So, without further ado, here are a few pics I've found of Graveley, Hertfordshire... and here's the website!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Gravley Heritage
I think a lot of people often wonder about their heritage, who their ancestors are and just where they came from. I've read a lot of information regarding my family and from a very young age. I was able to read about my family as they came to Texas from the Carolina's. The book this information came from described in detail the lives of many of my ancestors. I guess because I've had some access to this information and have had so many great Gravley's to look up to and in my life, I am proud to say... I'm a Gravley. It's not a common name and there are really no amazing accomplishments my family attributed to in the formation of our country or anything like that (that I'm aware of anyway)...BUT, there's a VERY long lineage. I can remember reading or hearing something about my family coming from England...Hertfordshire to be precise. So I took it upon myself to Google "Gravley+Hertfordshire, England" (or something like that). I quickly realized there's an actual village in England named after my family. Graveley, Hertforshire, England. Granted, it's spelled a little differently, but I will never forget reading the Coat of Arms that used to be on my Mammaw & Pappaw's wall (in the hallway, just before their bedroom)...it read that ALL members of the family, regardless of the spelling, are related. So, obviously, this village is a part of my family...right? I mean, I'm no expert and I'm certainly not deluded enough to truly believe this town IS named after my family...BUT, seriously? Coincidence? I think not. It is my goal, to one day, visit this village and see, quite possibly, my family's extensive heritage, in person. Sure, there may be a lot of research to be done to link my family name of Gravley to Graveley, but I'll do it. I dunno, it just adds even more pride of my family name to me...especially since some of the things I've read take this village back to the 12th century!
So, without further ado, here are a few pics I've found of Graveley, Hertfordshire... and here's the website!
So, without further ado, here are a few pics I've found of Graveley, Hertfordshire... and here's the website!
Monday, October 18, 2010
It's Funny The Things You Remember...
I recently ran across a post on Facebook of a friend that, as an adult, has an ear infection. I instantly had a memory of my mom heating up some kind of oil or something, putting it in my ear followed by a cotton ball and I laid there with my head in her lap. I don't remember the pain of the ear infection but I remember laying my head in her lap and knowing I would be ok. (To my mom: it was in that chair, next to the hallway of the mobile home...LOOOONG before the house was built). Anyway, it's strange the memories I have of my childhood, it's strange the things I can remember but no one else does. Perhaps it's because I was so impressionable at such a young age. Who knows. While many of you really don't care about this, it's something I feel like getting out there. After remembering that incident of an ear infection around the age of 3 or 4, many things came to mind. Here are a few of my earliest memories, not in chronological order and this is not an exhaustive list:
1. Shortly after moving to Gunter (I think), I remember being in the mobile home, back porch not yet built (there were stairs at the sliding glass door). The person watching me/us, Grandad Williams.
2. I remember being in a truck with some family members (not sure who all was there but I do know Cindy and maybe Christy?) and it broke down just south of Celina (near where the Shell station is now?).
3. I remember being in my Dad's truck, I think it was red/white? I was standing in the seat, wearing boots and I got mud on that seat. I knew it wasn't a good thing.
4. My dad sat me in his lap as we were driving down the road and I GOT to drive!
5. I remember when Pappaw would always do something to me I didn't like, like pinch my cheek or something silly, he'd say "I'm sorry, do you accept my apology?" Something to that effect. So one time, he asked and I thought (literally remember this), "What if I say no?", so I said, "No" or shook my head, I remember feeling like I actually hurt his feelings....FYI, he was holding me at the time! Not sure how old I was then.
6. I remember learning to ride a bike without training wheels...I believe it was Fall or Winter, there was no green grass, it was brown. Someone, I think my Dad, was pushing me on my bike between our house and Mammaw & Pappaw's house.
7. I remember wanting to stay the night at Donna & Billy's house and poking my Dad in the eye (not intentionally). It was the house in Carrollton next to the RR track.
8. I remember the day Donna had her aneurysm. We were having corn dogs for dinner, when the phone rang...
9. I remember when DeeDee lived with us and sat outside our door in a rocking chair to make sure we stayed in bed. I also remember when she referred to George Michael as a "hunk" and wondering what that meant while wondering if Boy George was a man or a woman...as she watched music videos in the living room.
10. I remember when my parents built the house, my mom kept saying, "For Christmas, we're going to tie a big red bow around this house." She lied. I literally thought we were not gonna have any gifts, only the house (for which I was truly grateful). However, Santa came to visit...again. Best. Christmas. Ever. lol
11. Speaking of Christmas, I swear I remember one night waking up to SEE Santa. I saw him that night, looking at family pictures (I promise, he was wearing the "uniform" and everything!)....I could SWEAR (to this day) he was there (if it was my Dad dressed as Santa, please don't kill that memory lol). So, maybe that's why I love the holiday's so much...it's not about the money or the hassle, it's about being with my family and that *certain* magic that's continuously in the air that time of year.
As I said before, this list is definitely not exhaustive. Hell, I remember when my cousin Brandi was born, the day Grandad Williams passed and what Nanny Williams wore that day, the green room/the mini-organ/Doublemint gum at Nanny Rhea's....and, of course, holiday's everywhere...Pappaws "film" camera (where is that video BTW? It was made into VHS at some point, I want to copy it!)...I'll never forget it all. I remember so much that, when it comes to these holidays especially, it becomes so sentimental that I try to enjoy every aspect.
I actually remember my childhood and I would not change that for the world.
1. Shortly after moving to Gunter (I think), I remember being in the mobile home, back porch not yet built (there were stairs at the sliding glass door). The person watching me/us, Grandad Williams.
2. I remember being in a truck with some family members (not sure who all was there but I do know Cindy and maybe Christy?) and it broke down just south of Celina (near where the Shell station is now?).
3. I remember being in my Dad's truck, I think it was red/white? I was standing in the seat, wearing boots and I got mud on that seat. I knew it wasn't a good thing.
4. My dad sat me in his lap as we were driving down the road and I GOT to drive!
5. I remember when Pappaw would always do something to me I didn't like, like pinch my cheek or something silly, he'd say "I'm sorry, do you accept my apology?" Something to that effect. So one time, he asked and I thought (literally remember this), "What if I say no?", so I said, "No" or shook my head, I remember feeling like I actually hurt his feelings....FYI, he was holding me at the time! Not sure how old I was then.
6. I remember learning to ride a bike without training wheels...I believe it was Fall or Winter, there was no green grass, it was brown. Someone, I think my Dad, was pushing me on my bike between our house and Mammaw & Pappaw's house.
7. I remember wanting to stay the night at Donna & Billy's house and poking my Dad in the eye (not intentionally). It was the house in Carrollton next to the RR track.
8. I remember the day Donna had her aneurysm. We were having corn dogs for dinner, when the phone rang...
9. I remember when DeeDee lived with us and sat outside our door in a rocking chair to make sure we stayed in bed. I also remember when she referred to George Michael as a "hunk" and wondering what that meant while wondering if Boy George was a man or a woman...as she watched music videos in the living room.
10. I remember when my parents built the house, my mom kept saying, "For Christmas, we're going to tie a big red bow around this house." She lied. I literally thought we were not gonna have any gifts, only the house (for which I was truly grateful). However, Santa came to visit...again. Best. Christmas. Ever. lol
11. Speaking of Christmas, I swear I remember one night waking up to SEE Santa. I saw him that night, looking at family pictures (I promise, he was wearing the "uniform" and everything!)....I could SWEAR (to this day) he was there (if it was my Dad dressed as Santa, please don't kill that memory lol). So, maybe that's why I love the holiday's so much...it's not about the money or the hassle, it's about being with my family and that *certain* magic that's continuously in the air that time of year.
As I said before, this list is definitely not exhaustive. Hell, I remember when my cousin Brandi was born, the day Grandad Williams passed and what Nanny Williams wore that day, the green room/the mini-organ/Doublemint gum at Nanny Rhea's....and, of course, holiday's everywhere...Pappaws "film" camera (where is that video BTW? It was made into VHS at some point, I want to copy it!)...I'll never forget it all. I remember so much that, when it comes to these holidays especially, it becomes so sentimental that I try to enjoy every aspect.
I actually remember my childhood and I would not change that for the world.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tap, tap...
...is this thing on??? I'm not trying to come across like I'm bitching or anything but I've posted quite a bit and had quite a few views, according to that blogger app thingy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in need of conversation, but when I see people that have viewed this blog from not only North Texas, but everywhere...I begin to wonder, why don't they respond? Well, to everyone I say...PLEASE respond! If you don't want to, that's fine, no problem, I'll continue to post in a semi-regular way lol. Just saying, wondering...is there anyone reading this blog besides me?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Carrie Underwood
A seemingly short 6 years ago, this young lady was dazzling America on the stage of American Idol and now she's a household name. I vividly remember watching and listening as she sang Alone by Heart and Simon predicted she would not only win but become the biggest selling Idol winner of all previous Idols...what.a.prediction! Not only did he get it right, but she's gone on to sell (probably, I'm no expert) more albums than ANY Idol since that season. She's won numerous awards upon awards, and rightfully so (unlike some artists who shall remain nameless *cough*Taylor Swift*cough*). On Saturday night, we had the pleasure of seeing her in concert at the American Airlines Center. WHAT A SHOW! Now, I knew after receiving those awards as Entertainer of The Year that she would put on a good show...but THIS...well, it exceeded my expectations!
For starters, we had great seats, one section back from the stage on the floor. At one point she stood in the bed of a blue truck that floated over the audience. Seam said, "She's coming this way!" I was ecstatic, couldn't wait, she was singing Country Roads by John Denver. However, the BEST part, not only did the truck stop just above us...BUT...it then LOWERED down closer to the audience. Yep, ladies and gentlemen, Carrie Underwood was 10 feet away from ME! I couldn't be happier if I were a pig in...well, you get the idea.
On of the other highlights of the show came following her song Jesus, Take The Wheel. Now, many of you know, I'm not a religious person but that does not mean that I cannot be moved by "religious music". So, she finishes Jesus, Take The Wheel and immediately breaks out with How Great Thou Art. It gave me chills. It was, for lack of a better word, amazing.
She also sang her hit, Temporary Home. This song is so moving to me. Most especially the last verse regarding an old man in a hospital bed, surrounded by people he loves. It really hit's home with me. I can remember going to see my Pappaw at the hospital after he was given his prognosis...5-8 weeks. I'll never forget it. We were all there, surrounding his bed. Everytime I hear this song, I'm anticipating the huge emotion it creates in me in the last part. Again, she is such an amazing artist with a voice no one can touch.
Her encore was Before He Cheats, it was awesome as expected and, while this is nothing new when it comes to concerts, there was a portion of the song where she stopped singing, the music stopped being so loud and the AUDIENCE carried the song. I dunno, I guess I feel like it's something powerful when an artist is singing a song and the audience is audibly singing along, it feels so much more than it is...does that makes? Anyway, awesome show and I highly encourage anyone and everyone to go see her in concert...truly incredible.
Below are some videos we took at the show, now keep in mind we FORGOT the dang camera! So these were taken via iPhone. However, one is NOT our video (thanks xoMichelleF on YouTube), I just felt like I should include it given the moving performance....Jesus, Take The Wheel+How Great Thou Art
For starters, we had great seats, one section back from the stage on the floor. At one point she stood in the bed of a blue truck that floated over the audience. Seam said, "She's coming this way!" I was ecstatic, couldn't wait, she was singing Country Roads by John Denver. However, the BEST part, not only did the truck stop just above us...BUT...it then LOWERED down closer to the audience. Yep, ladies and gentlemen, Carrie Underwood was 10 feet away from ME! I couldn't be happier if I were a pig in...well, you get the idea.
On of the other highlights of the show came following her song Jesus, Take The Wheel. Now, many of you know, I'm not a religious person but that does not mean that I cannot be moved by "religious music". So, she finishes Jesus, Take The Wheel and immediately breaks out with How Great Thou Art. It gave me chills. It was, for lack of a better word, amazing.
She also sang her hit, Temporary Home. This song is so moving to me. Most especially the last verse regarding an old man in a hospital bed, surrounded by people he loves. It really hit's home with me. I can remember going to see my Pappaw at the hospital after he was given his prognosis...5-8 weeks. I'll never forget it. We were all there, surrounding his bed. Everytime I hear this song, I'm anticipating the huge emotion it creates in me in the last part. Again, she is such an amazing artist with a voice no one can touch.
Her encore was Before He Cheats, it was awesome as expected and, while this is nothing new when it comes to concerts, there was a portion of the song where she stopped singing, the music stopped being so loud and the AUDIENCE carried the song. I dunno, I guess I feel like it's something powerful when an artist is singing a song and the audience is audibly singing along, it feels so much more than it is...does that makes? Anyway, awesome show and I highly encourage anyone and everyone to go see her in concert...truly incredible.
Below are some videos we took at the show, now keep in mind we FORGOT the dang camera! So these were taken via iPhone. However, one is NOT our video (thanks xoMichelleF on YouTube), I just felt like I should include it given the moving performance....Jesus, Take The Wheel+How Great Thou Art
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Cake...
My niece's 5th birthday is quickly approaching (October 11th). I feel like a 5th birthday is some sort of milestone birthday, I guess because that means the child is "in school". I'm not sure why, but that seems to fit my reasoning. Emma, my niece, is already in school and doing wonderfully, she loves it. Emma, like me at that age, is unable to enter "actual" Kindergarten since her birthday falls in October, so Pre-K it is. Her birthday party is October 9th at my parent's home. There will be family and friends alike, it will be a great time. I kept thinking what do we want for the theme? Emma has her sights set on a Spongebob theme. Well ok, I guess, I mean it IS her birthday, but I hate Spongebob. So, ok, that's cool, I can deal with it...but then she says, "I want a mermaid cake!" Hello Disney fanatic, welcome to The Little Mermaid! Of course, it may NOT be the "mermaid" she wants, but it's what we (meaning Seam and I) had in mind.
Fast forward a couple of days...Seam shows me the cake pics/designs on Facebook from a friend of his and, immediately I know, this person MUST make Emma's birthday cake! Ok, so the pic I saw was a Tinkerbell cake but still, if Tinkerbell could be done, then so must Ariel (aka The Little Mermaid)...right? Here's the picture I saw...
Obviously it was made with a child's heart in mind, so of course I wanted to have this person make the cake. Seam had lunch with his friend (who made this cake), beforehand he told me he "had a vision" of what it should look like. I know Seam loves Emma as much as I do, so I figured, ok...you handle it. From what I know, the actual cake will be an Almond-"something" flavored, who knows the "something" part since Seam doesn't really pay attention. However, he said he wanted it to be "ocean blue" with Ariel sitting on the top layer with Flounder and Sebastian just beneath her...great job right? I cannot wait to see it! Seam is paying for it, he's figuring about $100-200 for the cake. I highly DOUBT it will be THAT expensive since the person creating this cake is a friend of his. That being said, I hope Emma loves the cake...Hell, I hope I do! LOL! I guess we'll see. Her birthday party is Oct 9th, so pics will follow. I cannot wait to celebrate her birthday!
UPDATE: Her birthday cake was absolutely beautiful! It was delicious and everything I'd hoped for! Here's a pic (below)...by the way, all that blue, yeah, not fondant but BUTTERCREAM ICING! Racene, the person who made the cake, is INCREDIBLE!
Fast forward a couple of days...Seam shows me the cake pics/designs on Facebook from a friend of his and, immediately I know, this person MUST make Emma's birthday cake! Ok, so the pic I saw was a Tinkerbell cake but still, if Tinkerbell could be done, then so must Ariel (aka The Little Mermaid)...right? Here's the picture I saw...
Obviously it was made with a child's heart in mind, so of course I wanted to have this person make the cake. Seam had lunch with his friend (who made this cake), beforehand he told me he "had a vision" of what it should look like. I know Seam loves Emma as much as I do, so I figured, ok...you handle it. From what I know, the actual cake will be an Almond-"something" flavored, who knows the "something" part since Seam doesn't really pay attention. However, he said he wanted it to be "ocean blue" with Ariel sitting on the top layer with Flounder and Sebastian just beneath her...great job right? I cannot wait to see it! Seam is paying for it, he's figuring about $100-200 for the cake. I highly DOUBT it will be THAT expensive since the person creating this cake is a friend of his. That being said, I hope Emma loves the cake...Hell, I hope I do! LOL! I guess we'll see. Her birthday party is Oct 9th, so pics will follow. I cannot wait to celebrate her birthday!
UPDATE: Her birthday cake was absolutely beautiful! It was delicious and everything I'd hoped for! Here's a pic (below)...by the way, all that blue, yeah, not fondant but BUTTERCREAM ICING! Racene, the person who made the cake, is INCREDIBLE!
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