Monday, April 9, 2018

It's All About Me




These Blended Blog gals have been such a help to me when I've run into "writer's block."  They always have such great subjects for their link ups and it's such a help to my feeble mind at times.  Today's subject is Reintroducing Ourselves to our Readers.  First off, my graphic for this post has that gorgeous tube of red lipstick.  Yes siree! I do love lipstick and am rarely, if ever, seen without it. So, now on to the rest.............
Around 2-3 months old
I

I was born on July 29, 1952 in Newport News, Virginia to Alfred and Jerry Duncan. My full name was Lea (pronounced Leah) Beth.  After marrying I dropped the Beth and started going by Lea Duncan Culp. 

When I was 3 months old my parents moved to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, my Dad's hometown.

When I was 7 years old my Dad entered the ministry and his years of ministry took us from Arkansas, Louisiana and back to Virginia.
3 years old

Due to all of our moves I attended  7 different schools from 1st thru 12th grades.  I moved the middle of my junior year of high school and my class ring is not even from the high school I graduated from. I graduated from Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1970.

I never dreaded moving but always look forward to the opportunity to make new friends, thus I have friends scattered all across the country.  And, thankfully, Facebook has reconnected me with many of them.
3 years old

I married 6 weeks shy of my 19th birthday.  Yes, isn't that scary!  But, the rest is history and we have made it almost 47 years. Thankfully Hubby is 5 years older than me so he was at least mature enough to "hang in there" with me while I grew up. ~grin~

My husband was from Louisiana (we had met about 5 years earlier when my Dad was pastor of the church he and his family attended) and we married in Virginia and then moved here to Louisiana where we have been ever since.  I was 1000 miles away from my parents and there were no cell phones, no email and we had no money.  So, I wrote a whole bunch of snail mail letters and usually got to talk to my Momma a couple of times a month but always had to set a timer so I wouldn't go over my allotted time. ~haven't times changed~
First day of first grade - notice the Shirley Temple curls

We were married about 5 1/2 years when our first child, a son was born.  Exactly 2 years and 9 months later our daughter was born.  We had a son and a daughter and quit with that. Our son and his wife have blessed us with 2 Granddaughters and our daughter and her husband have blessed us with 2 Grandsons.
This is either 6th or 7th grade.  You know we all go through that "pitiful" stage and this
was definitely mine. ~laugh~

When I was 7 years old I made the most important decision of my life.  I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and my life has never been the same.  I was privileged that my Dad was my pastor and he was the one who baptized me. ~so neat~

Both of my parents were highly organized individuals, so I got it from both sides and as a result, I call myself an organizational enthusiast. I love having everything in it's place and a place for everything.  Some may see it as rather quirky.  And, I love a schedule and find that I'm most productive with one when it's possible. 



My senior picture
I love the early morning and find that I am far more energetic in the morning hours than at any other time of the day.  I'm generally up by 5:30 and generally asleep between 10:00 - 10:30.

I enjoy photography, not professional, but definitely above average amature. Recently I have started using my Iphone as my main camera and it's going fairly well.  It's just so convenient and always close at hand.  I have a very nice compact Sony pocket digital camera too.  I use Pic Monkey and Be Funky for my photo editing.


I ride an elliptical 5 out of 7 mornings a week for 30 minutes.  I walked on a treadmill for over 30 years but in the last 6 months I changed over to the elliptical and love it.  I don't try to set any records but I'm hopeful that being  consistent will pay off for me.
 
I have been blogging for 9 years and it's been one of the most fun hobbies I've ever had.  I never dreamed of the friends I would make or the interest that others would take in my blogging.  It's been such a neat experience.

I love my home and find it a place of solace.  If I am here alone I generally have soft music playing as I go about my business.  I rarely turn on the TV during the day, it's just a lot of noise to me.


My wedding portrait 

I have been privileged, for the most part, to be the overseer of the care given to 4 family members.  I say, for the most part, because being the overseer of care or the care giver can absolutely test the patience of Job.  If you have done either then I'm pretty sure you would agree.  When I was 39 years old my paternal grandparents moved into a nursing facility near me and I took on the responsibility of looking after their care for the next 14 years.  Yes, 14 years!  My Dad was their only child and he was pastoring in Virginia when the time came for them to go move into a nursing facility.  They lived in Arkansas and just did not want to make a move to Virginia but told my Dad they would come here.  So, that is what happened.  I could write a couple of books on those 14 years for sure.  My Grandpa died after 7 years at the age of 87 and my Grandmother hung on another 7 years and died at the age of 94.  Then in just a very short time my sweet mother in law had to move into a nursing facility and both of her daughters lived off and so I took the lead, with Hubby's help,  in seeing after her care until the time of her death.  Three years later my Dad became seriously ill (2 years prior my Mom died from a massive stroke) and for the past 7 years I have been the overseer of his care.  Thankfully he made a huge recovery and was able to move from a nursing facility into an assisted living facility where he lives today.  Let me assure you that if I do not know anything else, I know how to be an advocate for the elderly that can no longer be their own advocate. And, I can be a "force to be reckoned with" if necessary.  As I said, it has not always been easy and I have shed a whole bunch of tears but the Lord has been so gracious to always provide me with the strength I need to face the challenges with each of these dear folks.  These past 26 years have been a real blessing and a real challenge and have definitely helped to make me the person I am today.

Recent photo

So, there you have it, probably way more than you ever cared to know, but that's just a portion.  I could truly write a book but this gives you a nice smattering of "me."  And, if you stuck with this post to the end, I truly thank you! ~big smile~

Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

16 comments:

  1. Beautiful then, Beautiful now!! What a heart you have to give your love and care to so many family members. A testament to how well your mom and daddy raised you sweet friend! I like to have sweet music playing in the house too and treasure being "home!" I treasure you too, have the BEST day!

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  2. What a beautiful life Lea! I loved reading more about you. I so hope to have my home be a place of solace soon....it seems like we have been trying to get organized for far too long and I'm oh so close. We are so thankful my 91 year old Mamaw is still healthy enough to be in assisted living. All of her children are gone so my brother and I over see her care....and he is the closest and has just been such a sweet angel about it all.

    Thanks for joining The Blended Blog today!

    Shelly | The Queen in Between

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  3. Thanks for sharing your story with us! I loved seeing the pictures and reading about where life has taken you. I took care of my Dad in his last years of life and my Mama before that. It isn't an easy job but so rewarding to know that when they needed you, you were there. My Mama also had a stroke and lived for 2 years before passing away peacefully in her sleep in 1988. I will see them both again one day, I know that for sure! Enjoy your day dear Lea! HUGS!

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  4. I love learning more about you, dear Lea. You went straight from the "pitiful" stage to the "Hello Gorgeous" stage and it's never left you. Great pics! Have a wonderful week.

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  5. What a wonderful look at your life story-from baby to today. I know that life hasn't all been "glad and glory" for you but it has made you the lovely person you are today. Blessings- xo Diana

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  6. Loved this post, Lea! And especially seeing your collage of wonderful pictures! If I had my way, the TV would never be on at our house, too!

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  7. I love your pictures! So cute! So thankful to read your story of how you took care of your loved ones in their final years. I love how you stated you were an advocate for them. You are a blessing to know. I'm thankful to have met you and call you friend!

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  8. It was great getting to know more about you. I can't imagine moving around so much like you have but I guess we all get used to what we have to. And I for a fact that I had a pair of glasses just like those! LOL! Fun post!

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  9. You are so beautiful, inside and out, Lea!
    I so enjoyed reading what you have shared here on your life and seeing your photos.
    I can so relate with you on being an organized enthusiast as I'm totally the same, and you know, it's a wonderful life. 😉
    I have learned how to become an advocate since mom's health issues and it has been a growing experience for sure. I've learned to never assume!! Get right in there!
    Lovely post.

    Have a glorious day ♡

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  10. Lea, this was a fun read. You have had a full life, and the elders you cared for were fortunate to have your loving attention. I was five hours away from my mom when she moved into assisted living, but my sister and brother were in the same town. They were the ones who attended to the day to day. It's important to have someone who is paying attention. I could never repay them for the loving care they gave my mom, especially my sister.

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  11. I soo enjoyed reading all of this. You’ve led a very good life. As you know my mom spent the last year of her life living here with us after her stroke and it was one of the hardest years of my life, but one of the best. I really admire all the time you’ve put in to the care of others. Have a good week!

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  12. Lovely post, Lea. I especially liked seeing all your darling childhood pictures.

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  13. Wonderful post, thank you for sharing your s. I married at 19 too and we'll have our 53rd anniversary in September.

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  14. It was fun to get to know you a bit more!! You have certainly been a wonderful caretaker for your family!! Love all of your photos!!!

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  15. Lea, you are a gorgeous lady and I enjoyed reading this.The people you have cared for are blessed to have you!

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So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!