Floyd Ray Mansfield
1-3-1936 to 10-23-2010


Sometimes words are not enough to express the things I feel. My heart is broken but I’m so thankful that I had the chance to know the man I called Daddy. His laughter, his jokes, the sparkle in his eye, his love for people…. Yes, all people, and his infectious good humor. He played jokes on us and everyone around us and taught us kids the things we needed to know to make it through life. Work hard, go to school, play hard and save a little, always……….

"Strive to gain sound education and value work” and work and work…. “Respect people and be honest” “Live well your life with integrity."
He never let up with his teaching And his opinions, though not always accepted but always from the heart He lived this life an honest man
We learned those lessons, some later than others, but we did learn them. These lessons and the memories will take us through the bad times, the tears and the heavy loss we feel.

Remember the man who walked 100 miles an hour with keys hanging from his belt who could tuck his shirttail in with one hand, while still walking. Remember the man with the loud voice who could repeat a joke over and over just to hear people laugh. Remember that man with the massive, infectious belly laugh. Remember the man who said, “Hey sweetheart, you’re the best looking thing I’ve seen all day” and he didn’t even have to see you to say that. And yes, he had a few other infamous sayings but we probably should leave those unsaid……. What a special gift he was to all whose lives he touched, with his inborn love of people.

Remember the man who drove down the road in a red van with a Styrofoam cup full of coffee held in his teeth, or in his gums because he hated those teeth and they were usually in another cup on the dashboard.
Remember that smile, that signature wink, that way he made each one feel special. Remember the good things he left for each of us. Remember the man who loved to flirt, who worked hard and shared his ideas. Remember the man who gave of himself in time and money and work to a church he loved, to the friends he met, the family he made and the customers he served.

Remember him on that golf cart, tooling along with that fancy hat, looking all distinguished. If he saw a good looking woman, he could actually turn that thing around on a dime. Remember his Wed night Flirt sessions that we called Wing Night. Remember his outlook on life, sick or well, with no complaints. Remember all those hugs and warm smiles. Remember the good times.

There are so many more memories of him but they elude me at the moment.
But always remember him living, I mean really, really living, every day.
Even when he was the sickest, he always had a smile. I hope that I can continue that smile, even when it doesn’t come easy. I hope I can find a piece of him in myself. I hope I can remember those lessons.

I miss you, Daddy………………

 

So many things can change in the blink of an eye! I got married on February 13, 2010, in the midst of a snow storm at the beach. Both events were miracles in their own rite.....




 

Ok, I think that it is time for a comeback.......
I miss my writing.com friends and all their support.
It's been a long year and I've been through quite a bit but am happy and healthy and smiling.....

What more could any one person ask for? Are you guys still out there or did all my friends leave?
 

Life is busy and I still miss my friends here. Maybe I'll make a comeback and start blogging again, maybe I'll write another book, maybe I'll hit the lotttery....... hmmmmmmm, lets just start with blogging.... ok??

Luv ya mean it

 

Sometimes we take life for granted. We get so caught up in our world that we forget how blessed we are; blessed with friendship and love and laughter and sunshine and life.

Take the time to stop today and say a special prayer for two awesome people. Debi Wharton and Eric Wharton are two of the most loveable folks I've had the pleasure to meet. They are having some rough days right now and need your love and support! Find them and say a special hello......

Luv you guys the most!!

 

OMG, I've abandoned my bestest online friends!!!! I am evil and wicked and I should be destroyed.....

mwwwwaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaa

Ok, just kidding....
I miss you guys and if I promise to keep in touch, I'd be lying but I do luv ya guys and know that you are always here. You're in my thoughts and prayers.....
Hi everybody!!! Are you guys even still out there????

Luv ya, mean it

 

My gawd, has it really been almost a month since I wrote in my blog. My, how time flies! Not only do I have the neat little email reminders to update my blog but I also have ♥ just jess ♥ leaving little hints. Thanks a lot!

Ok, life is wonnnnndddddderrrrfulllll.... See this smile It's a constant reminder of how much life has given me. I had a wonderful Christmas, a very busy first few weeks of the year and have been sick with a cold for the past few days. I'm better and think I just needed to rest. I blamed it on someone 'coercing' me into raking the yard on Saturday. Does that mean I don't have to rake anymore, if it makes me sick??????

Hope life is grand for all my blogville friends. I'm not making any more promises about when I'll be around. I'm not sure why I don't write more often. I do come by and visit your blogs though I don't always comment. I'm jealous about Nada's cruise and reading Bugzy's makes me tired and Fleck is just so happy to be working that she even likes Mondays now. Tor is still freezing. Debi is loving Eric and those grandbabies. Everybody is having birthdays out the wazoo. I just can't keep up. My little bitty brain gets tired. But please know that I think of you often and love you most!!


 

Yes, I know I don't update like I should. Yes, I know I miss you guys like crazy and yes, life is a zoo.

We are full swing into tax season. For those of you in NC, don't forget property and personal taxes are due by January 5th.

I have a new 'friend' in my life that I met quite by accident. I guess that's the way it always happens. It's been a wonderful few months but I had no idea he had a chisel in his back pocket. One he is using to slowly work his way through that big brick wall I have built around me. Wait!! That's not supposed to happen!!! I built that wall with sweat and tears and put it there for a reason!!!!

Christmas is shaping up to be 'interesting' to say the least. Not in the traditional manner but complete with laughter and love and lots of smiles. I am so excited to have my spirit back this year and can hardly wait for Santa. Yes, yes, I still believe in Santa Claus...... and the Easter bunny and fairy tales and men on white horses....

Luv ya, mean it

 

Ok, ok, ok.... Kara, this one's for you!!!!

Thanksgiving was one of the best I remember. My brothers have a forty acre farm in the middle of BF Egypt and they cooked fried turkeys and pork butts on the grill. My family and extended family converged on them carrying all the trimmings from different areas of the state. It was the most functional dysfunction you can imagine but lots of fun and the weather was perfect.

Nano was a bust but I did write about 7,000 words and have a good outline to work with on my next story.

I have been blessed with a Christmas miracle of my own. I have received 'Chrismas spirit'. Woo hoo!!!! In helping someone with a little delimna, I have gifted myself with excitement about the holidays. Instead of the little 4' tree that normally graces my living room, I drug out the big boy!!! With scratches on both arms, I fought with a 7' monster and won!!!!

My special friend has given me a gift that cannot be described in words. Sharing a part of Christmas with me, complete with food, children, presents, stockings and spirit, we will celebrate the season in style, not traditionally by any means and with little money.... Dollar General is the way to go....

Hope you like the Jingle Balls blog dude. This was a gift from last year and I adore it so much that I saved it to use again this year. Of Fire Born ~ welcome, 2012! is a talented lady; don't you think????

Please know that I love you all. I have so much to tell but so little time. We are in the midst of the last of the tax year. I need help but town budget doesn't allow for that. Government at it's finest so I work long hours and smile at each taxpayer....

Luv you all!!!!!


*nobody loves me anymore...... ;(