Flowers, Swimming Pools, and Friends 

If you are familiar with my blog, books, and speaking events, you know that most of what I write and talk about falls under the category of ‘inspirational’—a combination of my life’slessons, experiences, and observations, and the truth and wisdom of God’s Word, aka, the Bible.

I am as real as it gets when it comes to sharing the good, bad, beautiful, ugly, and everything in between about my life. Why? Because no one needs or wants the sugar-coated version of things that leaves you feeling like you are the only one who doesn’t…or isn’t…or can’t…or hasn’t….

Nobody needs that, which is why my goal is to give you simple, practical, relevant truths that you can use to be a better version of yourself.  

One way we can do that is to nurture our friendships. To nurture our friendships means to take time to be a friend and let others be a friend to us. To invest ourselves…our time, talents, resources, and energy into those we care about. And to let them do the same for us.

Two things come to mind when I think about nurturing our friendships. They are irises (the flowers) and the smell of a swimming pool with its chlorine and suntan lotion aroma. Both things practically ‘scream’ friendship to me. And since I know you are wondering why that is, I’m going to spend a couple of minutes telling you.

Let’s start with the iris…

Granny had oodles of iris lining both sides of the long driveway from the road to the house. Iris of every color imaginable. Granny had two methods of acquiring her iris. The Henry Fields seed and flower catalog and Mrs. Otis. Mrs. Otis was as passionate about her flowers—iris and a lot of other varieties—as Granny was. So, the two of them decided to ‘work’ together to increase their collections. They ordered different varieties then shared or split the order, giving each of them more for their money, so to speak. And in the process, their friendship bloomed right along with their flowers. I know—a little corny, but I just couldn’t help myself.

Years later after witnessing Granny and Mrs. Otis’ blossoming friendship, Granny included me in the ‘club’. A few weeks after John and I got married, she and Pa Pete brought a few things to our little trailer house…including a bag of iris to plant because in her words, “You need these so that your place will feel more like home this spring when they bloom.”

In that moment, Granny and I went from ‘just’ Granny and granddaughter to best friends. And best friends we were until she passed away thirty-six years later.

Now on to the swimming pool…

The smell of a chlorinated pool, suntan lotion (especially the coconutty kind), and the sounds of people enjoying their time in and around the pool brings back countless memories of my childhood bff, Kim. Oh, the hours upon hours we spent at the pool each summer. Most days of the week we got there when it opened and didn’t leave until a) my dad picked us up on his way home from work, or b) when it closed just before dark. Yes, we were tan as can be and waterlogged to boot, but that was a small price to pay for all the fun we had—at the pool, at home, skating…everywhere. As long as we were together, life was good.

Time, distance, and life took Kim and I in different directions, but the memories and friendship we shared are still there.

Who are your friends? Are you the kind of friend you want your friends to be to you? Do you know the difference between friends and acquaintances? Do you take the time to nurtureyour friendships? To invest in the lives of the people you care about? To let them do the same for you?

I want to hear about a memory you have of your best friend. Or about a recent adventure or special moment you’ve shared with each other.

NOTE: Everyone who responds will be entered into a drawing.

 

 

Be salt and light,

Darla  

 

Ways to SHARE with a FRIEND:

Share your garden produce. Make a double batch of something for supper and take half of it to them. Dig out some pictures of the two of you, have copies made, and send them in the mail…or make an in-person delivery. Recreate a special outing or event you shared. Call them up and tell them thanks for being who and what they are to you.

 Who am I?

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class and book which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.  

 

 

 

 Connecting with your grandkids + the fun of receiving something in the mail = the NANNA SUBSCRIPTION! The NANNA SUBSCRIPTION is a book of letters--one for each month that YOU personalize for YOUR kiddos so that the two...three...nine...??? of you can really know one another, share life, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Each month's colorful letter consists of a few fun facts, space for you to share stories about yourself, and let each child know what a treasure they are to you. Along with the letter, you will also send two or three small items which are easy to mail. These items usually fit inside the envelop with the letter and will let you get closer to your grandkids no matter how many miles separate you. For example, on month you will send bubble gum so they can practice blowing bubbles. Later, you can share pictures or video chat with each other to see who can blow the biggest bubble. 

There's a lot of talk about how blessed grandparents are by their grandkids, but let's not forget that as grandparents, we do quite a bit to bless the lives of our grandkids. Or as I heard my grandpa say now and then, "The road runs both directions.". 

There's another old saying that goes like this: "There's no time like the present," so why not start making memories and making deeper connections with your grandkids now? 

-Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.  

In just a few hours I will be sitting on the bleachers watching one of our granddaughters play softball. I am looking forward to doing so, to say the least. As my husband and I were talking about what time we would need to leave in order to arrive at the game on time, though, my mind traveled back a few years to a few soccer games we attended for one of our other grandchildren. 

I remember calling Reuben to tell him we'd be at the game that week and that we were excited to cheer him on. His response was that he was excited we would be there, but as for the cheering, he asked that we not get too loud and rowdy, and that to please not yell out his name Why? Because it broke his concentration, he said. 

I promised we would be on our best behavior. Quite honestly, that wasn't a difficult promise to make. You can ask anyone, I cheer for my kids, along with their entire team. But I'm not one to get overly excited or to be among the loudest in the crowd. But out of respect for my boy, I would be extra-careful. I promised. 

As parents and grandparents, it is our privilege and our duty to cheer our kids on. To support them in their endeavors. To encourage them to work hard, play hard, and to go after their passions and interest with gusto. But we must also make sure that our encouragement, support, and cheerleading is done in a manner that THEY feel supported and encouraged. Not embarrassed, self-conscious, or awkward. If our actions are throwing them off, we need to change it up. If they don't like to hear their name being shouted from the bleachers or sidelines, we need to stop. If they prefer a hearty, "Go, team!" or "Way to play!" or a generic whoop whoop, so be it. Or if they just want a thumbs up when you catch each other's eye, that's okay. This is about THEM. Not us. 

So, before the next time you find yourself sitting in the audience, the bleachers, on the sidelines, or wherever, let your kids know how proud you are of them, and that you want your support for their efforts to take the form of what makes them comfortable and confident in what they are doing. 

Love,

Darla, aka, Momma D 

Who am I?

 

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

​

What do I write? 

 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

​

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

​

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

 

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

​

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

​

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

​

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

​

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

​

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

​

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

​

Where can you find me?

 

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.