Through the Generations - Installment 4 The Fifties

I so hope you are enjoying hearing from these amazing women.  Make sure you read to the end of the post because there is a giveaway.

I am super excited to introduce you to our 50's participant today.  Be warned....everyone seems to become friends with her when they meet her.  So hopefully you have an opening on your friend list.....you just might need it.

Before we get to her, if you have missed any of the previous posts in this series you can read them here
Erika - 20's
Lindsay - 30's
Kelly - 40's

And now please welcome Phyllene Washington

Phyllene is a 57 year old single mother of a 20 year old young lady. She is a strong Christian who devotes much of her time to her church and her community. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL. But has lived in Huntsville for 34 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and currently works as an Engineer for the US Army.

Who has been a big influence in your life?

There are two people.  My daughter and Jesus.  Since I have known both of them, they have been and continue to be at the center of every decision I have make.

If you could invite any 3 people to dinner who would they be and why?

It is hard to pick just 3 people because the dinner would not be complete without the accompaniment of the others associated with:

President Obama (The Obama family) - Just because.

My grandparents (and all of their children) - I would like to know them better.

Any day/different day, a friend - Nothing is more relaxing/enjoyable then a good conversation over a good meal with a good friend.

When you meet someone for the first time, what do you hope they will think of you?  

I can’t say I really think about this, however, if they think I am kind or nice or they enjoyed being around me that is good.

What is your biggest challenge right now?

My biggest challenge right now is staying focused as I continue parenting my young adult child.

What is the one thing (besides your phone) that you usually take with you when you leave home?

I always have an ID, some money and a bottle of water.

What is one of the best books you have ever read?

I could list several books however, one that immediately comes to mind is What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage.

What has been the key to success in maintain lasting girlfriend relationships?  

My lasting girlfriend relationships are based on love, respect, honesty, support and acceptance.

What advice do you wish you could give to the women who are younger than you?

This list could go on and on and is in no certain order.  Trust God; Love, accept, and respect yourself; respect your elders; Don’t rush life; take some me time; Be happy; be grateful; know your way around the kitchen and learn to cook; have at least one friend you totally trust and confide in; dress respectfully; always wear a good bra; keep you a good spanx(foundation, it does not have to be spanx) on hand; listen to your mother and father; don’t spend all of your money, save some; laugh often; love others; help others; give back; know your history; know black history; always do your best; be honest; always pray; work hard and play just as hard; go to church; listen to your elders as they share family stories, and be true to yourself.

What dream are you still dreaming?

Don’t judge me.  The key word being dream, I still dream about being happily married.

No matter what time, what day, or what is going on in the world - when you run into Phyllene she is the same genuine, loving, welcoming person. It is one of the many things I admire about her. I first met her while I was in college and she is one of those people I don't remember not being a part of my life. She is a dear friend of mine who I am so grateful for. Thanks so much, Phyllene, for being so forthcoming with us. I am not familiar with your book so I definitely have to look into it. And 'Amen' to the whole Spanx comment. You are such a beautiful person. If this were a friend lottery, I would definitely consider myself the jackpot winner!!!

And now before you go make sure you are subscribed to the blog. Everyone who is subscribed has the chance to win one of the two handbags below. I got these for myself and since it is my birthday I have one of each to give to two lucky winners!

As a reminder, to subscribe all you have to do is sign up in the upper right corner of this blog post. This is much easier to do on a computer rather than your phone. Once you submit your email address, you will get an email from feedburner, simply open it and confirm you want to subscribe. Your email address only goes to me and you will get an email letting you know each time a new post is up for reading. Now if you are already getting those email notifications, you are automatically entered.

Here is what is up for grabs.......
This clutch and this tote

I will randomly select the winners on Saturday at noon.

See you back here on Friday!

Happy Memorial Day!

Not posting much today just wanted to pop in to wish you a great day.  I hope you feast with family and friends and enjoy the day.

We are wrapping up our intentional month and here's what I managed to get done this week.

Only 4 more days and we are going to look back and feel good about what we've accomplished.

Please tune back in on Wednesday with me.  I have two special treats for you!!!!!

1)  We will have our 50's participant in our Through the Generation series

2) Another Giveaway!!!!

Have a good Memorial Day!

BIG SALE WEEKEND!!!!!

Aren't the retailers just the sweetest things to have such good sales on our long weekends.  I mean they are a thoughtful bunch and I really appreciate them.

Here's a few good ones to check out of you need to pick up a few things:



Gap has 40% off your purchase...... where you can pick up this for yourself

Flutter top

and this for him

                                                                    Poplin shirt


Nordstrom also has their half-yearly sale going on.  You can see all the sales here.  Just use the categories on the left of the screen to navigate to your areas of interest.

Like to shoes.....

This shoe comes in four colors and is under $40.

Or to handbags where you will find this


reversible tote for under $30

Or to clothing for some great new tops like this

Pleione Ruffle Top under $36

Other sales:
Ballard Designs has 20% off

Loft has 40% off

Banana Republic has 40% off your purchase

J.Jill has an extra 30% off sale

Chicos has extra 40% off sale


Anthropologie is having an additional 40% off sale merchandise.

In other good news.....if you are local to Huntsville the new Southern Living Store will open at Bridgestreet on this Saturday.

And in super duper news IKEA is coming to Nashville!!!!! Which I am afraid is as local as they are going to get for us......so I say we count it as a WIN!!!!!!

And as if the news couldn't get any better

I saw the commercial yesterday and I got goose bumps.  I love caramel. I love M&Ms.  And Blue is my favorite color so I felt like this could only be a good thing.

I was right! While being an adult and buying antacids at the pharmacy, I just happen to pass by a whole display of these so I picked some up......#blogresearch.  They are good.  It was kind of like a crunchy Rolo....that is probably not the best description but I do think they are good.

Be safe and enjoy your weekend.

Though the Generations Series - Installment 3 The Forties

Today we continue our series hearing from women of all decades answering the same set of questions.

If you have missed any, please go back and check them out

The Twenties - Erika
The Thirties - Lindsay Jenson

And now our Forties representative: Kelly Mize

Kelly Wilson Mize is a wife, mother, educator and freelance writer. She has written hundreds of devotions, numerous articles, contributed to children’s discipleship curriculum, and conducted interviews with several well-known Christian personalities. One of the highlights of her writing career was an interview with Max Lucado in 2016. Kelly’s work has also appeared in seven books. Published credits include LifeWay Christian Resources, Focus on the Family, Group Publishing, Adams Media, BroadStreet Publishing, and Bethany House Publishers (upcoming).

Kelly has been married to her husband, Wade, for 24 years. The couple has two children, Grant (18) and Claire (16). They are members of Southside Baptist Church in Huntsville. Kelly has a master’s degree in elementary education, and currently works as a librarian at Westminster Christian Academy’s lower school.

Here is Kelly in her own words:

Who has been a big influence in your life?

I grew up with four excellent examples: my parents, my grandmother, and my older brother. My paternal grandmother was the only grandparent I ever knew, and she lived either with us or next door for most of my unmarried life. My brother is fourteen years older than me, so he was almost like a parent to me too! My heritage of faith means the world to me. On a daily basis growing up, I saw what it meant to live a life dedicated to serving God. There is not enough space on any page for me to explain the extent of the Godly influence in my life.

If you could invite any three people to dinner who would they be and why?

The correct answer here is Jesus, right? I would, of course, love to have a face-to-face conversation with Him! Next, I’d like to see my brother, Paul. He died at the age of 3, before I was born. I’d also probably invite my best friend from elementary school.

When you meet someone for the first time, what do you hope they will think of you?

I always hope to be relatable. It’s so fulfilling to establish a new relationship with someone who shares common interests, personality traits, history, anything. I would always like someone to say after meeting me, “She is real–someone I can relate to.”

What is your biggest challenge right now?

I struggle to be content. I have a wonderful life, and I am truly grateful for all that I’ve been given. But I can also be a grumbler. I strive to be like Paul, who writes in Philippians 4:11 (from prison, no less!), “I have have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” But I’m definitely not there yet. It’s a weakness that I pray about every day.

What is the one thing (besides your phone) that you usually take with you when you leave home?

A jacket or a sweater, and my purse, of course (though it gets in my way and I absolutely love it when I find a way not to have to carry one!)

What is one of the best books you’ve ever read?

It’s always hard for me to choose favorite books. If I don’t like a book, I don’t finish it and have no guilt. So, I pretty much like every book I’ve ever read! Favorites? Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell), A Perfect Day (Richard Paul Evans), The Shack (William P. Young), The Hiding Place (Corrie ten Boom), The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald–I think he’s such a good storyteller, but I hated the ending), and Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) among many others. I apologize for not being able to limit it to one, or even five!

What has been the key to success in maintaining lasting girlfriend relationships?

It takes dedicated effort, and I’m honestly not always the best at that. At least one person in the friendship has to be ‘that person’–the one who makes the friendship a priority and takes the time to make things happen. I’m definitely not always the best at planning or staying in touch, but I hope my favorite people from every season of life know that they are important to me.

What advice do you wish you could give to the women who are younger than you?

Be kind and forgive easily. Don’t settle. Pray about every decision you make, big and small. It’s hard, but don’t compare yourself to other women. You are not perfect (no one is!), but your own unique characteristics and history make you beautiful. You are good enough, strong enough, and capable enough–but only through the power and grace of a loving God. You represent Him (and your family) in all you do.

Well Kelly is definitely someone I can relate to. She has been a teacher and/or librarian at the school my girs attend since we have been there. Fortunately, our 16 year old daughters are great friends and cheer together so I get to hang out with Kelly often. I always enjoy conversations with her and admire how she represents God and her family well. I also may adopt her policy of not finishing a book I don't like with no guilt. I have never been able to do that. Thank you, Kelly, for joining us here. Please come back and share with us anytime you would like.