Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express.
~Joseph Addison
I find two things hard to believe this fine Friday morning: the first, that it is already June. Who stole the first 5 months of 2007? The second, that my daughter, that sweet little goo-covered babe that came into our lives at 8:11 p.m. on the first day of June in 1992, turns 15 today!
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.
~Author Unknown
What exactly does turning 15 mean? In the state in which I reside, it means that my daughter can pass a test that gives her legal permission to take years off of her parents lives! Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded Learner’s Permit!
I am mostly kidding, of course, because I truly I believe that she will be a conscientious and responsible driver. She is that way in all the other areas of her life, so why would it be any different with driving? But I cannot help but think back, and remember, my own learning-to-drive experiences. Remembering one’s childhood can be both a blessing and a curse.
I always wondered when I was a kid if I would remember the experiences I put my parents through when I became a parent myself. Well folks, I do remember. I remember well. And without a doubt I stole more years from my parents during those days than the Grim Reaper ever could have done. It is the potential for stress that I dread.
Over the next year Tori will have ample opportunities to drive the family car. I want her to have that time. A year of learning can only reinforce our desire for her to become a good driver. What I dread is that, despite our best intentions, we will get mad, or get scared, and yell and overcorrect and end up having the kind of moments that I remember when I learned to drive. I wasn’t the best listener, and I put my parents through a bit of H-E-double hockeysticks!!!
The other side of the dread, of course, is the fact that my baby is growing up. Fifteen means that Sixteen is not far behind. Each year passed means that the days of her leaving are growing ever closer. It is both harrowing and pride-inducing to watch your child grow up. And it happens faster than it has any right to happen.
Happy Birthday, Tori! Mom and I love you so very much. Each year has been a blessing to share and we are looking forward to many more. Best of luck on your driver’s test today, we’ll start the fun tomorrow! 😉 Today you are my Friday Favorite, the same as you are every other day of the week.
I think you should use this picture for your Learner’s Permit:
Daughters are like flowers, they fill the world with beauty, and sometimes attract pests. ~Author Unknown
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That is one Friday Favorite, what other favorites do I have for you this fine Friday? Well, potential future health is a favorite and the first month of the 10:4 Challenge has passed.
How is everyone doing?
I have lost 5 pounds…so far, so good. I have not been as faithful as need be with taking only water to work, but I have done this most days and I believe that has had a tremendous impact. I have also cut down my eating out at work to an average of only once per week. I have done almost no exercise more than normal (read: none) so I am expecting much more in the results department as Mary and I commence to walking more regularly.
Would love to hear everyone else’s progress reports, ideas for what you are doing to shape up, etc. And if you haven’t joined in but want to, please do. It is a very easy challenge, and remember…it is about positive change for better health, not crash dieting.
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Another favorite, any day of the week, is Lisa Snellings-Clark. Lisa has returned from the Balticon 41 with a few poppets in tow and they are up for adoption (er, auction) on ebay. In addition to the little red poppets that you are used to, Lisa has the above Little Pink poppets for sale. Get them before they are all gone!
In addition let me say a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to Lisa for her unsolicited donation of two more little red poppets for giveaways for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. You’re the best!!!
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And speaking of the challenge, June first also means that there are a mere 21 days, counting today, left in the Once Upon a Time Challenge! More tiny stories are making their way in, and I see on the Book Review Site that several of you have taken on the Gaiman challenge and have posted your reviews. There are still several days left to qualify for these prizes as well as qualifying for the grand prize by finishing the challenge. This has been a fun journey!
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Speaking of journeys, many of you record yours in journals throughout the year. And I have also noticed on many sites that there are those, like me, who seldom journal, but love to collect beautiful journals. If you fall into either category I would like to point out these beautiful journals that are being created by Stormfilled. You can see more pictures of her wonderful creations here. If you’re in the market for a journal crafted and presented with loving care, look no further.
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Last, but certainly not least, the June issue of Estella’s Revenge is now online. It includes several wonderful articles, reviews, essays, etc. including an author interview with the lovely and sweet Shannon Hale and a review of her first book for adults, Austenland. Check it out!
And that is all, my lovelies! I hope each and every one of you have an enchanted weekend filled with books that grab ahold of you and don’t let go, films that awe and inspire, food that provokes ecstasy, and warm conversations with good friends and loved ones. Happy Friday everyone!
Hey Tori!
Wishing you an enchanted happy birthday!
With Carl being, well, Carl, I’m sure you will be on the receiving end of some magical goodies…
Enjoy!
Oh, a very happy birthday to Tori! And all the best with learning to drive and turning your dad’s hair completely grey! *chuckle*
Well done on the 10:4 challenge Carl! I should be drinking more water too…but I am at least drinking more than I was (and less tea/coffee), so that is something.
Happy birthday Tori.
And congrats on the 5 pounds Carl.
Happy Birthday to Tori!
And congrats on your healthy challenge progress, Carl! 5 pounds is five pounds, and I”m sure you can feel it!
Thanks for the reminder, too…as I’ve been a little lax in the last few weeks as far as healthy living goes. Back on the wagon today!
Happy Birthday, Tori!
Go ahead and drive your parents nuts.. that’s what your teen years are for!
lol
Happy Birthday Tori!
Happy Birthday Tori!
Having been where you are twice, I would advise a good tranquilizer so that you can sleep at night once she is allowed to drive alone at night. This is the beginning of the end of any “good nights sleep” you might get!
You’ll be glad to know though… that as far as I know we all live through it!
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
Happy Birthday, Tori!! We love you so much and are so proud of the young lady you have become-you are such a sweetie!!It is hard to believe you are fifteen today!! It seems like yesterday that we drove to Tulsa to meet you for the first time!
Have fun driving and be careful!! Don’t be surprised if your parents tell you what to do LOUDLY while you you are learning to drive -that is just the fear they are experiencing-ha!!
Have a great day and know we love you so much!!
Congrats on the 5 pounds,Carl-keep working on it!!
sORRY ABOUT THE TWO MESSAGES-THE FIRST ONE CAME ON WITH A WEIRD SCREEN SO I THOUGHT IT DIDN’T TAKE-OH THESE COMPUTERS!!
Happy birthday, Sweetie! I am so proud to be your mom.
Deslily, at first I thought you were still talking to Tori with your “having been there twice” comment and I was seriously wondering just what you did to get to experience being 15 twice! 😉
I don’t see the extra comment, grams…er, mom…
Happy Birthday Tori!
Good luck on your test today!
I can’t imagine trying to teach Carl how to drive. I’d say he has it pretty easy with you. It’s better than he deserves! 😉
Anyway, we love you too and wish you a great weekend!
Anymore it’s not always the kids’ b-days that make you ponder time’s passage but that also you yourself is 15 years older! Then you wonder do I look 15 years older? What does 15 years older look like? My kids probably think I’m almost as old as grandpa.
Happy happy Birthday Tori!!! Good luck on the permit test. I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Congrats on the 5 pounds Carl! That’s awesome. I think I’m around the same. I’m doing the “official June 1st weigh in” soon, lol.
“Who stole the first 5 months of 2007?” Good question! Time goes by so fast! It feels like Christmas was only last week!
Happy Birthday Tori!
(Wonderful name, btw).
Happy Birthday, Tori. You are turning into a beautiful person, in looks and your ability to be present. That’s a wonderful triat to have learned by your age. Have great fun driving, Tori. Congratulations on the five pounds, Carl. My goal was three days a week at the gym and eight glasses of water a day. I think I’ve probably averaged two days a week and I’ve increased the water, but I’m certainly not at eight yet.
Tori – 15 years? Doesn’t seem possible. It seems like just yesterday you were a bump on your mommy’s tummy. I still remember the day that you were born and how excited we all were. I think your mom’s exact words were, “Yea, someone else that can do dishes!”
It has been fun watching you blossom into such a sweet young lady. Why, it seems like just last week you were nigh an ace hair’s shy of a stump post. (I’m not really sure of what that means, but it sure sounds nostolgic, no?)
You have been successful in your endevours and I am confident that driving won’t be any different. It doesn’t seem possible that you are old enough to start driving yet. It seems like just last month that we were driving you around Parkville, site seeing. Oh, wait, that was last month. Anyway…keep in mind this bit of advice from Ellen DeGeneres:
“Sometimes when I am driving I get so angry at inconsiderate drivers that I want to scream at them. But then I remember how insignificant that is, and I thank God that I have a car and my health and gas. That was phrased wrong – normally you wouldn’t say, ‘thank God I have gas .'”
My birthday wish is that all of your dreams will come true – especially if they involve ice cream or your uncle winning the lottery. We love you and are very proud of you! Happy Birthday Tori Nicole!
Happy Birthday TORI !!!!! 🙂
Happy birthday, Toni! What a beautiful daughter, Carl! And congratulations on the pounds you’ve lost so far. And your Mom’s computer woes made me chuckle. What a nice Friday post!
Thank you all SO much. I have had a great birthday + FIRST DAY
OF DRIVING :o. I got lots of great gifts and passed my test–the
second time. THOUGHT/COMMENT: Today at dinner my cousin
mentioned that he was 15 and that he was responsible in the same
sentence 🙂 🙂 🙂 LOL. Sorry about that one, but, Cousin, I think you
need to rethink that one. (I think its very strange and quite a
coincidence that all three pictures of me are actually pictures I took.)
Happy Birthday Tori!! Man….to be 15 again!!
I’ve lost 4 pounds so far!! YEAH ME! And I just picked up Stardust. Had to add just one more Gaimain to the list!! Oh yeah….I have to get me one of those cute little pink poppets!!
happy birthday tori! you have a beautiful daughter carl, and congratulations on losing some weight.
a note from my son:
Thank you Mr Carl for the Star Wars toys! – Josh
Ah, yes, I remember learning to drive. My father had built a lean-to carport and, as I was backing out for my first driving lesson, I knocked down the rear support post and brought the entire structure crashing down.
I eventually learned to drive all on my own, hopping in the car and cruising up and down the backroads. My father’s nerves couldn’t handle any more lessons after a while.
Have fun teaching, Carl. :>
Happy Birthday Tori!
I remember my first driving lesson, I drove into a hedge. There was an angry bird. *shudders*
Cheers for the journal mention Carl!
LOL! Wayne, now that is a good learning to drive story!!! 🙂
You’re welcome, Storm.
Wishing your daughter a beautiful birthday, Carl. Our daughter will turn 16 at the end of the month, so I know how you guys feel. Where does the time go, huh?
I love that first quote about fathers and daughters. There’s just something about the love between a father and his little girl, no matter how old she gets. Don’t fret too much about the teenage years. I wasn’t the best of teenagers and kept expecting the worst from my daughter. She surprised me and didn’t follow in my footsteps. Phew!
I’ve lost 5 pounds, too. Nothing like working in a bookstore to shed a few without trying to hard!
Happy Birthday, Tori! Thanks for calling me to share your permit news. That made me feel special.
You are a terrific kid and I love you very much!
I have some pride that maybe, just maybe, I was the one who turned you on to coffee! Hehe!! It was fun making you cappuccinos when you were little! Lots of milk and sugar with a splash of coffee!!!
Carl, congrats on the weight loss! I need to be careful this week after eating one continuous meal all weekend! You guys should come walk with us some evenings. Going for walks is one of my very favorite activities and something I do daily. I am always hinting to people to come walk with me, but no one ever does. *sniff, sniff*
Tori, we need to have a photo shoot. I’ll take some pics of ya! I love trying to take portraits. I don’t know how good I am but I have a ball doing it!
Congrats, on the driving and the weight loss and everything! Sounds like good times at chez Stainless Steel. 🙂
(It gets less scary with new drivers in time, I swear.)
Tori,
Don’t let people psych you out with all of these scary first time driving stories. While I passed my driving test I actually flunked the parking part. But it worked out just ok. Why, just the other day a police officer complemented me by putting a note on my windshield that said “Parking Fine.”
So don’t worry about a thing.
Hi, She is adorable. Cherish her! When Jenn took her drivers test (the permit expired the next day) the car she was using didn’t pass because the instructor couldn’t get his leg over the console in case of emergency. You are not suppose to use a car with a console in the middle. Anyway, I begged the guy behind us to let Jenn use his car for her test. It was a beat up HUGE! buick or something like that. Very big, Jenn told me later the brakes were like mush. This guy actually let her use it. We must of looked pretty desperate. She passed but she said “it was like parking a boat”. Because her permit expired the next day we were out of options. Ahhhh to have those days back. To have any days with her would be nice but thats for another time. Take care, Cynthia
That is a bizarre rule, Cynthia.
Thank you, we do cherish her and the moments.