Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Part 13: The Little Things

Imagine an elderly woman that goes ballistic at the miniature exhibit and loves tiny houses, tables, etc. That woman is Debbie Lanier. 

Mom loved anything tiny except cars. She was not a fan of the Mini Coupers or box cars, stating they were unsafe and had no ssa. Beyond that, Debbie loved and was in awe of anything small. Foods, shot glasses, what nots, chairs, miniatures, babies, Percy from Amazon, Baby yoda, babies, etc. 

I used to love seeing that light in her eyes especially on a dark day for her. I am still finding small things she collected and those, especially her shot glass collection, will be preserved. 

My mom was one of those whenever I traveled all she wanted was a shot glass. Several folks would do the same and she had well over 50 shot glasses before she left this Earth.  

It definitely is the little things in life, even puppies, kittens and birds. My mom loved all of those things. Of course if it were a living being, she was going to take care of it. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Part 12: Seven On Your Side

Many of you know my mom was old fashioned and set in her ways on some aspects. Despite having a smartphone and high speed internet, she still watched the news and weather on TV several times/day. Her channel of choice was WSPA Seven On Your Side out of Spartanburg, SC. We had watched it as a family for decades and some of the cast were lifers. You aren't tuning it to just any news station, it was like spending time with family.

You knew their names, personalities, families, etc (The Amy Wood controversy is still up in the air) but that was her station. From June to just the other day, DIRECTV and CBS had a conflict dispute and the channel didn't air for months. There are other avenues but definitely another void for me. It would have been a huge void for my mom. I remember how in 2019 I had to go out and get an antenna box, ensure she had the app, etc. 

I saw in a grief group last week that doing things that your loved one loved was like spending the day with her. Watching Seven on your Side this weekend and seeing the familiar faces deliver the news, weather and sports was like spending time with my mom again. That's something I really needed and she knew that from above also. 

Debbie definitely had her ways but she knew what she liked and never settled. I'm glad we could share that part and ease my pain. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Part 11: The Creek and The Fair

Fall is around the corner and summer is ending. This was the period that my mom took us places the most. Two of those that were tradition were the local creek and the Cleveland County Fair. And guess what? I still go to both as an adult,  may go to the creek later on today. 

Debbie simply loved Kings Creek: the place and the actual creek. When were younger, it was all about Burnt Mills and the curb near the Kings Creek bridge. She would take us there around early afternoon and we would stay all day like we were at a waterpark. I remember being in the water so long I would have wrinkles on my fingers. We used to ride home sitting on towels so as not to destroy the seats of the car. 

The fair was another all day event. We would get armbands and ride all afternoon into the night.  Debbie understood the fair was best enjoyed at night but Saturday was usually when we went. We would eat twice also. 

Present day, I love going to Burnt Mills as it's a relaxing, family friendly atmosphere close to home with lots of nostalgia. I still go to the fair also but I no longer ride anything. I simply eat all sorts of unhealthy, fried foods and cleanse the day after. 

I'm so glad my mom started these small traditions. Now I feel like I'm spending the day with her whenever I partake and keep not only the tradition alive but also her spirit.