
\n“The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.”\nProverbs 18:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-15T03:00:05-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/15/rainy-days.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/13/authenticity.html", "title": "AUTHENTICITY", "content_html": "![\"Iris](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/00fdd61ec4.jpg\")
\nAs I lay here in the middle of the night, I can hear the creek’s up. We’ve had a lot of rain the last few days…better rain than snow as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had enough snow in my forty Colorado winters to last me a lifetime, thank you very much. The rain has stopped for the time being. Too bad. I love the sound it makes on the tin roof of this old farmhouse. From a gentle tapping to a deafening roar, there’s nothing quite so wonderful to sleep to than rain on an old tin roof.
\nThere’s something special happening to me as I live in my grandma’s house. It’s as though the hands of time are turning back…not literally, but my attitudes have shifted to match the rhythms of farm life. There is something sweetly innocent about this house and it’s breathing through my heart and soul. This creek…this rain on the tin roof…it’s the music of my childhood. How many nights did I visit grandma’s kitchen…my worn, flannel nightgown brushing my ankles as I sat on the folding red metal kitchen stool eating jelly bread before bedtime? How many nights did I snuggle up to my mama in the metal bed upstairs in the girl’s room listening to these same night sounds? I hear an owl…a deer browsing through the brush along the creek…the gas stove in the bathroom kicking on.
\nThis is as real as I have felt in a long, long time. This home holds no pretense. It is a humble affair of rough-sawn timber…poorly insulated. The bedroom walls upstairs are really nothing more than cardboard with wallpaper over it. It originally rested on stacks of rocks as a foundation with no indoor plumbing. Along the way, it gained a basement and water. But it’s still such a simple home. I can feel it’s pulse.
\nIf there is anything I strive for these days, it is authenticity. I haven’t always been authentic…true to myself. Living at my roots…my source…has put me in touch with who I really am. And I am anything but vanilla. I’m two inches of frosting with rainbow sprinkles. I’m tutus and cowboy boots…tiaras and glitter. I’m an enigma, to be sure. I want to live unapologetically. I agree with Iris Apfel, fashion you can buy, but style you possess. I didn’t always march to my own drum, but losing Mr. Virgo has given me license to be authentic…in my grief and in the way I live my life. My grandchildren roll their eyes at some of the things I wear out in public. This is good! I like showing them it’s ok to be bright and shiny when you age. I want them to know you don’t have to go quietly into the good night. I want them to remember me in a big way. ❤️
\n“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””\nJohn 8:32 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-13T03:00:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/13/authenticity.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/09/old-mama-kitty.html", "title": "OLD MAMA KITTY", "content_html": "![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/88ff109f6d.jpg\")
\nWe’ve lost track how old she is. Twenty-three? Twenty-four, maybe? She’s old. And she’s sweet as sugar. She came along some time after the original “Old Mama Kitty” was found, cold and still, lying on a bale of hay in the neighbor’s shed. She, too, was ancient. She was my Uncle Bob’s kitty. Bob was born with a developmental disability. He lived and worked on the farm his entire life. A kinder and gentler man would be nigh on to impossible to find. His “job” was ring the church bell every Sunday…a position he took very seriously and performed religiously, so to speak.
\nNo one told Uncle Bob that his old kitty had passed away. They didn’t have the heart. But one day, this sweet kitty who looked exactly like the original, came strolling up the yard by the creek. Bob saw her and his face lit up like a Christmas tree as he exclaimed, “There she is! Old Mama Kitty back!” So, this kitty is Old Mama Kitty, too.
\nI was really worried when I didn’t see her last night and again this morning. That isn’t like her. Usually she is right there when you feed her…waiting for that one brief scratch on her head that she will allow and a couple rubs against your leg. The last few days have been desperately cold here at the farm with highs in the low teens. These are outdoor farm cats, so I know they’re tough. But old kitties are more fragile. I decided I’d better do something better than the outdoor cat boxes I had provided out on the back porch. I went to Rural King after church and bought electric pet mats and a heated water dish. I fixed up their beds when I got home, in hopes that Old Mama Kitty would show up. I no sooner finished when here she came! I was so relieved! I went right out with a dish of the soft canned food she loves so much and she ate like she was starved. Within ten minutes, she had found her now warm little house and had curled up inside. It made my heart warm, too. I have grown very attached to her.
\nWhen I returned from Thanksgiving, there was a tiny orange and white kitten here increasing my feline entourage to three. Come to find out, the little kitten belongs to the lady who feeds the cats when I’m gone. It must have hitched a ride in her engine when she was here over the holiday. She would love to have it back, but it’s been too cold to catch it, and now it is attached to Boy Cat so I doubt it would stay away at this point. The neighbor says that’s fine…as long as it’s well cared for. Interestingly, this little kitten’s littermate looks exactly like Old Mama Kitty. That would have been just too much synchronicity had that been the one that showed up.
\nI have no idea how long I’ll have this old gal here. But I’ll love her to pieces..for my Uncle Bob. It’ll feel like losing him all over again when she is gone. ❤️
\n“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”\nIsaiah 11:6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-09T03:00:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/09/old-mama-kitty.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/08/in-the-company-of-women.html", "title": "IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN", "content_html": "![\"Meme](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f875787b4e.jpg\")
\nIn the Company of Women
\nYesterday was my “girls day”. I met eleven other women from my high school class at 10:00 for our monthly therapy session…err, I mean, coffee klatche. One of the first things I did when I moved back to West Virginia two years ago was to organize these monthly gatherings of my classmates so we have connections as we head into the golden years of retirement. I have been blessed with this kind of supportive tribe of strong women all my adult life. Women in West Virginia don’t “gather” quite the same as they do in Colorado. I’m not sure why…culture, economics, traditional marital roles? Whatever…getting these wonderful women together has been a highlight every month for the last two years and I love every one of them!
\nAfter coffee, I joined a widowed friend who brought along one of her classmates who is also a widow (who happens to be a “Rancher” of three years! That always humbles me.) We visited for four hours and talked about a project we’re thinking of doing together. More on that when things get firmed up.
\nI have grown to appreciate women so much more since losing Mr. Virgo. I was one of those tomboys who always seemed to enjoy male conversation and energy more than women in my earlier years. I was a builder and a maker…a little coarse around the edges. But women of a certain age grow into their strength and wisdom and I find myself gravitating toward them. I admire them. I emulate them. I celebrate them. I’m proud to be one of them. And I seek out their company whenever possible. I tell my daughters not to lose touch with their women friends because they’re going to need them someday. I don’t think they get it…yet. But, they will.
\nI ended the day by taking myself out on a dinner date to the very first sit-down restaurant I ever went to…Jimmy Columbo’s. Jimmy’s opened the year after I was born so it’s an institution in my hometown. It’s still family owned and operated with photos of locals, family, and celebrities lining the walls. The first time I went there, I was on a date with the young man who would become my first husband. I had no idea how to order from a menu. I had never eaten a tossed salad before. When the waitress brought me my salad last night, I took the first bite and closed my eyes. I was suddenly seventeen again, heart fluttering, my shirtwaist dress freshly pressed, a white cardigan around my shoulders. I smiled and thought about how far I’ve come since I was that young, star-crossed girl. How much I have experienced and learned. How much I have grown. I thanked God for the wonderful, strong women in my life. I thanked Him for restaurants that still make a really great homemade Italian dressing. And pasta. I always thank God for pasta. ❤️
\n“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”\nProverbs 31:25-26 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-08T03:00:35-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/08/in-the-company-of-women.html", "tags": ["Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/08/urgent-prayer-request.html", "title": "URGENT PRAYER REQUEST", "content_html": "![\"Woman's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5bbc0e335.jpg\")
\nPrayer Warriors: Our fellow “Rancher” and friend, Gloria, is asking for especially strong prayers for her daughter, Sue, as they head to the MD Anderson Center to get treatment to kick this cancer, once and for all! Let’s lift them up! ??? Thank you!
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-07T22:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/08/urgent-prayer-request.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/07/when-bad-things-happen.html", "title": "WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN", "content_html": "![\"Meme](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9529fb7e69.jpg\")
\nWhen Bad Things Happen
\nSince the beginning of time, bad things have happened. There is evil in the world and when senseless acts of violence happen, it is sometimes difficult to see God. This was a pretty bad week in the world. Four people beat a stranger and broadcast it online…live. A madman opened fire in an airport. My friend’s son hit a tree with his face when he was skiing (he’s ok, thank God!). Freak snowstorms wreaked havoc on the highways and byways of America. Politics…don’t get me started. It’s been a hard week. Where was God?
\nThe first thing to remember is…God does not bring evil to us. God loves us and it pains Him to see evil things happen to His children. God is love. Those of us who are widows or have lost other important family members may very well have heard this age old platitude…“We don’t always understand why God does the things He does, but everything happens for a reason.” What a terrible thing to say to someone when they are hurting! That their pain is somehow God’s plan…God’s fault. He never hurts us…he only loves us. But, when these bad things are happening, why is it so hard to feel Him?
\nHere’s the thing…if bad things didn’t happen in the world, if there was no pain, if our lives were effortless and trouble free, we wouldn’t NEED God. We would never seek Him and ask for His comfort. God wants us to turn to Him in times of trouble, but He doesn’t cause the trouble. Mr. Rogers used to tell the children in his television audience a story about his mother. When he was a little boy and saw disturbing things happen, his mother told him to look for the helpers. There will always be helpers who come to the aid of the victims. As I watched the events in Ft. Lauderdale unfold yesterday, it would be easy to say, “How can a loving God let this happen to innocent people? People whose only “crime” was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” As the day wore on, I saw the videos running behind the reporters and there they were…the helpers. The fellow passengers who opened suitcases to grab articles of clothing to bind wounds. The strangers who held hands and prayed. The people circling a man who was so distraught from the scene that he was bent over a trashcan throwing up. There were hands on shoulders. Arms wrapped around strangers. Police and firemen and rescue workers flocking to aid and protect. God was everywhere.
\nWhen evil acts are occurring, you cannot see God’s Hands. It is only when you look back and reflect that you see the remarkable, unmistakable acts of a loving, hurting God. Take the events of 9/11 as an example. People came together and loved one another like many of us had never seen in our lifetimes. Foundations and alliances were formed. Funds were collected. The nations of the world came together in love. Evil acts occur. There is darkness in the world. But there is also light. Pray for the victims and their families. Pray for our service workers and leaders. Pray for the families of the perpetrators…what horrors they must be going through as well. But always…always look for the helpers. Look for the light. ❤️
\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””\nJohn 16:33 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-07T03:00:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/07/when-bad-things-happen.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/06/until-we-meet-again.html", "title": "\"UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN\"", "content_html": "![\"Widow's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08e6691f1c.jpg\")
\n“Until We Meet Again”
\nI stumbled across this picture on Pinterest last night. A woman had her and her husband’s wedding bands repurposed into a necklace she could wear. The diamonds were from her engagement ring. I thought this was a lovely sentiment and wondered what those of you who are widowed might have done with your wedding rings.
\nI’m a member of several closed groups for widows. They are mostly involved with travel but some are just safe places where you can go and say things you would never say anywhere else. I remember belonging to one such group early after losing Mr. Virgo. I would often read through the posts in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. Occasionally someone would come into the “chat room” looking for someone to talk to during a particularly bad night. One night, a woman came in and asked if there was anyone out there who could talk and I answered. We visited awhile and I became increasingly alarmed when she made statements like “I don’t want to do this anymore.” And “I just want to die so I can be with him.” I asked if there was someone I could call for her and did she need help. I asked if she had plans to hurt herself. She assured me she did not, but it was just such a struggle. She seemed to settle down and I eventually asked her how long it had been since her husband had died. By the way she sounded, and given my own personal experience, I figured maybe six to eight months. I was stunned when she said ten years! OMGosh! I surely didn’t want to feel like this for ten years!!! That’s when I really realized what an individual journey grief is. No…we each experience it quite differently.
\nA few months after Mr. Virgo died, one of my friends asked me and several of my closest friends over for a girls weekend. We got in our jammies as soon as we arrived and we brought our needlework projects with us. It reminded me of the days when we were new moms and we’d gather for Wednesday morning “Stitch ’n B****” complete with coffee and pastries. When things got rough, there were mimosas. There were lots of tears and plenty of laughter that weekend as my tribe encircled me with their love. My friend, Judy, gave me a small petit point box and said “One of these days, you may want to take off your wedding ring and store it with his. Here’s a little box I bought in Europe. It will be the perfect size.” I held the box to my chest and sobbed because I hadn’t even thought of not wearing my ring. I couldn’t imagine it. But, there came a day. I can’t tell you when or what happened. I just knew the time had come to tuck my ring in with Mr. Virgo’s. I actually went to a jeweler to have a necklace made from them, but our rings were so big and heavy, he said it would be no time till it would wear through and break the chain and I’d run the risk of losing them. I didn’t have the heart to melt them into something unrecognizable, so they have sat in the petit point box, inside a red leather box, for about three years now.
\nMaybe someday I’ll do something with my rings. What have you done with yours? Have you had anything made? Have you heard of any really cool ideas? Feel free to share. My settings don’t allow photos, but if you’d like to send some in a private message, I’ll see if I can create a little album with your photos. With Valentine’s Day coming up, it might be a wonderful way to memorialize you loved one and what you meant to one another. ❤️
\n“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”\nMatthew 5:1-3 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-06T03:00:44-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/06/until-we-meet-again.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/06/tonights-peaceful-moment-resolutions.html", "title": "TONIGHT'S PEACEFUL MOMENT: RESOLUTIONS", "content_html": "Tonight’s first “Peaceful Moment” of 2017 is about resolutions and how they might not work in one big moment. But…give them lots of little moments and see what happens!
\n\n", "date_published": "2017-01-05T18:30:41-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/06/tonights-peaceful-moment-resolutions.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Hope","Peaceful Moments"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/05/its-not-about-youunless-it.html", "title": "IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU...UNLESS IT IS", "content_html": "![\"Blue](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b0d23ae829.jpg\")
\nIt’s Not About You…Unless It Is
\nIn keeping with the theme of the New Year and yesterday’s post about body image, let’s explore a little more about self….self-image, self-control. How many times have you felt the sting of someone else’s judgement? How often have we believed what someone else has said about us? And I’m not just talking about people we know and love…people who are supposed to love us. I’m also talking about complete strangers…the rude man behind us in the checkout line…the clerk at the post office…the young girls on the bus who snicker behind their hands, whispering something you can’t quite hear but you know it’s you they are targeting.
\nJudgement. We experience it every day. And face it…we do it ourselves all too often. No? Remember that old lady taking her half out of the middle on the freeway this morning? Yeah…I thought so. We try…we fail…we try again. One of the Four Agreements is “Don’t take anything personally.” It’s not about you. It’s just not. When someone says something bad about/to you…it has everything to do with where they are in their journey in life. It has absolutely nothing to do with you personally. It’s a little harder to take when you think that something they say GOOD about you doesn’t have anything to do with you either. Ouch! But here’s where we forget to turn the statement around.
\nWhen YOU judge someone else…when YOU gossip about someone else…when YOU say something sharp and mean to another person, known or unknown…it has NOTHING to do with THEM and EVERYTHING to do with YOU. Double ouch! It has everything to do with where you are on your journey…in your development…in the course of the evolution of your mind and spirit. I am as guilty of this as anyone and will be the first to admit I don’t always turn it around when I’m the perpetrator. I have a tendency to want to blame someone else for my sad state of personal growth in the moment.
\nSeventeen years ago, I had a major falling out with my dearest BFF. This was huge…an ugly fight, and a resulting parting of the ways. We didn’t speak for ten years. Then, miraculously, at the ten year mark, I started seeing her here and there on Facebook. I wanted to stay mad because I had placed myself in the poor victim box. I didn’t want to look at my side of the street. One day, she posted a funny video and I was in it. My love for her rushed back in and I realized how much I had missed my friend. I also realized she had no way of knowing the personal growth and insight I had attained during those ten years. So, I reached out. I said “Enough already…I miss you and I hope you’ll take a chance to get to know this newer, wiser version of me…sort of Ginny 4.2.” I’m grateful I chose a good quality friend to begin with because we gifted each other with another chance…a new friendship. It’s not like it was before. WE aren’t who we were before. But I cherish her friendship and welcome this funny, intelligent, beautiful woman back in my life. The high road doesn’t guarantee absolution, unfortunately, but you just might be surprised by the new dynamic an old friendship can take on.
\nThis is a new year…a time for starting over. A fresh slate. If there is someone your actions has affected, now is a really good time to let them know you’ve grown from the experience and you hope they can forgive your stumble as you journey through this thing called life. Maybe you’ll never hear from them again. But…maybe they have been just waiting for you. ❤️
\n““Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”\nIsaiah 1:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-05T03:00:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/05/its-not-about-youunless-it.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/04/the-dancing-of-life.html", "title": "THE DANCING OF LIFE", "content_html": "![\"Pregnant](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/36eda49895.jpg\")
\nThe Dancing of Life
\nAs we head into the New Year, resolutions in hand, I felt it was time to revive a discussion we have periodically about body image. I know I am not the only woman who has had an ongoing love/hate relationship with her body. Thank GOD I’m past that at this beautiful stage of crone-dom! I am supremely confident in my own skin now. I own it. I love it. I know I am beautiful and I work it.
\nWe women, especially those of my generation, were taught to “be seen and not heard”. We were taught that loving yourself and your beauty was vain and being vain is bad…ergo…WE are bad if we see beauty in the mirror. Madison Avenue began a lifelong assault on women with the onset of Twiggy and dictated to us, by the whims of so-called “fashion” designers, what beauty is. What is an acceptable body size? What is acceptable? ACCEPTABLE! Ok, I’m calling “Bullshit, Pauline!” Yes, we should be healthy. And yes, we should be fit enough that we can care for ourselves and our families without collapsing in a heap, sweaty and out of breath. But size? Appearance? Fashion? That matters far less than the kindness you carry inside. I care far more about the size of your heart than the size of your a**!
\nThose of you who have been following me for some time know that I reached a tipping point about a year ago. I had been asked to speak at the International Conference on Positive Aging in Washington, DC and at the time of the request, I weighed over 200 pounds. I wasn’t disgusting. I wasn’t ugly. I still loved myself. But I wasn’t aging very positively and since that was the point of the conference, I changed my eating habits and started playing outside more often. As a result, I have maintained a weight loss of 41 pounds and have a great deal more energy and stamina. I love myself even more now. That isn’t vain. That is self-caring. We cannot feed another when our own cups are empty.
\nI’m going to tell you a little story about something that happened last night at dinner. I am telling you this without judgement and I hope you will accept that and be non-judgmental as well. I had dinner last night with Hubby #1 and his wife as they passed through town. I always look forward to visiting with them as I love them and consider them as much my family as my own flesh and blood relatives. We had a lovely dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Our conversation ran the gamut from family to world events to “have you heard from so-and-so?” I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the evening wound down, we donned our coats and prepared to say good-bye till next time, when Hubby #1 touched a lock of my hair and said, “What are you going to do about this?” I looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?” I said. “Well…this grey. You usually color your hair. I’m just not used to seeing it like this.” Well, let me tell you…in the past, that would have done two things. Hurt my feelings and ticked me off. I would have internalized the comment and felt bad about how I looked. I would have questioned my decision to let my hair shine its glorious silvery grey and perhaps even made an appointment to see my hairdresser to correct this “problem”. Instead…I laughed. Loud. I smiled at this man I have known and loved since we were literally children. This man who earned the right to speak candidly to me by virtue of sharing my bed for a portion of my life and giving me my firstborn child. I laughed and said, “Hell, no! I love my hair just the way it is! As a matter of fact, I love MYSELF just the way I am…I’m not changin’ nuthin’!” He didn’t say it to be mean. He just hadn’t seen me in a while. And besides, no one else’s opinion means anything to me. MY opinion is what counts.
\nAs the meme attached states, how can you hate anything about your body when you have felt the dance of life within? I was so pleasantly surprised by my own reaction to what would have felt like a barb to the younger, more fragile version of me. Now I revel in this beautiful woman in the mirror…the one with the long silver locks, with the wrinkles and the stretch marks, with the age spots and the cellulite, with the sagging breasts and the poochy belly. I EARNED this beautiful body. Right this very moment, I’m in love with my beautiful, bada** self. And vanity has absolutely nothing to do with that.
\nGo on. Look in the mirror. Look at that beautiful woman with new eyes. Love her kindly. Be gentle with her heart. Treat her Spirit with the respect she deserves. If she needs a little extra TLC, give it to her. Celebrate her ability to carry you around every day. After all, what you see in that mirror is just your vessel. It’s the you INSIDE that that was created in the image of God. Own that! ❤️
\n“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”\n1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-04T03:00:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/04/the-dancing-of-life.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/03/happy-birthday-ranchers.html", "title": "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RANCHERS!", "content_html": "![\"Cup](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/16181618ac.jpg\")
\nFor someone as big a tech-head as me, I am absolutely stunned sometimes by new developments in technology. A week ago, I sat for twelve hours working on my new website with my uber talented son-in-law. At the end of that marathon, he asked me if I write my posts on Word first then transfer them. I shook my head. He said, with a questioning look on his face…“You write them directly on Facebook? On your laptop?” I shook my head again…and held up my cellphone. My iPhone 6 Plus, to be exact. His jaw dropped. “You write 1,000 word essays…on a cellphone?!?!” I laughed. In my defense, after writing an essay every single day for the last four years, I’ve gotten really fast with that right index finger and I hunt and peck my way through a 1x2 inch touchscreen “keyboard”. Still…he shook his head and said…“Stay right here. This is going to blow your mind!” Then he went downstairs.
\nA few minutes later, this brilliant man that my older daughter had the good sense to marry, came back upstairs and handed me something straight from computer heaven! A tiny, folding, portable, bluetooth keyboard that wasn’t much bigger than the cellphone itself. I was flabbergasted! Why have I not been made privy to such a wondrous invention??? After turning it over and over in my hands, folding and unfolding, I asked…“Where do I get such a miraculous gadget???” He smiled and said that word that thrills all technogeeks…“Amazon!” I immediately pulled said site up on said phone and purchased said item with PayPal. Didn’t even have to get my wallet out! Oh, how I love technology!!!
\nSo, now…I’ll be typing my posts on this little gizmo in a quarter of the time, leaving me an extra forty-five minutes every day to do something else. That’s an extra 1.629464285714286 days!!! Wow!
\nToday is Marshmallow Ranch’s 4th Birthday. Four years ago, I started this page as a way to promote jewelry I was making from antique silverware and maps in my art studio I had cleverly named…Marshmallow Ranch. At the time, it was nothing more than a spare room upstairs in my house in the Rocky Mountains. Three months later, Mr. Virgo died and this project grew out of my desperation to have someone to talk to about this horrible grief journey I was on. I knew I couldn’t be the only one on this path so I reached out. There were less than 400 “Ranchers” at that time. And now…look at us! I am very proud of this wonderfully supportive group of fellow travelers and look forward to many more years of sharing as we navigate this thing called grief…one campfire at a time. ❤️
\n“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”\nEphesians 2:10 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-03T03:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/03/happy-birthday-ranchers.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2017/01/01/reach.html", "title": "REACH", "content_html": "![\"Happy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/141664bed4.jpg\")
\nEvery New Year’s Eve I come up with a new word to focus on for the coming year. I have been mulling words over for the last several days. At first I was going to choose “adventure” but that didn’t seem to encompass all that it could. It seemed limited to travel and that’s not all I do.
\nThis is going to be a really big year. Yes…I’ll be traveling a good bit. And yes, much of it will be with TOW-Wanda. But there are other things happening. BIG things!
\nFirst off, I’m launching a website which is very exciting. One of the biggest problems I find with Marshmallow Ranch being housed on Facebook is accessibility to older posts. We have people here who lost their loved one last week and we have some whose loss was decades ago. I’m closing in on the 4th anniversary of Mr. Virgo’s death. I’m not in the same space I was three…two…or even one year ago. When new people tune in, I’d love to have a menus where they can just click “Year One” or “Year Two” and then read things that are more pertinent to what they’re going through. The new writing helps provide hope that there will be joy again, but it isn’t easy to relate to the ship when what you need is a rope.
\nAlso, I’ve been exploring the idea of creating my own podcast show. I have a couple of friends who are encouraging me, as well as my agent. To be honest, in this day and age, publishers want to see an author with a ready made following before they jump and publish anything for them. I need a larger social media presence if I’m ever going to make this thing fly the way I feel it can. These are steps I can take that will help boost that and help Marshmallow Ranch become more discoverable in the search engines. This is all about “expanding my territory” as Jabez pled to God. If this is supposed to happen, God will make it so.
\n“Reach”…that is my word for 2017. Reach…for the stars! Reach…for love! Reach…for success!
\n“Reach”. It encompasses many dreams…it promises to be a great year!
\nHappy New Year!!! ❤️
\n“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”\nProverbs 18:16 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2017-01-01T03:00:36-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2017/01/01/reach.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/31/auld-lang-syne.html", "title": "AULD LANG SYNE", "content_html": "![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/ff7e2d6bf9.jpg\")
\nWell, here it is…the last day of 2016. I didn’t think this year would ever end. It’s been a real mixed bag as far as current events. We lost a number of celebrities we were most familiar with…most all too soon. We went through one of the ugliest political seasons in memory. Weather was unpredictable and natural disasters occurred with far greater frequency than in some years past. Worse than all that, we continue to lose our military and service workers as well as world citizens whose only crime is that they live and breathe in the “wrong” place and time. All this and more brings us down and it has been extremely difficult for many to get through.
\nEvery year, I begin with a new word for the year. Something to hold onto…something to strive for and embrace in an effort to bring into my life and the world in general a positive influence…a higher vibe…in a effort to improve the planet and its inhabitants. This year’s word has been “thrive”. I decided at the end of last year, to nearly “survive” was not nearly good enough and I had to work toward thriving. And I feel I have accomplished that.
\nI began a new ritual at the beginning of the year. I read, and started praying, the Prayer of Jabez…daily. Within two weeks, I was interviewed and photographed for an article in the New York Times’ finance section on widowhood and retirement. I was subsequently invited to submit a proposal to speak at the International Conference on Positive Aging in Washington, DC. That invitation spurred me to make a drastic lifestyle change and I lost forty-one pounds and increased my activity level…getting outside to play and making new friends in the process. In March, I was interviewed and appeared in a story on Fox News about changing the face of people who live in their campers full time. I was also interviewed for a podcast episode of Girl Camper. In April, I was approached by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo, Hilen, and Fountain Literary Management Company and offered a contract to write a book. I was selected for the Positive Aging Conference and spoke in August. I was approached by a former screenwriter for Saturday Night Live and Dawson’s Creek to give an interview for her new podcast which will begin broadcasting in January. I was interviewed again for the Girl Camper podcast. In addition, I spoke to several groups over the course of the year as well as made some wonderful connections for future speaking engagements. I am being interviewed for a radio show in a couple of weeks. I am building an independent website (with the expert guidance of my brilliant son-in-law.)
\nSo, for all intents and purposes, I would have to say unequivocally…this has been my year to thrive. While it certainly has been busy, I haven’t “busied” my way out of dealing with my grief. As time and hard work has eased the weight of my grief, I have begun to move past a lot of the most difficult parts and deal with the waves with a strength only swimming at the deep end could have given me. I have ventured out socially and reaped the rewards of new friendships. My loss no longer defines my life. It is a deep scar that I carry with me always yet it doesn’t occupy my every thought. It is an unfortunate part of my story yet it isn’t the WHOLE story.
\nAs we bid adieu to the old and ring in the new, please accept my sincere thanks for being a part of my life this year. Your presence here on The Ranch has helped me more than you could ever know. And let me be the first to wish you a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a new year filled with good things. If we cannot find them…may we create them and color our lives with “rich and royal hues”! ❤️
\n“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”\nRomans 8:18 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-31T03:00:50-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/31/auld-lang-syne.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/30/my-miracle.html", "title": "MY MIRACLE", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/93905ba401.jpg\")
\nI’ve suffered from Palmar Plantar Psoriasis for the last three years. Only 1-3% of psoriasis suffered have this particular variety. I’ve literally tried everything. I’ve had expensive allergy testing. I’ve used countless tubes of steroid creams. Then, three weeks ago, a friend prayed over my hands. While I was in Colorado, I was driving by a marijuana dispensary and felt compelled to go in when I “heard” the message “They can help you.” I showed them my ands and they handed me a jar of ointment saying, this will fix it." I thought that was that till I drove by an apothecary and got the same nudge…“Go in…they can help you.” Ok, I’m a listener. And I’m practicing obeying. I found a parking space and went in. “I have this on my hands and feet.” I told them. “You need this.” they said…and handed me a proprietary blend of essential oils and various emollients. I started for home and for the third time, I felt that now familiar nudge and stopped at the hot springs pool. I soaked for three hours then applied my purchases and put on a pair of clean, dry socks and went home. While I was only able to visit the hot springs one more time during my visit, I continued to use the cannabis ointment twice a day, the eczema cream as often as possible, and dropped the steroid cream to about twice a week. As you can see by the picture, after less than two weeks on the regimen, my skin is quite noticeably improved.
\nI was never a proponent of legalizing marijuana until I had this personal experience. God still answers prayers, as you can see the healing in this picture. He doesn’t necessarily reach down and touch a finger to your injury…but He brings insight to a doctor, and He nudges you to a place that has what you need. I have no doubt my friend’s prayers over my hands have worked. This is the first time in years that I can open doors, pick things up, and walk without pain. I am even getting the feeling back in my fingers. I’m not a medical professional and I’m only relating my own personal experience. We may not see God raising people from the dead these days, that does not mean God isn’t still in the miracle business. I just wanted to share with you my holiday miracle! ❤️
\n““Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.””\nJohn 4:48 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-30T03:00:14-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/30/my-miracle.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/29/fly-the-friendly-skies.html", "title": "FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES", "content_html": "![\"Widow](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/044de20478.jpg\")
\nWhen I was a very little girl, my mother flew to Chicago to do two things…visit her sister, and try to win a washer/dryer on “Queen for a Day”. The TV show was less impressive to me than the fact my mother was swallowed by this big, silver contraption that swept her away from me into the blue skies of summer. I had my first experience being airborne when I was about nine years old and my neighbor took me up in his Piper Cub. I loved the sensation…and the glamour…of flying.
\nLong gone are the days of airlines actually catering to their passengers in an opulent…and roomy…way. Seats are so tight, a woman of my size is hard pressed to cross her legs. I pity a person who is taller and/or wider than the average traveler. My flight experiences usually include at least a two hour nap these days. I always take Dramamine…usually the non-drowsy formula. I think I took the regular version yesterday as it was all I could do to stay awake during my layover in Chicago.
\nI tried something different this time. My flight left Denver at 5:05 which meant, with the extra holiday traffic and dropping off the rental car…I was up at 2:00am! I slept the entire flight to Chicago, had a three hour layover at Midway, another hour flight, plus a five hour drive home to the farm. Holy cats! Ok, I saved a boatload of money doing that, but it makes for a really long day. I’ll put up with a lot for a $198 round trip Dayton to Denver.
\nI love to fly…even though it isn’t what it once was. I love the sights and sounds and smells of an airport. I long to travel to far distant lands, gliding high above the clouds, and deplaning where I don’t understand the language. I’ll never forget standing in Heathrow Airport…a 19-year-old military bride joining my husband at his Air Force duty station. I stood at customs looking out at the sea of faces on the other side of the glass. I turned to the customs agent and asked how on earth I was going to find my husband with all these bodies here. There was worry in my voice. She laughed and said in her lilting brogue, “Don’t worry, dearie! He’ll find YOU!” And that, he did.
\nI had a four hour drive from Dayton to the farm after traveling all day. Thank you for your prayers for travel mercies. I am home. ❤️
\n“For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ””\nLuke 4:10-11 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-29T03:00:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/29/fly-the-friendly-skies.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/28/heading-home.html", "title": "HEADING HOME", "content_html": "![\"Favorite](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d95e4c32ba.jpg\")
\nWhere is “home” for you? Even when I lived in Colorado for forty years, when people asked me where home was, I’d say West Virginia. Yet, home is where my heart is. When I am in the loving embrace of my family, I am home. When I was with Mr. Virgo, I was home. Now my heart is in West Virginia so I’m heading home today. Home to the farm and the barn cats and my WV family and friends.
\nI spent yesterday afternoon with daughter #2. We laughed till we couldn’t breathe. It is really interesting how your relationship changes when your kids become adults. I love it! My flight leaves about the time you’re reading this and it will take me about eleven hours to get home…so, it’s going to be a really long day. Oh, how I love to travel! Prayers for travel mercies. ❤️
\n“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”\nPsalm 121:7-8 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-28T03:00:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/28/heading-home.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/27/im-on-my-way.html", "title": "I'M ON MY WAY", "content_html": "![\"I](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/447bc33428.jpg\")
\nThere have been many times in my life when I felt lost. I spoke the words into the universe and it became so. I believed it. And…there have been times when I was truly lost. I had no sense of direction. I was depressed, hurt, angry, grief stricken. Like the first year after losing Mr. Virgo. “Lost” doesn’t begin to describe what I was going through. I was the walking dead. The second year was worse but only because I was awake and aware I was walking through fire. The third year has brought many awakenings and amazing discoveries.
\nI’ve made a new best friend. She’s kind and caring. She’s smart and capable. She’s funny and tender. She’s a little crazy, but in a really good way. She’s brave. She’s so very brave. She’s assertive but not aggressive. She’s flighty but still dependable if you don’t mind her flexible schedule and her personal interpretation of time. She’s fiercely loyal yet when she’s done, she’s done. She’s really creative and wants to learn new things. She’s not very patient. And she’s kinda stubborn. I met her on the top of a mountain in Colorado. She was sitting there, really quiet, like she had been waiting on me forever. She was SO excited when I saw her and introduced myself. I swear, she hasn’t stopped talking since. She has so much to tell me about herself that some days all I can do is listen. Her words tumble out in an animated cacophony of thoughts. I have to laugh at her some times because she interrupts me and forces me to pay attention, like my baby did when she was two. She pisses me off sometimes because she calls in the middle of the night and wakes me up with new ideas or maybe a worry or two. But, I love her. I love her more than I thought I ever could. I see her every day. Our shadows are identical. She’s that amazing woman I see in the mirror. She’s who I am becoming. I am not lost. I am on my way. ❤️
\n“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”\n1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-27T03:00:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/27/im-on-my-way.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/21/tonights-peaceful-moment.html", "title": "TONIGHT'S PEACEFUL MOMENT", "content_html": "Tonight’s Peaceful Moment
\nThis is Christmas!
\nTonight’s Peaceful Moment Link
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-21T03:00:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/21/tonights-peaceful-moment.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Peaceful Moments","Uncategorized","Link"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/21/girl-camper-podcast-ginny-mckinney.html", "title": "GIRL CAMPER PODCAST #63: GINNY MCKINNEY - LESSONS LEARNED", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f0cf6b8df8.jpg\")
My dear friend, Janine Pettit, interviewed me in September when we were camping at Beaver Creek State Park in East Lebanon, Ohio. In this episode, we discuss lessons I have learned along the way and how the Sisters on the Fly saved me in my grief. I speak about two of my fellow Sisters who impacted my grief journey in the most positive ways. Have a listen ...you always learn something new about camping, and life, from Janine's wonderful podcast series!
\n\n", "date_published": "2016-12-21T03:00:01-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/21/girl-camper-podcast-ginny-mckinney.html", "tags": ["Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","goRVing","Girl Camper"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/20/the-choir-concert.html", "title": "THE CHOIR CONCERT", "content_html": "\n
![\"A](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3e717f8fa.jpg\")
\nYou haven’t lived till you attend your twelve-year-old granddaughter’s middle school choir concert. Seriously. Those kids were so great…funny, sweet and gawky in their awkwardness. They’re like new foals…all feet and legs and eyes. They duck their eyes and bite the inside of their cheeks in the supreme act of standing…alive…in front of…(gasp)…PEOPLE! People who are looking at them. And taking pictures of them. And um, you know, like…smiling at them and stuff. It was classic. It took me back to those years when her mama was doing the same thing. Well, not exactly the same thing. My daughter stood on a stool and “put on a show” to anyone who would sit still for five minutes. As a theater major, she lived for the spotlight. But her older daughter? Maybe not quite as much. I love her brilliant wit, her doe eyes, her modesty.
\nAs we prepared for the concert yesterday, I was trying to decide what to wear. I had worn black corduroy leggings and a black turtle neck sweater all day. At the last minute, I just added a sparkly belt and a necklace.
\nI walked out of the bedroom and my nine-year-old granddaughter looked me up and down with a critical eye and said, “Nice belt. It’s real sparkly.”
\n“Thanks!” I said. “I just threw it and the necklace on.”
\nShe cocked her head and said, “Well, when in doubt, add glitter!”
\nI love this kid. She’s not only her mother incarnate, but the little-girl me! Both girls shock me with their insight and dry sense of humor. They have left a trail of glitter on my heart. ❤️
\n“May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.”\nPsalm 128:5-6 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-20T03:00:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/20/the-choir-concert.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/15/merry-bright.html", "title": "MERRY \u0026 BRIGHT", "content_html": "![\"Bottle](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5c604ac0ed.jpg\")
\nI came to the mountains Sunday to spend time with my sweet brother and to visit friends. I’ve soaked in the hot springs, eaten at my great restaurants, and browsed in the beautiful shops. I’ve driven around and gazed at the Christmas lights. This is a resort town in Colorado, full of rustic, twinkly good cheer and it has done my heart good to revel in it.
\nYesterday, I took my coffee up to the cemetery and sat with Mr. Virgo for awhile. I surprised myself by how quickly I was reduced to a puddle of tears. I haven’t cried in a long time, but this outpouring of grief was deep…from the depths of my heart. While it was sadness pouring out, it was wrapped in love and gratitude. I sat for a long time…whispering my love message into the ether and felt comforted in the end.
\nI decided to stop at my favorite shop on my way out of town. The other day I shared that I hadn’t purchased a special ornament this year. I haven’t seen any of the Ne’Qua ornaments that we loved, but there…nestled on a shelf…was the sweetest bottle-brush tree ornament and it made my heart smile. I felt Mr. Virgo whisper, “For your farmhouse Christmas!” I asked them to wrap it well and put it in a box and I’ll hand carry it home.
\nThere is a reason the rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. I look forward more and more. It is what it is, yet all is as it should be. My world is still Merry and Bright…I just hold his memory in my heart now…this fourth Christmas without him. And my heart is filled with love. ❤️
\n“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.”\n1 Corinthians 12:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-15T03:00:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/15/merry-bright.html", "tags": ["Travel","Hope","Positive Energy","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/09/the-web.html", "title": "THE WEB", "content_html": "![\"Spider](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9ca46639d6.jpg\")
\nI’m in Denver visiting family for Christmas. I ran errands yesterday and spent a good deal of time sitting in traffic. That’s something I’m definitely not used to. But, sitting in the car always gives me time to think. I had visited my former coworkers and a family member in the hospital. Then I ran to the mall to get a Christmas gift. As I sat in traffic afterward, the song “When I’m Gone” by Joey and Rory came on the radio and my thoughts immediately turned to Mr. Virgo.
\nThe song speaks the pain of loss…the steps you go through…of the first day and first night and, eventually, the first smile of remembering that will eventually come. I was trying to remember that first night. I know my older daughter slept with me. Fortunately, time has smoothed the edges of that particularly difficult memory. I don’t feel, nor do I react, the same way now as I did in the early months after Mr. Virgo died. I do remember the pain in general. I remember feeling that awful ache that got in the way of breathing. I remember that hideous void that was left in my heart…a hole so huge it couldn’t possibly heal.
\nAs I sat there, waiting for the traffic to move, I realized that the grief process looks much like the gridlock I was sitting in. You’re forced to sit and wait, inching yourself forward in painfully slow fits and starts. Like a spiderweb, you build one step at a time, one string at a time, one block at a time till you start moving away from center…away from the most painful place. That center has been anchored at several points for strength, much like those who love you and wish to walk this path with you, no matter how painful. And we weave. We anchor. We gather the fresh morning dew for adornment…for sustenance…then we move on to the next step and the next.
\nSometimes, something big comes along and rips a hole in the web and we start over. We reinforce. We rebuild. Our web has one purpose and one purpose only. To catch memories.
\nAhhhh…such is the musing of my mind in rush hour traffic. Catching memories is a beautiful thing. ❤️
\n“Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.”\n2 Peter 1:12 NLT
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-09T03:00:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/09/the-web.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/12/03/forced-memories-from-the-archives.html", "title": "FORCED MEMORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES OF FACEBOOK", "content_html": "![\"Man](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0027a46985.jpg\")
\nIf this is your first Christmas without your loved one, you must be prepared for something. Facebook Memories. They pop up, unbidden. They take you back, whether you want to go or not. I remember seeing the memories before the holidays, but man…once they started showing me Thanksgivings and Christmases past? That was brutal because I wasn’t prepared.
\nI’m in a different place now, for the most part. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel Mr. Virgo’s absence or that I don’t ever get sad. I do. Just not as deep and not as long. A photo from 2009 showed up this morning. It was just the tree in the living room. Then I remembered this one and went searching for it. This was his last Christmas. We couldn’t possibly have imagined that. We were back in the mountain house after having lived away for a few years. We always put our tree up on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We watched “White Christmas” and football. We had a nice dinner and sat in the dark with the lights on the tree as the only illumination. Mr. Virgo had this special brand of candle that smelled of pine. OMGosh! That thing reeked…but he loved it and I tolerated it for him.
\nWhen I see this picture now, I’m filled with warm memories and a certain bit of melancholy that is becoming more like nostalgia with each passing year. I have learned to love this life that I built for myself, but I stand at the edge of the man-shaped hole in my heart and throw a wreath in the waves that come in. I observe. I hold tight to those memories. I smile a bit. I let my heart hurt a bit. I let myself “feel” grief. Because, the only way to get through grief is to grieve. And even though most days my ship is steady in the water, there are some still that are rocky. I have a much better feel for sailing now than I had three years ago. I know which way the wind blows and God is the Captain of my ship. ❤️
\n“It’s smooth sailing all the way with GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies.”\nPsalm 84:10-12 MSG
\n", "date_published": "2016-12-03T03:00:26-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/12/03/forced-memories-from-the-archives.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/29/widowhood-is-a-solitary-affair.html", "title": "WIDOWHOOD IS A SOLITARY AFFAIR", "content_html": "![\"Prisma](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d8644b1619.jpg\")
\nI did something the other day that I absolutely SWORE I would never do again. I bought a television. I was at Sam’s Club picking up some things and there was an incredible deal on a 40" Samsung Smart TV. I’ve been wanting to watch some of my collection of movies and this seemed like a good deal. Besides the movies, it’s not a bad idea to stay connected when there is a tragedy…like yesterday’s emergency on the OSU campus. I have to say, I felt ill after watching the news for a short time so I checked back in occasionally for updates instead of staying glued to it.
\nAs I flipped through channels, I paused to watch a few minutes of ET: The Extraterrestrial. I remember watching that when it first came out and the cinematography seemed SO advanced. Now it is terribly dated. The scene I came in on has a TV playing the background while ET is raiding the fridge. There is a commercial playing where a young woman answers the phone and calls out to the rest of the family that it’s their uncle calling long distance from California. She tells him she’ll talk fast since she knows how expensive long distance is. He assures her it won’t be now that he can use the new “weekend rates”. That made me smile with memories.
\nWhen I was about four or five years old, we had a big black phone with no dial on it. You picked up the handset and an operator immediately responded with “Number please.” I still remember one of my favorite aunt’s number started with HU for Hudson. One day my mom left me in the house while she went out to hang the wash. Even though I was little, I could read and soon found my Aunt Rosie’s number in Minnesota in the address book. When the operator came on, I “disguised” my voice and read the number off to her. My plan nearly worked but my mom came back inside and caught me just before what would have been an expensive phone call was connected. Lucky for me, I suppose.
\nHere at the farm, there was a party line. I would sneak and pick up the phone to eavesdrop on Mrs. Clark talking to someone. Grandma would whup me if she caught me doing that. We lived in town just 30 miles away and it was a rare occurrence to talk to Grandma on the phone in those early years. We got a letter from her at least once a week. I still have some of them, written in her scrawling cursive. She would give us the news of the day, what was going on up and down the road. She’d let us know if she got a letter from any of the family. She’d tell us what was coming on in the garden and how many jars of this or that she had canned that week. Treasures that are lost in the era of the quick calls and texts of today.
\nI sat down the week before Thanksgiving and wrote some notes out to some of my fellow Sisters on the Fly. I love handwritten letters. I bought some cards the other day and will try to get Christmas notes out this week. I may have a TV now, but it’s my last thought to turn it on. I’ll still live the slower life this farm affords me. It makes my heart more peaceful. ❤️
\n“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”\nProverbs 15:4 NIV
\n", "date_published": "2016-11-29T03:00:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/29/widowhood-is-a-solitary-affair.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/17/on-being-passionate.html", "title": "On Being Passionate", "content_html": "![\"Albert](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e5f2d1c568.jpg\")
“A word from the wise.”
It’s been a little over a week since the election. I don’t know about you…but I felt emotionally and physically exhausted after being subjected to such derision and anger on a daily basis. I, quite literally, was numb from the whole process and escaped through a cleaning frenzy the likes of which this house has not seen in years. And that’s from a woman who never watched TV throughout the entire campaign. I jumped on the Peace Train. I prayed and wrote and meditated and tried to wrap my head around the whole thing. Who I voted for doesn’t matter as much as the fact that I voted…there’s problems from both sides. I ride in the neutral zone here on The Ranch because politics raises passions and I respect you all…regardless of politics.
\nOne SHOULD be passionate about one’s beliefs. This election highlighted how divided we are as a nation. While I preach a message of peace, that doesn’t mean I should shirk my duties as a concerned, active citizen. I should learn everything there is to know about the issues that effect the world today. And…I can do that without hurting anyone. It is my responsibility to be a contributing member of society and research legislation so I can make informed choices in the polling booth.
\nThis isn’t easy for me. Conflict makes me extremely uncomfortable…being the child of an alcoholic can make it very difficult to be around verbal disagreements. However, I can still suit up and show up without entering into the fray. I can be passionate about being the change I want to see in the world. I don’t have to advertise my position in order to affect change. I can help…and I can do it from a place of love. ❤️
\n“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV\n", "date_published": "2016-11-17T02:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/17/on-being-passionate.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Comfort","Peace","Wisdom","Fear","Courage","Presence","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/11/16/the-list.html", "title": "The List", "content_html": "
![\"Ohio](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fe13d6356f.jpg\")
“Digital painting of the Ohio River at sunset.”
I still suffer from “grief brain” to some extent. Or maybe it’s just the natural progression of aging. Or a combination of the two. I don’t know. What I DO know is, I have a whole list of things in my head at night when I lay down. I think of a dozen things I should have done during the day. And a dozen more that come to mind as my brain notices I want to go to sleep so it pops up and says “Here’s twenty-four things to remember in the morning. No fair getting up and writing it down!” So, it takes forever to go to sleep and…I wake up knowing there were twenty-four things and I remember, like…two. SO frustrating!
\nI thought I was done with lists when I quit working and things got done at my leisure. Then Mr. Virgo died. My brain felt like I dropped a hair dryer in the bathtub while I was in it. I couldn’t remember anything to save my soul. It has gotten much, much better…but I think I will always have this lingering need to make lists now. And maybe write down where I park my car…and put my keys, etc. Now, I have to write lists, set alarms, send myself texts. If not, things get missed.
\nThe thing about lists now that I’m living 45 minutes from town is, I don’t shop as frequently so the lists get really long. And I end up spending all day running around from place to place. That was my day yesterday. I ended the day on a bright note, however. I met a friend for dinner and took time to watch the sunset over the beautiful Ohio River. And still, the moon is super. Thirteen deer on the road coming home last night. Today is trash day…and the beat goes on. ❤️
\n“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”\n\n", "date_published": "2016-11-16T02:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/11/16/the-list.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Wisdom","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/09/27/may-the-forest-be-with.html", "title": "\"May the Forest be With You!\"", "content_html": "\nPsalm 65:8 NIV
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9afd879153.jpg\")
Nature nurtures me. Living at the river was one of the most beautiful seasons of my life and came at exactly the perfect time. Not two years after losing Mr. Virgo and the fiasco caring for my elderly aunt had become, the river offered me the peace and tranquility my anguished soul needed to heal. I'm grateful to my friends for that opportunity. And now, God has provided for me yet again with the opportunity to live on the family farm.
The seventy-odd acres of the farm consists mostly of hilly woods with about five acres or so of tillable land. A portion of the backside of the farm was clear cut several years ago and is now filled with brush. I didn't go back on the hill for the longest time because I couldn't stomach looking at it with my beautiful woods missing. I remember the first time I ventured back, I cried at the sight.
Now, so many trees are falling and they are inaccessible...impossible to remove. There is one big ash tree out by the road that was killed by the emerald ash borer infestation that came through a few years ago. It has now become dangerous and needs to be cut down. I'm hoping it is within the right of way for the road and perhaps we can get the state road people to remove it. (Thank God they filled the potholes today...some of them were big enough you could lose a Buick!)
\n\n\nI love the way the trees \"talk\". They creak as they sway back and forth in the wind. The leaves rustle with the slightest breeze. And, they roar with the sound of the approaching rain...several seconds before you hear the drum of raindrops on the tin roof. They turn their leaves over when a storm is impending, thanks to the storm front's approach and the rapid rise of heat from the ground.
\n\n\nNow, the trees are preparing for their last hurrah...the brilliant blaze of autumn. We've had such a dry summer here, many of the leaves are just turning brown and falling off. But this weekend I am attending a family wedding in the eastern panhandle and I am sure the colors will be amazing.
\n\n\nA walk through the woods. A drive in the country. A hike in the high mountains. This is the time of year where our communion with God includes nature...our ballast for keeping us steady through the long, dark months of winter. Our time to breathe in the last breaths of warmth before our world lives under a blanket of whit. Take good care you don't miss it.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-09-27T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/09/27/may-the-forest-be-with.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/05/25/hope.html", "title": "Hope", "content_html": "\n“And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,”
\nGenesis 1:14 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6c98984721.jpg\")
There was a time in this journey when I had no hope whatsoever. I forgot Who loved me...Who had my back, always. I could see nothing past the next tortuous hour. Nothing but tears and pain...anger and frustration. Day after never-freaking-ending day. Anyone who says we do not experience hell on earth has never walked the path of grief.
\n\n\nYesterday was a reminder of how beautiful life can get once the flames of this journey die down and you're left wearing a shiny new coat of armor. I was vacillating a bit yesterday morning...write, which needs doing, or exercise, which MUST be done, no options. My trainer dude, Paul is out of town and it would be a little easier to slide by without working out. But then, in his ever vigilant way, he texted with his cheerful \"So...you Q-stepping today?\" Ummmmm, yes! I was just on my way out the door. Don't tell him I was actually sitting with my coffee in the sunroom still debating. His texts are all I need to remind me how important I am....to ME. To the future ME. To those who love me. I laced up those shoes and jumped in my truck! Off to the steps.
\n\n\nI decided to shoot for SIX. The good people putting on the International Conference on Positive Aging had asked me to create a little video promoting my talk in August. Instead of getting all foofy and filming myself talking, I filmed the steps as I climbed and talked about Mr. Virgo and turning into the PopTart Queen and how this is my year to thrive. Why talk about positive aging when you can show what it looks like?
\n\n\nNo amount of comfort food can beat what fitness feels like! I am filled with hope for the future now. Please, please grieve with hope because it will not be this painful forever. It gets better.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\nAddendum: I felt so good after writing this, I did two more. 8x175 steps! Then off for a big salad and a well deserved pedicure!
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-05-25T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/05/25/hope.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/03/05/make-love-not-war.html", "title": "Make Love, Not War", "content_html": "\n“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
\n1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08968ac206.jpg\")
The angry, hateful rhetoric being slung around like a bunch of schoolyard bullies continues to dismay me. And it makes me wonder...where are the hippies? Where are the pacifists, the tree huggers, the flower children? I want them back. I want them to protest. I want them to stand up and say, \"No...we won't take this!\" I want them to put flowers into the weapons that are destroying us!
\n\n\nWhere are they? What happened to Flower Power? We fought for something. We stood up for our rights. Everyone seems so complacent anymore. I have nothing to say about who you vote for. It is your right to choose in this country. But I do have to ask you...BEG you to exercise your right to vote. It's an important right that was hard fought for.
\n\n\nI wanted to be a hippie but my mom wouldn't let me. Wanda Belle would have tanned my hide if I acted like a \"wild nelly\". I know every generation thinks the world is going to h$&@ in a hand basket, but we've never seen anything like this. I want the peace freaks back.
\n\n\nWhat do you all think? Where did they go?
\n\n\n✌️❤️?
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-03-05T02:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/03/05/make-love-not-war.html", "tags": ["Hope","Grace","Love","Peace","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Choices","Change","Kindness","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/02/09/is-your-church-dying.html", "title": "Is Your Church Dying?", "content_html": "\n“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
\nMatthew 5:9 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b1c3ffabd9.jpg\")
I like to go to different churches. I attended a church in the small town I lived in the last 14 years I lived in Colorado. I have another one on the outskirts of Denver where I attend when I am visiting the kids. There's my grandma's little one room church that I have attended several times since coming to West Virginia in October 2014. I went to one church here where they spoke in tongues, which was interesting from a sociological standpoint but did nothing for me faith wise. I've attended a Baptist church many times and, while it is more contemporary with a praise team, it is not nearly the same as that Denver church that I love.
\n\n\nA couple friends on Facebook have posted things about a local church that has really come alive and I've been meaning to check it out. This past Sunday, I thought I was going to my usual church when, just two blocks before it, I got this big nudge with the reminder of the other church so I drove on past. And I have to say...it had that same alive feeling the Denver church had.
\n\n\nThere was a lovely lady seated beside me and she told me she had recently started coming to this church because hers was dying. She said at the most they would have 40 people on a Sunday...and no children. This church was growing. They had almost doubled in a year. They were campaigning to buy more chairs. My grandma's church has 14 on a REALLY good day.
\n\n\nSo, why are some churches thriving and others are dying on the vine? Well, I don't know numbers and I have nothing scientific to base this on, but I would say if a church isn't jam packed with young people, it's not going to be around forever. The churches being led by millennials to thirty-somethings have come to realize, they have to think the way adolescents do. They have to speak in a language adolescents are going to understand. If you are lucky enough to find one of these churches, go! They feel so good inside. They're on fire! If your church is dying, take a delegation and go on a field trip to a big church with lots of kids. See what they're doing and how they're doing it.
\n\n\nIt was pretty awesome.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-02-09T02:30:06-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/02/09/is-your-church-dying.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","God"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/21/on-death-and-dying.html", "title": "On Death and Dying", "content_html": "\n“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
\nHebrews 10:25 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c915ac7456.jpg\")
Ok...warning. This is not a fun subject but sometimes we have to touch on the tough stuff. If you aren't up for it, come back tomorrow. It's ok. We'll do something lighter tomorrow.
\n\n\nWe talk a lot here about death and dying. We speak from the perspective of the survivor...the one who was so cruelly and sometimes suddenly left behind. Some of us watched our loved ones go through countless, hideous tortures with the hope of a cure, a miracle, another chance. Some of us had them yanked away instantly.
\n\n\nBut what has modern medicine done to the process of dying if death is truly imminent? What have all the tubes and lines and electrodes and elixirs accomplished...truly. What kind of death has it given us?
\n\n\nThere's a fine line we walk along with the care providers. People deserve every chance they can get to have a long, healthy, happy life. But...at what point do we determine it's ok to allow a loved one to go without jumping through every possible hoop? It's a personal choice to be sure. One to be discussed ahead of time, no matter how uncomfortable it is. But I think people tend to go along with whatever the doctor recommends, even when there isn't much hope. We feel guilty if we don't do absolutely everything.
\n\n\nAs the emergency room staff were working on Mr. Virgo, there was a point when they stopped the chest compressions and I saw...I actually, visually, witnessed...his spirit as it left his body. I was stunned. I looked around to ask the staff about it because surely they must have seen it as well. It was very apparent they did not. No one else was given that privilege. They continued CPR and it became more and more gruesome. Some time later I was thinking \"Stop. Just stop!\" As soon as I had the thought, I felt Mr. Virgo push me from behind and I immediately blurted out, \"He doesn't want you to do this!\" Not \"We talked about end of life decisions yada, yada, yada...\" No, this was a directive...straight from his spirit. The doctor turned to me with a shocked look and said, \"But, he's only 62! We HAVE TO! We can take away later, but we can't add.\" So, what was I to do? Miracles happen. Maybe God would see fit to reach His finger down and heal my beloved husband's heart. So I didn't push it. I didn't say anything else. I let the situation play out. Brutal.
\n\n\nWe nearly turned south that day and headed for the mountains instead of town. I've often wondered if his death would have been much more peaceful for him if I would have gathered him in my arms, held him to my chest, and talked to him about the birds dancing in the branches above. What if his last memories were the sounds of the wind and the melting snow rippling over the nearby stones instead of people barking orders and beeps and bells and metal crashing together? But, in all likelihood, it would have been a terrifying scenario and I would have been left feeling personally responsible for being unable to save him.
\n\n\nThat peaceful scene was a much more realistic soundtrack of death in the distant past. In a time when it was a goal to die with dignity in the presence of those who loved you best. Lying by a window, perhaps. Peaceful. Maybe some soup on the stove in case you wanted a sip.
\n\n\nI don't know what the answer is. I don't know how one could possibly arbitrarily say, \"Well, this one is too old to save.\" But I did read this thought provoking article yesterday and I thought I would share it here as it is pretty much the opposite of what we are usually talking about. Then again...maybe not so much.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-21T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/21/on-death-and-dying.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Insight"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/17/comfort.html", "title": "Comfort", "content_html": "\n““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2f19dcda18.jpg\")
One of the greatest gifts we can offer another human being is comfort. We all need comfort to varying degrees. Yesterday, I met with a beautiful group of women and the act of gathering over coffee and delicacies alone offered each of us comfort. Then, gathering in a circle, they listened to me weave a tale of love and loss and hope. They opened up and spoke of their own losses. We laughed. We cried. And when we left the circle, we each were stronger in some way. We each \"lit a torch\" from the communal flame and we will take it out into the community to light more. We visited for 4 hours.
My hostess and I went to visit a lovely woman with an old soul. She has had a recurrence of breast cancer recently and we did a private visit for her in her home. She is a kindred spirit as a gifted Gemini. That was lovely, tender, silly and fun.
Cincinnati 5 Way for dinner. It was a beautiful day!!!
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-17T02:30:46-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/17/comfort.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2016/01/06/what-a-feeling.html", "title": "What a Feeling", "content_html": "\n“Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
\nLuke 6:20-21 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aff95ae050.jpg\")
Last night was special. I was invited to speak to a grief support group at my home church in Colorado. And the gals on either side of me in this photo are fellow Ranchers! I am so blessed to have had this time to share my journey and to sit with these beautiful people. I am humbled by your reception.
\n\n\nToday is a very special day for me. This is my \"re-birth day\". Sixteen years ago today I was at the lowest point of my life. Lower even than losing Mr. Virgo because I lacked the skills at the time to pull myself through it. My 21 year marriage was over. I was severely depressed. I could barely get out of bed and brush my teeth. I was grossly over medicated and being doctored to death. I was lost.
\n\n\nI was alone that evening, suffering yet another migraine. I took my medicine. It didn't go away so I took more. I got goofy and couldn't remember if I took my medicine so I took more. At some point I realized I had a mouth full of pills but by that time I couldn't move. I took two full bottles and could quite easily have died if my husband hadn't come home to find me unresponsive.
\n\n\nI spent the night in ICU and a couple of nights in acute care then was sent to a facility in Denver where I stayed for two weeks. When I got out, my marriage was officially done, and I started the long climb back up from literally the bottom of the barrel.
\n\n\nA lot has happened in those sixteen years. I found my voice and stood up. I got divorced and survived. I built a house. I started a business. I lost my mom. I dated a cowboy. I remodeled a house. I became a Christian. I met Mr. Virgo and got married. I lost my dad. We moved three times. The kids grew up and moved away. Mr. Virgo died. I bought a trailer, and wrote and wrote and wrote. And, guess what's happening today? Today, sixteen years after very nearly dying of an overdose, I'm being interviewed by the New York Times. Seriously? I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.
\n\n\nThere is no question...there IS a God. And He is so, so good!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2016-01-06T02:30:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2016/01/06/what-a-feeling.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Growth","Wisdom","Forgiveness","Press","Starting Over","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/12/29/a-year-of-abundance.html", "title": "A Year of Abundance", "content_html": "\n“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
\nIsaiah 41:10 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f3467a2a0b.jpg\")
It's that time of year when we start reflecting on the kind of year we've had and what we want for the coming one. I don't make New Year's Resolutions. But I do create a picture board of intentions that I can look at and create the mindset for the life I want. 2015 is going out better than it came in so that is the mark of a successful year in my estimation. I've had a good year. A year of personal growth, healing, adventure, hope.
\n\n\nJanuary - Things didn't work out on the farm as I had hoped. I was disappointed that I wasn't going to raise chickens or have the experience of working the land of my grandparents, but as it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. I was fortunate to house sit for a friend and I occupied a second story walk up in an old Victorian building. I'll never forget the nights sitting wrapped in a blanket in the tower room, staring at the snow falling in the light of the old fashioned street lamps.
\n\n\nFebruary - I moved into my camper in the middle of February when it was bitter cold. There was snow and more snow. I had no running water and my showers were taken at the gym. There were many times I heated water and washed my hair in a dishpan. It was quite the adventure and I found an inner strength I didn't know I had.
\n\n\nMarch - More snow and cold. The Ohio River froze clear across. The wind chill dropped to -24 and my refrigerator stopped working. I lost a whole fridge/freezer full of food. Out of frustration, I went to a hotel for the weekend and took 15 bubble baths, listened to live music, and ordered in room service. After becoming a human again, I went back to TOW-Wanda. I bought a bike to have something to look forward to in the spring.
\n\n\nApril - Spring in WV is amazing. I bought a kayak. I got running water back in the camper. I hauled TOW-Wanda down to Nashville to the Country Living Fair. I danced on the bar at Coyote Ugly! Owwwwoooooooo!
\n\n\nMay - Yes.....amazing spring. Biking, kayaking, hiking, farmer's market. I went to the Nelsonville Music Festival.
\n\n\nJune/July - Drove to Colorado to spend time with my family. Lots of camping, biking, live music and visiting with friends and family. Celebrated my oldest daughter and husband's 20th wedding anniversary with a huge party.
\n\n\nAugust - Took the grandkids on a camping trip through Colorado. Went to the Kelly Clarkson concert. Left for a meetup with the Sisters on the Fly in Deadwood, SD.
\n\n\nSeptember - Drove back to WV. Kept busy visiting friends and family and catching up. Then took off for Myrtle Beach. Sat through five days with a total of 25\" of rain...like camping in a car wash! Stopped at the New River Gorge for Bridge Days and watched crazy people BASE jump off the bridge to the beach (or sometimes the river) below. Then back to Parkersburg.
\n\n\nOctober - Beautiful leaves in Indian summer. Cool weather returned. A lot of time was spent writing.
\n\n\nNovember - Most of the month was writing, then a quick trip to the Eastern Panhandle for Thanksgiving with family. The leaves were gone and there was snow on the northern exposure at the top of North Mountain.
\n\n\nDecember - My eldest got her Master's from Miami University and I got to see her get her diploma. Mini family reunion with her father and family. Then flew to Colorado. I'll leave tomorrow for the Western Slope to visit my brother and friends. I'll end the year either soaking in a hot spring. Or walking the streets of Aspen watching fireworks off Ajax Mountain. Or toasting with friends. Or snowshoeing through the quiet winter night. I'll know what's right when the time comes.
\n\n\nYes, 2015 was a busy, blessed year that included lots of live music, lots of love with friends and family, lots of camping and 25,000 miles on the truck, and lots of healing. Lots and lots of healing. Here's to a Happy, Healthy 2016!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-12-29T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/12/29/a-year-of-abundance.html", "tags": ["Hope","Growth","Healing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/26/giving-thanks.html", "title": "Giving Thanks", "content_html": "\n“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.””
\nMark 10:17-21 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cd00b21acb.jpg\")
I know you are busy today. You probably have a list a mile long of things that need doing. Perhaps you're still in bed and giving Facebook a quick check before you start your day. Maybe you're taking a break with a cup of coffee before the crowd shows up. Or, maybe there won't BE much of a holiday for you this year. Whatever your circumstance this day, won't you take a moment and share with us just one thing, no matter how big or how small, that you are thankful for today?
\n\n\nI will start...
\n\n\nI am thankful for a forgiving God who will carry my burdens for me, whether I remember to ask him to or not. ❤️
\n\n\nI am thankful for my beautiful family. Even though I am not with my Colorado family today, they fill my heart to overflowing. I am with you in spirit...today and always. ❤️
\n\n\nI am thankful for having had the love of a good man with the resultant memories that give me great comfort. ❤️
\n\n\nI am thankful for all of you who read my words faithfully and hang in there with me through thick and thin. You give me a gift every single day with your comments. Many of you ask me if you can share my posts. Any time you share and comment, my posts are seen by more people and the more people who see them, the better the chance someone who needs to receive the message will do so. This blog is my ministry and I pray every day that my words are a blessing to someone who walks this path so they'll know they're not alone. Thank you so much for being here.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-26T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/26/giving-thanks.html", "tags": ["Hope","Gratitude","Holiday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/11/24/a-trail-of-sparkles.html", "title": "A Trail of Sparkles", "content_html": "\n“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
\n1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/15ee866403.jpg\")
They are sitting in the booth across from me. A frail elderly man, a middle aged woman, and a young woman with a developmental disability. They are out for a celebratory holiday meal together. She orders waffles. He has a small senior meal. Her voice is loud with excitement. They don't notice because they are too busy loving her.
\n\n\nAs soon as the plates are cleared, they bring out a big bag of Christmas presents. She opens each one and let's out a squeal of delight and claps her hands. A makeup bag. A bracelet. A t-shirt. Pajamas. Through overheard comments, I've come to understand what's happening. Dad is here, perhaps from out of town, visiting his daughter. She has been accompanied to the restaurant by her caregiver. The love between these two is palpable across the room.
\n\n\nThe inevitable occurs. Their little reunion celebration is ending and it's time to go. She turns to her dad and says, \"You'll see me on Thanksgiving, won't you?!\" And he mumbles something unintelligible, his frail shoulders sinking with the weight of emotion. Her face crumbles and with a breaking heart, she weeps openly. She understands she's out in public. This is a restaurant. A special place. She tries so hard to regain her composure. The old man carefully takes off her glasses and gently, lovingly wipes away her tears. He slowly cleans her glasses and puts them back on her sweet face and strokes her cheek. She takes a couple of breaths and looks up into his sad eyes and says, \"Don't worry, daddy. They're happy tears. They're happy tears.\" He pats her hand, this beautiful child of his.
\n\n\nI turn away. I don't want them to see my own tears as I hear her bravely say, \"It's ok. I'm happy now. It's ok, daddy.\"
\n\n\nAs we get into the business of gathering our loved ones around us this week, let's not forget there are those less fortunate. When we get upset that the turkey's dry, or Aunt Betty is pissing everybody off, or the kids spilled something on the carpet, AGAIN...let's remember a young woman who cried because she doesn't get to be with her daddy for Thanksgiving. I know I won't. I'll never forget this moment...ever.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-11-24T02:30:47-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/11/24/a-trail-of-sparkles.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Holiday","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/10/02/hurricane-joaqun.html", "title": "Hurricane Joaquín", "content_html": "\n“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.”
\nMatthew 15:29-31 NIV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8bbdde330a.jpg\")
Here are the current \"predictions\" of the path of the hurricane that has been pounding the Bahamas. Actually, I think it's from a satirical news site, the point being...only God knows what's going on with this situation and He's not telling. It started raining steady around 5:00 last night and it got quite cool. I think we will miss a direct hit but it is still too early to tell in the meantime, lunch yesterday with friends and dinner last night with other friends. Planning a hurricane party if need be. We bought extra supplies today. In the meantime, the rain on the roof is divine!
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-10-02T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/10/02/hurricane-joaqun.html", "tags": ["Hope","Camping","Courage","Friends"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/08/11/adversity.html", "title": "Adversity", "content_html": "\n“But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside...”
\nEzra 10:13\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3eb1fe4ae1.jpg\")
The little in pink is my youngest when she was about 5 or 6. The little on the left is her best friend, Kiersten. She moved away at the end of the 3rd grade and we didn't find each other again till last year on FB. We reconnected when I received the news that Kiersten had been in a terrible car accident up in the mountains. She broke her neck and was paralyzed from the neck down. Her mom, Patty, came from Maine to be with her.
\n\n\nAfter a week in the hospital, Kiersten was moved to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver and the grueling work began. She had 7 or 8 different types of therapy daily. Her injury turned out to be Brown-Sequard Syndrome where the spinal cord was stretched, bruised, and damaged...but not severed. Her paralysis slowly improved and she worked hard to get better. The weight training area was in the cafeteria. While others were sitting around talking after dinner, Kiersten would be over there lifting weights and working out. She was determined she would get better. And she did. She walks. She still writes with her right hand but has learned to do everything else with her left hand. Her right side gets tired more easily. But she is a walking miracle. We all learn from adversity that we are much stronger than we ever thought we were.
\n\n\nI remember this beautiful young woman when she was just a little girl having sleepovers at our house. I read to her and told her grand bedtime stories that I made up. And last night I got to have dinner with her and her mom. On my way home, Patty texted me to say Kiersten told her after I left how much she loved me when she was little. And how she remembered those stories. Strong women from loved little girls grow. Invest in our future. Treat every child as you would treat your own. I was so touched that she remembered.
\n\n\n❤️
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-08-11T01:30:42-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/08/11/adversity.html", "tags": ["Health","Colorado","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","Love","Courage","Memories","Littles"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/07/17/kindness.html", "title": "Kindness", "content_html": "\n\"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.\"
\nEzekiel 11:19\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c14ecc14a9.jpg\")
I dread election year. We are already experiencing the slings and arrows of misfortune…do we have to add the barbs and daggers of divisiveness? I don't discuss politics on Facebook. I know what I believe. I respect that others believe differently. This is the foundation our country was based on. Brotherly love. We can disagree without being unkind. The rhetoric is already bad out there. The name calling, the personal attacks, the discrimination…I hate it. The advent of social media has allowed public discourse without the governor that face-to-face interaction provides. We no longer have to look the other person in the eye when we slam them, degrade them, mock them, deride them. It is unseemly and inhumane. It is uncivilized. It scares me because you can't put smoke back in a bottle. There is only one way to create change and that is to BE the change.
\n\n\nA few years ago, my kids were really hurt and angry with me surrounding my divorce from Hubby #2. My oldest said something really snotty to me, in front of a bunch of people…including her young daughter. And here is how I handled it. I turned to my daughter and calmly said, \"I have to own your treatment of me because I trained you how to do it. I spoke ill of my mother in front of you when you were growing up so how could you have learned the proper respect a parent deserves? But let me explain something to you. As we sit here and you speak to me this way in front of your young daughter, you are in turn training her how to treat you some day. You just think about that.\"
\n\n\nKindness costs nothing. Love is free. Practice Peace. And remember, children learn by what they see.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-07-17T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/07/17/kindness.html", "tags": ["Hope","Forgiveness","Courage","Choices","Kindness"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/06/23/hidden-gems.html", "title": "Hidden Gems", "content_html": "\n\"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.\"
\nPsalm 34:14\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4167473c9a.jpg\")
I went to my home church on Sunday when I was up in the mountains. I felt compelled to stay for both services even though I didn't know that many at the second service. When I feel compelled, I listen. Our bulletin had a few special prayer requests…one of which was for the family of a 59 year old man who died suddenly of a heart attack. His wife was at the second service. I made it a point to wait on the sidelines till she was finished greeting everyone. I walked up to her and introduced myself and told her about losing Mr. Virgo. God bless her sweet heart. She was really doing well. She has great faith and she seems quite strong. She has family and friends and the church for support. My heart aches for her as I remember the early weeks of my journey.
\n\n\nWhen I look back, even I can't believe some of the things I did…like buying my first camper just two weeks after he died. And traveling alone for three months…some of which was in the wilderness of Colorado. I'm so happy she has joined us here, no matter how far back she lurks in the background. Because I have to tell ya…this platform has helped me more than just about anything else since losing Mr. Virgo. Just being able to express my thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental forum has helped me heal and grow. And your responses have been an enormous sense of comfort to me.
\n\n\nSo, for the sake of the new widow whose loss is so fresh, what words of wisdom and comfort would you offer her? What do you wish you would have known those first few weeks that no one told you? Let's welcome those who have just joined us and give them a group hug.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-06-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/06/23/hidden-gems.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Widow"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "title": "Tent City", "content_html": "\n\"Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.\"
\nProverbs 25:20\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/24a764bf5f.jpg\")
This is amazing. Every day more people come and squeeze into any available space in the campground. I've never seen anything like it! I hope to get a panoramic view of the field tomorrow. Thank GOD it hasn't rained. This field isn't referred to as \"Mudville\" for nothing! We were brilliant…we selected the family camping area so it is really quiet. At least it is right now because the late show is still going on.
\n\n\nI'm sitting outside my \"home\" as I write this. I'm trying to imagine. What if this was how we all HAD to live? Crammed together in a field. People living in makeshift tents, screen rooms, old buses and vans. Large, energy guzzling RVs and travel trailers like mine. What if this was our real home? Water and food would soon become an issue. As would sanitation. Rains would turn this lovely new-mown hay field into a boggy quagmire. Tempers would soon flair. The sense of peace and love and community created by the joint intention of the gathering would soon be lost…given away to fear and greed and envy. Fight or flight. You see it in third world countries every day. I experienced it in the jungles of Mexico many years ago.
\n\n\nAs I'm sitting here, I look at my \"home\" and I'm filled with humble gratitude. I am positively affluent! I have a clean, safe place to live. I am free to live wherever I choose. I am so very grateful for everything God has blessed me with. Truly.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-05-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/05/30/tent-city.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Downsizing","Choices","Change","Be Joyful!","Widow","Road Trip"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/30/live-every-day.html", "title": "Live Every Day", "content_html": "\n\"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.\"
\nPsalm 47:1\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3956edd343.jpg\")
I've been thinking about this YOLO mentality. You only live once. Absolutely NOT TRUE. Unless you've been resuscitated after a medical emergency, you only DIE once. Every day you wake up on the right side of the grass is an opportunity to live again. Every…single…day. What are you going to do with your time here? It doesn't last forever, you know. I've already wasted SO much of what I have been allotted. I could leave this restaurant that I'm sitting in as I write this and get hit by a bus. That makes this next hour really precious, doesn't it? So, I'll really enjoy this chili relleno and chips, I'll browse in the antique store next door, and look both ways when I cross the street.
\n\n\nI want more.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-30T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/30/live-every-day.html", "tags": ["Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Presence","Choices","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/04/19/no-words-today.html", "title": "No Words Today", "content_html": "\n\"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.\"
\nProverbs 13:14\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/19fb31b123.jpg\")
Sometimes, after a perfect day, one is left totally spent and without words. Yesterday was such a day.
\n\n\nCoffee with classmates, a 15 mile bike ride, great salad for lunch, a trip to the bike shop and mall, then the evening spent with friends. Perfectly happy!
\n\n\nEnjoy your Sunday!
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-04-19T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/04/19/no-words-today.html", "tags": ["Hope","Gratitude","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/03/23/wellness.html", "title": "Wellness", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/800122ee5c.jpg\")
Just after I stopped nursing my second child, I had an emergency appendectomy. Nine months later was a tubal ligation and major repair, then a year later was a total hysterectomy. I didn't bounce back very fast and was feeling out of sorts. I cried easily, I was tired, and I just didn't feel good. I told my doctor that I picked up my baby at night and cried. \"Hmmmm…inappropriate crying.\" as he made a note in my chart. I left with a prescription for Zoloft and even though I thought he was way off base, I took it. That started me down a long, LONG path of destruction…to my self, my family, my friends. It took ten years and a lot of hard work to come back from that. I'm not saying there isn't a place for antidepressants or medications…there most certainly is. But I didn't listen to my gut. I didn't get a second opinion. And I lost ten years of my prime because of it.
\n\n\nI'm not knocking the medical profession either. I was married to an excellent physician. They have such a difficult life. They work long, hard hours. But too many of them offer a prescription for medicine instead of a prescription for health. I worked for an old school doctor many years ago. He told me he was taught as a new physician to give a prescription to every patient. For one, it gives them the impression you care about them and it also puts your name and number in their medicine chest. That way they are likely to come back when there's another problem.
\n\n\nThe medical treadmill is difficult to jump off of. When I hear of people taking fifteen to twenty medications a day, I cringe. I graduated from Zoloft to Prozac which quite literally made me crazy. Then they gave me Dexedrine (uppers) to counteract ADD symptoms. Ativan (downers) to counteract the speedy effect of Dexedrine. Narcotics were soon added for the bad headaches I got from the meds. I progressed from Darvocet to Percocet to Demerol injections to Stadol with Compazine to Thorazine (basically an animal tranquilizer). I was being told, week in and week out, that this is just how I was. My brain had a \"chemical imbalance\" and I was going to be this way the rest of my life. I was going to have to take all this medicine every day…forever. Well, how depressing is that? Top that with a marriage falling apart at my feet, a half-empty nest, and a child to raise…I disintegrated and nearly died. It took a different psychiatrist nearly four years to convince me I didn't have a chemical imbalance in my brain and my focus should be getting OFF of medicine, OUT of therapy and LIVE my life.
\n\n\nMy point is this…before we start down the road of endless prescriptions simply because we don't \"feel like ourselves\", maybe if we try changing our environment, eat better, sleep better, drink lots of water, stop drinking alcohol and/or smoking, exercise, meditate, pray and try that religiously for two or three weeks, we would all feel better.
\n\n\nOk, here's the obligatory disclaimer. I am not a medical doctor. While I learned a lot about medicine by living with a doctor and working in the medical field for most of my adult life, that doesn't count. You have to actually have the license in your name. Sooooo, these are merely my opinions. Seek medical help when you feel it's necessary.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-03-23T01:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/03/23/wellness.html", "tags": ["Health","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/02/09/home.html", "title": "Home", "content_html": "\n\"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.\"
\nProverbs 17:22\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/719b35fb69.jpg\")
I've been thinking of Maslow's hierarchy of needs lately. It's a theory in psychology that demonstrates human motivations. The largest need is biological and physiological…your basic life needs like air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sleep. The next largest need is safety as in security, order, stability. Then comes love, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and transcendence. My bohemian lifestyle has thrown some of these things up in the air and I am still waiting to see how they land…much in the way we used to play \"pick up sticks\" when we were kids.
\n\n\nOk, my biological and physical needs are being met. I have shelter, no matter what, because I can take my house wherever I choose to go. It's paid for and that offers me much more security than a big three bedroom house with a mortgage. My biggest challenge in the hierarchy is knowing where I'll be from month to month. I am an extremely flexible person…I think I've demonstrated that pretty well. There's something romantic and exciting about letting the chips fall where they may. But this concept of \"home\" is nebulous. It's a shapeshifter.
\n\n\nIt was a beautiful day yesterday so I headed to see TOW-Wanda Grande after church. I found myself looking for her roofline with anticipation as I came around the bend. I opened the door and immediately felt I was home. I'm going to do a little remodel when I move back in. I want to turn the bedroom into a studio and the dinette into a bed, just like I had in little TOW-Wanda. I turned on the electric blanket and snuggled down for a little nap. Oh, I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again. Soon baby, soon…mama's comin' home!
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-02-09T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/02/09/home.html", "tags": ["Health","Hope","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/28/the-healing-heart.html", "title": "The Healing Heart", "content_html": "\nBy wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
\nProverbs 24:3-4 ESV\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/51488c5c7d.jpg\")
How many times can the heart be broken? Countless, countless times. How many times can it be healed? Well, if my record is any proof, I'd say every time. Some heartbreak takes longer to heal than others. Some leave everlasting scars. And always, heartbreak leaves change. Things are never the same as before that fateful event that broke you open.
\n\n\nLet me ask you this. If you take a beautiful plant and stick it in a dark room, all by itself, no light or food to nourish it…what will happen? That plant will wither and die. If you open the door the tiniest bit and give that plant the smallest amount of water, it's going to do everything it can to grow but it will be just a sliver of what it could be. But, if you break that door wide open and let the sun and rain pour down on that seed, it will burst forth and grow with great force. Our hearts are like that. They have to be broken wide open in order for our souls to grow.
\n\n\nSometimes during heartbreak, the pain is too much to bear and we try to stuff things in the cracks to keep our souls from pouring out on the floor. We eat, we shop, we drink and smoke, we jump into other relationships, we get angry and we harden the very thing that could set us free…our hearts. Forty-two years ago yesterday, a very nice couple tried to start a life together. They were happy and in love. They were young…so very young. They had a baby of their own. And hurts came, and the trials and tribulations of marriage were too much for them to bear, and they gave up. They were hurt and angry. They said things to each other designed to ensure the pain would stay alive forever. But, it's funny, really. They went on with their lives. They married others. They became civil. Then something miraculous happened. They grew up…and they forgave each other for being young and being human. And they loved each other as you love a family member. And yesterday, forty-two years after they tied their hearts together, his heart was fixed during surgery and it goes on to beat another day. And hers can rest easier with that knowledge. Because…he was her first love, and now he is her friend.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-28T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/28/the-healing-heart.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/26/how-many-days-till-spring.html", "title": "How Many Days Till Spring?", "content_html": "\n\"7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.\"
\n1 Corinthians 13:7-8\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/18c569c41d.jpg\")
I know we aren't supposed to wish our lives away. We only have one so why can't it always be spent in the glorious days of Spring? I adore Spring. The promise of new life is much more apparent in March than it is when making New Year's resolutions in the darkness of late December. January is nearly over, thank you. February is at least shorter than the other months. And it has Valentine's Day, not that it holds special meaning anymore. But there's at least chocolate involved.
\n\n\nI am looking forward to Spring along the river this year. I swear, when March 17th comes around every year, I can actually feel something lift off me. In Colorado, that's when you see the first green tips on the globe willow trees and you can feel it coming. The warmth of the sun coaxes tender shoots of green from a barren earth. Winter gray gives way to the glory of color splashed amongst pockets of unmelted snow. Birds begin their northern flight to grace us with their cheerful songs. Ahhhhh, Spring….come to me as the lover you are and brush back the web of darkness that has clung to me since the autumn leaves danced to the ground. Give to me your abundance and affirmation that life does renew itself in an ever changing cycle. Remind me I am alive. Ahhhhh, Spring….just 52 days away. I can hardly wait to see you again!
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-26T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/26/how-many-days-till-spring.html", "tags": ["Hope","Change","Be Joyful!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/25/the-hearts-desire.html", "title": "The Heart's Desire", "content_html": "\n“11 See! The winter is past;
\nSong of Songs 2:11-13\n
the rains are over and gone. 12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/94f2cd79d5.jpg\")
I met a friend for brunch yesterday, which was delightful. We laughed and poked fun at ourselves and each other. We are both too easily sucked into the vortex of winter's gloom so we goaded each other out into a cold snowy Saturday morning for the only thing bound to get our butts off the couch….WAFFLES! Yes, those crunchy, sweet, golden delectable planks of goodness with deep wells full of butter and syrup…..ahhhhhh! Life is better with waffles…and coffee…and lots of laughter. And once our tummies were full, we could each go out into the world and get done what needed doing.
\n\n\nI headed back to the apartment to scan some more photos onto my external hard drive. I finished the second of three boxes of pictures, documents, cards, and other assorted flotsam and jetsam. Many of yesterday's pics were of my mom, my brother, and me when we were little. With it being her Angelversary, my heart was pretty tender and I probably missed her more yesterday than I have any other year. I called my brother and he was doing well and didn't seem to remember the significance of the day so I didn't bring it up. It was just nice to hear his voice and catch up with what's new in his life. He and his roommate just moved to a ground level apartment this week so now he doesn't have to carry his laundry up and down three flights of outside stairs that sometimes get icy. One less thing to worry about.
\n\n\nAt this time of year, when things are dark and gray, cold and dismal…it's sometimes difficult to find the motivation to get up and go to do the mundane, every day things. Thinking of our heart's desire seems so far fetched and beyond our capabilities in the prison of January. So this is the time when we work the hardest to see through the fog of winter to the promise of Spring. My joyful anticipation is found in a road atlas. Circling places I want to see, contemplating routes to get there, and anticipating locations where a speaking engagement might be well received is a not-so-idle pastime for me in the winter months. I keep a \"Bucket List\". It's a mighty big bucket! As I scan the photos, my mind wanders to the open road and it makes the time go faster. Well…that, and the complete set of West Wing DVD's. Those help, too.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-25T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/25/the-hearts-desire.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2015/01/01/a-different-time-a-different.html", "title": "A Different Time, A Different Place", "content_html": "\n“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
\nPsalm 20:4\n
![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/02d1056d49.jpg\")
It's fitting that I will awaken on New Year's Day in a new place. I moved into my friend's beautiful loft yesterday. She practices Feng Shui and I must say the energy in this space is amazingly clear and clean. There is \"happy\" oozing all over the place!
\n\n\nI went out for dinner last night at the local brew pub with a relatively new group of people and it was quite lovely. They are energetic, upbeat, athletic. The food was wonderful, the service great, and the restaurant was abuzz with excitement for the busy night ahead.
\n\n\nI went to the Post Office yesterday to get a PO Box and have my mail forwarded. This way I'll get my mail more than once a week. When the man gave me the box number, I was floored. It's the SAME mailbox my first husband had when he joined the service! I mean, the same box in the same post office in the same town. What are the odds???
\n\n\nA new year. This time last year I was SO ready to turn the calendar over because then I could say he died \"last year\" instead of however many MONTHS it had been. I can say \"a couple of years ago\" now and not be far off. A line in the sand. A demarcation. A landmark. Time marches on…the sands of time blasting away the sharp edges of grief and smoothing them down into something far easier to handle. Yes, crossing this line in the sand is a good thing. Being in this space is a good thing. I am filled with endless possibilities!
\n\n\n❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2015-01-01T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2015/01/01/a-different-time-a-different.html", "tags": ["Hope","Gratitude","Comfort","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/29/the-rabbit-hole.html", "title": "The Rabbit Hole", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/93247e2846.jpg\")
Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where your interactions with the other person leave you confused? A remark comes out of the blue, takes you by surprise, hurts, stuns then with practically the next breath, the person turns it around, smiles, becomes sweet and complacent, and you wonder what just happened? You begin to second guess your perceptions. You think surely what you thought was happening really wasn't. It had to be your interpretation, right? It had to be something you said or did that caused that negativity because, see? They're so nice! That is crazy-making behavior. It's a very clear sign that you are in a toxic relationship. I've been there. And fortunately, having been there, I can recognize it when it comes along now. Oh…it took me a little bit this time. I let it bite me three or four times before I caught on.
\n\n\nWhat pulled me out was sitting down and having a conversation with Mr. Virgo. Bless his heart, he was so patient with me the first year we were together. I would tell him things I believed that others had said. Things that made me feel crazy. Invariably he'd take my hand, look me in the eye, and gently say… \"You know that's crazy, right?\" And I'd say, \"No, so and so said this and they are so much smarter than me. It must be true! It's ME that's crazy!\" And he'd just hold my hand and keep telling me over and over till I finally believed him. It wasn't me. It was the toxin talking. Some relationships are just poison to your soul…to your psyche. You have to walk away from them. So I asked Mr. Virgo what I should do. And I got the message loud and clear. I could \"hear\" him saying over and over…\"You know that's crazy, right?\" Right. You're absolutely right. Walk away. Walk away. Oh, there are SO many things that could keep me entangled. A sense of obligation. Guilt. Pity. Compassion. Confusing manipulation with love. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For clarity. For courage. For growth.
\n\n\nI prayed for a solution. A quick, healthy solution. My friend from high school was praying at the very same moment. She needs someone to stay at her loft apartment while she's gone for two months visiting her daughter. She needs someone to water her plants and to make sure the pipes don't freeze. She hadn't been on Facebook for days. She had a nightmare in the wee hours of the morning and couldn't go back to sleep so she checked in to see what was going on. While other posts had come through since I posted a plea Saturday night, asking for help finding a place, there was my post…right at the top of her screen! She sent me a message right away. I went over to her place in the afternoon. A second floor loft, high ceilings, lots of windows, a whole wall of books floor to ceiling in the living room, stacks and stacks of quilts all around, plants everywhere, a big airy bedroom, a half block from the river on a brick paved street nestled amongst small shops and restaurants. Perfect! It's only 30 miles from the farm so I can still go check on my aunt and make sure things are ok there, yet far enough away that I am protected. I'll have cell service and internet so I'm connected to my family and friends. A cocoon where I can heal this wound and move on. An inspirational spot to write. This will buy me a couple of months to find another place to park the camper where I can stay for awhile to make sure my aunt gets the assistance she needs and then I can be free to move on. Perhaps my job here was to be more of a facilitator of change rather than an actual caregiver. I can see that to be just as true.
\n\n\nI went to church yesterday with a very special family and went to lunch afterwards at Olive Garden. These people give of their hearts freely and they (as well as my extended and immediate family) salvaged my Christmas. I am forever grateful for the love of family and friends. And of God.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-29T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/29/the-rabbit-hole.html", "tags": ["Family","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Forgiveness","Courage","Peaceful Moments","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/12/15/doctor-doctori-can-walk.html", "title": "Doctor, Doctor…I Can Walk!", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/883b8d782c.jpg\")
I found the spark in my heart and gently blew the embers back to flame.
\n\n\nBaking all day with my family yesterday was just what the doctor ordered! I got up and went to church, which I sorely needed. Then came back and started baking. Twenty dozen cookies, three trays of butter mints, a batch of Chocolate No Bakes, a batch of Rolo Pretzel cookies, a batch of Cherry Mash, a double batch of Jello Jigglers, and about five dozen \"dipped treats\" such as pretzels and Oreos and candy canes dipped in white chocolate! All in six hours and we only over cooked one tray of cookies. Three bakers, one stove, and two very cute little taste testers. My heart is as full as my tummy!
\n\n\nSuch is the nature of grief. If there is any message I truly want you to hear, it's this:
\n\n\nThe holidays are marching toward us. While they are difficult, the long stretch of time that crawls toward spring can be even more so. Have an \"accountability partner\". Someone who you can call, day or night, if the going gets too tough. Don't be embarrassed to seek help if you need it. We'll get through this, you and I.
\n\n\n❤
\n\n", "date_published": "2014-12-15T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/12/15/doctor-doctori-can-walk.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth","Comfort","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/11/05/dream-a-little-dream-of.html", "title": "Dream a Little Dream of Me", "content_html": "![\"dream](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7e66e1998c.jpg\")
“When loved ones come to you in a dream…”
How many of you have dreamt of a lost loved one? Was it comforting or did it just make you sad? I’ve only had a couple of dreams of Mr. Virgo since he died. Both times I woke up feeling as though he was right there within my reach. The dreams were SO real. I was laying with my head on his shoulder and I could smell his cologne…hear his breathing…feel his heartbeat. I wish I could dream intentionally.
\nMr. Virgo and I would kiss goodnight and I’d say “Meet you at the cabin.” We both had this image of the perfect mountain getaway. We had described it to one another so many times, it seemed like a real place. So we would say goodnight and promise to meet each other in our dreams at the cabin. We never did, but it was so sweet to end the day with that image and hope. There have been countless nights I have whispered…asking him to meet me at the cabin. To come see me in my dreams. It doesn’t work that way. Pity, really.
\nImagine if you could. Wouldn’t it be comforting? Wouldn’t it be lovely to visit knowing you could do it again and again just by wishing it so? Part of me would love it. However, I would hate the waking up to find it was only a dream…the reality hitting me over and over that he is indeed gone. But…he’s only a heartbeat away. And we will meet again someday.
\n", "date_published": "2014-11-05T02:30:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/11/05/dream-a-little-dream-of.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope","Comfort","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/11/04/that-still-small-voice.html", "title": "That Still, Small Voice", "content_html": "![\"listen](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/08c1c12f55.jpg\")
“Listen with your heart.”
You’ve heard it. If not…you’ve felt it. That still, small voice that guides you. That gut instinct that cautions you. That “sixth sense”, “intuition”, “inner compass” that we all have. Listening to that Voice with my heart is a skill I crave to learn. All too often, I look back and recall hearing, but not heeding, the directions that were subtly handed down. For me, it is the Holy Spirit guiding me. And I’m stubborn. I want to do it my way. I don’t like to be “told what to do.”
\nThere are times that I can recall where it wasn’t just a gut instinct, a “feeling” I shouldn’t do something. I recall on those occasions hearing a voice…actually HEARING it, as if someone were standing right next to me. It made me jump. It was disconcerting, to say the least. I mean, we aren’t supposed to be hearing voices. But I heard it, nonetheless.
\nOnce was when Hubby #2 was in medical school. We had been arguing about something. Med school is stressful and we argued. Too much. I was sitting on the edge of our bed, crying, when a voice very clearly said to me, “Don’t worry…you’ll be happy when you’re 52.” Excuse me? Who said that? And what do you mean “when you’re 52”? I’m 30!!! Besides, I wasn’t necessarily UNhappy. At least, not that I was aware of at the time. Interestingly, I met (and fell madly in love with) Mr. Virgo when I was…52. Hmmmmm.
\nAnother time was when I was a smoker. I was going to sleep one night and clearly heard a voice say “You have to quit. And I mean right now. Not one more.” I would love to say I listened then but nicotine addiction is more powerful than heroin, so I have heard. But I did eventually so I hope it wasn’t too late.
\nOnce I was looking at my retirement account and was very pleased by the return that month when the same darned voice said “Get out. Now!” “Oh, no…..I did NOT just hear that! This was the best month EVER!” Yeah. You remember when the market crashed in ‘08? Uh-huh. Didn’t listen then either. Darn it.
\nSo what does this Voice have to do to get our attention? Would I have listened if perhaps I had heard a fanfare of trumpets? Was I waiting for a neon sign perhaps? Maybe a peppy rendition of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”? How about a clap of thunder and a booming voice? I don’t think that’s how God works. When a child is having a temper tantrum or not hearing you, does raising your voice help? No. What usually works is squatting down at eye level and whispering. It throws them off guard. They have to strain to hear so they get quiet themselves. I think God whispers to us because we are so darned loud, so busy with whatever we are enamored with at the moment. He wants us to shut up and listen. He wants us to sit and be still and hear what He’s trying to say. Because He’s saying a lot. He’s talking to us all the time.
\nThe sweetest sound in the world is…the Voice of God. Even if you call that Voice your “woman’s intuition”, learn to be still and really hear it. Listen with your heart.
\n", "date_published": "2014-11-04T02:30:57-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/11/04/that-still-small-voice.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Grace","God","Courage","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/26/rose-colored-glasses.html", "title": "Rose Colored Glasses", "content_html": "![\"rose](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/15bd3ce321.jpg\")
“Rose Colored Glasses”
My mom always used to chastise me for looking at the world through rose colored glasses, as if that was a bad thing. I have always looked for the positive in every situation, no matter how dim or dark. When there are trials, looking for the silver lining isn’t always easy, but it can make a world of difference in how well you cope. And when life is good? Well, those rose colored glasses just absolutely rock your ensemble, girlfriend!
\nI can’t believe I got to the delightfully rich age of 61 without ever going to a “Sing”. Now, y’all from the hills and the country, and the hollers, and the south, and the mountains are gonna know what I’m talking about. You drive down a country road and there’s a hand-painted sandwich board sign out in front of a little country church or a community building reading “Sing Tonight. 6:00”. If you’ve never gone….please, whatever you do…pull over and go in. You might be regaled with a couple of hours of old timey Gospel music where everyone sings along. Or, you might just get the treat of your life and get to listen to three hours of nonstop bluegrass of the purest variety like I did last night. From “Nelly”, the lead singer, nattily dressed in her western skirt and vest, easily in her 80’s to “Junior”, just 15 and picking up where these amazingly talented country folk are going to leave off…a talented young man who can play guitar, bass, and “rip up a banjo”, so his grandpa told me though I didn’t have the pleasure of hearing that. I was thrilled, mesmerized, and honored beyond belief to sit in the community building down the road a piece from my new home, to be introduced around to the neighbors and family of family as the “little gal who drove a 24’ trailer…BY HERSELF…ALL THE WAY FROM COLORADO…SO SHE CAN TAKE CARE OF HER AUNT, BLESS HER HEART”… to buying a slice (or two) of my aunt’s famous Lemon Pie, and to hear the sounds of my youth, transporting me back to those Saturday nights on the farm, listening to Dolly Parton and Porter Waggoner, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and then…the piece de resistance…the Grand Old Opry. Girls… I was in heaven. Last night was so very, very rich….my rose colored glasses are fogging up a bit!
\nAnd what’s on the agenda today? An auction, of course!!! Can it get any better than this??? <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-26T01:30:34-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/26/rose-colored-glasses.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Forgiveness","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/17/wild-wonderful-west-virginia.html", "title": "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!!!", "content_html": "![\"west](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3cd4d3b304.jpg\")
“Welcome to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!”
I crossed the Ohio River before dark singing “Almost Heaven….”!!! I went to a rest area and cleaned out the tanks. Headed straight to Outback to have a great big, juicy burger and fries, called my cousin and my aunt to let them know I’m here, texted the kids, and called a friend where I was invited to stay the night. I’ll head out to the farm today so I don’t have to drive in the dark on twisty, curvy roads!
\nNow, here’s the deal…there’s no WiFi at the farm yet. Also, no cell service…so I’m going to be unplugged for awhile. There’s much to be done to settle in. My belongings will be delivered on Wednesday so I need to prepare a space to store it all. I need to figure out the best place for the trailer to be parked and get power to it. Much work to be done and I need to decompress. While I certainly didn’t push myself, the last few months have been fairly stressful. I’m going to enjoy some downtime with family and friends and I’ll catch up with you as I can!
\nThanks for traveling along with me. You all really kept me company during this amazing journey! I love you all!!! <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-17T01:30:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/17/wild-wonderful-west-virginia.html", "tags": ["Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","West Virginia","The Farm","Growth","Gratitude","goRVing","Choices","Change"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/10/14/forever-love.html", "title": "Forever Love", "content_html": "![\"grief](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9edf9c7a4c.jpg\")
“Forever Love”
One of my sweetest friends in the world shared a YouTube video yesterday. It was Josh Groban singing “To Where You Are”…a hauntingly beautiful song about grief. She said it reminded her of me. I sat in my truck and listened and, of course, I cried.
\nI have a compartment in my heart where I have carefully stored the pain of losing Mr. Virgo. There is much scar tissue around that spot now and I don’t open it up to inspect the contents so much anymore. I used to look in often, hoping against hope that the chamber would be empty and I would be free from the pain. But I found it was always there…fresh and raw, the same as it always was. I came to realize it will truly always be there..it will never go away. The difference is, I have the key on my keychain now. I’m the Keeper of the Key. I can open it up or I can keep it safely tucked away.
\nThis is entirely different than denial. I KNOW it’s there. I also know that things have to get done in my life and I can’t just sit with it in my lap all the time with the wailing and gnashing of teeth. I’ve been so busy with selling my house and moving that I haven’t opened that box for quite awhile. This morning I did, for just a bit, and the most amazing thing happens when I do that.
\nI had my Kleenex moment and hit the road. I had my iPad plugged into the truck’s sound system, set on “random”. The first song that played was Etta James singing “At Last”. Like thousands of other couples, this was the song we danced to at our wedding…the only time Mr. Virgo ever danced with me. Then came Steve Robin singing “Little Things”. When I gave Mr. Virgo’s guitar to Yampah Mountain High School’s music program, their star guitar player lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw it. He picked it up and sang “Little Things” to me. I love when I get these gifts…these moments when I feel assured he is no more than a breath away from me. Who knows? I may love again. And, Mr. Virgo will be my forever love. <3
\n", "date_published": "2014-10-14T01:30:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/10/14/forever-love.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/09/10/cough-sniffle-wheeze.html", "title": "Cough. Sniffle. Wheeze.", "content_html": "![\"sicky](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a0eefe83e2.jpg\")
“Cough. Sniffle. Wheeze.”
I had so much fun camping last weekend with the Sisters on the Fly. One of our participants had a “little cold”. I got home late Sunday night. By Monday evening, I had a tickle in my throat and a polite little cough. And now? Now I can’t breathe through my nose, I ache all over, my nose is running like a sugar tree, I’m coughing my head off, and I have a fever. AND I’m feeling pretty darned sorry for myself, to boot because it’s Mr. Virgo’s birthday and I don’t have anyone to sing to or to have bring me chicken soup. But, as they say, misery loves company. There are now five of us from the trip that are sick with the same thing. Total bummer. However, it is forcing me to stop and get some rest. So, I suppose that’s the upside.
\nCough. Sniffle. Wheeze.
\n", "date_published": "2014-09-10T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/09/10/cough-sniffle-wheeze.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/08/13/goodbye-mrs-doubtfire.html", "title": "Goodbye, Mrs. Doubtfire...", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/82b0e1b94a.jpg\")
\nDepression is an insidious, dreadful, invisible disease. It can not only rob you of joy, it robs you of the ability to see. I don’t mean true vision. I mean the ability to see the good in life, to see the love others have for you, too see anything but pain.
\nRobin Williams lived in the richest county of America. He had a beautiful home and was wildly successful. He had a loving family. He had the freedom to do anything in the world that he wanted. He also had diseases. He had the disease called addiction. It haunted him and he tried so hard to tame the beast. He had the disease called depression. It followed him everywhere and he could never find peace from it. It was largely a silent, invisible, and ultimately deadly disease.
\nThere are some angry people who don’t understand how he could have been so selfish. They don’t understand. They only knew the outside Robin. While I never met the man, I know the inside Robin. It’s dark and scary and exhausting in there. You’re like the man spinning all those plates on sticks, trying like crazy to keep them from crashing to the ground. You’re afraid to set the plates down and rest because that’s when the darkness comes. It closes in on you, snaring you in it’s incessant grip…choking what life you have in you away. It’s a terrible place to be and when you are there, you truly see only one way out. Sleep. And, tragically, sometimes it is eternal.
\nYou may wonder why a man like Robin Williams ended up hanging at the end of a rope when he certainly had the resources to get help. The answer is unknown. Unless he left a note, we will never know what was going through his mind. But, please don’t be disheartened. There are resources out there that can help you back away from the edge. If you find yourself on that dark path and only want to escape the pain of living, please call for help. Call this number, call clergy, call a family member or a friend. Tape the number to your phone because you cannot see or think when you are in that dark place.
\nGod rest your gentle spirit, Mr. Williams. May you rest in peace away from the demons who tormented you in life. May you find Mr. Virgo in Heaven and play a rousing round of golf. You will be sorely missed.
\nNanu Nanu
\n", "date_published": "2014-08-13T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/08/13/goodbye-mrs-doubtfire.html", "tags": ["Grief","Prayer","Hope","Forgiveness","Choices"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/07/10/just-breathe.html", "title": "Just Breathe", "content_html": "![\"just](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9a28b90501.jpg\")
“Just Breathe!”
Ok, so…the showing went very well yesterday morning. The lady really liked it and now wants her husband to come see it. I hope he subscribes to the “Happy Wife…Happy Life!” school of thought! I am not going to obsess…I am not going to obsess…I am NOT going to obsess! lol
\nI’m heading to the Front Range this morning. I get to camp with my youngest grand daughter for two nights. Sister has a swim meet and it is NOT pleasant when we awaken the princess too early! Hence, she will stay with Nana!
\nI am playing a game with myself. I have laid out what I want to pack for my trip on Sunday. I gave myself an hour and went back and picked through to see what I can do without. Then I did it a couple more times. It’s amazing what I cut out by doing that. I will go through it again before I actually pack. I mean, really…I’m going to WV in late July. I need a couple tank tops, a couple pairs of shorts, a sundress or two, dainties and toiletries. One pair of sandals and one pair of tennies. All I REALLY need is a toothbrush and a charge card! Last year I took EVERYTHING. I find if I don’t plan ahead and take my time packing, I just throw everything in the suitcase. I always end up thinking “What on earth did I bring that for?” I’ll tell you what, my friend who is picking me up at the airport will thank me. He could barely lift the big suitcase last year.
\nI am so excited for this trip! My ideal living situation would be to have a small place in WV and a small place in CO and split my time between the two. I’m going to just see what’s available while I’m there this time. I love having something fun to plan and look forward to. One of my dreams has been to have a place where I can hold retreats (artist, writer, yoga, stitching, knitting, quilting, etc.) I can just envision small groups gathering on my property, sitting around the campfire at night, sharing meals, learning from each other, sharing with each other, supporting each other in whatever growth we happen to be wrangling with at the time. I love having a picture in my mind that I can send out into the universe and watch it start to grow. Of course, my universal energy source is God, but no matter what your persuasion, my retreats would be all encompassing and would be open to any creative (or not so creative) souls. I could have retreats here in CO and in the beautiful, lush green hills of WV. What do you all think? Is that something you would be interested in? Is there anything in particular you would like to do or discuss? What do you envision it looking like? I’ve already been laying some groundwork over the last year. I have met some wonderful women who would love to teach and or speak. I’ve also met some incredibly strong women who would love to participate. We are all learning…we are all “just walking each other home.”
\n", "date_published": "2014-07-10T01:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/07/10/just-breathe.html", "tags": ["Faith","Hope","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/06/25/magic.html", "title": "Magic!", "content_html": "![\"woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c4fc963b1c.jpg\")
“Magic!”
Something magical is happening. Since I put the house on the market, I haven’t slept in it. The most I’ve “cooked” was making a bowl of cereal the other day. I use the shower and immediately clean the bathroom to showing perfection. It took a great deal of effort and a fair amount of money to get this place in tip-top shape and I’ll be darned if I’m going to mess it up when I have a perfectly good house on wheels to stay in.
\nHere’s where the magic comes in. I’m losing my attachment to my “stuff”. You know, those things I carefully boxed up because I just HAD to have them? Oh, there are certainly things I would never, ever part with, but by golly…I’m sitting here thinking about those boxes in storage and running an inventory in my head and I can’t think of more than a dozen things that are in there! And if I don’t even KNOW what I have, why on earth do I need it? This is a beautiful revelation.
\nMy son-in-law’s mom is the dearest person and we are just as much family as if we were blood relatives. I was sitting at her kitchen table having coffee last week. She said, “You know, Ginny…the first thing you need to do is picture exactly what you want your life to look like, then go out and find what fits that picture.” Brilliant! I’ve always accepted whatever house was available and fit my life into it. This time I have an opportunity to totally create the kind of LIFE I want then I can pick and choose what fits into it, be it home, work, travel…whatever. This is a whole new concept to my creative brain and it’s running on overtime with imagination.
\nIn order to begin this new creation, I have to come up with a list of priorities. Now that I have the house under control, I can spend the days I’m not working divided into three parts. The first part of the day is when I’m most rested and it’s cooler, so I’ll spend that doing any cleaning/gardening/purging/hauling that needs to be done. The second part of the day is when it’s hot and uncomfortable, so I will spend that portion doing sedentary activities like sorting through boxes of papers and pictures, working online taking a downsizing class, and writing my blog posts and book. The third part of the day is when it has cooled off and I am the most relaxed and creative. I can use those hours to read, research, and define my new lifestyle.
\nI’ve come a long way on this grief journey. This time last year…well, I really don’t remember much at all about last year, which is probably a good thing. I still miss Mr. Virgo. It still hurts. But I’ve grown a lot this year and I know he would be pleased with my progress. I refuse to sit and let grass grow under my feet. This is good stuff here!
\n", "date_published": "2014-06-25T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/06/25/magic.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Wisdom","Courage","Presence","Downsizing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/06/22/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.html", "title": "Laughter IS the best medicine!", "content_html": "![\"irish](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/8849e42332.jpg\")
“Laughter really IS the best medicine!”
I am blessed to have good friends who really enjoy making me laugh. Whenever I feel I’m painting myself into a corner, I know I can call these people up…anytime, day or night. The stress of life just melts away. Last night it was watching “When Harry Met Sally” and laughing our butts off even though we had seen the movie many times. Thursday it was a day spent with a dear friend browsing shops and eating our way through two towns. Tonight it was a phone call with my buddy in Florida and laughing about everything whether it was funny or not…simply for the joy of hearing the laughter of the other.
\nA couple of days after Mr. Virgo died, I went to Target and bought every funny movie I could find in the bargain bin. I knew I was going to need laughter as much as I was going to need tears. Laughter releases endorphins…natures opiates. Those “feel good” hormones that make any pill easier to swallow. They create a sense of euphoria when taken in large doses. They’re “good for what ails ya”, as my grandma used to say. I’ve been blessed with an oversized funny bone. I’ve been known to entertain myself when I can’t sleep by writing stand-up comedy routines instead of counting sheep. Laughter has carried me through my darkest days, and it will continue to do so.
\nI hope you laugh at the little things, the absurdities of life, the slapstick antics of the people surrounding you. We all deserve to feel good…and make others feel good. Here’s to laughter!
\n", "date_published": "2014-06-22T01:30:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/06/22/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.html", "tags": ["Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/05/07/acceptance.html", "title": "Acceptance", "content_html": "![\"acceptance](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aa5d405458.jpg\")
“Acceptance”
Sometimes this new life I had thrust upon me sneaks up on me and bites me in the butt. I live my life. I am on my own. I have freedom to do what I want, pretty much. I have choices. This is all well and good till the execution of said choices involves half the manpower it used to. That’s when my aloneness rears up its ugly head and reminds me why that is. What used to be easier with two becomes a challenge for one. Facing a major downsize, yet another move, and all that it entails drove me to my inner sanctuary yesterday afternoon. I accomplished a lot in the garage then went to town to have the tires switched out. I came home and did a little self care…i.e., I took a nap. The stuff was still there afterward and I was better able to take another stab at it after a rest than I would have been had I pushed to work straight through.
\nHow do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
\n", "date_published": "2014-05-07T01:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/05/07/acceptance.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/28/til-next-time.html", "title": "'Til Next Time", "content_html": "![\"vintage](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/240cd3ff8a.jpg\")
“Cowgirl Caravan”
Ok, remember your very favorite slumber party when you were a girl. Now, picture that very same slumber party but this time there’s fifty girls, you can do whatever you want for four days, and you’re not going to get in trouble. (Well, ok….at least no one is going to TELL on you!)
\nThat’s what a Sisters on the Fly event is like. I feel like I got to sit at the cool kids table because we’re ALL cool kids! I remember when I was in my thirties and it occurred to me I had forgotten how to play. We get so caught up in our families and work and responsibilities that we push that playful girl into the background. SOTF makes girls out of women. It’s a safe place to let off steam and act silly and laugh till…well, you know. We can dress up in silly outfits and wear tiaras and tutus with our cowgirl boots. We can smoke a cigar or streak through the campground nekkid and earn a merit badge for it! (That actually happened on this trip. If there was a CPR badge, I might have streaked because anyone who witnessed it would be at grave risk!) Fun….just plain fun! Can’t wait for the next gathering. I have found my tribe.
\nHappy Trails!
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-28T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/28/til-next-time.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun","Growth","goRVing"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/27/get-in-tune.html", "title": "Get in Tune", "content_html": "![\"bob](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e51e646937.jpg\")
“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Bob Marley
Like my little six year old grand daughter, I have always been a deep thinker. For a long time, I thought everyone thought the same way I do. But we all think and dream in different colors. And sometimes, time itself wears us down to the point we really are just putting one foot in front of the other…slogging through life. I’ve heard people say they have no control. Life just happens willy-nilly and $#@! happens. Well, yeah…sure. Life hands us lemons a lot of the time. Our control comes in what we do with what comes our way. Do we take out our umbrellas and dance in the rain? Or do we just get wet? It really is a choice and that puts us in control.
\nI hope you splash in the puddles of life!
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-27T01:30:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/27/get-in-tune.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/21/out-of-the-mouths-of.html", "title": "Out of the Mouths of Babes", "content_html": "![\"child's](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/44edfe57dd.jpg\")
“Out of the mouths of babes.”
We all adore our grandchildren and each feel ours are the smartest, the kindest, the most beautiful, the best…and they are. That’s our job as grandmothers…to give them everything we wish we would have been smart enough, and wealthy enough, to give our own children. Grandchildren are our gifts from God…our reward for accepting the daunting task of parenting and surviving.
\nMy grandchildren are, of course, the best. My 10 year old is smart and beautiful and athletic. My 6 year old is my loving, tender, deep thinker. I’m spending a few days with them this week and we are all thrilled.
\nWe are having our annual Easter dinner at my son-in-law’s parents even as I write this. We hunted for Easter eggs and exchanged baskets and took lots of pictures. Then my little one, my thinker, my old soul told me she had something for me. She had made me this card. It was everything I could do not to cry. She misses her Papa. And…she understands me like few adults do.
\nYes, my grandchildren are the best.
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-21T01:30:37-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/21/out-of-the-mouths-of.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Hope","Gratitude","Comfort","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/18/clutter.html", "title": "Clutter", "content_html": "![\"O](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/753bfe83c5.jpg\")
“Ironic, isn’t it?”
Yes, I am ashamed to say it, but that IS an actual photo from my actual “craft” room (aka The Disaster Room). Ok, it’s not in the house where I am currently living, but…like the proverbial bad penny, it always returns. No matter where I live, this room follows me like Pigpen’s little dust cloud.
\nThere HAS to be help for someone like me! Ok, short of calling the producers of Hoarders…I’m not THAT bad. But it’s borderline pathologic the way I hang on to some things. I will formulate a plan. When I get back from my next adventure, I am tackling this house and getting it in order! I am selling stuff. I am organizing a garage sale. I am taking things to a consignment shop. I am donating to charities. I’m done with feeling like Damocles’ sword is hanging over my head. It has finally become unpleasant enough to want to do something about it.
\nThe majority of my house is just fine. It’s really just the garage and my office/studio. I’m a Gemini. I’m not an organizer. I need a staff! I could be as creative and together as Martha Stewart if I just had staff!
\nResumes being accepted now. Apply within.
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-18T01:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/18/clutter.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/12/joyfulness.html", "title": "Joyfulness", "content_html": "![\"waterfall](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0a244329e6.jpg\")
“Joyfulness”
“Joyfulness keeps the heart and face young. A good laugh makes us better friends with ourselves and everybody around us.”\nOrison Scott Marden
\nIn the weeks and months following Mr. Virgo’s death, I wasn’t sure I would ever really laugh and feel joy again. True…I bought TOW-Wanda and joined Sisters on the Fly so I would have joyful things to look forward to, but it was truly difficult to look far enough ahead to see long lasting happiness. But, eventually, I did feel joy. I got my sense of humor back. I laughed again. There were times when I had to make the conscious decision to be happy, but those times have become fewer and farther between.
\nOne of the first things I did in the days before the funeral was hit the bargain bin movies at Target and buy several comedies. My daughters and I watched a couple of them and I also found them to be very helpful during the dark months of winter. Another thing I did was surround myself with really fun and funny people. I have this one particular friend that can always, always, always make me laugh. When I’m down, I can call him and after the obligatory consolations, we are off on a laugh fest that has us rolling. I have several friends like that, actually. Laughter is SO important. It really IS the best medicine!
\nIf you are new to this journey, trust me…you will laugh again. Your loved one wouldn’t want you moping around being sad for too long. On the other hand, take whatever time you need to grieve. And know it’s a roller coaster. There isn’t a single trajectory. There isn’t a right way or a wrong way. There is only YOUR way.
\n<3 Ginny
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-12T01:30:29-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/12/joyfulness.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Uplifting Stories","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Gratitude","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/04/a-moment-in-time.html", "title": "A Moment in Time", "content_html": "![\"Mesa](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a4fa4b7f17.jpg\")
“A Moment in Time”
I woke up to six inches of wet snow yesterday morning. The only good thing about that (besides the much needed moisture) is that snow doesn’t hang around long this time of year. When I looked out, I noticed my friend Sue was still at home. About then she texted me to see if I was up yet. I went in for coffee and we sat in front of the wall of windows watching a gazillion birds at the many feeders they have.
\nSue was supposed to go to work today but the weather kept her in. Once things cleared a little, we decided to head up to Mesa Verde to see the ruins. They had about a foot of snow up there and it was beautiful!
\nWhile wandering around it became apparent that I am not in shape. I was huffing and puffing and had to sit down whenever I found a bench. Granted, we were up pretty high, but that doesn’t excuse me for letting myself get like this. I spent the winter writing (and eating) and now that it’s Spring, I’m going to get out and walk. Who’s up for a challenge? Anyone want to form a walking club? We can walk “together” for encouragement. :-)
\nThis moment in time is all we have. Let’s make the most of it, ok?
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-04T01:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/04/a-moment-in-time.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Grief","Hope","Camping","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Courage","Fitness Friday"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/03/happiness.html", "title": "Happiness", "content_html": "![\"happiness](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cd545d8f81.jpg\")
“Happiness Depends Upon Ourselves” Aristotle
Aristotle got it. Why is it, all these many years later, we still struggle with this? Granted, Aristotle didn’t have to worry about global warming, or airplanes crashing into buildings, or the stock market collapsing. He wasn’t bombarded by Madison Avenue or the 9:00 News. If he had children, they weren’t clamoring for the latest electronics or doing drugs under the bleachers. Still, he understood the nature of happiness. It comes from within. He understood this even though, I am sure, he had personal losses and disappointments.
\nBut, what happens when you call for your old friend…happiness…and it seems she’s moved out. She didn’t leave a forwarding address. You just can’t find her anywhere, no matter how hard you try. You muddle along, that dark cloud hanging over your head. Your friends are long past caring to hear, yet again, how fabulous your loved one was. Your loved ones are thinking, “Come on, already…get over it!” Maybe they’re even telling you that…out loud! You want to stand up and say some pretty choice epithets. Yes, happiness comes from within. So does sadness. So does grief. So do all of our emotions. They originate in thoughts. And when the thoughts change, the emotions will follow…when you’re ready.
\nHappiness depends upon ourselves. Four little words that pack a wallop. Be patient if yours is AWOL. It will return.
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-03T01:30:22-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/03/happiness.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping","Wisdom"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/04/02/mr-virgos-photography.html", "title": "Mr. Virgo's Photography", "content_html": "![\"artistic](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0efbe048f3.jpg\")
“Mr. Virgo’s Photography”
Today is my beautiful #2 daughter’s 24th birthday! Happy birthday, sweetheart…I love you so much!!!
\nI spent a pretty mellow day yesterday sitting in TOW-Wanda listening to music, writing, gazing out at the view watching the prairie dogs chasing each other around the field. It was windy again and pretty chilly. I went in to Dolores to pick up some supplies. They have the cutest little market there with homemade pies and lots of natural foods. Farm fresh eggs!
\nI know I waited till the last minute, but I tried late Sunday night to sign up for insurance. I have COBRA through Mr. Virgo’s employer but man…it is SO expensive. With the deadline looming, I thought I should check it out to see if I could get something more affordable. I have heard such horror stories about the system and how confusing and difficult it is to navigate. My friend Sue encouraged me to try so I went on the website and called at the same time. I figured that would cover my bases. I must admit, the website for Colorado is a bit confusing. I was on hold for an hour when they came on and took my name and number because there was currently a five hour wait. They asked for a time they could call me on Tuesday and told me that because I had made the attempt before the cutoff time, I would still be able to apply. They called exactly when they told me they would and they took my information. The whole process was extremely easy and I was covered within 20 minutes. MUCH cheaper than the COBRA coverage which will be greatly appreciated. And, I can keep my regular doctor. I am so grateful!
\nI worked on my book for most of the day. That always leaves me feeling a bit melancholy thinking about my man. For the most part, I do really well these days. But when you are immersed in it for a period of time, you can’t help but stir up deep seated feelings. I went through my collection of photos Mr. Virgo took through the years. This one is one of my favorites. It’s like a painting. He took this when we lived in Denver. The light was perfect and made the reds in our sofa as well as his holster really glow. When I got rid of his guns, these were two that I kept. They were his favorites and remind me of him. A mountain man in a suit. A cowboy in a 5 Star hotel. He was so rich and deep. My love for him is a bottomless well…a source of great comfort in his absence. I miss him so.
\n", "date_published": "2014-04-02T01:30:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/04/02/mr-virgos-photography.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Grief","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","The Grand Adventure","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/26/seeking-inner-peace.html", "title": "Seeking Inner Peace", "content_html": "![\"inner](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f5cc5ee774.jpg\")
“Seeking Inner Peace”
What a glorious day I had yesterday! I had a nice lazy start then headed over for yoga in the yurt. Many others had the same idea. This was my first ever yoga class and my inner voice would NOT shut up! “Look at these people. They know what they’re doing and you look like a pretzel. Do these leggings make my cellulite as obvious as I think they do? Man, this woman beside me breathes loud! Jeez-o-Pete…just how long IS 80 minutes? I’m glad I just signed up for one class today!” Yack, yack, yack. Yoga is supposed to be peaceful and feel good. If I had to do one more downward facing dog I was going to have to get up off the floor and go punch Doug…Namaste THAT! But, I got through it, went to the restaurant and ate a lovely, calorie laden feast for breakfast, and promptly returned to The Sanctuary…aka TOW-Wanda…to take a much deserved nap. After all, I think I broke a sweat in that yoga class!
\nAfter nap time, I tried to put together a 6 ton hydraulic press (yeah, I know…I’m a mystery to ME, too!). Low and behold, there were pieces missing. Why do I always think it’s a good idea to buy stuff on eBay? I called a guy friend and asked him to see if there is a Harbor Freight in Santa Fe and he sent me the address. I’ll be heading there today so hopefully they’ll have the parts. Oh…..WHY do I have a 6 ton hydraulic press with me on vacation? I thought you’d never ask! I have to get some inventory built up for these two art show/sales and I can write off my trip if I work and show my jewelry to shops where I stay. I think I have figured out a way to flatten spoons without using a 3 pound hammer and smashing various fingers and or thumbs. Smart!
\nAnyway, after the missing parts fiasco, I was feeling pretty frazzled and that inner chatterbox was yammering on about always missing the boat or some Tom foolery so I headed for the pools to soak. I stopped in the gift shop (ALWAYS a bad idea). This place is a spa and they take their quiet VERY seriously. There are signs everywhere that say “Whisper Zone”. There is actually an employee that walks around the pool area with a sign that says “Whisper Please”. Well, I was feeling all Ghandi-esque, what with the yoga class and all, and promptly swung my pool bag into an entire display of wind chimes! Two dozen faces turned to glare at me and then started laughing at my vain attempts to silence said chimes. Good grief! I browsed and bought a hat to shade my face and a diet coke (remember the cellulite comment from my inner roommate in yoga class? Well, I got her some potato chips to shut her up!). As I was heading to the checkout, I passed the book stand and saw The Untethered Soul. This is EXACTLY the book I was looking for. It’s all about putting a sock in that inner $&@@$’s mouth and freeing yourself from the constant whining and second-guessing and critiquing that voice does and free you to live in peace and quiet. Sold!
\nNamaste!
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-26T01:30:08-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/26/seeking-inner-peace.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Peace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/24/on-the-road-again.html", "title": "On the Road Again!!!", "content_html": "![\"road](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/240361d485.jpg\")
“Take me on a ROAD TRIP!”
After a fun few days with the grandkids, this Nana is hitting the open road this morning! I’m heading south and cruising through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. I’m going to hit every hot springs I can find and will post lots of pics and stories from the road!
\nTOW-Wanda!!!
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-24T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/24/on-the-road-again.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Camping","Fun","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort","goRVing","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/22/purging.html", "title": "Purging", "content_html": "![\"purging](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cef8db2f04.jpg\")
“Thinking about lightening the load.”
Well, ok….THINKING about purging. It’s sort of the same thing, isn’t it? I mean, you gotta have a plan, right? I have WAY too much stuff! About 14 years ago I was living in an apartment…a tiny little place with practically nothing in it. Only what I needed or considered beautiful. It was so peaceful and cozy. So now, 14 years later, I’ve accumulated stuff that no one in their right mind would want. Why? What changed? Part of the problem is Mr. Virgo liked to shop as much as I do. He was always ordering something. But it wasn’t just him. I am a certified retail therapist. Really. But I am tired of all the stuff. I’m going to start purging and sell off a ton of stuff. Just THINKING about it makes me feel better! lol
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-22T01:30:32-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/22/purging.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","New Ideas","Gratitude","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/19/live-every-day-of-your.html", "title": "Live Every Day of Your Life!", "content_html": "![\"live](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b7a5ab393f.jpg\")
“Live Every Day of Your Life!”
There were SO many days in the year following Mr. Virgo’s death that took absolutely every ounce of strength I could muster to get out of bed. And, I have to admit, there were a handful when I failed. I couldn’t face taking a shower or anything, even though I knew full well I would feel better if I did. Something in me didn’t WANT to feel better on those days. Not in a defeatist sort of way, but I needed to feel my worst so I could get it out of me. I knew enough not to let it go on too long. Only once did I allow two days in a row to be totally eaten up by wailing into my pillows with a box of tissues and an iPod full of sappy country music. For the most part, I was determined to live the days for Mr. Virgo who was denied so many. To live them for my family. And, eventually, to live them for myself.
\nI wrote this down….“Get up and LIVE!” There were days, weeks…heck, MONTHS it wasn’t easy. But I swore I wouldn’t waste what God so graciously gives me every morning. Every day that I’m on the right side of the grass is a GOOD day! And some days, I still may take a “rest easy” day. Just because the first year anniversary has passed, doesn’t mean a magical switch was thrown and I’m over it all.
\nBut, how do you make it happen when all you want to do is pull the covers over your head and listen to Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville sing “Goodbye, My Friend” for the umpteenth time? How many times do you have to ignore the phone ringing because it means coming back to the land of the living and you don’t remember how to breathe? The answer is, of course, however many times it takes, but there are things you can do that can help. Things I didn’t know heading into this, but I think they may help others who are walking this path.
\nWrite down a list of everyone who tells you “Call me, anytime…day or night.” Write their numbers down beside their name. Then, when you DO need to talk, don’t call the same person every time. Give others the opportunity to feel useful. And, by calling different people each time, you aren’t “wearing out your welcome.” so to speak.
\nAsk for help when you need it. I found it especially helpful to ask friends to have a meal with me once in a while or sometimes I’d go days and just eat cereal, if anything.
\nOn a good day, write down activities you have always wanted to try, movies you would like to see, friends you would like to visit, places you would like to travel. Keep a copy in your purse and on the fridge. That way, the ideas are there when you’re lost and can’t find your way.
\nPut something joyful in front of you that you can look forward to. For me, it was buying my little travel trailer. For you, it could be planning a trip or fixing up a room in your house as a special sanctuary. If you have nothing joyful to look forward to, time will stretch before you interminably.
\nFind a couple of your favorite pictures of your loved one and have them blown up and printed as 8x10’s. You can use a great app like Kicksend, choose your photo and size, and send them to someplace like Target to be printed. You can often pick up cute frames there on sale when the photos are done. I avoided doing this for 10 months because I thought it would hurt too much. But, I can’t tell you the comfort it gave me to have these big pictures all around my bedroom. I wish I would have done it months before.
\nThese are just a few ways you can help yourself LIVE every day. If you have trouble thinking of more, just ask me or a trusted friend or family member to help you with your list. You WILL live again. You WILL laugh again. It won’t be the same, but if it were…if we did not grieve and mourn…we would not be human.
\n<3 Ginny
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-19T01:30:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/19/live-every-day-of-your.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/16/seek-and-ye-shall-find.html", "title": "Seek and Ye Shall Find", "content_html": "![\"meme\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6282444783.jpg\")
“Seek and Ye Shall Find”
I was discussing this with a friend the other night. This verse can mean so much more than just seeking God. It doesn’t matter what, or who, it is we’re seeking….we will find it.
\nWe all know someone who always seems to have bad luck. They have endless complaints, nothing goes their way, and they can never catch a break. They are unhappy people. They WANT to be happy (or, at least they SAY they do). But, what are they actually seeking? If you look for the bad in people or situations, that’s all you will ever see. You have chosen to filter your vision through a lens that can only see darkness. The key word there is darkness.
\nWhen you turn your face toward the light, look for goodness, and hope for the best, that is what you will find. At least, most of the time. It’s the same principle you will find in “The Secret”. The universe is like a giant menu. The words that come from your mouth are the orders you are giving to the Great Waiter. Choose them wisely or you will find yourself with a meal you didn’t want.
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-16T01:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/16/seek-and-ye-shall-find.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Growth","Gratitude","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/13/springtime-in-the-rockies.html", "title": "Springtime in the Rockies", "content_html": "![\"camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5c337b34c8.jpg\")
“Springtime in the Rockies”
I headed to the lake Sunday afternoon. I needed to be alone with my thoughts and memories. The anniversary of Mr. Virgo’s death has come and gone. I loved being in the trailer alone. I talked to him. I cried for him. I wrote…and read…and prayed…and napped. I stared at the water and the birds. I listened to the wind and the geese. And I let it go. This year. This awful, heart-breaking, life-changing yet beautiful, blessed year. This change came from a 12 month gestation to birth a different version of me. Older, wiser, deeper. Grief knocked off some of those sharp edges and has humbled me in ways I never knew. And now? Now I’m ready to face whatever comes my way! I’m ready to tackle new projects. Travel to new places. Finish writing my book. Keep writing here. Take more pictures. Make more jewelry. Enter speaker training (not all who train are chosen, but it is a skill I can use anyway!). Paint. Learn. Grow. Teach. Fish. Hike. Camp.
\nLife is a precious gift. I don’t want to miss one single moment of it. So, I’m heading off to watch my grandchildren sing in the chorus of their first stage production!!!
\nI’ll get back to you from the road!
\n<3 Ginny
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-13T01:30:18-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/13/springtime-in-the-rockies.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Prayer","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Growth","goRVing","Wisdom","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/12/one-year-gone.html", "title": "One Year Gone", "content_html": "![\"handsome](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/146b0c19d4.jpg\")
“My Handsome Mr. Virgo”
I miss you. I sense you around every corner. I hear your laughter in the mountain stream as I bait my hook. I see your smile in the pink glow of the setting sun. I smell you on your jacket…earth, tobacco, leather. I feel your touch with the noonday sun on my shoulders.
\nI miss you. I taste your lips in an olive and bread and pomegranates. I remember our only dance. I ache for the memory to come alive, for just a moment, so I can hold you once again in my arms, feeling our bodies sway in time with the music.
\nI miss you. I miss the intensity of your blue eyes when you told me I was adored. The way they crinkled when you told a funny story. The way they looked off in the distance toward the mountains, yearning to be off in the woods.
\nI miss you. The cup of coffee in bed. The hand on the small of my back leading me to the table at our favorite restaurant. Holding hands in the car. The sound of your voice when you called me your baby doll.
\nI miss you. The cigar on the golf course. The Tuesday drives. The history and opera lessons. The stories…ahhhh, the stories.
\nI miss you. The romantic greeting cards. The surprise orchids. The hand extended across the table between courses. The soft breathing by my side.
\nI miss you. The pretend boxing matches in the kitchen. The tickles. The bear hugs. The warm chocolate chip cookies. The sweetness of your smile in the dark.
\nI miss you. Oh, I miss you so much my breath gets caught in my chest. I miss you with the tears that stung just behind my eyes when I found your note…“Happy Valentine’s Day, my Love!” I miss you in the birdsong out my window, the call of the elk bugling across the valley, in the sunrise you were so fond of.
\nToday, I will miss you with the white heat of the sun. Today, my heart will break open yet again. Today, my pain will sear my brain and paralyze me with fear. And tomorrow? Tomorrow, my sweet Mr. Virgo, I will begin the next chapter. I will spread my wings and fly. I will be strong, and brave, and courageous. I will step out of my comfort zone and live the life God intends me to live.
\nBut, for today….I miss you.
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-12T01:30:04-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/12/one-year-gone.html", "tags": ["Family","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Love","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/03/03/giving.html", "title": "Giving", "content_html": "![\"guitar](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/d9d4559f4c.jpg\")
“Mr. Virgo’s Guitar”
I’ve given most of Mr. Virgo’s clothes away. I still have some things that really remind me of him that I want to keep. A shirt. A couple of sweaters. His glorious leather bomber jacket that I wear sometimes that still smells of tobacco and Halston. I’m not sorry I gave those things away. My closet space doubled and that was probably the easiest of all the adjustments I’ve had to make this year.
\nSeveral years ago, Mr. Virgo got it in his head that he wanted to learn to play blues guitar. Next thing I knew, there was a beautiful Ibanez guitar with a hard case and an amp living with us. Alas, try as he might, the arthritis in his hands kept him from playing. The guitar hung in our dining room for a few years and eventually made it into a closet. There it stayed…till last Friday.
\nI don’t play well but if it had been acoustic, I would have kept it. I would have tried again to learn. There is an alternative high school here that has a wonderful music program. I love the students and their teacher. I decided to donate the guitar and amp to them.
\nI delivered it to the school Friday. A beautiful, talented young man tuned it up, plugged it in, and started playing a song for me. I cried. I told them about this epic love story and they cried.
\nIt was a beautiful day.
\n", "date_published": "2014-03-03T02:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/03/03/giving.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/20/the-unaccompanied-womanor-living-single.html", "title": "The Unaccompanied Woman...(or Living Single in a Double World)", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/892577a2fb.jpg\")
“I don’t want to be labeled as lonely just because I’m alone.” Delta Burke
We live with labels. Single. Separated. Divorced. Widowed. Each conjures up a preconceived notion about the person. Incomplete. Selfish. Sad. Old. Pitiful. Alone. That may describe the situation we find ourselves in, but we are so much more than that. We are rich, complex, experienced, courageous. And…we are alone. Some by choice. Some have their singleness thrust upon them by death or by the choice of others. No matter what the circumstances or what the label, we are living in a world built for two. We aren’t usually invited to dinner parties. We are often unsure where we fit in. We avoid situations that point out our singleness. Our self-identity has been altered drastically…stripping us bare to our very core.
\nI vowed no matter how much it hurt losing Mr. Virgo, I wasn’t going to sit at home, wring my hands, and adopt way too many cats. (Not that there’s a single thing wrong with having cats, mind you.) If I am going to be labeled, I prefer a label of my own choosing. I prefer ‘unaccompanied woman’. I know there are women who have taken care of everyone else all their lives and now they’re done…they embrace being alone. And, as long as that is what makes you happy, that’s great. I honestly don’t prefer to BE unaccompanied most times, but when I dine or travel I am often alone. Sometimes I end up alone simply because I didn’t think ahead and plan. Sometimes I end up staying at home because I didn’t do my homework. There are several online resources that can help you design a life you can love. I love the website www.sixtyandme.com because it gives me great ideas of ways to spend my time, places to travel, and helpful information I can use in my daily life.
\nOne thing is for sure…after the initial shock of the death or divorce has passed, once all the friends and family have gone back to their own lives, we are going to be left alone. People are NOT going to beat a path to our doors. We have to step out of our comfort zone and make the effort needed to meet people…or at the very least, just to make ourselves get out of the house and do something. Don’t be afraid to be out in the world unaccompanied.
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-20T02:30:48-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/20/the-unaccompanied-womanor-living-single.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Growth","Courage"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/18/letting-go.html", "title": "Letting Go", "content_html": "![\"letting](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0f5a617095.jpg\")
“Letting Go”
This has been on my mind for a little while now. Every day is bringing me closer to the end of this journey. Not the end of feelings or sudden waves of grief, but the end of the “Year of the Loss”. A year ago we were enjoying his day off together. We would have had breakfast, watched some TV, maybe gone out for a drive. We would have cooked dinner together. We would have laughed and hugged and held hands. And three weeks later, on his Tuesday off, he was gone.
\nLetting go. Letting go of what? My love for him? Never. I will always love him, just as I love my two other husbands. (Yes, I’ve taken up three women’s quotas in the husband department. Sorry.) My memories of him? The important ones will stick around close to the front. Others will eventually file towards the back of the room. I’ve already let go of his physical presence. I haven’t reached for him in the middle of the night in a long, long time.
\nSo, what else is there to let go of? Attachment. I know many women who will always and forever be “George’s wife” and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It would have been unthinkable that my grandma would forsake her marriage after Pop-Pop died. She went on and lived 28 years without a man. My mom never dated after her divorce and lived another 24 years without a man. Maybe it’s because I have already suffered the loss of two marriages that makes the act of letting go something that can even be considered. Maybe it is the times we are living in that allow moving on to be more socially acceptable.
\nWill I ever actually marry again? I would like to…if it’s meant to be…if it’s the right guy…if our love is epic. In this day and age there are so many factors besides love and companionship to consider. There are finances and tax considerations nowadays that do not reward marriage. But, there are tenets in my faith that condemn cohabitation. Luckily, this is an issue I don’t need to solve today and hopefully, when God brings me another partner, we will be able to work it all out together. I know I won’t be alone forever. I don’t want to be.
\nI was forced by definition to let go of being married…well, at least by definition on certain forms. I’ll never forget someone saying shortly after Mr. Virgo died, “You’re not married anymore. Your husband died. You are a widow.” I was hurt and offended and angry that society was taking something away from me that I wasn’t ready to relinquish. I still say “My husband died.” But I just as often, if not more, refer to him as my late husband.
\nLetting go is a process. It is a choice. Choosing to let go is not something that should be judged by others. It’s like learning to walk all over again…you reach back for that hand that steadied you till you can do it on your own. And, if you are so blessed, a new hand appears.
\nPhoto courtesy of Humanity Healing.
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-18T02:30:40-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/18/letting-go.html", "tags": ["Faith","Grief","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Grace"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2014/02/15/testosterone.html", "title": "Testosterone", "content_html": "![\"testosterone](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7323caa882.jpg\")
“Testosterone”
I miss having some around. I have guy friends that I don’t get to hang with nearly enough. But, I miss romance. I miss that masculine protective strength. That big bear hug that tells you everything’s going to be ok.
\nThe day we buried Mr. Virgo, I was wandering around the house, speaking to people, hugging friends and family. I realized I needed some testosterone. I went to Mr. Virgo’s humidor and got that really expensive cigar I bought him for Christmas. I have very little alcohol in the house but I had some cognac that I used for cooking. I grabbed that and went around gathering the men and headed for the front porch. We sat out there and dedicated this little soirée to the memory of a good man. It was a lovely ritual. My clearest memory of the funeral, really.
\nTestosterone. That little thing that makes a man a man. I really can’t imagine living the rest of my life alone. I know women who say they wouldn’t have another man if he was delivered to their doorstep. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’m not one of them. I will love again. I think the difference this time will be loving on my terms. I want to be careful not to lose myself in the process.
\nWhat about you? Would you do it again if the person were really special?
\n", "date_published": "2014-02-15T02:30:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2014/02/15/testosterone.html", "tags": ["Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","New Ideas"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/12/11/hugs.html", "title": "Hugs", "content_html": "![\"sheldon](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9b32ad22c4.jpg\")
“Sheldon Hugs Penny”
We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.\n—Virginia Satir, family therapist
\nWe’re going to get touchy-feely here today. I love hugs! Mr. Virgo and I couldn’t be in the same room without touching each other. We were openly, physically demonstrative and for me, that was like water to a desert flower. For those of you who are widowed or who live alone, for whatever reason, you know how it feels to not have anyone to hug and to hug you back. Certainly the quick hugs we sometimes get when we greet friends and good acquaintances feel good, but I’m talking about the “will you hold me a little while” kind of hugs. This is more likely to be from a family member, but even they have their limits as to how long a hug should be held and still remain comfortable. A good long hug just doesn’t happen…at least not nearly often enough, when you are alone.
\nWhen I went through a very painful divorce 14 years ago, I asked my doctor to prescribe therapeutic massage for me so I could receive regular human touch. I haven’t done that since losing Mr. Virgo, but I’m getting ready to. When I was heading to my grief counseling appointment yesterday, I decided I’m going to have to do something to get more hugs. I have some ideas for a hugging project that I am still formulating and I’ll bring them to you as I develop the idea further. But in the meantime, if you see me on the street, by all means….hug the stuffin’s outta me! My hug titer is LOW!
\nHave a wonderful Friday, everyone….and go hug somebody!!!
\n", "date_published": "2013-12-11T02:30:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/12/11/hugs.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/12/11/messages.html", "title": "Messages", "content_html": "\n![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e3668801bb.jpg\")
Oh....my....gosh! I have the COOLEST story to tell you! I know you all can tell the last few days have been a bit of a struggle. I knew the first Christmas after losing Mr. Virgo was going to be rough and it has certainly been shaping up to be a pretty dismal affair all the way around. I finally gave in in early November and started seeing a grief counselor and she has really, really helped. Even so, as I was preparing myself for the tears that would inevitably come during my session this afternoon, I spent some quiet time talking to Mr. Virgo. I asked him, if he could hear me, if he was still watching over me, would he please send me a sign so I could know. I know that may be really weird to some of you and you might think I've gone 'round the bend, but this is what happened later.
\nI walked into the waiting area at my appointment and sat down. There was another lady sitting there and we exchanged greetings but went back to our magazines. The music had been playing when I walked in but I didn't pay any attention to it, other than it was a little loud. There was quite a stretch of quiet between songs and when it started playing again, the song was a very peppy rendition of \"Gray skies are gonna clear up...put on a happy face!\" The lady and I looked at each other and cracked up. I told her about losing my husband. She told me about losing her mom. I told her about asking him to send me some sort of sign that he was still watching out for me. I laughed and said, \"You know, when this sort of thing happened when he was alive, I would hum the opening notes of The Twilight Zone and we would just laugh!\" We went back to our papers. The peppy little tune continued as I contemplated whether it really could have been Mr. Virgo sending me a message. But...that's NOT the end of the story. If it ended right there, you might think \"Well, that was a cute little coincidence.\" and leave it at that. Not so fast! As soon as \"Put on a Happy Face\" ended.....I kid you not....the theme music for The Twilight Zone came on!!! The woman and I turned to each other with our mouths open and laughed till our sides hurt. What a great story! Thanks, Mr. Virgo...I'm SO happy to know you are still watching out for me and you're absolutely right. Gray skies ARE gonna clear up!
\nHave a wonderful day, my lovely friends!
\n", "date_published": "2013-12-11T02:30:10-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/12/11/messages.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Gratitude","Love"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/11/25/security.html", "title": "Security", "content_html": "![\"lock\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4f6ee6a0fe.jpg\")
“Security”
One of the big name security companies came to our house a year ago offering to put in a security system. The equipment would be installed for free and we would only pay the monthly monitoring fee. Mr. Virgo thought it was a good idea and we should do it, but for some reason we just never got around to it. I lived here for 5 years before I met him and never once felt frightened to be here alone. However, since the time change, and there are no street lights near me, I have had a few unsettling feelings when I hear (or imagine I hear) something outside. The other night I swore I heard footsteps outside my window. It was probably just a wild animal, but it gave me pause. Granted, I am insured by Smith and Wesson. You can rest assured I am packin’ when I’m traveling alone in TOW-Wanda and a gun lives by my bedside. (I always lock them away when the grandchildren are visiting.) I had a security system installed on Saturday and I love it! They are so much more than just an alarm these days. Mine has a button each for police, fire, and ambulance. I downloaded their app onto my phone and iPad and I can arm/disarm the system remotely. I can turn lights on and off. (I have my Christmas tree lights plugged into it and can turn them on before I get home so I can see them when I drive up!) There is a video camera that I have aimed out the sidelight in my front door. If the doorbell rings when I’m in bed or in another room, I can bring up the app on my iPad and see who is there. I can check the thermostat remotely so I step into a warm house when I get home. Here’s the fun one…I can turn up the heat in the house from my bed when I first wake up and after I’ve read the news on my iPad, the house is warmer when I go for that first cup of coffee! OK, I am a geek. I admit it. I love techno-toys. But I have to tell you, I slept better the last two nights than I have since Mr. Virgo died. And that is worth every penny!
\n", "date_published": "2013-11-25T02:30:59-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/11/25/security.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/11/09/ptsd-emdr-grief.html", "title": "PTSD - EMDR - Grief", "content_html": "![\"freedom](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/edae8f1414.jpg\")
“Freedom”
A while back we discussed my nemesis…panic attacks. I suffered my first panic attack in second grade when three things happened in rapid succession. First was a little bandy rooster of a preacher in my grandma’s church who preached hellfire and brimstone. He literally jumped from the pulpit, stuck his gnarly finger in my face, and with veins bulging and spit flying, told me I would go to hell if I did not believe. I wet my pants right there in the pew and decided it was much safer to follow the “Church of Ginny”. At school, I was bullied by a teacher who somehow chose me to be the poster child of stupid. It got so bad I couldn’t eat. She would save my untouched lunch tray to show my mom. It was decided I would bring lunch from home. I would stand in line to wash my hands before lunch and pray out loud asking God to please make me hungry so I wouldn’t get in trouble. I was beaten by both the principal and the teacher because I couldn’t eat. And if you got it at school, you got it twice as bad when you got home. Thankfully we moved over Christmas break. The third thing that happened was getting molested by a high school neighbor kid. When I told my friend’s mom, she grabbed my friend, put her hand on my chest, and pushed me away so she could shut the door in my face. But not before warning me to NEVER tell anyone about that, EVER again. I didn’t tell my mom till I was 35. Three things, in and of themselves, that were devastating. But together, they cemented a lifelong anxiety disorder.
\nI was fortunate to find a good therapist many years ago who helped me find my voice. Once Mr. Virgo came along, panic attacks were a thing of the past, to my great relief. However, since he died, I have had a few episodes and I certainly don’t want to head down that path again. One of the worst was this summer at an arts and crafts fair. I was standing in the food court area when the man next to me started choking. I mean, Heimlich Maneuver choking. I have worked in medicine since 1971. I am certified in CPR, but I was frozen. Suddenly, in my mind, I was back in the ER and they were doing CPR on my husband. It freaked me out. At my physical a few weeks ago, I mentioned this to my doctor. I’ve done all this grief work alone but we decided maybe it was time to get some professional help. She recommended a good therapist and I met with her the next day.
\nOurs is a small community so I know the therapist who was recommended, but just socially. I told her the story of losing Mr. Virgo and the subsequent intrusive thoughts and panic attacks and she felt I have PTSD from the trauma. There is a fairly new therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) that is recognized as a very effective treatment for PTSD. She recommended we try it and I was game for anything to take this away.
\nMy first treatment was last Wednesday. Karen asked me what the singular most painful thought/image was surrounding my husband’s death. Without a doubt, it was walking back into the trailer after calling 911 and seeing him on the couch. I knew as soon as I saw him where this was going and that I was going to lose him that day. Just the thought of that image caused me so much distress that it was physically painful to sit there in the office. On Karen’s scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst emotional pain ever, I was at about 15. She asked me to hold that image in my mind and watch her fingers as she rapidly moved them back and forth in front of me. She did this for several seconds, stopped, and asked me to take a deep breath, then asked me what I was experiencing. We repeated this about 6 times and the thought, the picture of Mr. Virgo on that couch, was just…gone! I literally cannot conjure up that image anymore. I mean, I know it happened, and I know it was awful, but I just don’t see it. Instead, when I walk into that trailer in my mind, I see the empty sofa and I can feel Mr. Virgo standing behind me to my left. There was a small window over the sofa and all you could see that day was the side of the next trailer. But in my mind’s eye, I see a huge picture window over that sofa with a gorgeous view of a mountain lake, the sun setting reflecting gorgeous, radiant colors from every surface. It is absolutely amazing!
\nI will visit with Karen a couple more times to clean up the residuals of those events that started my lifelong anxiety disorder as well as witnessing the actual CPR. I cannot tell you what a relief this is. If you, or someone you know, suffers from PTSD symptoms or anxiety/panic attacks, I would highly recommend you speak to your healthcare provider about EMDR and see if it’s right for you. It truly is powerful.
\nHave a fabulous Saturday, everyone!
\nPhoto courtesy of ashleyeder.com.
\n", "date_published": "2013-11-09T02:30:16-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/11/09/ptsd-emdr-grief.html", "tags": ["Hope","Positive Energy","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/09/27/misty-mountain-morning.html", "title": "Misty Mountain Morning", "content_html": "![\"misty](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/80f3091189.jpg\")
“Misty Mountain Morning”
Love, love, LOVE misty Fall mornings! I arrived in Denver last night after a very LONG day. I could have gone home and started the trip this morning, but I am such a child at heart. When I’m going on a trip, I want to go n-o-w! I’m heading out on another nearly month long adventure, this time without TOW-Wanda. (I miss that li’l gal!) I got up this morning to the most beautiful misty rain. Reminds me of England. I’m hanging out at a very cool coffee shop in Cherry Creek. Ink! Great spicy green chili vegetarian burrito and really good coffee. Smoky undertones to it. I like it. Lots of folks out doing the same thing I am doing today. Conversation abounds! I’m heading to the medical office I used to work at on the off chance my doc can get away for lunch. Haven’t seen her in way too long!
\nI leave in the morning for West Virginia. I have a long stretch there this time and lots to do. I’m getting together with some cousins for another get-to-know-you-better picnic. I’m helping my aunt get prepared for winter after breaking her hip a few weeks ago. I get to hang out with friends whom I LOVE! We have a new baby in the family that I want to cuddle.
\nI’m really looking forward to seeing the colors change back home. I miss the myriad reds, yellows, and oranges of a deciduous forest as it graces us with a show like none other. The camera is charged and so am I! I’ll get back to Colorado in the middle of October, spend a few days with family, and head home for a week.
\nHave a wonderful weekend and I will post beautiful pictures as I can. Internet and cell service is practically non-existent where I’m going. Not necessarily a bad thing!
\n", "date_published": "2013-09-27T01:30:02-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/09/27/misty-mountain-morning.html", "tags": ["Hope","West Virginia","Growth"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/09/14/colorado-sky.html", "title": "Colorado Sky", "content_html": "![\"colorado](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1fb9680b90.jpg\")
“Colorado Sky”
I took this photo this morning. I love how the misty clouds cling to the hillsides this time of year. We have had some rain but nothing like you are seeing on the news.
\nPlease keep Colorado in your prayers as the Front Range braces for more heavy rain.
\n\n", "date_published": "2013-09-14T01:30:39-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/09/14/colorado-sky.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Hope","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/27/stormy-colorado-sky.html", "title": "Stormy Colorado Sky", "content_html": "![\"stormy](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/1ab531d7aa.jpg\")
“Stormy Colorado Sky”
I love the Colorado sky. I took this the other night and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was in every direction.
\nI’ve actually been home for the last NINE days! Wow…I think that’s the longest stretch since I started “The Grand Adventure” on May 10th. I’ve been a busy bee, nesting in preparation for the change of seasons. I didn’t get to do my spring cleaning this year so I’ve been playing catch up this week. Thank you Deisy, Liz, and Mama Elena for your help yesterday! I just finished shampooing the carpets and I’m doing laundry. It’s beautiful outside and I am so tempted by the Siren Song of the woods. Must…stay…focused!
\nI have a lot of fun planned for the next couple of weeks. I am driving to Denver after work Thursday and anxiously await the arrival of my niece just back from Kuwait. I can hardly wait to get my arms around her and give her a big hug. I am picking up a friend from the airport on Saturday with lots of fun activities planned for next week.
\nI am amazed at how beautiful and sweet life is on this side of summer. I was so broken in March that I was certain the sun would never shine again. By the time I got to May 10th and set out on my travels, I was beginning to feel hopeful. But now? I see life with new eyes and I am so grateful for the chance to begin looking for happiness again.
\nWell, the next load of laundry is ready. The sun is shining, got Scotty McCreary on the radio, and a spring in my step. Look out world…I’m coming to get ya'!
\n", "date_published": "2013-08-27T01:30:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/27/stormy-colorado-sky.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth","Gratitude","Comfort"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/22/sunset-on-storm-king.html", "title": "Sunset on Storm King", "content_html": "![\"sunset](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/2e4969abfb.jpg\")
“Sunset on Storm King”
Oh my, what a perfect day! I worked at the office all day, ran into some really awesome people, stopped at a cool new shop and she loved my jewelry! She wants to sell it in both her Basalt and her Aspen stores. And, there was a special treat on my doorstep. Yes, it was a perfect day! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
\n", "date_published": "2013-08-22T01:30:33-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/08/22/sunset-on-storm-king.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Growth","Gratitude"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/08/17/sisters-on-the-fly-do.html", "title": "Sisters on the Fly do Estes Park!", "content_html": "![\"camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/b5cd176ee3.jpg\")
“TOW-Wanda!”
One of the first things I did when Mr. Virgo died was join the Sisters on the Fly. The largest women’s outdoor adventure club in America, SOTF offers women the opportunity to gather and travel together in the safety of groups.
\n![\"woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/932088a417.jpg\")
“A favorite jacket…it came from a Nashville entertainer.”
Women helping women. Learning to be girls again. Offering a hand up to the newbies.
\n![\"woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/3ec0161bec.jpg\")
“Ginny getting her cowgirl on!”
You can learn to fly fish or cook in a Dutch oven…start a campfire or ride a horse. You can earn badges for lots of fun categories. It is truly the most fun ever and is helping sooth my painful heart.
\n![\"cute](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7a971bcfe7.jpg\")
“Cute Camper”
I took off on August 14th and stayed till the 17th in beautiful Estes Park. Camping with a hundred other like-minded women goes a long way toward making you feel empowered. Grief often makes you feel powerless.
\n![\"artist](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cba56e905c.jpg\")
“Artist painting off Old Fall River Road”
![\"camper](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/85f621b43a.jpg\")
“TOW-Wanda at Spokane Creek”
TOW-Wanda! Spokane Creek Campground, Iron Mountain Road, Keystone, SD.
\nI would definitely recommend this campground to anyone visiting Mt. Rushmore. Very clean, quiet right at 10:30PM, cafe/store, pool, showers, friendly and fun!
\n", "date_published": "2013-07-30T01:30:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/30/towwanda-at-spokane-creek-campground.html", "tags": ["Family","Travel","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/21/independence-pass-above-aspen-colorado.html", "title": "INDEPENDENCE PASS ABOVE ASPEN, COLORADO", "content_html": "![\"Independence](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/4f395d9405.jpg\")
\n(yes, I stopped the car, Valerie!)
\nJust got back from church. It was held at a private campground today with 10 Baptisms and a potluck. Doesn’t get much better than that!
\nI am cleaning out the trailer and Expedition today in preparation for the trip to Mt. Rushmore on Friday. My daughter Julie is so worried we won’t fit everyone in because I carry a boatload of stuff around with me. Just have to prove her wrong! :-)
\nHope your day is as beautiful as mine is!
\n", "date_published": "2013-07-21T02:00:31-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/21/independence-pass-above-aspen-colorado.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/09/home-sweet-home.html", "title": "HOME SWEET HOME", "content_html": "![\"Old](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6302e8d0c9.jpg\")
\nHome. Home, sweet home. Home is where the heart is. There’s no place like home. West Virginia.
\nAfter an incredibly long delay in Cleveland, my brother and I finally fell in our beds at 1:30 this morning which was 3:30 Eastern Time. Then up early and another 4 hours’ drive with stops along the way before I got Gary to his place. He is a wonderful traveling companion. He reads the road signs, has interesting thoughts for conversation, and is so easily pleased he made traveling a joy. As most of you know, Gary has a developmental disability which he has really been able to work around and learn to live as independent a life as possible. He came to live near me 9 years ago after our mom died. I asked him if he accomplished all he wanted to do in his trip and his answer really surprised me. He said he felt he finally “got WV out of his system”. After many attempts at trying to explain what he meant, I eventually understood that Colorado is the home of his heart now and he is certain he would not be happy living in West Virginia again. I can understand that. He has a life here that he most certainly would not have achieved had he remained in Parkersburg. As a matter of fact, he told me today that if he would have stayed there after mom died, he more than likely would be living in a nursing home now. The reality of that wrenched my heart because it is true.
\nWe drove along in silence for awhile and I told him, while he had discovered the home of his heart is truly Colorado, I had solidified that the home of my heart is West Virginia. I cried when the plane crossed the Ohio River and I touched the ground of “home”. I slept the deep sleep of contentment in my grandma’s bed, listening to the creek out the window and the rain on the tin roof. I photographed everything that I wanted to etch in my memory, as if these things weren’t already permanently embedded in my DNA. I started crying three days before we left just at the thought that I might not be at the farm again, or at least, the clock is ticking. My beautiful, eloquent, erudite aunt is 80 now. She lives at the family farm. She is the last sibling to live there. The others have their own places. Even though I LIVED in Parkersburg, I was RAISED on this farm and it is my home. I have lived in Colorado for 38 years. Doesn’t matter. When I think of “home”, it is this farm. It is my heart. I know every turn in the road, every contour of the land, every sound in the hollow. Just the smell of the earth, the rain, the trees, the flowers, are enough to send my heart soaring. This is my home. My earliest memory is at the table on my grandma’s knee. I shut my eyes and I can see the little girl I was, running to catch lightning bugs in a jar, setting up the moss and the acorns on “Tea Table Rock” with my cousins and our dolls, smushing over-ripe strawberries into my mouth with fat little-girl hands…juices dripping from my fingers and chin. This is my home. This is the place where my beloved Pop-Pop lay in his coffin for three days, resting under the living room window, with my grandma ever vigilant beside him. This is where I learned to cook, to quilt, to can. This is where I learned about God, learned to pray, to go to church, to be a good person. This is where I brought my babies to be rocked and loved on and spoiled as only grandmas can do, where they combed their “Big Grandma’s” hair, and took moon baths by the rain barrel on hot August nights. This is my home, it flows through my veins as surely as my lifeblood.
\nI am certain that these things hit me more deeply this trip because my heart is still tender, my feelings still raw and open after losing the other part of my heart in March. I have already lost so much, must I also lose my “home”? It happens to almost everyone, I suppose. There comes a time when things of the past are just that…the past. I have my children, my grandchildren, my brother, my friends here in Colorado. I have built a life here. But forever, and for always, this farm will be my home.
\n", "date_published": "2013-07-09T02:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/09/home-sweet-home.html", "tags": ["Family","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/07/08/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE CONTINUES", "content_html": "![\"Woman](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/e247a22f9e.jpg\")
\nSitting in Cleveland Airport. Flight is WAY delayed but brother and I will munch on these yummy oatmeal raisin cookies that my sweet aunt made for us this morning. We had a wonderful time in West Virginia. I’m looking forward to editing all my pics and sharing my adventures with you all. We drive home from Denver tomorrow, I see patients on Thursday then back to Denver afterwards. Oldest daughter’s birthday! Friday is an event with Sisters on the Fly…drive-in movie. Fun! Camping with the Grandkids on Saturday, home for a couple of days then off to meet a friend for camping the following weekend. Whew! I’ve missed you all as I have been without Internet and cell service for 12 days….GASP! Talk to you soon!
\n", "date_published": "2013-07-08T02:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/07/08/the-grand-adventure-continues.html", "tags": ["Travel","Grief","Hope","West Virginia"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/26/glamping-with-mary-jane-and.html", "title": "GLAMPING WITH MARY JANE AND FLY FISHING - CONTEMPLATION", "content_html": "![\"Glamping](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/5c1dee4eae.jpg\")
\nI have discovered my nemesis. I have coped really well with everything over the last few months. Remarkably well. Then last weekend when I was at a town festival, a gentleman standing next to me started choking and all I could do was stand there. The man needed the Heimlich maneuver and even though I have worked in medicine for over forty years, I was frozen. All I could see in my mind’s eye was my husband in the ER. It really shook me and I had to sit down. Then today, I got a call at 4:30 from my 23-year-old who has been running a fever for 3 days. Once I got her settled back down with instructions and got off the phone, I had a full-blown panic attack from worrying about her health. I understand logically what’s going on but there is no logic when you are in the throes of anxiety. The darkest hour is just before dawn
\nWe are like electric cars when we are recovering from trauma. We tend to toodle along till we run out of juice and have to plug in to recharge. That recharge comes from those we love. Use it too often, you leave them drained. Become drained yourself and when someone else needs to connect to you for your energy, you can’t help them out. I’ve been keeping late nights and early mornings the last several days preparing for this trip tomorrow. When my daughter called, I’m afraid I didn’t have much left to give and I’m sorry.
\nI’m doing well, for the most part. I need to remember this is a process, I need to take care of myself by getting enough sleep, eating right, staying hydrated, and offering myself the same service I offer to others…kindness and compassion.
\nHugs,
\nGinny
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-26T02:00:38-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/26/glamping-with-mary-jane-and.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/25/piedra-river-ranch-weminuche-wilderness.html", "title": "PIEDRA RIVER RANCH - WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS, NEAR PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLORADO", "content_html": "![\"Piedra](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/c77e635319.jpg\")
\nI think this would be one of the most beautiful places to live. Mr. Virgo and I lived not too far from here in 2008 for about a year. I was a little disturbed that the trees didn’t fully leaf out till June, but what little time we had off together was absolutely beautiful. We often drove up Pagosa Boulevard out and back down Plumtaw Road to Piedra Road. We made a day of it and hiked and had picnics. This ranch was pretty much the end of the road in this one section and it really is stunning. It was a beautiful summer, except for the part where Mr. Virgo wrecked the ATV and was in the hospital for a week, but that’s a story for another day.
\nIt was all good till the leaves started falling off in August. Then I realized just how high we were, and it wasn’t from something we were smoking! Winter came with a vengeance. It started snowing on the first of December. We probably had a foot of snow on the ground. One night when we went to bed, it was snowing but didn’t think anything of it. When I got up the next morning and went in to make coffee, I noticed I couldn’t see out of the kitchen window. But sometimes the snow blows sideways and sticks to windows so again, I didn’t think anything of it. We got ready for work and decided to drive in together. We raised the garage door and there, as far as you could see, in a very nice level plane, was 5 feet of snow! I know this because I am 5'5" and this snow came to my nose! Have I mentioned that I really HATE snow? I know, I’ve lived in Colorado since 1975 and I really HATE snow. And the older I get, the more I hate it. That year, it snowed 7 feet of snow in less than 2 weeks. It snowed so much that they ran out of places to put it. Thank goodness that job only lasted till January and we were out of there. So yes, in this picture, it is a beautiful, peaceful place to live.
\nI have decided this winter is going to be different. I am going to go somewhere where the sun shines and the sea whispers my name. Where I can bury my toes in the sand and my nose in a book. Where I can have little drinks with exotic ingredients and paper umbrellas brought to me in my chaise lounge. Someplace warm and wonderful. I have a friend who lives in Belize who has been after me for the last 13 years to come visit her. I think I just might do that come January or February. Yep, gonna hit the cheapo airfare sites and give myself something wonderful to look forward to! But first, I am heading home to the beautiful hills of West Virginia. My home of origin. I’m heading out of here tomorrow and will visit with my daughters. Hubby #1 and his family are in town visiting so I get to see them. Then my brother and I will fly to WV on Thursday. Lots of fun things are planned there so I will take lots of pictures and post as I can. Cell and Internet are spotty in the Mountain State.
\nTalk to you soon!
\nHugs,
\nGinny
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-25T02:00:23-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/25/piedra-river-ranch-weminuche-wilderness.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/24/canoe-chapman-dam-state-park.html", "title": "CANOE - CHAPMAN DAM STATE PARK, COLORADO", "content_html": "![\"Canoe](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/9ae33f49b5.jpg\")
\nAnother photo from my tacked on, 4 extra day, camping trip last week. Isn’t this soothing? I sat here for hours and contemplated that red canoe. Oh, what I could do with a red canoe! I would take it out on beautiful, clear mountain lakes, drop a line, read a book, take a snooze, get a few good snapshots of wildlife, perhaps. These trips are just what I need right now. I’m not getting anything done at the house. I don’t like being in my house. Mr. Virgo isn’t in my house anymore. It’s like it’s not even my house. Like it’s crying. Like it has somehow misplaced a part of itself and it can’t figure out what to do next. No, wait, that’s me. I’m ok, really. It’s just that, right now, I don’t like my house. And for now, that’s ok, too.
\nLast Saturday, I decided to clean out Mr. Virgo’s closet. My son-in-law can use some of the things and my daughter works at a poor, inner-city school and she will find someone who can use the rest. That’s good. These things should go to someone who can use them. But I forgot something very important. I forgot Sunday was Father’s Day. I woke up, grabbed my iPad to check the news, e-mail, weather, and Facebook to see what the world was up to. And there they were…well wishes to all the Dads out there. And I was sitting there, no sweetheart to wish Happy Father’s Day to, and to add insult to injury, his clothes were in bags on the floor surrounding what used to be OUR bed. I sat there and contemplated that. I decided I really didn’t need to be sitting there, looking at what was left of his snappy wardrobe, and perhaps start to feel sorry for myself. This just wouldn’t do. This is what I bought a travel trailer for. I keep it packed and at the ready for emergencies such as this. I went away, I fished, I read, I napped, I drove, I hiked, I cooked, and then I came home. And now I am ready to take another bite out of this apple!
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-24T02:00:27-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/24/canoe-chapman-dam-state-park.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Family","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/24/080021.html", "title": "COLORADO WILDFLOWERS - WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO", "content_html": "![\"Colorado](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/aa1aeff2ce.jpg\")
\nI have been receiving wonderful feedback from so many people regarding my writing, my travels, my journey through grief, my jewelry, my photography, my “adventurous spirit”. You are telling me that I inspire people. That I remind you to love yourselves so you can be of service to those you love. I even had a lovely lady tell me she had lost her husband several years ago and always wanted to do what I am doing but was afraid or didn’t think she could. Now she is searching for her own trailer! I am humbled.
\nYour love and support are so touching they often make my eyes leak! I know this site started as a page to promote my art and jewelry business and that is what most of you signed up for. There is still, of course, a component of the site that is directed towards that promotion. But with the changes that have come with losing Mr. Virgo, my focus has obviously shifted tremendously. For those of you wanting to see more jewelry, I’ll get to that again as I feel motivated to create. If you don’t want to wait or aren’t interested in what I’m doing now and want to unlike the page, I’ll understand. Talking about death and grief isn’t pretty most of the time. But for those of you who have found inspiration, who have been motivated to make changes in how you think about and live your lives, I am so grateful you are sticking around to see what I might be up to next. My goals are to write every day, travel as much as possible, take tons of photos, create artistic jewelry (or whatever strikes my fancy at the moment), and be of service to others. I truly feel I have met my calling, my purpose in life.
\nI know we don’t want to think about it and we certainly don’t want to talk about it, but statistically, us gals are more likely to be left, in one way or another. My fervent hope is to show that just because our loved one is gone doesn’t mean WE are gone. My plan is to gather my writings at the end of a year and put them together into a book to help others feel OK about exploring the world around them, no matter if it’s a month or 16 years after the funeral. If I have inspired you, or touched your lives in any way, I only ask that you share my page with others, so that I may serve others in any way I can. Thank you all so much…I love each and every one of you! And, thank you God, for showing me my path and gracing me with an abundant life!
\nHugs,
\nGinny
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-24T02:00:21-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/24/080021.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/22/rainbow-trout-chapman-dam-campground.html", "title": "RAINBOW TROUT - CHAPMAN DAM CAMPGROUND", "content_html": "![\"Rainbow](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/a92d694976.jpg\")
\nToday was busy…dentist, eyeglass place to install new lenses in my glasses, but then off to the first afternoon/evening of Strawberry Days. Fun seeing people I hadn’t seen since LAST Strawberry Days and great music. I caught the trout Wednesday afternoon. Let’s see…
\n$80 for 4 days campsite fee\n$36 for Colorado Fishing License\n$30 for half a tank of gas up and back\n$55 for new Rod & Reel\n$ 5 for worms\n$10,000 for trailer
\nThat trout cost me $10,206! It was REALLY, REALLY tasty!
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-22T02:00:53-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/22/rainbow-trout-chapman-dam-campground.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Grief","Hope","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/15/bear-creek-falls-above-the.html", "title": "BEAR CREEK FALLS ABOVE THE BOX CANYON - OURAY, COLORADO", "content_html": "![\"Box](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/789ce0c880.jpg\")
\nAs a widow, I have been finding myself still having trouble making a real meal. I mean a real, fix-a-few-things-and-sit-at-the-table-and-eat kind of meal. I had dinner with my dear, “little brother” last night and he cooked. It was a simple meal…an Indian dish served over rice. But it kick-started me into rethinking my dining habits.
\nMr. Virgo did his PhD thesis on the loss of real dining as a society, so meals in our home were an occasion. I know I have spoken of this before, but thought I would revisit the issue since it has been three months since he died and I’m still not really cooking the kind of meal I could sit down and savor.
\nMy food preferences have changed drastically over these last months. Mr. Virgo was an Irish, meat-and-potatoes man and rather than cook two meals, I ate the same thing. I gained weight. I never slept well. I had headaches. I was pre-diabetic last time I had my blood checked. Not good things. After I started getting my appetite back, I really was SO hungry for fresh, fresh, fresh foods. Salads, steamed veggies, and crisp, cool fruit became my mainstay. I do have fish once in awhile. I love tofu and I eat eggs a few times a week. I am sleeping better and have no headaches. I haven’t had my blood retested, but I am sure things are better there, as well.
\nWhen I went to the store today, I made up my mind that today I would cook. I would have a real meal and take the time to sit down and really taste the food God has been so gracious to provide for me. I love this time of year when the market is full of yummy choices in the produce department. Tonight I nibbled on a few garlic and herb pita chips dipped in spicy, three pepper hummus while I prepared my meal. For my main course, I had wild mushroom agnolotti with Mediterranean olive, sun-dried tomato, and lemon bruschetta and some shaved, aged Parmesan topping. I also had a few lightly steamed asparagus spears and an ear of bi-color corn. I loved how the lemon in the bruschetta gave off a pleasing aroma as it sat on the warm pasta. The crisp, fresh bite of the asparagus was a lovely contrast and what isn’t to love about a gold and white ear of sweet corn?
\nOf course, it’s different not having someone to converse with over the evening meal. I don’t have TV and I swear I’ll never eat another meal in front of one as long as I live. So, I read some of an Oprah magazine. The topic? Loving the age you are! How wonderful life is. I hope you all have a grand evening, as well.
\nGinny
\n#grief, #widow, #travel, #dining
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-15T02:00:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/15/bear-creek-falls-above-the.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Positive Energy","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/15/red-mountain-pass-on-the.html", "title": "RED MOUNTAIN PASS ON THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY", "content_html": "![\"Red](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/cec63c6b4b.jpg\")
\nAnother shot from The Grand Adventure, Part 2. My friend, Sue, and I had just watched the Iron Horse Classic where crazy people race the train from Durango to Silverton. For those of you who have driven that, you know what a major deal that would be. For those who have done it, I’m sorry I called you crazy. :-)
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-15T02:00:00-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/15/red-mountain-pass-on-the.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/06/12/great-horned-owl-rocky-mountain.html", "title": "GREAT HORNED OWL: ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK", "content_html": "![\"Great](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/f8444b4ad0.jpg\")
\nWhen Mr. Virgo and I traveled, we were always on the lookout for wildlife…which we seldom saw. This trip is amazing…wildlife around every corner…literally!!! Thank you, sweetheart! ![\"\"](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/0b57df9989.jpg\")
![\"Sisters](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/fda303f23d.jpg\")
\nAnd there she is….TOW-Wanda! Dressed in all her finery at the “Home on the Grange” event for Sisters on the Fly! I knew that coat was going to come in handy some day!
\n", "date_published": "2013-06-12T02:00:51-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/06/12/sisters-on-the-fly-and.html", "tags": ["Colorado","Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Strong Women","Hope","Sisters on the Fly","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/05/14/day-of-the-grand-adventure.html", "title": "DAY 4 \u0026 5 OF THE GRAND ADVENTURE", "content_html": "Internet is spotty so I am posting by phone. Yesterday was a fun day with Daughter #2…shopping, lunch, dropped off the computer with the Geek Squad at Best Buy and bought a new photo printer/scanner. Today, I am waiting for the yoga studio to open for 8:00 meditation. Maybe #2 will be up when that’s over. Then we can do a yoga class. I am spending the rest of the day with my creations! Even though I miss Mr. Virgo terribly, this is the first time in my life I have been free. It’s an extraordinary feeling.
\n", "date_published": "2013-05-14T02:00:30-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/05/14/day-of-the-grand-adventure.html", "tags": ["Family","Hope","Fun"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/05/13/the-grand-adventure.html", "title": "THE GRAND ADVENTURE", "content_html": "The snow is melting in the high country and I am off on an adventure…The Grand Adventure, to be exact. I tried reading self-help grief books and they just did not speak to me so I am going to go out and grieve in my own way…one campfire at a time! My first stop has been in Denver to visit with my family and get my camper stocked up for my trip. My mail is being held. My neighbor’s are keeping an eye out on the house. My only responsibility it to me…to listen to my heart and follow where it leads. TOW-Wanda!
\n", "date_published": "2013-05-13T02:00:24-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/05/13/the-grand-adventure.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","TOW-Wanda!","Camping","The Grand Adventure"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/04/06/just-a-little-crooked.html", "title": "JUST A LITTLE CROOKED", "content_html": "![\"Sportsmen](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/6a49cae247.jpg\")
\nOK, just a little bit crooked, but that’s me…a little cockeyed! grin emoticon:-D I have to order “Sister #3537” now and I’m good to go!
\n", "date_published": "2013-04-06T12:05:17-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/04/06/just-a-little-crooked.html", "tags": ["Hope","Sisters on the Fly","TOW-Wanda!","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/04/04/what-its-all-about.html", "title": "WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT", "content_html": "Girls, this is what it’s all about! Don’t put your dreams off till tomorrow because tomorrow may never come. Can’t wait to get on the road with these gals! youtu.be/0qclYXX5e…
\n", "date_published": "2013-04-04T06:00:49-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/04/04/what-its-all-about.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/04/04/a-new-trailera-new-life.html", "title": "A NEW TRAILER...A NEW LIFE", "content_html": "So, I got home from Denver yesterday with the new trailer! Yay! Spent the afternoon putting things in it and started decorating. I’m going with a turquoise and red theme from the 40’s/50’s. I had a mailbox full of cards which was very nice. I had several packages of supplies that were delivered. And one box from a friend back home in WV. I opened it and there was a beautiful quilt she had made for me. It has the Lord’s Prayer on it. What a sweet gift! Thanks Ginny! Check out her page at Log Cabin Country Quilts in Marietta, OH
\n", "date_published": "2013-04-04T02:00:43-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/04/04/a-new-trailera-new-life.html", "tags": ["Travel","Uplifting Stories","Grief","Strong Women","Hope","Positive Energy","TOW-Wanda!"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/03/31/thank-you-ranchers.html", "title": "THANK YOU, RANCHERS", "content_html": "Welcome to all my new friends! For those who have been following along the past month, if I have not thanked each of you personally, please forgive me. Thank you all so much for your love and support as I navigate this new path without my sweet Mr. Virgo. You all are awesome! I will be picking up my new trailer on Tuesday morning and heading back home. I’m really looking forward to getting back in the studio! Happy Easter, everyone!
\n", "date_published": "2013-03-31T02:00:56-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/03/31/thank-you-ranchers.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/03/24/trying-again.html", "title": "TRYING AGAIN", "content_html": "![\"Little](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/65652e16fa.jpg\")
\nSo, the lady with the pretty, pink trailer has not responded to my e-mail since I asked her about wood rot so maybe there’s writing on the wall here. I am talking with a fellow near my house who has this one. A little disappointed in the color choice but I suppose it wouldn’t take much for an auto body shop to paint it pink! This one might be better because it has been totally rebuilt from the chassis up. New wood frame, new electric, propane lines, brakes, and tires. All original wood interior has been refinished and as you can see, new paint. She could be “Red Bird” or “Redbud” or “Ruby Rose”! I’ll be looking here in Denver as well so we shall see!
\n", "date_published": "2013-03-24T02:00:09-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/03/24/trying-again.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/03/21/possibility.html", "title": "POSSIBILITY", "content_html": "![\"Little](\"https://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/uploads/2026/7d4c884a90.jpg\")
\nI’ve come to a big decision…since Mr. Virgo and I were standing in a travel trailer picking one out for retirement, I’ve decided to move forward with our plans and buy a little travel trailer of my own! I know I need to put something joyful in front of me or I’m never going to make it through this. What do you think of this little baby???
\n", "date_published": "2013-03-21T02:00:03-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/03/21/possibility.html", "tags": ["Grief","Hope","Camping"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/03/20/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "title": "SISTERS ON THE FLY", "content_html": "Have any of you heard of “Sisters on the Fly”? I’ve been lusting after their vintage travel trailers for quite some time now. I ordered their book and it arrived today. They are an organization of women with vintage travel trailers who join up and caravan together to different areas of the country and camp for a few days. There’s safety in numbers and they do a lot of activities like fly-fishing, horseback riding, antiquing, cooking, and just hanging out creating a sisterhood. I just joined and I’m waiting for my Sister number. Next, I’ll be on the lookout for a vintage trailer. I envision taking part in these gatherings as well as taking my art studio on the road to sell/market my jewelry. Something to look forward to. And fulfilling a dream that Mr. Virgo and I had. (OK, he wanted a new trailer and I wanted a vintage, so I guess I win that argument.) I am doing well tonight. Much better than last night. I have to work tomorrow so it’s lights out here at Marshmallow Ranch. Love you all!
\n", "date_published": "2013-03-20T06:00:11-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/03/20/sisters-on-the-fly.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope","Sisters on the Fly"] }, { "id": "http://mashmallowranch.micro.blog/2013/03/20/back-in-the-studio.html", "title": "BACK IN THE STUDIO", "content_html": "I finally got back in the studio for a while today. Of course, it is very good therapy. I have my ups and downs as is to be expected. I made four prototype Travel Treasures necklaces today featuring horses and horse racing. I’m getting ready to send them to Louisville, KY to an upscale boutique who may be interested in featuring them in the shop for Derby Days. Keep your fingers crossed! Welcome, new friends! Thank you for dropping by and liking my page.
\n", "date_published": "2013-03-20T02:00:12-06:00", "url": "https://marshmallowranch.com/2013/03/20/back-in-the-studio.html", "tags": ["Grief","Overcoming Obstacles","Hope"] } ] }