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Keep it Simple.

11/10/2013

13 Comments

 
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When I turned forty I invited 21 of my closest friends to a private retreat in Arizona. I rented villas for us all, no TV, no phones. For four days we had only one another. I brought Carla Hall in to be our private chef for four days in the desert. We were there to celebrate my birthday and one another. I had childhood friends, my sister, sister in law, cousins, best friend, college friends, maid of honor, my wedding planner, neighbors all with me. It was magical, spiritual, happy, introspective, raw, honest, beautiful, and real all rolled into one. We had a beautiful time as kindred sisters, sharing, caring, laughing, crying. Carla Hall made all my favorite dishes, all her food selections flown in fresh, chosen by her hands. A real highlight of the trip included a candlelit dinner celebration with young top hat supporting chefs surrounding her in the kitchen.

One evening before we left my sister in law asked me to go for a walk in the morning, just the two of us. We tried, though by morning others decided walking was not a bad idea for them too. Along our walk I noticed my sister in law Paula pick up a rock. It was a dark smooth rock. I thought nothing more about it.

When I returned home I unpacked all my lovely gifts, some included Swarovski crystal, Tiffany necklace, African sculptures, Hand crafted scrapbooks, donations to charity made in my honor, the list goes on. I was grateful for everyone of these thoughtful treasures. Nearly a decade later, I am still grateful.

I did notice back in Arizona that Paula had not given me a gift. It did not matter she was there with me. She did not have to be but she was.

When I finally finished unpacking over several lazy days I found something tucked away in my luggage. It had been placed there. Next to it a note.

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The note described Paula's feelings toward me. She talked about how thankful she was that we are family and sisters. What I will never forget is what came next.
La Detra you live a blessed life. You have a lot to give and you give it freely. No matter what you have accomplished you have always kept it simple. I encourage you always to "KEEP IT SIMPLE". Love always, Paula.

I am about to turn 50 next year. For the past decade I have framed my gift from Paula. It is on display in my home. Whenever anyone asks me about it, I tell them it is the best gift I have ever received. It simply reminds me to, "Keep it simple."

13 Comments
terrie avila carter
11/10/2013 12:59:31 am

Must u always make me cry? I just love you so much! What a beautiful reminder!♥

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La Detra White
11/10/2013 01:12:39 am

And I love you right back.

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Miss Higgi
11/10/2013 03:49:08 am

LOVELY!!! I am guessing that in addition to the lovely words, she also gave you the beautiful rock? Thanks for sharing your celebration of you and reminding us to treasure the simple thing, Friends, Family and the beauty of life!!

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La Detra White
11/10/2013 03:51:11 am

Thank you too. Yep that rock was a gift like no other.

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Michele Lewis-Fleming
11/10/2013 07:20:54 am

You always know when I need to read your blog. Thank you for making my weekend.

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La Detra White
11/10/2013 07:37:03 am

You are welcome! Quite welcome!

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Paula Jean Taylor
11/10/2013 08:52:53 am

I can't believe it has been almost 10 years... At the time, I had nothing to give. I recall you bought my plane ticket. And I wished at the time that I could have bought you a nice gift, as had your other guests...
It was Andrew (my son) who gave me my special rock when he was very young. I keep it on my dresser. :)
I appreciate your kind words...Much love Dee...

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La Detra White
11/10/2013 08:59:00 am

Paula my sister you have a special rock too?!!! I love you even more. You are so special to me. Forever.

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Tonya Roberts
11/10/2013 11:01:52 am

This touches me in a way like no other!! Thank you for sharing your life with me!! For someone like me who have no family, friends become invaluable!!

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La Detra White
11/10/2013 11:07:29 am

And the really wonderful thing is you are just like family to so many of us. Thank you for that.

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lori
11/10/2013 08:24:54 pm

La Detra. . . your beauty and grace can not be described. . . mere words are not capable of such. Thank you for being you!

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11/11/2013 12:35:38 am

Back at you my friend. So many years as friends. I love you more each year.

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Robert smill
4/21/2015 07:17:27 am

Live life to the fullest

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    La Detra Joy

    I love being around people. I would rather live falling than break my spirit never trying anything hard. This blog is about trying and retrying life.

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