Posted in About Me, Blog, Family, Travel

Get-a-way not far away

12718060_10153298109626086_6591059843356293445_n
Railroad Park, Birmingham Alabama

Hey there! Come on in! Have I got some tea for you! When is the last time you’ve been on vacation? I need one, maybe two back to back. I really need to getaway. But there isn’t any time for that! It is an everyday struggle to get a moment to myself, let alone a couple of days. I have way too much going on to leave the City.

Speaking of which, have you ever researched your City to see what is hiding within the concrete? There are always places to run away and hide for a couple of days. If you are anything like me and my family, it is crazy around home, all the time. There is hardly ever any peace and quiet, and when there is, it’s very minimal. My husband and I, as you know from previous posts, have been together for almost fourteen years. We have a huge family. People are always coming and going at the family home.

dsc_0740
Turkey Creek, Pinson Alabama

Every now and again, just to get away, Hubby will call on Friday from work, and tell me to pack us a weekend bag. I get all excited! I know we going on a get-a-way, not far away. You know, the hotel across town, or over in the next town an hour away. We disappear all the time. It gives us time to be alone, and be on vacation, while still close to home in case of an emergency. I love our getaways! The alone time in the rooftop pool, the room service at two am, the nightclub downstairs. Just a couple of days, one night even can be so rejuvenating. 

I especially love the one-day trips, to explore the city. I hear people say all the time, “There is nothing to do in Birmingham!” That is so not true. Birmingham has so much to do. There is such a thing as Google, and the internet. That search thing, it works wonders! We have a Zoo, Museums, dozens of Parks. The nightlife is awesome too. I love my city.

I especially love this place outside the city, Turkey Creek. I found this place from an elderly lady at the gas station in Pinson. I told her I needed a place to go swimming. She ultimately told me of Turkey Creek. She told me of how she enjoyed it as a child. Intrigued, I researched it. Located in Pinson, Alabama, only 15 miles north of Birmingham, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a great place for couples, or families, to get away and go for a picnic on the grass, swimming in the creek, or tube down the natural falls. Go bike riding,  hiking, fishing and so much more. We have been going here for years. We never knew it existed before that conversation. After a day here, I always feel like I’ve been away on vacation when I get back home. Even though it is technically near the city, it feels as if you are so far away.

4188440ddac8fa29

I want to challenge you. Take a few moments, and research your city. Open your mind to the millions of possibilities that your city has to offer. Find places that interest you, and take a day away from it all. Just disappear. And it doesn’t always take money. Most of our museums are free. Make precious moments with those you love, your children, your spouse. Plan a date with hubby, let him pick you up at the door, and go on a real date! How awesome that sounds.

Take the time to enjoy life. Oftentimes, we can go through life day to day, in and out of time, just like robots. There is no excitement, no joy. Make a point to enjoy your loved ones while they are here. If you can’t do a whole day, start small. Surprise hubby for a picnic on the grass at his job. It’s amazing what one hour of conversation and alone time can do. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us! Enjoy life, enjoy your city. Enjoy each other. A relationship can only withstand the time put into it. It takes effort and attention.

Enjoy-Life-To-The-Fullest-Inspirational-Life-Quotes

Speaking of attention, my glass is empty again. Must refill! Until the next glass of Tea, stay blessed, stay southern sweet.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 SnoSouthernLife

Posted in About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

I love my life, do you?

Hey ya’ll! I know, I know! Why has it taken me so long to write? Well, let me tell you! Sit on down, I’ve got some Tea to spill! Where should I begin?

Life. I am in love with my life. If you follow along with my blog, you will hear me brag often about my husband. But I love the ups, the downs, my husband, my friends, and my family. I am so full of Joy! Life can be so funny, so demanding. One day passes you by, then two, then the next thing you know, a whole week has gone by. Life is what we make of it. I believe that with all my heart. If we constantly focus on what we want, or what could be, instead of what is, what we have, we will be forever stressing, worrying, striving for that happiness, that truthfully may never come. But to have Joy? There is a difference. Happiness is an emotion, from an event in our lives, whether good or bad. Joy is inner peace, that no matter the circumstance, it never waivers.

Quote-63

I thank God every day for my husband. I am not bragging about him, but yes I am! God has truly blessed me. A couple of days ago, we got a letter from his job, and July 1st will be his last day of work, yet again. They are going out of business. He has been laid off three times in the last six years. Twice within the last 6 months. Just frustrating!

224

Let me tell you about hubby. My husband is a man of integrity, honesty, hard-working, and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to, including his family, and God. He loves to work, and never calls in, ever. He has had an award for the last 10 years for perfect attendance, at all of his jobs. Babe worked at the McWane Cast Iron and Steel plant 25 years, up until 2010. They went out of business due to the Economy. Now while unemployed for almost 9 months, he never gave up. I worked, and he was the best hubby ever. My husband did what all women dream of. He cooked, kept the house spotless, and even did laundry! Imagine that. The entire nine months of unemployment, it did not affect his happiness at all. He never gave up hope. We lost our home, got behind in bills, credit went down the drain. Not one time did he complain. He kept paying his tithes out of his little unemployment check, (which was not near what we were bringing in). He never became angry or upset at our situation, always full of joy.

He did eventually get work, underground to the Coal Mines. He did not complain, never called in, and was considered a very productive employee. As a matter of fact, life became so good, he told me to quit work, due to my health, and focus on getting well. “Just take care of you and the house. I got the rest!” I told you he was a good husband, didn’t I? Even though my husband made good money, really good, he never let it go to his head. We did not buy the fancy cars, a big home. We prepared ourselves for that day when…..

13263702_1144089868988235_6729298350021052043_n

Now, six years later, the mines went out of business. Some Obama thing about cleaner coal, or something. That’s another story. Anyways, another 4 months without work. This time, we are both unemployed. But he never wavered. He found another job, at a significant pay cut mind you. He worked for three months, and then we get this letter. Really!? Ugghh!

Life can be so mean at times. There are ups and downs. Life can take you through some things, that would cause a normal person to have a stroke or become ill if they let it. My husband and I, we live a life of simplicity. At the same time, making sure we are productive. We do like the nice things, but what we don’t want are “things”.  Our home is small, but it is comfortable. It is a nice home, just for us. Our cars are paid for, no notes. Those things are material. They are just not at the top of our list right now. I, we, would rather live a life of Joy. A life with stability in knowing, whatever we go through, he will be there. We will go through it together, no matter what!

My husband is a giving person. Never meets a stranger. He will give the shirt off his back if you are cold. Always blessing others. Sometimes, he actually gets on my nerves with the giving. Hubby is a man of God, who knows, the more we bless others, God will in return bless us. I am happy with what we have, where we are, and where life is taking us. I am happy with the life we have built together as a family. If more comes my way, I am waiting with open arms. Until then, I am full of Joy!

Life-is-what-you-make-it

So I just want to encourage you today. I want to slip a little Tea into your life. If life gets you down, just hold on. Don’t waste one minute! Keep pushing, and never look back to what could be. Life may take you places where it seems you can never recover. Do not let go of that dream, that hope. A better day will come. Some storms are worse than others. Whether big or small, eventually, the sun has to come out. The sun always shines brighter, after the storm. The clouds clear, and the sky is crystal blue again. Just keep pushing and don’t give up!

Now let’s fill that glass! Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet. I’ll have the tea waiting.

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com 

Posted in About Me, About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

Family isn’t always Family

Hammock-Swing

Why hey ya’ll! How’s it goin? I am blessed and cool under this shade tree with my Tea! I just love those cool days when I can sit under the tree, relaxing, with not a care in the world. Just me, the shade, and my tea. Not for long though. I can always count on my two little ones, my dogs, of course, to interrupt me. They come running, jump up on the hammock, all excited, and then just plop right there and go off to a nap. Why do I have to move to make you comfortable? They are the epitome of family.

188643_5408811085_4787_n

You know?! The one who always gives out a great big hug just when you need it. Or the cousin who makes you laugh at nothing funny at all. Some of us have that Aunt that always wants her way or no way. Or that Uncle that is always drunk at the family holiday, asking for money from the kids. I have a brother like that, well used to. Now he’s going to be upset with me writing this, but it’s ok. I love my family with all my heart. But sometimes you have to just get away. Or move away in my case! I just left, moved to Alabama, because I could not take the selfishness and in-consideration for others any longer.

Please allow me to be specific. At the time, 14 years ago, my brother was an Alcoholic. I say was, because he is no longer, and has been sober for quite some time. It took him years to get himself together, to get support from those willing to endure his attitudes, his countless disappearing acts, his anger. But he did it, and I am so proud of him.

That brings me to the title of this blog. Family isn’t always family. If it was not for my brother’s best friend, and in-laws, (ie; sister and brother-in-law), I am not sure where he would be. I had been through enough with my abusive ex-husband for the last ten years. I did not want to endure another ten. I was trying to get myself together. My life was a mess, my self-confidence, my attitude towards men, everything. So when I had enough of family, I packed up and left.

quotes-about-family-in-hd-wallpapers-family-quotes-admissionpk-

We are still in contact. Just spoke to him two days ago as a matter of fact. We have mended old wounds, and are rather close I would think. We still have our differences, but nothing will ever break us apart completely except for the big D.  But now the roles have changed. No, I do not have an addiction. Well, maybe chocolate. What I mean is that I am now down here in Alabama, with no family, except my husband’s side. I love them all, but there is nothing like your own. I miss my family dearly. However, I do not miss them enough to leave Alabama. No, I will stay right here. But the circle of friends that I have is awesome! I have made myself a family through non-family. We are closer than most of my real family. Like I said, family is not always family.

I love the South. There is nothing that would or could pull me from here. For a long time, I was a transient of sorts. I could not sit still. Just could not find my place in this big ‘ol world. But now, I have, and I am in love with my life. I am in love with a great husband, wonderful children, and five awesome grandsons, and one precious granddaughter. All of which, are not my blood, but my husband’s children. I could never birth my own. I love them like they were my own, and I believe they love me! Holidays are the biggest ordeal with us. So, why would I leave? It is ok to get homesick once in a while, but that’s it. After a point, reality has to set in and get back to our lives, whatever that may be. 

Speaking of which, I have to get up and go cook dinner. We cook every night in the south. Whether big or small, dinner is always on the table by sundown. And ya have to have a Desert! It’s a Southern thing I think.

So, in the meantime, think about the important people in your lives. Tell them often how important they are to you. Blood or not, family is family. It is rare that we find others we can rely on in these days and times. Someone to listen, without judgment, and be there to pick us up, without question. Make sure your “Family” knows just how much they mean to you. Do not let too much time slip away, or it may end up being too late.

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet, and I will have your tea waiting.

Lipton-KCups-TeaMoments

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Religion

I can’t sit still!

600x450

Hey! How’s it going? Me? It’s been a great day! A longer week. Come on in, let me get you a glass of Tea.

So, at my Church, I am a doorkeeper, a Deaconess, a videographer, I sing in the Choir, once a month we drive the Church van, and it all fell on the same week, this week. I am exhausted! That is not to mention the other million things I have going on in my life! Today was our Community Day on the grass at my church, Now Faith Church International, located in Pleasant Grove Alabama. We had an awesome time!

At the picnic today we had the music blasting, dancing on the lawn, children laughing and playing in the moonwalk, a Sno Cone machine, food smelling good. The grill was going with hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone in the community at no charge. The elders were in the shade under the tree, eating bee bops. Takes me back to my childhood. What is a bee-bop? It is a frozen kool-aid in a small Styrofoam cup. We freeze them, then, once frozen, you eat them on a hot day under a shade tree. Oh! but you have to pull the frozen delish out of the cup, n turn it upside down! They are so sweet and delicious. A southern favorite on a hot summer day! It is well-known among the neighborhood “candy lady”.

acfc517d441e9fa6398ae62477f7af34

Oh yea, we dance, to gospel music. Some Christians know how to have fun and be saved. I also love to sing. Our choir is amazing. Believe it or not, we started out fourteen years ago with three members in the choir. Now we call it the “Now Faith Mass” choir because we have almost 25 people singing with us. I am not the best singer, but our Minister of Praise, he
can teach a duck to sing hunny!
So, as I stated above, I am also a doorkeeper. Yep, when anyone walks through that door, you will see my face to greet you with a great big “Hey, how are you?” and a hug. I love people, so I asked specifically to be on the door. I want everyone to feel welcome when they come. I mean, who wants to see a sour puss when they visit a new church? Not me! I wouldn’t be back. I hate to see ugly faces. When I say ugly, I mean frowns and complaining. Turn that frown upside down. Tomorrow I have to also ride with hubby, to pick up members on the church van. It’s our week to drive. I will be so glad when this week is over! I can finally get some rest, maybe.

dc1c66dcd1d29747019fce4101d6ae81

Oh, wait, I have to visit my cousin in the hospital, she had a stroke. I have to finish the videos I recorded of the Revival for the church tape ministry, grocery shopping, laundry, type the minutes from our Motorcycle Ministry monthly meeting. Jeesh, I may get some rest next month. Yea, the end of May sounds good. But then again, that is Memorial weekend. As you can see, as I have mentioned before, in previous posts, I have a lot on my plate, as we say in the south. I can never sit still. I would probably be bored if I sat too long anyways.

I am not sure when I will get some good, all-night rest. Am I the only one who moves like this? Do you have a tendency to always be moving?

Comment below, let me know your thoughts on the subject. I will pause for now. But please stay tuned to see where this busy Southern life takes me! Come along for the ride, and keep your glass full. Until the next time we chat, stay blessed, stay southern sweet! I’ve got the tea waiting.

post2

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Family

Do you date or hook up?

Hello, my Southern friends! It is good to see you again. I’m just pouring this tea, getting ready to sit up under the stars with hubby on the porch.  After 14 years, my husband still dates me. Whether we get dressed up and go out to dinner and a movie, or a walk after midnight in the park, or for a ride down a country road on the motorcycle, I love our alone time. We are still best friends after all this time!

223

 This is my favorite picture of us taken in 2007. We still have the same bike, the same color. I look at other couples in our life, other women friends of mine, and it amazes me how people don’t spend time together anymore like in the old days. I see the women constantly out with the girls, or the guys out with the guys, but never together. Hubby and I went to a gathering about three weeks ago, and a guy friend hugged me and asks “where is hubby? I know he isn’t far, your always together!”.

Today’s generation of dating and marriage is so different from when my parents were young. Of course, we can expect change and growth in society, but what happened to dating? What happened to a man picking you up for a date? Or opening a door for a lady? I appreciate my Mother-in-law so much. She passed away in 2007, rest her soul, right before this picture was taken. The man she raised that is my husband today, was taught the manners of old school. He opens doors, he is trustworthy, a man of his word, and is well-respected by everyone who meets him. Now I am not bragging on him, but in a sense I am. Our marriage is one of the same characters. We have communication, trust, integrity, and God. But most of all, we LIKE each other. We are best friends.

I remember my ex-husband, when we met, I knew him two weeks, ran off, and married him. I know, I know. What was I thinking? I wasn’t, that was the problem. By my twenties, I had become a hard-headed naive girl who believed everything a man told me. I found out the hard way that I should have dated him first, got to know what I was getting into. (That is another post). If I had taken my time, I would have saved a whole lot of heartache and bruises.

051a2e4dad0d5b557851c61dcd6e2be8bd0286-wm

However, the choices I made then, are why I am the person I have become today. I am stronger, wiser, and more reserved on my choices. I take time to analyze and pray for guidance. I do not regret one minute, even the bad stuff. It has taught me a lot about myself, and who I really am. I truly am just now enjoying my life now, more than my younger years. I was always told my twenties would be the best time of my life. I feel like my forties have been the best. And the older I get, the happier I seem to be. All with thanks to God and my husband of course!

My husband is a humble and patient man. Completely different from my ex. That man dated me six months before we finally committed to each other significantly. He actually always told others he was gonna find me a good man. We were just friends, who fell in love. He took the time to show me what kind of man he truly is. He made it so I could not help but trust him with my heart. He made it easy to fall in love, and boy did I fall hard!

Quote-63

My point of all this? Take your time ladies. Slow down and make him date you. If a man truly is interested, he truly wants to get to know you for more than your outer appearance, for more than one date, he will be patient. He won’t mind waiting on the goodies and taking appetizers until you become everything to each other. And if it does not work, then that is not God’s choice for you.

I could go on and on. Once I start talking there really is no end. I just want my girlfriends to have what I have. I wish I could sell the honest pure love that our marriage has, in a cup. I’d be rich!

But right now my cup is empty, so I need to refill, on sweet tea that is. So until the next time, keep calm and move slow. Respect yourself enough to date, and not “Hook-up”. Until the next glass of Tea, stay blessed, stay southern sweet!

id-like-a-sweet-iced-tea-please-is-unsweet-with-sugar-packets-ok-is-monopoly-money-ok-fac43

One Hope Picture BY · AUGUST 11, 2015 at http://onehope.com/slow-down/

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Self Help, Travel

Are you traveling forward or backwards?

I was once asked, “In 5 years, is the life you are currently living, going to lead you somewhere further up the road, or will it lead back to where you are today?” Good question!

Hey ya’ll! Welcome to the south! My name is Snow Wilson.  Although I currently live in  Birmingham Alabama, I am a born and bred Christian country girl from Eldorado Illinois, a town of 1400 people, still today! So if you want southern, I’m ya girl. I will be married to my husband Freddie for 9 years on April 28th. We have been together since 2003, with 2 sons, 2 beautiful daughters, and 4 wonderful grandsons, 1 granddaughter diagnosed with Down-Syndrome at birth.

This blog was created out of a need for my numerous followers and social media sites. I have become known to my community, as “Ask Sno” I am constantly researching on the web for items, family, crafts, cooking, travel, anything asked of me by friends! If there is something you need, information, purchases, health, beauty, exercise, family issues, I will do the research, and blog about it!

Do you know what “Freedom living” means? It is living a life completely free, no 9-5 job, no bosses, no day in and day out routine, saving up for retirement for 30 years down the road, that matter-of-factually, we may never reach. According to the recent deaths statistics in my area, my chances of becoming a victim in Birmingham is 1/63. Forgive me for saying this, but out of a Population of 212,297, that is scary as heck!

With that being said, why would I, or anyone for that matter, want to spend the rest of my life doing the same thing every day, expecting different results that I may never reach? Why would you? So, Hubbie and I have put together a plan. Our goal is to eventually sell everything, pay off our debt, and run! I thank God that we have been blessed with a minimal amount of debt left, and with discipline, we will reach our goal right on time! We are going to just DO IT! Like mike!

That’s right! Some day soon, we are going to sell everything, buy an RV, pull our Harley Davidson behind us, and HiT The RoAd!! Only God knows where He will lead us. Will it be Florida? The Grand Canyon, California, Tombstone Arizona, or Canada? That, my friends, is the wonderful thing about “Freedom Living”! You’re free! Do what you want, when you want, with no restrictions! It takes planning, discipline, and saving. I will blog more on how to support a Freedom Lifestyle later on down the road. For now, just put it in the back of your mind, sit on it for a spell, and sip that tall glass of southern sweet tea on that front porch swing!

I so look forward to allowing each and every one of my followers to get to know me on a personal level, while God uses me to help someone in need. Please share my blog (and Podcast) with your friends and family! Until then be blessed and stay sweet. I’ll make sure to have some tea waiting on your return!

Me2

Reference: Location Inc (2000-2016) “Crime rates for Birmingham, AL” Retrieved from http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/al/birmingham/crime/

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com