I asked my mom recently if, when she was a young person, she had any big dreams about what she wanted her life to be like when she grew up.

She said, “No, not really. Life and opportunities kept opening up in front of me and wherever I was that’s where I wanted to be.”

I had to think on that a minute. 

To be honest, my initial nonverbal reaction was a quizzical, “Really?” It was inconceivable that my vivacious, creative, and industrious mother never had a greater ambition than being an Alabama housewife and mother of nine (four stepchildren and five biological children). 

She is extraordinarily content.

A memory from 1986 exemplifies this attitude perfectly. 

First Glance Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging in Thomasville, AL is offering women and their families a personalized opportunity to see their new little boy or girl in an up-close and intimate way.

Anna Sims Gates, a sonographer with 16 years of experience, recently opened this unique service in Southwest Alabama. Open by appointment, First Glance provides a variety of services including, print-out pictures of the baby, videos, gender reveal parties, and a baby boutique.

“When women and their families make an appointment, I do everything I can to provide a happy and celebratory atmosphere. It’s such an exciting time of life,” expressed Anna with a smile.

Housekeeping: ugh. I’m frequently overwhelmed by the constancy and futility of dusting, mopping, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc. Don’t misunderstand me, I do chores, some more often than others, which often leads to dread when a particularly unpleasant, passed-over chore must be tackled. 

Organizing is supremely more satisfying. I enjoy restoring order to a bit of, stack of, or pile of chaos.

Recently I’ve been turned on to tidying. For a long time, I resisted the idea because it sounds a lot like a concept that a perfectionist might use, “Let’s make things neat and tidy.” I can just hear the voice of a syrupy sweet, preschool teacher looking down on me and my “play area.” I’m not messy, but sometimes my tendency to procrastinate does result in a certain amount of disorderliness. I’ve always equated tidiness with organization, and this misconception is the disconnect for most people, according to Marie Kondo, author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” 

When one tidies things may become more organized, but one can be organized and still not be tidy. Feeling enlightened? 

Here’s the Cliff Notes version of Kondo’s book: (for all my 80s kids out there) 1) if a space does not accommodate its contents, then elimination is the only option, 2) there is no sacrifice when what is left is valued and treasured, 3) what is more wasteful, having something and not using it or throwing it away?

Her method, however, is horrifying. 

I pulled everything out of hiding, and I mean EVERYTHING, and assessed my space and the purpose of the space. I shook my head at the incoherency of my closet’s contents and the ridiculous number of t-shirts I had collected. Then I added back items actively in use or items I treasured. Kondo stresses not keeping something because it’s wasteful to get rid of it; it’s already being wasted from lack of use. 

I had 45 t-shirts! My drawer only fit 18, so I only kept the 18 that I couldn’t part with. Pictured are my top two: Verso L’alto (To the Heights) and my Ed Sheeran concert shirt, of course! I was amazed at the amount of random items collecting in my closet, but I was so happy to find $41 when I sorted through my handbags! The final pic is my half of the closet that I share with Kevin. Quite an improvement!

The Gulf of Mexico is our own little piece of paradise situated in Southwest Alabama’s front yard. The unique smell and taste of salt water; white, powdery sand; bright sunshine, healing and hot, these are some of the reasons I love the beach.  Yet it’s the Gulf’s thundering waves that call me back again and again, promising to lull me into a restful sleep and slow my overactive mind to a calmer rhythm.

More often than making a trip to the beach, my husband and I enjoy hiking in Alabama State Parks.  Walking, resting, and picnicking near Alabama’s beautiful lakes, rivers, and gurgling streams is just as relaxing as being on the beach, only I don’t usually lug a chair along on a five-mile hike.